Lumpy skin disease in cattle grips Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang
Ukhrul, August 10 2023:
The outbreak of deadly lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle is spreading throughout Ukhrul district with reports coming in that dozens of cattle have died and many more have been infected.
Talking to The People's Chronicle over the phone on Thursday, an official of the district Veterinary Department confirmed that the outbreak of LSD, stating that the disease has been spreading across the district for quite some time now.
"Reports of cattle dying and many getting the infection have been received from all corners of the district; east, west, north and south.
But we have not been able to establish the numbers of deaths and infected animals as the disease has spread far and wide as no official spot surveys have been conducted," informed the official.
According to the official, there is no vaccination available to contain the disease but the department has provided medications to many cattle owners who had come to their office in Ukhrul town.
"This medication is only intended to treat the infected animals".
Some locals of Kalhang village in northern Ukhrul, while talking to TPC, informed that there have been several deaths of 'Seimuk' - an indigenous cattle breed - and many are being infected with the viral disease in the village.
Neighbouring villages Kuirei, Luireishimphung and others have also been reportedly affected by the infection.
It may be mentioned that earlier in July, neighbouring Nagaland was declared a LDS positive state after an outbreak of the disease infected over 900 cattle in eight of the 16 districts in the state.