According to the Maharashtra Department of Animal Husbandry, the state is facing an outbreak of a debilitating virus among cattle that causes a condition called ‘lumpy skin disease’(LSD).
- At least 96,000 cattle have been infected by this contagious viral disease across Vidarbha, Marathwada, Gadchiroli and Beed districts.
- According to the FAO, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a disease affecting cattle which causes fever, depression, skin nodules and oedema, enlarged lymph nodes, also nodules on the mucous membranes, nasal and ocular discharges, milk drop, swellings in the leg and lameness.
- The disease is present in Africa and the Middle East, in the recent years outbreaks were registered in Turkey. In 2015 outbreaks were reported in Greece and in 2016 the disease reoccurred in Greece and made an incursion into Bulgaria and FYR of Macedonia.
- The virus is mainly mechanically transmitted by insect vectors (mosquitoes, flies, ticks, etc.) or by contaminated needles.
- AS per the FAO, there is no treatment for Lumpy Skin Disease.
(Source: Financial Express and FAO)
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