Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease (LSD) have been reported in several parts of the country. In Chaling village under Trashigang, the outbreak of the disease has resulted in a decrease in milk yield, adversely affecting the livelihoods of dairy farmers. Dairy farming plays a vital role in providing a regular source of income for rural households in the village.
The disease has caused distress in the village with two calves and seven high-breed cattle succumbing to the disease. However, some have started to recover.
According to veterinary officials, once infected, the animal usually takes between seven to fourteen days to regain health.
Lumpy skin disease infects cattle and buffalo mainly through blood-feeding insects. Signs of infection include the appearance of circular, firm nodes on the animal’s skin that looks similar to lumps.
Infected animals immediately start losing weight and may have fever and lesions in the mouth, along with a reduced milk yield. Other symptoms include nasal and salivary secretion.
Consequently, milk production in the village has drastically declined from the usual supply of 400 litres per day to about 150 litres after the outbreak.
“Our jersey group of 29 members used to supply milk to the dairy plant. However, due to the infection affecting our cattle, we can no longer provide milk. This situation worries us, especially regarding our monthly loan repayment,” said Phuntsho Gyeltshen, a dairy farmer.
“Before the outbreak, I relied on dairy products to earn money and repay my monthly loan. I had four Jersey cows, one of whom died after contracting the infection. The remaining three cattle are also seriously ill and I am now concerned about their survival,” said Kelzang Norbu, another dairy farmer.
To combat the disease, farmers are adhering to the advice provided by veterinary officials and isolating the infected cattle from the healthy ones.
“There is no cure available at present. However, we are offering supportive therapy including administering fever medication and providing treatments for wounds, appetite stimulation, ointments for skin rashes and pain relief,” said Sangay Lethro, officiating programme director of the Regional Livestock Development Center in Kanglung,
Furthermore, he added that efforts are underway to procure vaccines to combat the disease.
The Regional Livestock Development Center in Kanglung has received a total of 186 lumpy skin disease cases with 24 deaths reported from 11 gewogs in Trashigang.
The disease was first reported some four months ago in Khaling Gewog.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
