LSD spread: CM stops cattle fairs

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reviewed the status of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle and ordered suspension of all cattle fairs till the situation returns to normal. A special vaccination drive will also be carried out.
Sources in the state government said that the CM would be closely monitoring such cases from now on and was likely to take a review of such cases in the near future.
Yogi said since several cattle had died due to the virus in other states, UP would have to work in mission mode to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Interstate transport of cattle should be stopped immediately till further notice. Those of rear cattle should be informed about the symptoms and treatment for this virus. Unnecessary entry of people in cow shelters should also be stopped immediately,” Yogi said.
A special drive will be started to vaccinate cattle against the lumpy virus. To ensure availability of the vaccine, the department of animal husbandry has been asked to coordinate with the Centre. Since the virus is spread through flies and mosquitoes, the departments of rural and urban development, and animal husbandry should work together to ensure proper sanitation in urban and rural areas. If any infected cattle die, it should be cremated as per the medical protocol.
Additional chief secretary, animal husbandry and dairy development, Rajneesh Dubey said orders have been issued to set up dedicated vet centres in affected districts. A 24X7 control room has been set up at animal husbandry directorate which can be reached by dairy and livestock owners through dedicated phone lines 18001805141 and 7880776657. “Around 15 districts have reported instances of the LSD,” he said, adding that instances are higher in western UP region. Government is making efforts to restrict movement of cattle and cows from Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh into UP.