In Zhemgang, an outbreak of lumpy skin disease is spreading fast among cattle. So far, 80 cases have been reported from six gewogs in the district. The outbreak of lumpy skin disease was initially reported in April from Panbang in Ngangla Gewog.
The fast spread of lumpy skin disease has caused concerns among cattle owners in Zhemgang.
A few cattle owners of Wangdigang village in Trong Gewog said the impact of the disease has led to reduced milk production, which they say is a huge loss for them.
With the disease causing fever and loss of appetite among cattle, farmers are worried their cattle may die. Farmers say signs are more severe in cross bred jersey cows.
“I am very worried about this disease as I do not have many cows. It might kill my cows. My neighbors’ cattle are already infected and I do not mix my cattle with theirs as it poses a huge risk,” said Deki Mo from Wangdigang.
“The cows fall sick with swelled legs, feet and with wounds all over their body. After the disease infected my cows, milk production has also decreased. The disease is spreading more day by day,” said Chador from Wangdigang.
“I am scared for my cattle. I have bought them by paying Nu 50,000 each. If they get infected, it would be a huge loss for me. When I approached livestock officials, they said there are no medicines for the disease,” said Leki Wangmo from Wangdigang.
According to the district veterinary hospital, only symptoms of the disease can be treated and the infected cattle will recover within a month or less.
However, livestock officials have notified the public to refrain from transporting their cattle from village to village for grazing.
An official said that lumpy skin disease is not a zoonotic disease, which means it is not transmissible to humans.
Out of 80 cattle infected by lumpy skin disease in Zhemgang, there have been two reported deaths.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
