Lumpy skin disease worries Meherpur cattle farmers

Cattle farmers in Meherpur are worried over the recent appearance of lumpy skin disease (LSD). 

Around a thousand cattle affected by the disease have been given treatment in last three months, said sources in the district’s livestock office.

There are 210 dairy farms and 435 cattle fattening farms in Meherpur.

The disease, new in Bangladesh, was first detected at some places of Chattogram district in mid-July this year. 

An affected cow gets fever and then lumps appear, which might spread all over the body, livestock officials said.

The animal loses appetite, suffers from debility and stops producing milk.

LSD is caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae, also known as Neethling virus. Insects like mosquito carry the virus when they bite an infected animal, officials said.

“I am worried as nine cattle of my farm have got the disease,” said Sahabul Islam, owner of a cow fattening farm of Choksahymnagar village in Meherpur Sadar upazila.

Jahangir Alam, district livestock officer of Meherpur, said they suggest using antihistamine for treatment of the affected cows.

“We are holding discussions with cattle farmers and distributing leaflets to create awareness about the issue. No cow has died of the disease in the district so far,” he said.