By Staff Reporter, MAZABUKA
Mazabuka district veterinary officer Doctor Nawa Mabuku
has described the breakout of lumpy skin disease in the
Mazabuka district as serious.
Dr Mabuku told says more than 15 deaths have been
recorded so far since the breakout of the disease last week.
He says the Mwanachingwala Chiefdom is more affected
compared to Hanjalika chiefdom as many cases have been
recorded from the plains.
“The disease is very serious as it has claimed more than 15
deaths within a few days since it broke out” he says.
Dr Mabuku says his office is still compelling a report on the
breakout of the disease but was quick.
He says farmers should take the issue serious because it is a
disease of economic importance hence the need for farmers
to report any case of lumpy skin.
Dr Mabuku says the disease makes rapid deterioration in a
health condition and sometimes severe emaciation.
“We are appealing to our farmers to report any suspected
cases of lumpy skin disease to the vet offices as soon as they
notice skin lesions on their cattle,” he says.
He explains that Lumpy skin disease is an acute disease of
cattle of all ages hence the need for farmers to monitor their
cattle.
Lumpy skin disease was first described in Zambia in 1929.
Initially, it was considered to be the result either of
poisoning or a hypersensitivity to insect bites.
Between 1943 and 1945, cases occurred in Botswana,
Zimbabwe and the Republic of South Africa and the disease
has more than 40 percent mortality rate.
No comments:
Post a Comment