Despite repeated awareness efforts by livestock officials in Paro regarding the proper disposal of carcasses of cattle that have succumbed to lumpy skin disease, some people continue to throw dead animals in the river. This month alone, the officials have pulled out more than 15 dead animals from the Pachhu. Officials said people tend to dispose of the carcasses in the river during night hours.
Recently, officials had to use rope and an excavator to pull out a carcass from Pachhu.
Livestock officials said disposing of the dead animals in the river can spread the disease to cattle downstream consuming the water.
“Lumpy Skin disease will not spread to humans but it is highly contagious among cattle. If people dump carcasses upstream then, the animals grazing and drinking water downstream have a high chance of contracting the virus. Studies say that the virus can be infectious for 24-32 hours after the host animal dies,” said Dr Tenzin Wangchuk, District Veterinary Doctor.
He added that the Livestock Act, the Livestock Rules and Regulation, the Water Act and the Waste Prevention and Management Regulation prohibit such disposals.
“According to the Livestock Act, the owner is responsible for the disposal of the dead animals. People must dig a pit to dispose of it. They can buy lime from the market and spread it on the floor and the body so that dogs will not unearth the carcass. This can prevent the spread of the disease.”
From 1550 infected cases in Paro, more than 200 cattle died due to the disease since July.
In the meantime, the Paro district veterinary is planning to roll out vaccination to the less affected areas by the coming week.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Tshering Zam
