Mananthavady (Wayanad): The Department of Animal Husbandry has started vaccination against the lumpy skin disease spreading among cattle. The vaccination was initiated in Vellamunda, Thavinhal and Edavaka panchayats where the viral disease was confirmed.
The authorities stated that vaccination will start in Mananthavady, Thirunelli and Kalpetta. As part of the process, ring vaccination method is followed within 5 kilometre area around the place where the disease was reported. 3000 dose of vaccine was delivered from Tamil Nadu.
The heifers aged less than 4 months and heavily pregnant cows are exempted from vaccination. The infected cows develop lumps on their skin which later turn into wound. The disease spreads to other cows easily through flies and mosquitoes.
The disease will spread faster by transporting the infected cows to other places. Vaccination and keeping the cow shed clean and hygiene is the solution to this disease. The Department of Animal Husbandry assume that the disease was reported in Wayanad through the cattle brought from other districts.
The disease was reported in Varadoor and Ambalavayal. About 170 cows in 10 panchayats are infected with lumpy skin disease so far. Cattle farmers are directed to inform the Department of Animal Husbandry as soon as the disease is detected.
