Wani Touseef
GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 3 (KNC): Panic has gripped livestock owners in parts of Shallabugh in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district following reports of a suspected outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), with residents claiming that more than 350 cattle have developed symptoms.
Residents have also claimed that around 20 cattle have died, though the reported death figure remains unverified and has not been independently confirmed.
Bilal Ahmad, a local resident, said over 350 cattle were reportedly affected in the area, raising concerns among livestock owners about the possible spread of the infection.
Residents said cattle had been vaccinated during an earlier disease outbreak but expressed concern over the recurrence of suspected cases. They urged authorities to intensify surveillance and preventive measures.
Following the reports, veterinary teams from the Animal Husbandry Department have been deployed to the affected areas to examine the animals and assess the situation.
Officials are expected to establish whether the illness is Lumpy Skin Disease, verify the number of affected cattle and ascertain the cause and number of reported deaths.
Further disease-control measures will be taken based on the findings of the veterinary teams, officials said.
Livestock owners have meanwhile sought prompt veterinary assistance and effective monitoring to prevent any further spread of the suspected infection.(KNC)
