AHC confirms Lumpy Skin Disease in Sindh and South Punjab | Lumpy Skin Confirmation Negligence
The Livestock Wing of the Ministry of National Food Security has confirmed the presence of Lumpy Skin Disease in Pakistan. In this regard, the Animal Husbandry Commissioner has issued instructions confirming the presence of the disease in Sindh and South Punjab. This disease is limited to cows and buffaloes only, there is no risk to other livestock and humans from this virus. According to the issued instructions, the meat of the infected animal also does not cause the spread of the virus.
What is Lumpy Skin Disease
It should be noted that Lumpy Skin Disease is a disease of cows and buffaloes that is found in Africa. After 2010, this disease started spreading to other countries as well.
In this disease, pustules form on the skin of the animal, the animal’s production decreases and the animal suffers from fever.
The chances of the virus being transmitted from one animal to another are very low. The spread of the virus through infected fodder, utensils, clothes, equipment and other objects has not been proven. Because the main cause of the spread of the disease is mosquitoes, flies and ticks. That is, the main role in the spread of this disease is played by the vector.
The prevalence rate of the disease is 10 to 20 percent, while the mortality rate is 2 to 5 percent.
When Diseased Appeared
According to sources, cases of Lumpy Skin Disease started being reported in Punjab in October 2021, while cases from Sindh started coming to light in December 2021. By the end of last year, the National Veterinary Laboratory confirmed the disease in Bahawalpur, Sukkur, Jamshoro, Thatta, Hyderabad, Badin and Umerkot with the help of imported diagnostic kits and other equipment provided by the disease. According to sources, the spread of the disease could be prevented from spreading further, especially in Karachi.
Stakeholder meetings were also held on 27 December 2021 and 28 February 2022 regarding the presence of this virus belonging to the Capripox family in Pakistan. Shakir Umar Gujjar, president of the Dairy and Cattle Farmers Association, has said that this disease will break the back of livestock farmers. The association has demanded that the movement of cows and buffaloes from the affected areas be banned. He says that immediate steps should be taken to make the vaccine available and livestock farmers should be saved.
Instrcutions for Lumpy Skin Disease Vaccine
According to the instructions issued by the Animal Husbandry Commissioner of Pakistan, the virus of this disease does not spread to humans. This virus only affects cows and buffaloes and is a virus close to sheeppox and goatpox.
The most important thing in preventing the disease is the vaccine. There is a vaccine against this virus in the international market, which can be effective in preventing the disease. Until the import of the vaccine is allowed, it has been recommended to use the goatpox vaccine, the amount of which will have to be increased ten times in large animals compared to sheep and goats.
The ministry has recommended immediate one-time permission for the import of the vaccine and expediting the registration process. The Animal Husbandry Commissioner has emphasized on the training of veterinary professionals and field veterinary staff as well as awareness of farmers. Relevant instructions have been issued to all the relevant departments in this regard.
Research on the disease is being carried out at the National Veterinary Laboratory as well as at the Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore. Restricting the movement of infected animals on scientific grounds can be beneficial in preventing the spread. Since mosquitoes are the main cause of the spread of the disease, spraying and cleaning of farms has been suggested. Provincial departments have also been stressed on providing diagnostic facilities from laboratories and training of staff.
پاکستان میں لمپی سکن ڈیزیز کی تصدیق، اینیمل ہزبنڈری کمشنر کی جانب سے ہدایات جاری
لمپی سکن ڈیزیز کا پھیلاؤ، وزیر اعظم پاکستان سے انکوائری کا مطالبہ
