Nuwara Eliya farmers selling LSD infected cattle to abattoirs

• Necessary vaccine is currently unavailable

By Ranjith Rajapaksa

With the outbreak of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among cattle in the Nuwara Eliya District, there is a growing tendency among dairy farmers to sell off their affected livestock.    

• Outbreak has led to the death of many milch cows, resulting in a sharp decline in milk output

Dr. Suresh Kumara, the Government Veterinary Surgeon in charge of the Kotagala-Talawakele division, reported that the district contributes 12 percent of the Central Province’s milk production.   
The outbreak has led to the death of many milch cows, resulting in a sharp decline in milk output. In response to the outbreak, affected dairy farmers have begun selling their LSD-infected cattle to slaughterhouses.   

Dr. Kumara emphasized the need for vaccination to control the disease but noted that the necessary vaccine is currently unavailable.