MAWKYRWAT, June 2: South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner T. Lyngwa on Friday held a meeting with the butchers from Mawkyrwat along with the officials from the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department to discuss the ongoing situation brought about by Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) as well as to discuss High Court of Meghalaya’s order prohibiting open display of animal carcasses.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Lyngwa informed that 63 villages in the district have been hit by the Lumpy Skin Disease and five cows have been confirmed dead.
“The veterinary doctors have again confirmed that the Lumpy Skin Disease cannot affect or spread to human beings. However, we have strictly instructed the butchers not to slaughter infected cattle, but to immediately inform the veterinary doctors for treatment,” Lyngwa said.
Informing that the AH&V department has taken the issue very seriously, the DC instructed the locals to get their uninfected cows vaccinated.
Urging the locals to come forward and inform the veterinary doctors immediately if they suspect their cattle to be infected by Lumpy Skin Disease, the DC said the disease can be treated in three weeks.
Referring to the African Swine Flu, he said according to the veterinary doctors, the disease posed no harm or threat to the health of the people.
With regard to the HC order that prohibits the display of animal carcasses in meat shops, Lyngwa said that following discussion, the butchers have agreed to put the same in boxes.
Taking cognisance about the danger posed by the polythene plastics to the environment, Lyngwa said he had requested the butchers to set good examples by using environment-friendly plastics so as to protect the environment.