Mysterious disease kills over 40 cattle in Burewala villages

Mysterious disease kills over 40 cattle in Burewala villages

BUREWALA: In the Burewala tehsil's various villages, a mysterious disease has killed more than forty cattle in the past two days. Farmers in Gaggo Mandi are suffering as a result of the outbreak's intensification, according to reports. The livestock owners claim that the disease remains unidentified, but affected animals collapse and die suddenly.  They insist it is not foot-and-mouth disease.

 In recent weeks, Burewala's villages in southern Punjab have been grappling with a severe outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a viral infection that has led to the death of over 40 cattle, with many more affected. This situation has caused significant distress among local farmers, who rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods.

Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

LSD is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle and water buffaloes. It is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as certain species of flies, mosquitoes, or ticks. The disease manifests through clinical signs like the appearance of circular, firm nodules on the animal's hide, leading to weight loss and reduced milk yield. While the mortality rate ranges from 1% to 5%, the economic impact on affected regions can be substantial. Notably, there is no evidence to suggest that LSD can be transmitted to humans.  The Livestock Department has been criticized by farmers for not providing vaccinations or taking preventative measures. However, the department has now taken action in response to the alarming circumstance. A team of livestock experts led by Deputy Director Dr Mohsin Bhatti visited the affected areas to assess the crisis and ensure timely treatment.

 Multiple farms were thoroughly inspected, and severe management flaws, exposure to toxic substances, symptoms of a clostridial infection, and symptoms of respiratory disease were discovered. To determine the exact cause, samples of blood, silage, fodder and feed have been collected for laboratory analysis.

Impact on Burewala's Farming Community

Farmers in Burewala, along with those in neighboring districts such as Vehari and Bahawalnagar, have reported widespread cases of LSD. In every household and farm in these villages, cattle have fallen ill, with dozens dying in recent weeks. The lack of access to qualified veterinary services has exacerbated the crisis, leaving farmers feeling helpless as their primary source of income is threatened.

  With input from the Vehari assistant disease investigation officer, emergency treatment has been initiated, and a special team has been deployed for continuous monitoring and preventive measures.  The authorities are closely tracking the situation to minimise further losses and implement effective disease control strategies.

Economic Ramifications

The outbreak has had a profound economic impact, especially with the approach of Eidul Azha, a period when the demand and prices for cattle typically rise.

 However, due to the spread of LSD, buyers are hesitant, leading to a significant drop in cattle prices. For instance, the price of a bull, usually ranging between Rs100,000 to Rs130,000, has plummeted to as low as Rs60,000 to Rs75,000. 

Response from Authorities

The response from the Livestock Department in southern Punjab has been criticized for its inadequacy. Farmers have highlighted the unavailability of treatment facilities and a lack of awareness campaigns as major contributors to the escalating crisis.

 While officials claim that vaccines have been supplied to the affected regions, the ground reality suggests that these measures are insufficient. Consequently, farmers are either compelled to purchase expensive imported vaccines from private markets or have no access to treatment at all. 

Broader Implications

The outbreak in Burewala is part of a larger pattern observed in various regions. For instance, in June 2022, a mysterious disease, later identified as LSD, affected livestock in Ghazi's Union Council Kotira Pikiban and nearby villages, leading to several cattle deaths. Similarly, in Bathinda,

 India, a mysterious disease killed 62 cattle heads in two villages in January 2024, causing panic among dairy farmers. citeturn0search4turn0search3

The Way Forward

To mitigate the impact of LSD and prevent future outbreaks, it is imperative for authorities to implement comprehensive vaccination programs, enhance surveillance, and provide timely veterinary support to affected regions. Educating farmers about preventive measures and early detection can also play a crucial role in controlling the spread of the disease. Addressing these challenges promptly is essential to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and ensure the health of livestock populations in the region.