Ahmedabad: In the wake of an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in certain parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, that seems to be expanding to other parts of India, the government has advised using the Goat Pox vaccine in higher dosage to protect, prevent and reduce LSD mortality.

The goat pox vaccine, which should be administered in 3ml doses to cattle and buffaloes, is manufactured by Gujarat headquarter private firm Hester. The company also manufactures complementing therapies, such as the antibiotic CuRx Inj (Enrofloxacin + Ketoprofen) that help in combating LSD.

Hester today in a note announced that it has “adequate ready stocks of its Goat Pox vaccine as well as of its other complementing products.”

The company stated that it has also geared up for manufacturing of additional quantities of the Goat Pox vaccine for immunization and prevention of LSD, as well as its complementary products should there be an outbreak.

“In addition, Hester is also creating awareness amongst farmers and livestock owners by way of regular workshops and informational sessions recommending preventive and protective measures such as vaccination, infection control, insect control programs and biosecurity measures,” the Press release further said.

The company release said, ” Overall Hester is fully geared to meet the situation and to help protect the farmers and livestock owners from the impact of LSD.”

LSD is one of the most devastating diseases affecting cattle and buffaloes. It is a viral infection caused by the Capripox virus, which is closely related to the Goat Pox virus.

Animals affected by this disease show signs of high fever, superficial lymph nodes, skin ulcers or scars, emaciation and reduced milk production. The disease has a high fatality rate.

All of these have huge adverse economic implications for farmers and livestock owners, who are heavily dependent on these animals for their livelihoods.

DeshGujarat