By Manoj Singh
ITANAGAR, Jun 14: The contagious Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was detected among cattle in several districts of the State including Papum Pare, Pakke Kessang, Lohit, Changlang and West Siang, specially the foothill districts which share the boundary with Assam.
Death of cattle due to the disease has also been with less than 2% as per information made available to this daily.
“The Veterinary department is making its best efforts to contain the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease, which has led to the loss of livestock in different parts of the State. Awareness has already been created among the staff members and the issue has been discussed in all forums of the department,” the Director of Animal & Husbandry and Veterinary, Nirjuli, Tachi Taku said.
“The viral disease has already affected the cattle in Assam and slowly it has arrived in our State which is a serious issue. Twenty thousand vaccines have been procured to stop the spread of the disease in the State and treatment of LSD, which is a viral disease, is in active consideration. Subsequently, distribution of vaccine and vaccination of healthy animals has been initiated at all dairy farming areas and all officials and staff members have been associated in the mission,” he added.
The State Disease Investigation (laboratory) [SDI] centre is monitoring the outbreak of the disease constantly, he said and appealed to the cattle-rearers and owners to halt transportation of cattle from the neighbouring State, and to contact the nearest veterinary dispensary or hospital for any kind of assistance. The main reason of the spreading of the disease is the association of the infected animals with healthy animals. In case any cattle have been infected, it may be isolated and kept away from the healthy one, Dr.Taku advised.
The cattle farmers have been alerted and asked to take precautions measures through the veterinary hospital located across the state and they have been asked to isolate their healthy animals from infected ones or the cattle which are suspected to be affected by the viral disease to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals, said Taku.
“LSD is a transmittable disease, which might have spread in the State due to rampant slaughters of cattle in and around the state,” he opined.
On being asked about the mortality rate of cattle due to viral disease, Taku said, “The detailed report is awaited from various districts of the state, however, seven districts have reported the conformity of the disease.”
Meanwhile, Dr Marli Ete, (Veterinary officer, Ganga dispensary centre, informed, “So far 63 cattle have been detected from Ganga village dispensary jurisdiction such as Chandranagar, Gohpur, Papum-Poma and zoo cattle shed areas. However, efforts are being made to track down the animals to keep the outbreak under control from the last three weeks.”
Talking to this daily, a farmer, Tayo Kino from Namorah village in Pakke Kessang district also informed that in the last few days, many cattle have died due to the infection.
He on behalf of Dissing-Passo circle of Pakke Kessang district has appealed to the concerned district veterinary officers to provide every possible assistance to the farmers to protect their animals.
Earlier, considering the seriousness of LSD, the District Magistrate of Changlang, Sunny K Singh issued an order to the cattle rearers to report any suspected case of LSD to the nearest Veterinary centre for further analysis and appropriate action as per guidelines.
However, the experts have suggested that till such diseases are not cured, the affected district administrations should have banned entry of such cattle into the state.
Meanwhile, Nodal officer. Dr. B Bishakarma informed, “Till date, the disease has not affected buffalo and other animals. We need to remain alert and cautious in case any disease is found and such viral disease outbreaks in our locality and the State.”Dr. Boshakarms also appealed to the cattle-rearers and owners not to allow the healthy cattle to get associated with the infected which may also make others sick.
