Lumpy skin outbreak in Epukiro
An outbreak of lumpy skin disease among cattle has been confirmed in the Epukiro veterinary district in the Omaheke Region of Namibia.
According to acting veterinary officer Dr Johanner Shoopala, 73 cases have been reported in the Otjombinde constituency.
He said lumpy skin disease is a debilitating viral disease that is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, including flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
Affected cattle develop fever and eruptions of painful skin nodules that may cover the entire body and, in extreme cases, secondary infection aggravates the disease condition.
It is prevented by vaccination.
“It is also crucial to control biting flies and ticks,” Shoopala added.
Response
He said oil-based pour-on dips are preferable to provide lasting control.
In terms of the Animal Health Act, lumpy skin disease is a state-controlled disease, and wherever it occurs, it must be reported to the nearest state veterinarian.
Depending on the epidemiological situation of the affected area, local state veterinarians are empowered by law to implement control measures to safeguard the livestock industry.
These measures include quarantine, vaccination of all in-contact animals with recommended vaccines and treatment of all animals showing symptoms of lumpy skin disease.
“Therefore, the directorate is strongly advising farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against lumpy skin disease, control biting insects and report any suspected lumpy skin disease case to their nearest state veterinary services office as required by law," Shoopala noted.
Recently an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in the Nehale LyaMpingana constituency of the Oshikoto Region was reported, and cases have also been confirmed in the Okakarara constituency in the Otjozondjupa Region.
According to acting veterinary officer Dr Johanner Shoopala, 73 cases have been reported in the Otjombinde constituency.
He said lumpy skin disease is a debilitating viral disease that is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, including flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
Affected cattle develop fever and eruptions of painful skin nodules that may cover the entire body and, in extreme cases, secondary infection aggravates the disease condition.
It is prevented by vaccination.
“It is also crucial to control biting flies and ticks,” Shoopala added.
Response
He said oil-based pour-on dips are preferable to provide lasting control.
In terms of the Animal Health Act, lumpy skin disease is a state-controlled disease, and wherever it occurs, it must be reported to the nearest state veterinarian.
Depending on the epidemiological situation of the affected area, local state veterinarians are empowered by law to implement control measures to safeguard the livestock industry.
These measures include quarantine, vaccination of all in-contact animals with recommended vaccines and treatment of all animals showing symptoms of lumpy skin disease.
“Therefore, the directorate is strongly advising farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against lumpy skin disease, control biting insects and report any suspected lumpy skin disease case to their nearest state veterinary services office as required by law," Shoopala noted.
Recently an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in the Nehale LyaMpingana constituency of the Oshikoto Region was reported, and cases have also been confirmed in the Okakarara constituency in the Otjozondjupa Region.
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Namibian Sun
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