Suspected cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD) have been reported from parts of Assam, as highlighted in a series of tweets by senior journalist Mrinal Talukdar.
” The new epidemic ( LSD) has hit cattle of Assam. It is very important to create awareness with farmers and awake our government,” Talukdar said in a tweet.
“Experts have requested to buy goat pox vaccines from other states. This is the only way to stop this epidemic,” he added.
The new epidemic ( LSD) has hit cattle of Assam. It is very important to create awareness with farmers and awake our government. Experts have requested to buy goat pox vaccines from other states. This is the only way to stop this epidemic. @sarbanandsonwal @ATULBORA2 pic.twitter.com/xvEz6dtOgH
— Mrinal Talukdar (@mrinaltalukdar8) August 25, 2020
Urging the state agriculture and veterinary minister Atul Bora to act quickly, Talukdar wrote, ” Please act quickly. If this LSD going to spread amongst the cattle like the swine flu of pigs, then it is going to catastrophe for the farmers of Assam.”
“Moreover, cattle have a special place in every home. Get the vaccines very soon and go war footing,” he added.
Please act quickly. If this LSD going to spread amongst the cattle like the swine flue of pigs, then it is going to catastrophe for the farmers of Assam. Moreover, cattle has a special place in every home. Get the vaccines very soon and go war footing. @ATULBORA2 @PMOIndia
— Mrinal Talukdar (@mrinaltalukdar8) August 25, 2020
It may be mentioned here that thousands of pigs in Assam died due to African Swine Fever and this had affected the pig farmers immensely.
It may be mentioned here that the state government has already issued an advisory regarding LSD, which the government has urged to be circulated widely among the farmer and the veterinarians.
“This is to inform that there are reports of cattle and buffaloes suffering from a disease condition showing symptoms of the eruption of round cutaneous nodules on the skin all over the body. These may be suspect cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), an OIE notifiable disease of bovines and first notification of the disease in the country has already been submitted from some districts of Odisha,” the advisory stated.
“In this regard, please find enclose an advisory for LSD for information and wide circulation amongst field veterinarians, veterinary institutions in your district for awareness-raising and necessary advice to the farmers,” it added.
“Further, you are requested to direct all concerned to investigate all suspected cases of LSD/ pseudo LSD on priority and forward clinical/ necropsy samples along with the epidemiological format,” it further said.