In view of the Lumpy Skin Diseases (LSD) incidence reported across the country, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) department has issued advisory to to follow strict bio-security measures so as to prevent ingress of the disease into the State.
AH&VS director Dr. Nsanthung Ezung said that the disease is caused by capripox virus also known as “Neethling” virus causing devastating economic losses via increase mortality, reduced productivity, control cost, loss in trade, decreased market value and food security.
Besides affecting cattle and buffaloes, the disease is also a threat to wild life populations like deer, bison & mithun. The disease causes high fever, reduced milk yield, skin nodules, loss of appetite, nasal and eye discharges and formation of nodules on the body transmitted by flies, ticks and mosquitoes, it added.
Therefore, the department has requested livestock farmers (dairy, cattle / buffalo ranging, Mithun etc) to be vigilant on the occurrence of the disease on the animals and report the matter to the nearest Veterinary Centre.
Further, all veterinary doctors posted in the check post, dairy farms, Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries have been requested to be on guard and meticulously examine all suspected cases. Samples from suspected cases should be sent to ELISA Laboratory, Kohima for further testing, it added.
