SHILLONG, June 11: Amid concerns about Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) spreading among cattle in the state, the government on Sunday issued an advisory and helpline numbers to the general public to prevent further infection.
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease in cattle which can spread by bites of mosquitoes, flies and ticks. It is characterised by formation of nodules on the skin all over the body. The infected animals often recover within a period of 2-3 weeks.
Although the disease does not transmit to humans, the consumption of meat and milk of the infected cattle, however, is advised to be avoided, while they are also prohibited from being sold.
In case of detection of the disease, the farmers should isolate the infected animals from the healthy ones. The affected area must be disinfected using sodium hypochlorite, phenol or formalin. The Rapid Response Teams of Veterinary department must be informed immediately for help.
Gloves and face mask is compulsory for person dealing with the infected animals, while movement to and from the affected cattle shed should be restricted, according to the government advisory. Mosquitoes and flies in cattle sheds should be controlled by application of a repellent. In case of the death of cattle, the carcass should be disposed of by deep burial method. Cattle markets within 10 km radius of epicenter should be closed.
All the healthy animals including calf of more than 4 months and above within 5 km radius around infected area should be vaccinated to protect and prevent the animal from dying.
Vaccination camps are being organised and farmers can call helpline for date and time of such camps in nearby villages, the advisory said.
Mobile veterinary clinic will be sent to affected villages for treatment and disinfection, it added.
Farmers can contact 6009328729 (Ri-Bhoi), 9366825517 (EKH), 9233849930 (WKH), 9366801413 (SWKH), 6033416066 (WJH), 9366737987 (EJH), 9362757735 (EWKH), 7629806815 (WGH), 8837349358 (SWGH), 9362288356 (SGH), 03658299941 (EGH) and 9366175098 (NGH).
