5000 cattle heads become a hunt of this new Lumpy skin disease virus

In Rajasthan, the new Lumpy Skin disease virus has killed over 5,000 cattle heads so far, ANI reports. As a result, the Jaipur Greater Municipal Corporation has opened the state’s first lumpy care center at the Hingonia Gaushala in the city.

As per the EFSA, the disease is a viral infection that affects cattle. Currently, it affects cows and sheep in India, particularly in Rajasthan and Punjab. It is passed by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks.

In most African nations, the disease is endemic. However, in the past decade, it has spread to the Middle East, Southeast Europe, and Central Asia.

In infected animals, it can lead to fever, lacrimation, nasal discharge, and hypersalivation. There can be eruptions on the skin and other parts of the body in more than 50% of susceptible cattle. The incubation period is 4–14 days.

The state government of Rajasthan has currently banned the movement of cattle outside the state and has banned animal fairs as well.

It has been advised to not throw carcasses of infected cattle in the open. In addition, cattle owners have been told to inform authorities if they notice any signs of the disease in their cattle, Zee news reports.