The Punjab State government is taking serious measures to prevent another outbreak of a calamitous cattle disease, lumpy skin disease (LSD), which impacted the livestock industry severely last year. In July 2022, about 1.75 lakh cattle across the state were affected by LSD, leading to approximately 18,000 deaths in the livestock populace. As a proactive step, the state government recently airlifted 25 lakh doses of goat pox vaccine to roll out a no-charge vaccination campaign.
Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease
The origins of LSD can be traced back to an outbreak in Zambia in 1929. Initially, there was speculation that poisoning or allergic reactions to insect bites were behind the disease. However, it was later discovered that it is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV).
Infections primarily occur in cattle or water buffalo. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) suggests that the mortality rate associated with this disease is relatively low, at less than 10%.
Transmission Mechanisms and Symptoms
LSD spreads amongst animals through the bites of vectors such as mosquitoes and flies.
Infected animals present several symptoms. Primary indicators include fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, drooling, and blisters appearing on the skin. Apart from these direct symptoms, secondary issues, including loss of appetite and difficulty eating, can also arise. These can have a ripple effect, notably reducing milk production in the infected animals.
Vaccination as Prevention
To stave off the outbreak of LSD, Punjab State is administering the goat pox vaccine and sheep pox virus vaccines to its livestock. This heterologous vaccine provides cross-protection for cattle against LSD. All three diseases – goat pox, sheep pox, and LSD – belong to the same capripoxvirus genus, making this cross-protection possible.
In a promising development, a new vaccine, Lumpi-ProVacInd, has been developed by ICAR’s National Research Centre on Equines and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. This live attenuated vaccine is designed to offer 100% protection against the LSD virus in cattle and is anticipated to be available for commercial use within a few months.
No Specific Antiviral Drugs, Supportive Care Essential
While LSD does not yet have specific antiviral drugs for treatment, administering supportive care to the affected animals has proven beneficial. The process typically includes treating skin lesions with wound care sprays, using antibiotics to forestall secondary infections, and giving anti-inflammatory painkillers to boost appetite.
The recent introduction of vaccines and consistent supportive care are key elements in current strategies to handle LSD. By undertaking these measures, it is hoped that further outbreaks of LSD will be prevented or at least significantly minimized, ensuring the health and productivity of Punjab’s valuable livestock industry.
Last Modified: February 19, 2024