LSD virus panic grips Sunamganj cattle farmers
More than 50 cattle infected by lumpy skin disease (LSD) have died in the last couple of weeks, triggering panic among farmers in Sunamgnaj's Derai and Shalla upazilas.
District livestock office sources said LSD first hit the haor area last year. The disease originated in India a few months ago. The disease has spread to Bangladesh since the cattle are entering Bangladesh through the Indian border. So far 8055 cattle have been infected by LSD in Sunamganj.
LSD is caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae, also known as Neethling virus. Insects like mosquito carry the virus when they bite an infected animal, officials said.
Chan Mia, a farmer of Ujangaon village in Shalla upazila, said their cattle died in the last two weeks, but any officials of the district livestock office are yet to have inquiry into the matter.
Chan Mia's neighbour Gafur Mia said his cow died three days ago.
He further said a sore appeared between two legs of the cattle. Another sore also appear on the tongue. Later, the cow died.
Several farmers, including Babul Mia and Siraj Mia of the same village, came across almost the same experience.
Amarchan Das, a farmer of Peruya village, said "Cows have died of tuberculosis at different times in our haor area but in the past, I have never seen such a disease. One of my cows died on February 13. A deep sore appeared in the cow's chest."
Moina Mia, a veterinary doctor of Shyamachar Market area, said he has never seen this disease in the area.
He further said every day, farmers are bringing cattle infected by the disease. A number of cows are recovering after treatment. But around 50 cattle died in different areas in the last two weeks.
District Livestock Officer Dr Md Habibur Rahman Khan said LSD virus was first detected in Sunamganj in October last year.
He also said many cows have been infected by the disease. Vaccines have been given to 700 cows till now.
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