Lumpy skin disease was spread in the country for the first time in the year 2019. In the current year, for the first time in Himachal, the first case of lumpy skin disease was found in Cheli village of Shimla. This animal was procured from Punjab in Shimla district and it was suffering from disease. More cases of virus spread have been reported in the border districts of the state. Therefore, the state government has completely banned the purchase of animals from outside states. At present there are 25 lakh cows in different districts of the state.
Cows are getting hit more by the virus. After this virus, weak cows are dying due to skin disease followed by high fever. Veterinarians say that the virus spreads rapidly due to flies and mosquitoes in the dirt. Animal owners have been advised to first take full care of cleanliness in the cowsheds. Keep spraying insecticides. If symptoms of lumpy skin virus are seen on an animal, then seek the help of a veterinarian.
In the rural areas, the livelihood of the people, especially the milch animals, is carried on. But, since June, the concern of people related to animal husbandry has increased. The situation is that so far more than 15 thousand animals have fallen prey to this disease, while 290 animals have died. There is a shortage of staff in the animal husbandry department. There are 516 vacancies for Veterinary Pharmacist and 105 for Veterinary Officer.
Dr. Pradeep Sharma, Director, Animal Husbandry Department said that suitable steps have been taken for the prevention of lumpy skin disease. Nodal officers are keeping constant vigil. Vaccines are being given to animals.
