A lumpy skin disease virus affected cow from Chandpur village in the Motherganj upazila of Jamalpur district. PHOTO: TDM
An alarming outbreak of Lumpyskin disease has left cow owners and farmers in distress in the Motherganj upazila of Jamalpur. Reports indicate that approximately 10,000 cows have been affected by the disease, leading to the death of over two hundred cattle.
The situation is rapidly evolving, with new cases emerging every day, giving rise to fears of an epidemic. The disease has reportedly spread across every village in the seven unions of the upazila, including the municipal area of Motherganj.
Sihab Hossain, the son of farmer Noor Hossain from Chandpur village in Madarganj town area, shared his concerns about the outbreak. He stated that one of their cows developed a large lump resembling a spring on its body a few days ago. Regrettably, they were unable to seek timely treatment, and the cow's health continues to deteriorate, causing distress for the family and their livestock.
Billal Hossain, another cow owner from Elka, expressed the collective fear among the local cow owners as the disease rapidly spread during the onset of the flood. The illness manifests with sudden skin abnormalities, leading to the formation of prominent lumps and subsequent hair loss and wounds, which have proven fatal for many cows.
Abdul Hamid Sarkar, the Director of Motherganj Swadesh Farm and Vice President of Mymensingh Divisional Dairy Farmers Association, said that around 10,000 cows have fallen victim to Lumpy skin disease in the Motherganj upazila, resulting in the death of 200 cows so far. The lack of action from the Upazila Animal Resources Office has further compounded the issue. Additionally, there is no official vaccine available for the disease, and the cost of acquiring it from the market deters many individuals from opting for vaccination.
Dr. Rizvi Ahmed, an animal resource worker from Motherganj Upazila, clarified that Lumpyskin disease, caused by a virus, is not usually fatal but can lead to fever and discomfort in affected animals. The transmission of the disease occurs primarily through mosquitoes, and Dr. Ahmed emphasised the importance of isolating infected animals. While official vaccination for Lumpy skin disease is not yet available, certain vaccines in the market can prevent the disease, though their high cost poses challenges for widespread usage.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and efforts are being made to contain the spread of the disease. However, the lack of an official vaccine and the financial constraints faced by cow owners in obtaining preventive measures pose significant hurdles in curbing the outbreak.
The affected communities are appealing for prompt intervention from concerned authorities to alleviate their distress and protect their livestock from further harm.
As the Lumpy skin disease outbreak continues to pose a threat to cattle in Motherganj upazila, stakeholders are urging for urgent support and resources to combat the disease and prevent further losses in the region.
TDM/SD
