As the death toll of cattle from Lumpy Skin Disease reaches 57,000 the Indian Government has asked states to boost the vaccination process in order to control the disease, reported Livemint.
India, the world’s largest milk producer, had a cattle population of 192.5 million in 2019, as per the 19th Livestock census.
Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary, department of animal husbandry and dairying, said 57,000 cattle have died so far and out of that, around 37,000 are in Rajasthan.
He said the Centre has been regularly sending the advisories to the states.
One ml of the vaccine has been advised, which is good enough, Swain said, adding that in high-risk 3ml vaccine is being given.
“Lumpy skin disease has spread in 6-7 states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, some cases have been reported,” Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala told reporters at a press conference to announce IDF World Day Summit being organised in India during 12-15 September.
Rupala said, as per the report, he has visited five states to assess the situation and oversee containment operations. The ministry is monitoring the situation daily. Rupala said the situation in Gujarat has improved, while the disease is under control in Punjab and Haryana. In Rajasthan, the disease has spread.
The minister asserted that ‘Goat Pox Vaccine’ is “very effective” and available, and asked state governments to speed up the vaccination process.
The minister said there has not been any impact on milk production so far. Rupala said the disease can be controlled with an increase in vaccination and following the protocol for controlling and containing the disease.
The minister told states to follow the protocol of burying dead cattle, reads the report by Livemint.
