Bhubaneswar: With cases of cattle deaths surging due to lumpy skin disease (LSD) and raising serious concerns for the bovine population across states, Odisha government has stepped up measures to minimise the spread and impact of the viral disease. In a letter to the CDVOs of 14 districts on September 12, the Fisheries and ARD department stated proactive measures taken by the State government to control and contain the disease in the State. The officials were directed to enforce measures suggested in an advisory enclosed in the letter along with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) communicated by the Centre. The districts on alert are Balasore, Jharsuguda, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Nuapada, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Koraput and Malkangiri.

"You are requested to kindly act upon as per the measures suggested in the advisory and SOP and intimate all staff under your jurisdiction to remain in high alert and handle the situation effectively against LSD," the letter signed by Principal Secretary to Government (Fisheries and ARD department ) Arabinda Kumar Padhee read.

As outbreaks of the disease has been reported from  more than 20 states particularly the northern ones, the Odisha government has listed certain strategies which was enclosed with the letter. As preventive steps, the advisory directs identification of villages and blocks within 5 km radius of the State border, distribution of vaccines as and when need arises, restriction of inter-state animal movement, temporary suspension of live cattle trade, cattle fairs, vector-control measures, public awareness, sensitisation of vets, PRI members, etc, disinfection of animal sheds.

For containment measures (after occurence of the disease), the steps suggested are regular visits to the affected farms by field veterinarians and other staff, clinical surveillance, precautionary hygiene measures like wearing gloves and masks while treating the animals, collection and dispatch of samples as per government guidelines.

Similarly, the treatment protocol includes isolation of sick animals, use of broad spectrum of antibiotics, antihistamines, NSAIDs, liver extract, multi-vitamins, ivermectin if needed, use of lotions/ sprays with fly repellant properties, liquid diet, immuno boosters for one to two weeks, special care for recovered animals. Disposal of carcass mandates deep burial with salt and lime.

LSD was first reported in Odisha in 2019 and 24 districts were affected. The last case was reported in December that year.