Veterinary Teams Mobilize in Doda to Contain Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak
Doda district’s veterinary department has launched an aggressive field operation to stem the tide of Lumpy Skin Disease, which has impacted more than 300 bovines over the last quarter. The initiative focuses on mass vaccination, community education and rapid treatment delivery.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Irfan Ali Wani confirmed the numbers and stressed that the disease is under control thanks to coordinated efforts. “Farmers should remain calm; we have the resources and expertise to manage the situation,” he said.
Teams equipped with cold‑chain‑maintained vaccines set out for the remote villages of Bagor on Friday. They performed on‑site examinations, administered inoculations and handed out brochures on hygiene practices for animal housing.
A resident farmer recounted how the news of the outbreak initially caused great distress, as livestock represent the sole source of income for many families. He praised the prompt arrival of the veterinary crew, who vaccinated his herd and advised him on keeping the animal shelters clean to minimise further infection.
Another herder shared that the continuous presence of doctors in each village has alleviated the fear of losing cattle, and he believes that regular immunisation will prevent recurrence of the disease.
The LSD virus spreads through direct contact and through insect vectors, primarily mosquitoes and flies, which can transfer the pathogen from an infected to a healthy animal. The outbreak mirrors similar patterns reported across northern India.
The department has deployed multiple field units that perform two critical functions: spreading awareness among livestock owners and providing immediate therapeutic intervention. The recommended treatment course lasts four to five days, with emphasis on maintaining the animal’s appetite and administering the full course of drugs. Most medicines are stocked locally, while a few affordable options costing between 100 and 200 rupees are ordered as needed.
Dr. Wani noted that the case‑fatality rate is modest, around one to two percent, and that the situation remains under surveillance. False rumors of animal deaths have surfaced, but verification attempts have often failed due to lack of concrete evidence. Despite the challenging terrain and limited manpower, the veterinary staff continue to reach every affected settlement, reporting that the majority of animals recover when treated promptly.