It is learnt that a ban has been imposed on interstate transportation of cattle into South Goa as cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) were flaring up among domestic animals in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and bringing in animals from these states would worsen the situation. The ban will reportedly last for 60 days.
It is understood that action in this regard was taken by the authorities concerned as a precautionary measure after infected animals were spotted in Goa although the situation was under control and traders have been permitted to buy the animals after a health check-up is conducted. Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease that affects cattle and is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks.
There is no treatment for LSD in animals. However an indigenous vaccine has been developed to protect livestock from the viral disease. It is learnt that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists are carrying out a study to find out if there is any possibility of transmission of the lumpy skin virus to the human population. Samples of cattle heads infected by the dangerous virus have been collected for tests. The tests will also find out if consumption of milk from infected animals will transmit the virus to humans. According to most scientists LSD doesn’t apparently have a zoonotic link, ruling out its transmission from animals to humans.
