Udayavani Group, December 21, 2022, 10:10 AM IST
Bengaluru: The dreaded bovine skin disease (LSD) is still not brought under control in the state. So far, more than 21,305 cattle have died due to the viral infection, raising concerns.
In 15,977 villages around 230 taluks of the state, 2,37,194 cows have been infected with LSD, of which 1.64 lakh have been cured. The rest are receiving medical treatment from the government.
Analyzing government district data, Udayavavani found that the pace of LSD vaccination is severely lacking in some districts due to severe staff shortages.
The Chief Minister has announced that 37 million will be released as compensation to the owners of the dead livestock. Its distribution is expected to start from Wednesday.
Officials said the grant has been released. A maximum of 20,000 per heifer, 30,000 for bulls and 5,000 per calf will be paid for the animals killed since August this year, which was paid directly into the owners’ bank account.
Highest reported deaths in Belagavi
Of the total cow deaths, 5,120 have been killed in Belagavi district alone. The disease was found in about 42,225 cows in 1,077 villages of the district. Also, about 7.42 lakh cattle have been grafted in this district.
Similarly, 2,322 deaths were reported in Haveri, 1,188 in Davangere, 2,878 in Ballari-Vijayanagar, 1,225 in Chitradurga and 1,093 in Bagalkot.
Fewer deaths in Dakshina Kannada-Udupin
Compared to the entire state, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have the lowest infection and death rates. Today, 1,226 infections and 32 deaths have been reported in Dakshina Kannada, while 798 cases and three livestock deaths have been reported from Udupi.
Gram Panchayats told him to take action
All the Gram Panchayats have been instructed to take urgent measures against the spread of the disease.
Along with vaccination, controlling the breeding of mosquitoes, insects and flies is very important for disease control, as LSD is spread by insect bites.
Therefore, it is suggested that all necessary measures including spraying of insecticides in open areas of villages, farmers’ livestock and surrounding areas to control flies, mosquitoes and biting insects at the panchayat level.
Slow insertion speed
Although the vaccine is effective in controlling the disease, it has only taken hold in some regions. In Ramanagara 89% of cows have been vaccinated. More than 7 lakh cows have been vaccinated in Belgaum. But in some places, due to staff shortages, there have been delays in meeting vaccination targets. Bidar, Shimoga, Gadag and Mysuru districts have severe shortage of veterinary staff for vaccination.