In response to growing concerns over the resurgence of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Dharwad, the Animal Husbandry Department has ramped up its vaccination campaign. The department’s target is to vaccinate 50,000 cattle within a year, with 40,000 vaccinations already completed across the district. LSD, a viral disease affecting cattle, has been a source of major concern, particularly after reports of fresh outbreaks in the region.
The vaccination initiative is being carried out in a systematic manner, with veterinary teams visiting villages and farms to ensure comprehensive coverage. Specialized mobile vaccination units are being deployed to reach remote and hard-to-access areas, while designated vaccination centers have been set up for easy access. The department is prioritizing dairy farms and areas where LSD cases were previously reported.
LSD has caused significant damage in the past, particularly during its peak in March 2023, when 925 cattle deaths were reported in Dharwad. This has further emphasized the importance of timely vaccination. Dr. Ravi Saligoudar, the Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department in Dharwad, stated that the department is well-prepared for such outbreaks, with adequate vaccine supplies available and a team of trained staff to carry out the drive.
Awareness efforts are also a crucial component of the vaccination campaign. Farmers are being educated about the disease’s symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of vaccination in controlling its spread. Farmers are encouraged to report any signs of infection promptly so that affected animals can be isolated to prevent further contamination.
In addition to the vaccination program, the department has implemented preventive measures that include closely monitoring cattle health, ensuring proper hygiene in cattle sheds, and isolating animals showing symptoms. This proactive approach aims to reduce the spread of the disease and minimize its impact on local livestock.
The department has already submitted a requisition for an additional 50,000 vaccines to meet the rising demand. Dr. Saligoudar emphasized that while the initial vaccination drive is well underway, maintaining a steady supply of vaccines is critical to ensuring continued protection for the district’s cattle population. He assured the public that follow-ups would be conducted regularly to monitor the health of vaccinated cattle and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the campaign.
The department’s focus on maintaining a robust vaccination program and providing sufficient resources to combat LSD reflects the urgency of controlling this animal health crisis. The cooperative efforts of veterinary staff, local farmers, and the department are critical to managing the outbreak and preventing further cattle deaths.
With these efforts, the Animal Husbandry Department is determined to safeguard the livestock in Dharwad, ensuring the protection of farmers’ livelihoods and the continued health of the district’s cattle population.
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