SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the import of livestock to prevent the spread of highly contagious Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
“We have banned the import of livestock from Punjab and other states. Plus animal movement has been restricted in the villages affected by LSD. It is a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the virus,” Purnima Mittal, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, told The Kashmir Monitor.
More than 244 suspected cases of LSD have been detected in the Kashmir valley. Most of the cases have been reported from Uri, Kupwara, and Pattan in north Kashmir. Though the test reports are still awaited, the government has asked the cattle owners not to sell the milk from infected animals as a precautionary measure.
“All the 244 cases are symptomatic. Their samples have been sent for testing. We are awaiting the reports. We are assuming that they are infected though there is no confirmation as yet. As a precautionary measure we have asked the farmers to isolate the animals and use sprays to maintain hygiene in pens,” Mittal said.
LSD is a viral disease that affects cattle. It is transmitted by flies, mosquitoes, and ticks which act as vectors. . It causes fever and skin lumps. It affects milk production among animals. Even after the animals are cured of infection, their milk production remains a concern.
Official data reveal that the livestock population in Jammu and Kashmir is 31 lakh. Of which 11.4 lakh cattle are in the Kashmir valley alone.
“Mortality rate of the disease is not high. But its economic cost is huge. Animals infected with LSD are unable to produce enough milk. Even after they are cured of infection, they are unable to produce enough milk. It directly impacts the farmers,” said Mittal.
Special teams have been constituted which are visiting the vulnerable areas to help farmers. “Two villages each in Uri, Pattan, and Kupwara are highly affected. Our teams have been visiting the villages and advising the farmers about the measures to be taken,” said Mittal.
Jammu and Kashmir government has also ordered vaccine doses so that the animals are inoculated to prevent the spread of the virus. “There is only one company which makes ring vaccines for the disease. As you say, its effect in other parts of the country is high. We have also requested the vaccines. The animals in vulnerable areas will be inoculated first,” she said.
Though there is no evidence of animal-to-human transmission, the government has banned the sale of milk from infected livestock.
“This is a new disease. It is for the first time we have seen this disease. We have advised farmers not to sell infected animals’ milk as a precautionary measure,” said Mittal.
