Leribe, Jan. 14 — The Community Councilor of Khanyane has advised the community members to go for medical checkups after consuming a dead cow killed by Lumpy Skin Disease.
Speaking at the public gathering held at Khanyane Moreneng yesterday, Mr. Lechamo Setlojoane said it is best that the community members go for medical checkup as the effects might be visible after a period of time.
He reminded that the communities are not supposed to eat an animal which died due to disease.
Setlojoane said more than nine cases of Lumpy Skin Disease have been reported by residents.
Talking about the symptoms, he said the cattle experience swollen legs and mouths, with the disease transmitted by flies and mosquitoes.
He appealed to herdboys or farmers to avoid mixing the cattle and let them drink at rivers not in dams.
In conclusion, he urged the cattle owners to come together and contribute in buying medication to fight against the disease.
Speaking at the same event Chief Malefetsane Moliboea of Khanyane indicated having communicated the matter to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Security for assistance.
He noted Lumpy Skin Disease cases are mounting in different areas of the district hence the cases are reported on time.
Moliboea said the community should refrain from eating the dead cattle as the disease might be transmittable to human beings.
In an interview with the agency District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Owen Kakono said Lumpy Skin Disease cases are increasing in the district.
He indicated that the first cases emerged from villages within the borderline but with time also villages afar reported.
Apart from Khanyane, he mentioned Mathokoane, Matlakeng, Peka, Lisemeng I and Linots’ing amongst the affected areas as they reported to his office.
He appealed to the cattle owners to report to his office for assistance.
Dr. Owen Kakono reminded that due to the hot season the disease has been detected in the Republic of South Africa and it is a transmittable deadly disease in cattle.
“The Lesotho farmers have to vaccinate their cattle against it,”he stated.
Dr. Kakono elaborated that the disease is easily transmitted by biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes from one cattle to another.
Referring to trade, he said the reason for the call out is that lumpy skin disease leads to major economic loss, significant losses due to decreased milk production and reduced fertility.
” It does not affect humans,” he stated.
The District Veterinary Officer said the symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease include fever, painful skin nodules, swollen lymph nodes and potentially severe illness or death.
Control of Lumpy Skin Disease involves vaccination, insect control, movement restrictions and culling.
Meanwhile, one community member who opted for anonymity said her cattle were treated for Lumpy Skin Disease after assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture through the District Veterinary Officer.
Ends/KC/tl
