The Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has informed the Public, Dairy farmers & Cattle rearers that the occurrence of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has been detected positive from the nasal swabs & skin tissue samples submitted by Nagaland through PCR test from the AADDMC, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati.

This disease is caused by the Capripox virus also known as the “Neethling” virus causing devastating economic losses via increased mortality, reduced productivity, control cost, loss in trade, decreased market value & food security. It affects cattle and buffaloes and is a threat to wildlife populations like Deer, Bison, and Mithun. The disease causes high fever, reduced milk yield, skin nodules, loss of appetite, nasal and eye discharges, and formation of nodules on the body transmitted by flies, ticks, and mosquitoes.    

Hence, an advisory has been issued to all concerned to follow strict bio-security measures so as to prevent further ingress and spread of the disease across the State. Further, all livestock farmers (Dairy, Cattle / Buffalo Ranging, Mithun, etc) in the State have been requested to be vigilant on the occurrence of the disease on the animals and report the matter to the nearest Veterinary Centre.

All Veterinary Doctors posted in the Check Post, Dairy Farms, Veterinary Hospitals & Dispensaries have been requested to be on guard and meticulously examine all suspected cases. Samples from suspected cases should be sent to ELISA Laboratory, Kohima for further testing. Positive cases should be treated promptly by following the indicative management & treatment protocols of LSD issued by the Government of India.

                                                                                               (DIPR)