PANAJI
During the recent Goa Legislative Assembly session, MLA Kedar Naik posed a question regarding the lumpy skin disease (LSD) affecting cattle in the state. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nilkanth Halarnkar, revealed that the state has successfully vaccinated 55% of its cattle against lumpy skin disease for the year 2023-24. This vaccination effort is part of a broader strategy to manage and control the disease.
To curb the spread of lumpy skin disease, the government has implemented several measures: Emergency medicines were promptly procured and distributed; Ivermectin deworming tablets were given out for free; a mass vaccination campaign was conducted for healthy animals within the state; dairy farmers and the general public were educated about the disease; local bodies and the Health Department were asked to fumigate areas with stagnant water, especially around affected sheds; all affected animals were treated successfully by Area Officers; fumigation was carried out in the affected areas; both print and electronic media were utilized to spread awareness.
According to the minister, lumpy skin disease is currently under control in Goa. No new cases have been reported recently. Here’s a summary of the reported cases over the past few years: 2019-2020: 0 cases; 2020-2021: 23 cases; 2021-2022: 0 cases; 2022-2023: 37 cases; 2023-2024: 16 cases; 2024-2025 (up to now): 0 cases
Vaccinations were carried out for the healthy cattle. In 2022-23: 17,783 vaccinations; in 2023-24: 43,888 vaccinations and in 2024-25 (up to May 2024): 2,917 vaccinations
Lumpy skin disease is an infectious viral illness that affects cattle and buffaloes, caused by the capripox virus. It spreads through arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks and is characterized by a mild fever followed by the development of stiff, round nodules on the skin. While infected animals often recover in 2-3 weeks, the disease can reduce milk yield in lactating cattle for several weeks.
To prevent and control LSD, the following steps are recommended: Isolate sick animals from healthy ones; separate affected animals from unaffected ones in affected areas; conduct awareness campaigns about the disease and its impact; seek veterinary assistance for symptomatic treatment; administer antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, if necessary and provide multivitamins and feed infected animals with soft, liquid, and nutritious food.
The government continues to monitor the situation and take proactive steps to manage and prevent the spread of lumpy skin disease in the state.
