Daijiworld Media Network - Hamirpur

Hamirpur, Aug 26: One calf has died and 33 cattle have tested positive for lumpy skin disease in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, prompting the Department of Animal Husbandry to intensify surveillance and treatment measures.

At least 34 cases have been reported from different parts of the district over the past four to five days. Officials have stepped up monitoring in affected areas and dispatched vaccines to veterinary hospitals and other centres to prevent further spread of the disease.

The calf died in the Barsar area, while Nadaun reported the highest number of infections with 12 cases. Bhoranj and Sujanpur have recorded two cases each, while symptoms have also been detected among cattle in other parts of the district.

Lumpy skin disease is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects cattle and water buffalo. Caused by the Capripox virus, it spreads mainly through mosquitoes, flies and ticks. The disease can cause high fever, firm nodules on the skin, discharge from the eyes and nose and a significant decline in milk production.

Dr Satish, Assistant Director (Project), Department of Animal Husbandry, Hamirpur, advised livestock owners to remain vigilant and regularly examine their animals. He urged them to immediately contact a veterinarian if they notice unusual lumps, fever or weakness.

The department has received around 13,500 doses of vaccine to tackle the disease, which have been distributed to veterinary hospitals and other relevant centres.

Officials said around 16,000 animals were vaccinated against lumpy skin disease in Hamirpur last year. A large-scale vaccination campaign was also undertaken in 2023 following a significant outbreak.

With fresh cases being reported, the department is continuing surveillance, treatment and vaccination efforts across the district.