173 cases of lumpy virus found among cattle in Delhi: Rai
After 173 cases of lumpy virus have been found among cattle in Delhi, the Delhi government said it has taken a few steps to curb the spread of the virus.
Mobile veterinary clinics, a special isolation ward, and a 24×7 emergency helpline number have been put into place to combat the infection, said Development Minister Gopal Rai, who also chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness and implementation of measures in view of the current situation.
Rai said: “We are constantly monitoring the Lumpy Virus situation in Delhi. So far everything is under control. Two mobile veterinary clinics are being sent to affected areas. The Delhi government has launched a 24×7 helpline for Lumpy Virus, people can contact on 8287848586 for treatment of infected cattle. The Delhi government has formed 11 Rapid Response Teams for the treatment of infected cattle. Four teams have been formed to run a Jan Jagriti Abhiyan and raise awareness among farmers and cattle herders.
“So far 173 cases of lumpy virus have been recorded; there’s no need to panic, lumpy virus has no effect on humans. We are also starting a special isolation ward in Rewla-Khanpur to treat the infected animals.”
Rai said: “Lumpy virus is spreading rapidly in the cattle of all the neighboring states of Delhi like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. In the past few days, symptoms similar to infection of lumpy virus have been found in cattle of Delhi. 45 cases in Goyla Dairy area, 40 cases in Rewla-Khanpur area, 21 cases in Ghoomanheda area, 16 cases in Najafgarh and 1-1 cases in several villages have been identified. So far, the total number of cases of identification of lumpy virus in Delhi is 173. The southern and western part of Delhi has been affected by lumpy virus.”
He said: “Those cattle who get infected from the lumpy virus have shown symptoms like high fever, watery eyes and running nose. Apart from them, their entire skin gets covered with spots. They drool excessively. There is a massive drop in milk production and the weight of the cattle. Lumpy virus does not merely spread from touching. The carriers of this disease are mosquitoes, flies or any other organism which sucks blood and then transmits it to other cattle. Many people are fearing that this disease can also spread to humans. We need to take precautions but the experts have said that the lumpy virus has not caused any problems to humans so far.”
Rai said: “We have observed at several places that stray cattle have been infected from lumpy virus. If you come across any such stray animal, you can also contact this emergency helpline. If a caretaker does not have enough space to isolate their infected cattle, they can also make a call on this number. We are building a special isolation ward in the Rewla-Khanpur area to treat the infected animals. We are starting ‘Jan Jagriti Abhiyan’ to give the know-how to the farmers. Mainly, there are 9 pointers in this know-how.
“Firstly, ensure cleanliness and hygiene around the cattle to avoid mosquitoes and flies around them. Secondly, ensure that infected cattle should not move inside or outside the cow shelter. Thirdly, the caretakers should keep their hands sanitised.
“Fourthly, use disinfectants or phenyl regularly to kill mosquitoes and flies. Fifth, keep the infected cattle in Isolation and give them nutritious food. Sixth, in case of death of infected cattle, bury them in the ground with salt and choona after digging the land. Seventh, contact the emergency helpline in case your cattle is ill. Eighth, do not treat your cattle on your own or on someone else’s advice. And ninth, take proper prescription from the doctor for the treatment of your cattle.”
Precautionary measures to avoid Lumpy Virus
- Ensure cleanliness and hygiene around the cattle to avoid mosquitoes and flies around them.
- Ensure that infected cattle should not move inside or outside the cow shelter.
- Caretakers/cattle herders should keep their hands sanitised.
- Use disinfectants or phenyl regularly to kill mosquitoes and flies.
- Keep the infected cattle in isolation and give them nutritious food.
- In case of death of infected cattle, bury them in the ground with salt and choona after digging the land.
- Contact the emergency helpline 8287848586 in case your cattle is ill.
- Do not treat your cattle on your own or on someone else’s advice, seek medical help.
- Take a proper prescription from the doctor for the treatment of your cattle.
