August 5, 2024

Goa, India, reports zero cases of lumpy skin disease in cattle for 2024

The animal husbandry department in Goa, India, has reported no cases of lumpy skin disease in cattle for the current fiscal year up to June 2024, The Times of India reported.

This marks a significant improvement compared to 37 cases in 2022/23 and 16 cases in 2023/24. The announcement was made by Nilkanth Halarnkar, the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, during a Legislative Assembly Question (LAQ) session on Wednesday.

The department attributes its success to effective disease management and prevention strategies. Minister Halarnkar stated, "For 2023/24, the department has covered 55% of vaccination in the state through our various establishments."

Lumpy skin disease is a viral infection affecting cattle, causing fever and swollen lymph nodes. It can lead to economic losses due to decreased milk production, but it is managed through vaccination and insect control measures.

In addition to lumpy skin disease, the LAQ session revealed other health concerns. Six cases of bird flu, two cases of leptospirosis, and 11 cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) have been reported in 2024/25 up to June.

Animal death data indicates that there have been three rabies deaths and 52 cattle deaths due to plastic ingestion in 2024/25. Minister Halarnkar explained, "The reasons for the increasing incidence of cattle deaths are the ingestion of excessive plastic along with food items at garbage dump sites by stray cattle, leading to ruminal impaction, indigestion, plastic intoxication, and tympany resulting in respiratory failure."

-      The Times of India