Staff Reporter, Gaibandha/

In remote areas of seven upazilas of Gaibandha, ‘Lumpy Skin Disease’ (LSD) virus has spread terribly in the body of cows. Thousands of cows have already been affected by this disease. Half a hundred cows have already died. Farmers and farmers are becoming disoriented as this infection is slowly increasing. The victims complained that despite the increase in the incidence of ‘lumpy skin disease’ in the district, there is no action by the local animal husbandry department.

Recently, it has been seen in various upazilas including Phulchari and Sadullapur upazilas of Gaibandhar, many cows are dying due to cow lumpy disease. Many are crying uncontrollably over the death of the cow, the only resource of the world. Some have panicked over infected cows.

According to the district livestock office, there are about 16 thousand cow farms in this district. Besides, most of the families are raising cows in general. 674 cows were infected with LSD virus in last one week. Among them 4 died. So far 1 thousand 650 cows have been vaccinated. Informed people said that this information about the number of infected and deaths is not correct.

Locally, it is known that more than hundred cows have been affected by LSD virus in Junidpur and Taraf Fazil villages of Rasulpur Union of Sadullapur Upazila. Among them, 8 cows and calves of Shafiqul, Rafiqul, Latif, Bari, Mahibul and Bablu died. And 5 cows died in Jamalpur Union. Apart from this, 11 more cows and calves have been reported dead in Phulchari upazila. In addition to the official count, locals believe that at least several thousand more cows have been infected and died in the district.

According to local veterinarians about the symptoms of this disease, first the affected cows have fever, pain and reluctance to eat. After that, saliva started flowing from the mouth along with swelling in different parts of the body. The skin of the cow is bruised in different parts of the body. This makes the cow weak. In addition, the disease is spread by mosquitoes and the virus spreads through the saliva, milk, eyes or nose water of infected cows. Which is cured if given treatment.

Affected farmer Shafiqul Islam said, I was rearing cows to bring back financial stability to the family. In the meantime one of my domestic rams and a calf have lumpy skin disease. Two cows died due to lack of treatment due to lack of advice from Animal Husbandry Department. It has caused a loss of about lakhs of rupees. Now I have no choice but to sit on my way.

Another farmer. Tara Sheikh said that two of his cows have been infected with the LSD virus. Even after informing the government veterinary doctors, he did not come to see the affected cow. Forced to take treatment from the village doctor. He is suffering from extreme anxiety in this regard.

Anwar Hossain and Tota Mia, small farmers of Udakhali, said that one of their foreign breed rams and calves died. They are extremely worried about this.

Anshar Ali Mondal, chairman of Fazlupur Union Parishad (UP) of Phulchhari, said that Lumpy Skin Disease has appeared everywhere in the Char Beshit Union. Many infected cows are dying because farmers do not have proper knowledge about the treatment of this disease.

Sadullapur Upazila Livestock Office Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Abdullahel Kafi said, efforts are being made to combat LSD virus infection. Leaflet distribution continues to increase awareness. Along with this, medical services are being provided to increase the immunity of cows. Apart from this, there is also a plan to hold courtyard meetings with farmers.

In this regard, Dr. Gaibandha District Livestock Officer. When contacted on Masudur Rahman’s mobile phone, he hung up without giving any comment.