Lumpy virus threat looms in two HP districts

The Animal Husbandry Department in Himachal Pradesh has issued a warning in the Una and Hamirpur about a potential lumpy virus outbreak on Wednesday, following reports of an outbreak in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Uttarakhand.

The virus is found among cows and buffaloes and causes what is known as Lumpy skin disease, which is infectious. An infection causes knots on the bodies of cattle; as the condition worsens, it also causes rapid weight loss, fluid discharge from the mouth, high fever, and a reduced milk output as the condition worsens. Nearly 25,000 animals were affected by the virus in Hamirpur and Una last year and about 1,209 animals died in Una alone. The department has advised dairy farmers to get their animals vaccinated and to refrain from buying and selling animals from neighbouring states.