In what is the first-ever case of lumpy skin disease outbreak at Dagala Gewog in Thimphu, at least 80 yaks have been lost to the disease. Within the last two months, the viral disease has also affected over 400 yaks in three chiwogs of the gewog. People are worried that more yaks could be lost to the disease before vaccines become available.
The district administration and livestock extension officers were alerted about the situation but were not able to manage the spread without medications.
“Our situation is dire, especially during June and August when we heavily rely on dairy products for survival. Now, many of our bigger yaks have died and the rest are infected. It’s going to be difficult for the people of Wangdrog, Doondrog and Gyaltala Chiwogs to earn their living now,” said Gado, Dagala Gup.
Although the disease does not affect humans, there is no cure available for the disease currently. However, veterinary officials advise isolating infected animals from healthy ones. However, a vaccination to prevent the disease is available.
The Gup expressed fear that the entire yak population might die before the vaccines arrive in the village.
The Gup added that the government is said to have ordered vaccines worth Nu 20 M from Turkey which have yet to arrive. The vaccine won’t be able to cure the infected ones but will help to protect healthy animals from getting sick.
Lumpy skin disease is a viral illness that affects cattle, yaks and other animals. It spreads through blood-feeding insects like flies, mosquitoes, or ticks. Symptoms include fever and skin nodules, and it can be fatal, particularly in cattle or yaks that have not contracted the virus before.
During an earlier interview with BBS, veterinary officials said lumpy skin disease is mainly found in the southern districts and are unsure how it spread to the western and eastern districts. They said that during summer, with an increase in the insect population, there is a risk of such outbreaks.
The officials advise people to stop transporting cattle and yaks from gewog to gewog and to other districts for grazing or business purposes for now.
Lumpy skin disease has affected cattle in almost all the districts affecting the livelihoods of those relying on them.
Tshering Deki
Edited by Sonam Pem
