Lumpy Skin Disease Can Be Prevented Through Biosecurity and Cleanliness Veterinary University

Ludhiana, September 10, 2026:- Lumpy Skin Disease, which affected cattle on a large scale in northern India in 2022, could once again pose a serious threat to dairy animals in the state. These views were shared by Dr. Jatinder Pal Singh Gill, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. Dr. Gill said that livestock farmers need to strengthen biosecurity and cleanliness measures on farms to prevent the disease.
Dr. Swaran Singh Randhawa, Dean, College of Veterinary Science, Ludhiana, said that the disease is an infectious disease caused by the Capripox virus and is spread through mosquitoes, biting flies and ticks, among others. The main symptoms of the disease include fever (106F), followed by the development of skin nodules (2-5 cm) all over the body. For some time, lesions may also occur in the mouth, throat and respiratory tract and may cause pneumonia, swelling of the limbs and other complications. It also leads to loss of appetite, drooling, watery eyes, nasal discharge and a severe reduction in milk production. Dr. Randhawa said that since it is an infectious disease, there is no direct treatment for it. However, an animal suffering from fever can be treated with commercially available antipyretics in consultation with a local veterinarian. If the fever persists or the animal shows signs of breathing through the nose, antibiotics may be required. Disease-control strategies should be strictly followed to prevent the spread of infection among nearby animals.
Dr. Sushma, Head, Department of Veterinary Medicine, advised caution regarding the movement or sale and purchase of animals during this period. It is also necessary to cooperate with the vaccination campaign being conducted by the Animal Husbandry Department against the disease and to vaccinate healthy animals. Dr. Sushma further stated that the disease is not zoonotic in nature and milk is safe for consumption after proper boiling/pasteurization.
It is also pertinent to mention that the university is organising a livestock fair on September 18-19, 2026, on the theme "Strengthen Biosecurity-Prevent Animal Diseases" to create awareness among livestock farmers about biosecurity measures.