Leribe, Dec. 25 — District Veterinary Officer Leribe says new cases of Lumpy Skin Disease identified in cattle are emerging in other areas far from the borderline.
In an interview with the agency, District Veterinary Officer Leribe said new cases are emerging as far as Mathokoane and Likhakeng hence the farmers report to his office for assistance.
Dr. Owen Kakono reminded that due to 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.
He said the farmers from Ts’ifalimali, Lisemeng, Peka and Matlakeng were the most reported in the beginning but now even cattle afar are in danger.
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.
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.
Ends/KC/ml
