Almost 25,000 cases of lumpy skin disease diagnosed in cattle in Sindh, humans not at risk

At least 750 cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported in various parts of Sindh in 24 hours, Sindh Livestock Secretary Tameezuddin Khero has said.

The number of infected cattle in the province has risen to 24,948, of which 8,491 are recovered and 16,295 are under-recovery, whereas 162 deaths have been reported.

Talking about the possibility of transmission of disease to humans, Tameezuddin said, “Humans are not at risk as meat and milk were safe for consumption.

“It is transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks.”

As per the provincial task force, as many as 156 animals have died due to the infectious disease of lumpy skin.

Most cases are reported from, Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Qamber Shahdadkot, Larkana, Dadu, Jamshoro, Thana Bula Khan, Kachho and Johi.

The disease had its origin in Africa. The livestock department has advised cattle owners to keep sick animals isolated from healthy ones and to use an anti-mosquito spray on a regular basis to prevent skin disease.