In a move to further curb the spread of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Eiseb, Chief Veterinarian Officer Albertina Musilika-Shilongo announced the suspension of cattle movement and cattle gatherings in Eiseb until further notice.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services recently discovered an outbreak of the Disease in Eiseb, Otjombinde district, Omaheke Region.
The disease was first discovered on February 12 in Otjiuapehuri village, and a total of 31 cattle from ten separate homesteads have been affected, according to Shilongo.
LSD is a viral disease of cattle that is spread by biting insects and is characterised by lumps on the skin and other parts of the body. It is a notifiable disease by law and is a disease of economic importance.
“Farmers in Eiseb are urged to vaccinate all cattle above six months of age against lumpy skin disease and to control biting insects, such as mosquitoes and farmers should report all suspected cases to the local veterinary office,” she added.
However, Shilongo said that the Agriculture Directorate will allow controlled cattle movement from and into Eiseb, if proof of vaccination is presented to the Epukiro state veterinarian before such a movement is authorized, 21 days post-vaccination.
These disease control measures will be reviewed once the extent of the outbreak is determined, she said.
