BAJURA, JULY 6

The highly contagious 'lumpy skin disease' has rapidly spread throughout Bajura district. So far, approximately 7,000 cattle have succumbed to the disease, while more than 30,000 have been infected, according to Pashupati Nath, the head of District Veterinary Hospital Bajura.

The farmers in Bajura are deeply concerned about the escalating spread of the disease, which has hindered their agricultural activities. Unable to plow their fields after the oxen fell victim to the disease, farmers have been left with fallow lands and empty barns. Last August, the first case of the Lumpy Skin Virus was detected in a cattle in Badimalika Municipality 1 after it was tested positive for the lumpy skin virus.

The shortage of medicine has increased the trouble for the farmers in Bajura, Chief Nath added highlighting that there is no specific treatments for lumpy skin disease, but the simple medications to reduce fever and administer general vaccinations. Given that mosquitoes are the carriers of the disease, farmers are being advised on primary treatment measures.

The cost of vaccines poses a financial challenge for the farmers, with a single dose ranging from Rs 300 to 500. Nath emphasized that based on livestock statistics in Budhiganga municipality alone, vaccinations worth Rs 2.5 million are required, surpassing the available budget for the entire district. This financial constraint leaves Nath with no alternative but to advise farmers on primary treatment methods.

Lumpy Skin disease manifests with symptoms such as swollen leg joints, fever, blisters on the skin, hair and horn loss, increased mortality in pregnant animals, and decreased milk production in dairy cows. Affected cattle exhibit 1 to 5 cm round nodules on their skin, as well as sores on the snout, mouth, and nose, with excessive fluid discharge from the eyes and nose. If left unchecked, the infection can be fatal for the animals.

The disease's impact intensifies during the summer due to the increased activity of mosquitoes and insects. To control the spread of the disease, farmers are urged to maintain clean barns, manage cattle and grazing areas, and take measures against fleas, insects, and mosquitoes. Increased vigilance is necessary, as the disease spreads through fly and mosquito bites, contaminated water sources, grazing areas, and animal contact.

In response to the outbreak, Hemraj Jaishi, the ward chairman of Budhiganga Municipality-6, has taken it upon himself to provide free treatment to affected farmers in their households. Jaishi, a junior Technical Assistant (JTA) in Veterinary Science, personally purchases medicines and engages in animal treatment. Initially focusing on his ward, Jaishi has now extended his reach to other wards within the municipality.