Home / Health / LSD Surges in Punjab: 216 Cattle Cases, No Deaths
LSD Surges in Punjab: 216 Cattle Cases, No Deaths
16 Sep
Summary
- Punjab intensified surveillance and vaccination due to 216 Lumpy Skin Disease cases.
- No cattle deaths recorded despite 216 infections in recent weeks.
- Over 94% of Punjab's 23 lakh cows vaccinated since late August.
Punjab's animal husbandry department has intensified disease surveillance and launched aggressive vaccination drives statewide after confirming 216 cases of lumpy skin disease (LSD). The state government raised its alert level following outbreaks in neighboring Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, and a recent warning from the central government about cases in Uttar Pradesh.
While no cattle deaths have been recorded from LSD in recent weeks, the viral disease, which primarily affects cows, first reappeared in Punjab last month after a significant outbreak in 2022 that caused approximately 18,000 cattle deaths. Symptoms include nodules on the body, which can develop into deep wounds.
The state government has vaccinated nearly 94% of its 23 lakh cow population since late August. The 216 reported cases originated from Pathankot, Mohali, and Patiala, with all infected animals reportedly recovering within three to four days. Dairy farmers have been advised to avoid purchasing cattle from other states, and surveillance has been enhanced in cattle markets and 'gaushalas'.
