January 4, 2024

Parliamentary committee raises concerns over Indian government report on LSD deaths

An Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised doubts about the accuracy of government data regarding cattle deaths caused by lumpy skin disease (LSD) in India, Indian Express reported.

The committee expressed concerns over a gap or mismatch between the information provided by India's Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the actual situation on the ground.

In its report titled "Spread of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle in the Country and Issues Related Therewith," the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Food Processing highlighted the devastating outbreak of the disease in 2021/22, leading to a significant number of cattle deaths and emaciation. But the committee questioned the reliability of the data provided by the department, stating that there was a discrepancy between the figures and the ground realities.

The committee said that the department relies on data from State Governments/Union Territories (UT) regarding infected, vaccinated, treated, and dead cattle. While the states claim to follow proper mechanisms/systems for compiling accurate data, the committee expressed doubt about the accuracy of these figures.

During visits by central teams to affected states, comprising departmental veterinarians and ICAR-NISHAD scientists, the committee found no mismatch between the cumulative data for the spread of LSD infection, mortality, and recovery rate in states/UTs and the actual on-the-ground situation.

The committee recommended that the department ensures the proper compilation of data related to the spread of LSD infection and cattle mortality. Accurate data, according to the committee, is crucial for understanding the gravity of the situation, controlling the disease, and preventing further spread. The report suggested that unreported and underreported cases should be addressed through accurate data compilation.

-      Indian Express