Staff Reporter
THE Agriculture Ministry’s Directorate of Veterinary Services has reported an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in the Otjituuo and Okamatapati areas of the Okakarara State Veterinary District, affecting a total of eight cattle from various villages.
“Lumpy Skin Disease is a vector-borne, infectious, occasionally fatal disease of cattle characterised by nodules on the skin and other parts of the body, and is normally transmitted by insect bites,” explained Dr Johannes Shoopala, the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer.
Dr Shoopala therefore advised farmers to vaccinate their healthy cattle and to control vectors. He also explained that cattle showing clinical signs will receive vitamins, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infection.
Furthermore, he clarified that, to safeguard the meat industry and protect the interests of trading partners, the Directorate has instituted controlled movements of cattle in affected villages.
Dr Shoopala elaborated that this means cattle moving from affected villages are allowed under the condition that they show no clinical signs and are vaccinated at least 21 days before such movement. Additionally, he disclosed that cattle moving into affected villages must also be vaccinated at least 21 days before entering.
He further specified that these measures exclude animals destined for direct slaughter, specifically clinically healthy cattle.
“The Directorate is further requesting the full cooperation from farmers during this time to ensure the shortest possible delay to normalization of farming in the area. For enquiries, kindly contact Okakarara State Veterinarian, at Telephone 067317901,” Dr. Shoopala advised.
