Representatives of Kousika River organisations have urged the Animal Husbandry Department to immediately launch vaccination and awareness campaigns as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is reportedly spreading among cattle, particularly in the northern parts of Coimbatore district, posing a threat to livestock and dairy farmers.g
Coimbatore:
With cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) reportedly increasing among cattle in the northern parts of Coimbatore district, representatives of farmer and environmental organisations have called upon the Animal Husbandry Department to initiate urgent preventive measures, including mass vaccination, awareness campaigns and improved veterinary support.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes, spread mainly by biting insects. It causes fever, skin lesions and reduced milk production, posing a serious threat to the dairy farming sector, though it is not harmful to humans.
In a joint statement, Agri Balakrishnan, Coordinator of the Kousika River Protection Organisation, and Selvaraj of the Athikadavu Kousika River Development Association, said the disease is spreading rapidly and has become a matter of concern for cattle rearers across the region.
They noted that indigenous cattle appear to be more susceptible to the infection, while calves are at a greater risk of developing severe complications, including death.
The organisations cautioned that if immediate action is not taken, the outbreak could have a serious impact on dairy farming and the livelihoods of livestock owners in Coimbatore district.
They urged the Animal Husbandry Department to immediately conduct district-wide vaccination drives and organise awareness programmes to educate farmers on identifying symptoms, preventing transmission and seeking timely veterinary care.
The representatives also appealed to the department to ensure that government veterinary hospitals, particularly in rural areas, are adequately stocked with medicines, ointments and other essential treatment materials required to manage infected cattle and prevent further spread of the disease.
With cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) reportedly increasing among cattle in the northern parts of Coimbatore district, representatives of farmer and environmental organisations have called upon the Animal Husbandry Department to initiate urgent preventive measures, including mass vaccination, awareness campaigns and improved veterinary support.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral disease affecting cattle and buffaloes, spread mainly by biting insects. It causes fever, skin lesions and reduced milk production, posing a serious threat to the dairy farming sector, though it is not harmful to humans.
In a joint statement, Agri Balakrishnan, Coordinator of the Kousika River Protection Organisation, and Selvaraj of the Athikadavu Kousika River Development Association, said the disease is spreading rapidly and has become a matter of concern for cattle rearers across the region.
They noted that indigenous cattle appear to be more susceptible to the infection, while calves are at a greater risk of developing severe complications, including death.
The organisations cautioned that if immediate action is not taken, the outbreak could have a serious impact on dairy farming and the livelihoods of livestock owners in Coimbatore district.
They urged the Animal Husbandry Department to immediately conduct district-wide vaccination drives and organise awareness programmes to educate farmers on identifying symptoms, preventing transmission and seeking timely veterinary care.
The representatives also appealed to the department to ensure that government veterinary hospitals, particularly in rural areas, are adequately stocked with medicines, ointments and other essential treatment materials required to manage infected cattle and prevent further spread of the disease.