Lumpy Skin Disease Spreads Across Several Districts in Uttar Pradesh, Livestock Farmers Worried

The outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among cattle in Uttar Pradesh is raising concerns among livestock farmers. With the disease spreading across several districts of the state, thousands of cattle have reportedly been affected. The impact of the infection is particularly visible in districts of western Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department has stepped up surveillance, vaccination and awareness campaigns to contain the disease. The department has also issued a detailed advisory for livestock farmers on the prevention and control of the disease.

The outbreak has become a major concern for livestock farmers in the western Uttar Pradesh districts of Amroha, Baghpat, Bijnor, Mathura, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Shamli. Surendra Chaudhary, a farmer from Baredi village in Muzaffarnagar district, told Rural Voice that his dairy cow fell ill after contracting lumpy skin disease and later died. He spent several thousand rupees on treatment, but the cow could not be saved. As a result, livestock farmers are facing a double burden of disease-related losses and rising treatment costs.

Outbreak in Several Western UP Districts

Cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported in Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Baghpat, Bijnor and other districts of western Uttar Pradesh. After infections were confirmed in Saharanpur, Baghpat, Mathura and Muzaffarnagar towards the end of July, the Animal Husbandry Department launched vaccination drives in the affected areas. The number of infected animals has also increased sharply in Muzaffarnagar.

It is worth noting that lumpy skin disease spread on a large scale in 2022. At the time, the disease created a serious crisis for livestock in several states across the country and led to the deaths of a large number of animals. The disease is now once again showing signs of spreading.

According to livestock farmers, several animals are developing skin nodules, fever and weakness. The rapid spread of the disease has caused fear and uncertainty among farmers.

Department Issues Advisory

The Animal Husbandry Department has issued an advisory urging livestock farmers to remain alert about lumpy skin disease. Farmers have been asked to closely monitor their animals for possible symptoms of LSD. If any suspected symptoms appear, they should immediately inform the concerned authorities and separate infected animals from healthy ones.

Symptoms and Prevention

Lumpy Skin Disease is a contagious viral disease affecting cattle. It is primarily transmitted through the bites of flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Major symptoms include high fever, firm skin nodules measuring 1 to 5 cm, a decline in milk production, and discharge from the eyes and nose.

For prevention, farmers have been advised to ensure timely vaccination and spray appropriate insecticides around cattle sheds. If symptoms appear, treatment should be provided under the guidance of a veterinarian. Depending on the condition of the animal, necessary medicines, pain relievers and supportive treatment may be administered on veterinary advice. Infected animals should be isolated and provided with easily digestible feed and clean drinking water.

District-Level Control Rooms 

District-level control rooms have been established to monitor the spread of lumpy skin disease and facilitate a rapid response. Their objective is to coordinate with local veterinary officials after reports of infected animals are received and ensure timely treatment, isolation and vaccination.

Along with quarantining infected animals, authorities are also focusing on ring vaccination in affected areas to prevent the disease from spreading to cattle in surrounding areas.

The Animal Husbandry Department has appealed to livestock farmers to immediately separate any animal showing symptoms such as high fever, skin nodules, a sudden decline in milk production, discharge from the eyes or nose, or weakness, and inform the veterinary department.

The Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department's toll-free helpline, 1800-180-5141, can also be used to report livestock-related complaints or provide information.