Placido Hilukilwa
THE Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has announced the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in the Onalusheshete area in Nehale lyaMpingana Constituency of the Oshikoto Region.
According to a notification issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, the disease was detected in November in one of the farming units at Onalusheshete.
A total of 24 clinical cases have been reported at the three crush pens in the area: Edhilankono, Kanepolo, and Petenena Post. Reports indicate that eight animals showing clinical signs have died so far.
According to the Directorate, Lumpy Skin Disease is a vector-borne and occasionally fatal viral disease of cattle characterized by nodules/lumps on the skin and other parts of the body. It is normally transmitted through insect bites.
The Ministry is advising farmers to vaccinate their healthy cattle and control vectors/insects. Supportive treatment may be given to cattle showing clinical signs by administering vitamins, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs to control secondary bacterial infections as prescribed by State veterinarians.
To prevent the further spread of the disease and to ensure the marketing of cattle in the area, in line with the Animal Health Act, Act I of 2011, the Directorate has instituted the following control measures:
- Cattle movement from affected farming units/villages is allowed on the condition that the cattle are not showing clinical signs of the disease and are vaccinated at least 21 days before such movement is effected.
- Cattle moving into the affected farming units/villages must be vaccinated at least 21 days before such movement.
- The above measures exclude animals destined for direct slaughter if clinically healthy.
The Directorate is requesting full cooperation from farmers during this time to ensure that farming in the affected areas returns to normal in the shortest possible time.
