SRINAGAR: Nine active epicentres of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) have been identified across Kashmir, with 59 cattle affected, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir Government to step up vaccination, surveillance and containment measures.
The figures were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, to assess the disease situation and the response being undertaken by the Animal Husbandry Department.
Of the 59 reported cases, 55 remain active, while no deaths have been recorded so far. Ganderbal is the worst-affected district, with 52 cases spread across seven active epicentres. Bandipora has reported three cases, while the remaining cases are from Srinagar.
During the meeting, officers briefed the Minister on the district-wise disease situation, vaccination coverage, availability of medicines and vaccines, sample collection and testing, and other measures being implemented to contain the outbreak.
Dar directed officials to follow prescribed treatment protocols strictly and accelerate vaccination efforts, particularly in areas reporting a higher incidence of LSD. He also called for intensified surveillance and prompt intervention to check further transmission.
The Minister stressed the need for stronger coordination at the field level, adequate deployment of veterinary experts and staff, and regular visits to affected areas.
He further directed the department to intensify farmer awareness campaigns, including door-to-door outreach, to promote preventive measures, early reporting of suspected cases and proper care of affected livestock.
Officials were also asked to maintain sufficient stocks of essential medicines and vaccines in affected areas and closely monitor the situation to ensure a timely response to new cases.
Dar said coordinated action, scientific treatment, timely vaccination and greater awareness among farmers would be crucial to containing LSD and protecting livestock.
Heads of Departments of Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Chief Animal Husbandry Officers and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
