Lumpy skin disease triggers concern among cattle farmers in Jand

TAXILA: Cattle farmers and dairy owners in rural Jand tehsil are bracing for the possible spread of lumpy skin disease (LSD) among their livestock. Concern is mounting as cases have emerged in several villages including Pind Suktani, Aurangabad, Injra, Khattakabad, Kani, Mathail, Kotwali, Thatta and Chabb, where the number of affected animals is reportedly on the rise.

Farmers claim they are struggling to obtain affordable vaccines, with private stores charging up to Rs11,000 per dose while government-sourced doses remain scarce. They also bemoan the lack of effective disease surveillance, monitoring, and public awareness efforts from the Livestock Department. Ahmed Khan, a distressed farmer, suspects the disease is transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, especially in areas with stagnant water and poor hygiene.

He reports many are turning to traditional remedies due to the prohibitive cost. Another farmer, Haji Irshad, stresses the urgent need for intervention to protect farmers from potential economic losses. Experts call for better field surveillance, accurate reporting, wider vaccine availability, and an effective awareness campaign.

BLPRI Research Officer Asad Abbas Khan explains that LSD causes painful skin nodules and can lead to decreased milk production and overall poor health in infected animals. However, Deputy Director Livestock Development Dr Yasir Mustafa Butt dismisses the outbreak claims, stating only "isolated cases" have been identified. He assures the department is informing residents through its mobile app and field vaccinators.