Tamil Nadu Dairy Farmers Worried Due to Growing Cases of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle

Farmers in Palacode (Tamil Nadu) are concerned because milk production has been affected by several cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD) among cattle, with many dying as a result. They demanded that the Dharmapuri administration and the animal husbandry department provide vaccines and hold medical camps throughout the district.

Dharmapuri district is heavily reliant on animals for a living, with over 2.7 lakh cattle producing an average of two lakh litres of milk per day, according to sources. However, the onset of LSD has hampered milk production in Palacode, Marandahalli, and a portion of Pennagaram in recent weeks. "Over the past few days, the cows have had high fever, fatigue, and lumps all over their body," said M Selvaraj, a farmer from Palacode.

This disease has spread rapidly, and many of us have lost our jobs due to the disease's sudden onset. There have also been reports of a few cases of calf death, which is a source of concern for us. R Kavitha, another farmer, stated, "We took our cows to the veterinarians after they were affected, and they said that this disease will not harm the cow."

We've been using a herbal concoction to treat fever and pain because no other medicine seems to work.  We are also concerned because we have heard reports of many cattle dying from this disease. Krishi Vigyan Kendra animal husbandry researcher, "LSD has a high morbidity but a low mortality rate," Dr. Thangadurai explained. Calves, on the other hand, can die from the disease if the symptoms are not treated.

There is currently no LSD vaccine, but smallpox vaccines have proven effective against the virus. Farmers should keep the shed clean, and infected cows separated to prevent this disease." Thangadurai said that KVK discovered that a herbal concoction effectively prevented infection. The herbs are readily available in rural areas, are cost-effective, and have shown promising results," he said.

Dr. Saminathan, Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, said, "There have been a few cases where cattle have died, but it is not alarming. We've started vaccinations, and the disease should be under control soon." Meanwhile, Aavin officials stated that the disease did not affect milk production.