House Panel Questions Government Data on Lumpy Disease in Cattle

Context: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing questions Union  Governments data on cattle affected and died due to Lumpy Disease.

Addressing Lumpy Disease: Urgent Measures Needed

• As per Union Animal Husbandry Ministry’s data :  1,85,841 cattle died, while 32,73,762 infected and 30,30,747 recovered.
• Data integrity: The panel recommended for the  proper compilation of data on the spread of infection and mortality of cattle from LSD to prevent under reporting of cases, 
• A national framework for compensation: Affected owners of livestock should be provided with compensation on the lines  of the State governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka. 
• A policy for disposal:  Government should frame a national policy for ‘recovery and carriage process’ for the disposal of carcasses and make it seamless through  an app or helpline.
• Vaccine for Lumpy Disease: The panel desired for obtaining  speedy regulatory approvals for commercial production of ‘Lumpi-ProVacInd’ vaccine.

About Lumpy Disease

• It is a Viral disease caused by Poxvirus, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito or tick.
• It was first identified in an outbreak in Zambia in 1929.  
• It can spread through saliva and nasal secretions
• It is not a Zoonotic disease,meaning it cannot affect humans.
• Treatment: It has no direct antiviral treatment, instead, the infected animals receive supportive care, which involves use of antibiotics.

Effect on cattle

• Reduced milk production
• Male sterility
• Pregnancy loss
• Weight loss

Continue Reading: Lumpy Skin Disease

News Source: The Hindu

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