September 27, 2022

Nepal begins lumpy skin disease vaccine trial

Authorities in Nepal have started a vaccine trial on animals to check the effectiveness of a vaccine for lumpy skin disease (LSD).

Officials said that a massive outbreak could happen at any time as the virus has already spread to many districts of the country since 2020.

"We have started injecting Neethling vaccine in animals," said Barun Kumar Sharma, deputy director general at the Department of Livestock Services under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. "We will check antibody levels the animals develop after the vaccination, its effectiveness and make a decision on whether or not to approve the vaccine."

At least 463 cattle have died and 27,816 have been infected with the viral disease in 31 districts throughout Nepal since 2020. The latest cases of infection were reported some four months ago in the Sudurpaschim Province, officials at the Department of Livestock Services said.

- The Kathmandu Post