Lumpy Skin Disease outbreak reported in Ganderbal, Kashmir

A suspected outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has caused concern among livestock owners in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. Reports indicate that over 350 cattle in areas such as Shallabugh and the Sherpathri belt have shown symptoms, including high fever, skin nodules, and discharge from the eyes and nose.

Local residents have reported that approximately 20 animals have died due to the infection. The recurrence of the disease has led to anxiety regarding the effectiveness of previous vaccination efforts and the potential impact on the livelihoods of dairy farmers who depend on these animals for income.

In response, the Animal Husbandry Department has deployed specialized veterinary teams to the affected regions. These teams are tasked with verifying infection and mortality numbers, assessing the extent of the outbreak, and implementing containment measures such as isolation protocols and vector control.