SRINAGAR: The Department of Animal Husbandry, Ganderbal, has issued a public awareness advisory on Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), urging livestock owners to report suspected cases immediately, prevent infected cattle from mixing with healthy animals and avoid moving livestock from affected areas.
The advisory follows an outbreak reported last month, when more than 350 cattle were reportedly infected across several villages in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
According to the advisory, Lumpy Skin Disease is a contagious viral infection caused by a poxvirus. It affects cattle, buffaloes and some other ruminants, causing fever, skin nodules, reduced milk production and weight loss. Severe cases can lead to respiratory problems and death.
The department has advised farmers to look for symptoms including high fever, firm lumps on the skin, swelling of lymph nodes, discharge from the eyes and nose, reduced appetite and a decline in milk production.
The disease can spread through biting insects, including mosquitoes, stable flies and biting midges. Transmission may also occur through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated bedding, feed, water and equipment, as well as the movement of infected animals, vehicles and people.
Farmers have been asked to contact their nearest veterinary hospital or veterinary sub-centre immediately if they notice suspicious symptoms in their cattle. They have also been advised not to sell or transport suspected or infected animals and to follow the guidance of veterinary professionals.
As preventive measures, the department has stressed regular vaccination in accordance with veterinary advice, control of biting insects, proper farm hygiene and disinfection. It has also recommended quarantining newly acquired or returning animals and avoiding the movement of livestock from affected areas.
The advisory cautions farmers against ignoring fever or skin lumps and using unapproved or homemade medicines. It also appeals to the public not to spread misinformation or create panic.
The department has clarified that Lumpy Skin Disease is not zoonotic and does not spread to humans.
Livestock owners can seek assistance through the toll-free helpline 1962, the advisory states.
