The state government has issued an advisory to the general public and farmers regarding lumpy skin disease (LSD), an affliction that affects cattle.
Although it cannot be transmitted to humans, the advisory said, the meat and milk of infected animals should not be sold or consumed.
LSD is a viral disease in cattle and spreads through the bites of mosquitoes, flies and ticks. It is characterised by the formation of nodules on the skin all over the body. Infected animals often recover within a period of 2-3 weeks.
Farmers are requested to contact helplines in specific districts for vaccination or any other information on the control of LSD: Ri-Bhoi (6009328729), East Khasi Hills (9366825517), West Khasi Hills (9233849930), South West Khasi Hills (9366801413), West Jaintia Hills (6033416066), East Jaintia Hills (8974465829).
Certain biosecurity measures have also been prescribed: farmers should isolate infected animals from healthy animals; affected premises should be disinfected using sodium hypochlorite (2-3 percent) or phenol (2 percent/15 minutes ) or formalin (1 percent); farmers are requested to contact Rapid Response Teams of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department by calling the respective helpline numbers for disinfection of affected premises and treatment of infected animals; persons dealing with infected animals should wear gloves and face mask; movement of persons to and from affected cattle shed should be restricted; mosquitoes and flies in cattle sheds should be controlled by the application of mosquito repellent; in case of the death of cattle, carcasses should be disposed by the deep burial method; cattle markets within a 10km radius of the epicentre of an outbreak of LSD should be closed.
In addition, all healthy animals, including calves older than four months, in a 5km radius around infected areas shall be vaccinated to prevent the spread of LSD. Vaccination camps are being organised and farmers can call the helpline numbers for the date and time of vaccination camps in nearby villages. Vaccination can protect and prevent the death of animals.
Treatment will be given to infected animals with anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, antibiotics, immunity boosters and topical application of ointments. Mobile Veterinary Clinics will be sent to affected villages for treatment and disinfection.
