October 3, 2024

Nashik, India implements cattle movement ban amid lumpy skin disease outbreak

Nashik district, Maharashtra, India has imposed a ban on the movement of unvaccinated and unregistered cattle following an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, The Times of India reported.

There are 25 active cases, affecting 122 cattle.

The spread of the disease is slower compared to last year's outbreak, according to Dr Prashant Dharmadhikari, Deputy District Commissioner of Animal Husbandry. No cattle deaths have been recorded so far.

The movement ban applies to cattle that are not listed on the National Digital Livestock Management Portal. However, cattle markets are being permitted to operate in the context of the upcoming Dasra and Diwali festivals.

"Local veterinarians have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and report any infections among cattle," said Dr Dharmadhikari. He noted that most cases are in the Sinnar region, followed by Niphad and Yeola, which share a border with Ahmednagar district.

Dr Dharmadhikari also highlighted that 863,000 cattle in the district, representing 99.2% of the population, have been vaccinated with the 'Goat Pox' vaccine. Although this vaccine reduces the severity of the disease, a specific vaccine for lumpy skin disease has yet to be developed. The vaccination campaign began in April and must be conducted annually.

Efforts to contain the outbreak include the identification of the epicentre and the declaration of infected zones (within a 5 km radius) and surveillance zones (within a 10 km radius). Additional measures such as restricting cattle movement and sanitising cow sheds are also being implemented to control the spread of the disease.

-      The Times of India