Lumpy skin claims nearly 26,000 cattle deaths in Sudurpashchim

DHANGADHI: Lumpy skin disease has claimed the lives of nearly 26,000 cattle in Sudurpashchim Province.  Similarly, the disease has been seen in more than 630,000 cattle in nine districts of the province, according to news agency RSS.

Baitadi remains the most-affected district in the province with over 11,000 animal deaths, while Kailali has reported the highest number of cases. Kanchanpur has seen the lowest number of fatalities so far.

Livestock technicians have advised farmers to isolate infected cattle to prevent further spread of the disease.

Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease that is transmitted by blood-feeding insects. It causes lumps on the skin and fever, which can also lead to death. Cattle can be given medication to reduce high fever, while ointments can be applied to the lumps, say livestock technicians. Vaccination is the only way to control the diseases. However, vaccines cannot be administered ti ill animals, according to veterinary technicians.