Several villages in Ri-Bhoi and South West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya have been struck by an outbreak of lumpy skin disease among cows, leading the state government to declare them as infected. In Shillong, at least 20 cows succumbed to the disease in the Pynthorumkhrah area, news agency PTI citing officials reported.
The villages of Sumer, Mawlyngkhung, Umpyrdong-Umden, Umkon-Umden, Saiden-Nongpoh, and Jyntru-Nongpoh in the Umsning block of Ri-Bhoi district, along with Rangthong in the Mawkyrwat block of South West Khasi Hills district, have been declared infected, according to PTI.
Samples collected from these areas were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, where they tested positive for lumpy skin disease. The state government, in consultation with the officials, declared the villages infected as a preventive and control measure, as reported by the news agency.
Unreported Cases
In addition to the confirmed cases, symptoms of the disease have also been observed among cows in various villages of East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills districts. However, locals have yet to notify veterinary authorities, revealed a local community leader to PTI.
The leader further shared that the locals believe the disease "is sent by the gods" and will heal on its own.
What Is Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy skin disease is a contagious infection that primarily affects cattle with weaker immune systems. Infected animals typically experience fever, excess salivation, and nasal discharge, followed by the formation of nodules resembling lumps on their skin. The head, neck, and udder are among the areas where these eruptions are most noticeable. Affected animals may lose their appetite, leading to a decline in milk production. In severe cases, pneumonia and breathing difficulties can prove fatal for the cattle.
According to IANS, last year, lumpy skin disease spread across 10 states and union territories in India, resulting in the deaths of over 1.5 lakh cattle.