Lumpy skin disease suspected in four Haryana districts, 12 samples sent to Bhopal
Veterinary teams on alert as plaints emerge from other districts too
Suspected cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD) have been reported among cattle in at least four Haryana districts, prompting the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS) to intensify surveillance and sampling.
The university has so far collected around 230 samples, primarily from Narnaul, Kurukshetra, Karnal and Yamunanagar, where a relatively higher number of suspected cases have been reported. Twelve samples have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, for confirmation.
Complaints of cattle showing symptoms suspected to be of LSD have also been received from Hisar, Bhiwani and some other districts, with farmers approaching local veterinary authorities.
Prof Naresh Jindal of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology at LUVAS said sampling was continuing across the state.
“So far, samples have been collected from four districts. We have sent 12 samples to Bhopal for testing for confirmation of the disease,” he said. LUVAS officials said the samples were being transported to Bhopal within the stipulated 24-hour period and would be tested according to the prescribed protocol.
Prof Jindal said the university had also received complaints of animals developing symptoms of LSD despite vaccination. “Such cases are sometimes reported. Vaccination provides 85 to 90% protection,” he said, adding that the effect of vaccination becomes evident around 15 days after administration.
Veterinary authorities said cattle could contract the infection during the two weeks following vaccination as full immunity might not have developed by then.
LUVAS has advised veterinary doctors to remain vigilant and immediately inform the university or the Animal Husbandry Department if symptoms of LSD are noticed in any animal.
Prof Jindal said the university had, so far, received no information about any cattle death due to the disease in Haryana.
Meanwhile, cow shelter organisations have started preparing for a possible rise in cases. Sita Ram Singal, founder of the Gau Seva Helpline Committee, Hisar, said LSD was particularly affecting cows and could become serious if infected animals were not isolated from healthy cattle.
