Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launches indigenous vaccine for lumpy skin disease
On August 10, 2022, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has launched the indigenous vaccine ' Lumpi-ProVac' (Lumpi-Pro Vac Ind/Lumpi- ProVacInd) to protect livestock from skin diseases. This vaccine has been developed by the National Horse Research Center in Hisar, Haryana. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izz Tangar, Bareilly, has collaborated in this research.
On this occasion, the Agriculture Minister has described this vaccine as a milestone in the eradication of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). In this research, scientists have developed 100% effective vaccine following all the standards. This vaccine will be effective in getting rid of LSD.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
LSD is caused by infection with the poxvirus lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) of cattle or buffalo. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), LSD has a mortality rate of less than 10%. The disease was first observed as an epidemic in Zambia in the year 1929. It was initially thought to be a susceptible result of poison or insect bites.
LSD is mainly transmitted to animals through the bites of mosquitoes and flies, and the bites of insects (vectors). Symptoms of infection mainly include fever, discharge of fluid from the eyes and nose, dripping of saliva from the mouth, blisters on the body. The animal suffering from this disease stops eating fodder because it has problems during feeding or chewing, resulting in decrease in milk production.