Vijayapura: The Lumpy Skin Disease which had spread havoc in North Indian States such as Rajasthan and Gujarat is now spreadinv fast among the cattle in State.
The farmers who are in distress, are making every effort to protect their cattle from getting infected from the virus which is causing agonising death in the cattle. The disease has already infected over 588 cattle head while 65 have already died. At the same time 221 have recovered also, according to the officials of Veterinary Department.
Besides Vijayapura, the infection is widely seen in Belagavi where some 2374 cattle have been infected. Similarly 2580 cattle were infected in Ballari, and 2015 in Haveri. So far, around 11904 cattle have died in the State because of the Lumpy virus. While 153886 got infected 91818 cattle have recovered also after treatment.
The infection has largely been seen due to infected cattle of Maharashtra being transported to Karnataka from the bordering areas. Due to this, the number of infections are steadily rising in the District, mainly in the border areas. In order to prevent the spreading of disease, the District Administration has already banned transport of cattle and cattle fairs in the District. Around six check posts have been set up at the border areas to prevent the transportation of the cattle.
According to the experts, the disease is primarily spreading from mosquito bite from one infected cattle to another cattle.
The officials have been advising the farmers to ensure that the cattle do not get infected by mosquitoes, mainly during the evening.
They have suggested the farmers use fogging to get rid of the cattle or keep the cattle under the net. Ashok Gonasagi, Deputy Director Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has said that the officials have already started a vaccination programme in the district to prevent the spreading of virus and save the cattle.
