Lumpy skin: Keshav Srushti hastens cattle vax drive
Volunteers create awareness among caretakers, 500 bovines receive jabs
In a much-needed and timely move, volunteers from the Uttan-based environmental organisation 'Keshav Srushti' are already on the fast-track mode to vaccinate cattle against the contagious lumpy skin disease in the twin-city. So far, a team of volunteers have vaccinated more than 500 cattle, including 246 in Keshav Srushti’s own cow shed since the drive was launched on September 11.
Although the number of cattle in Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s (MBMC) animal husbandry department registry is limited to around 500, including cows and buffaloes, in 29 small and big cow sheds; the actual count is nearly 1,000.
“Sensing the seriousness of the situation, our team of
volunteers accompanied by a veterinary doctor are reaching out to cow sheds and administering the vaccines to cattle free of cost. This apart from creating awareness amongst the caretakers about the disease and briefing them about precautionary measures like keeping cleanliness and ensuring fogging in animal sheds,” said Dr Sushil Agarwal of Keshav Srushti, who is monitoring the vaccination drive. On the other hand, Dr Vikram Niratle, who heads MBMC’s veterinary department, said, “So far, no cases of the disease have been reported from our area, however, we are on alert mode and following the guidelines issued by the
state government authorities.”
Thousands of infected cattle in various states have died due to the lumpy skin disease which is caused by a virus. Animals affected by this contagious ailment go down with fever and develop rashes on their skin which turn into wounds after some time.
O ur volunteers accompanied by a veterinary doctor are reaching out to cow sheds and administering the vaccines to cattle free of cost.
Dr Sushil Agarwal, Keshav Srushti
S
o far, no cases of the disease have been reported from our area, however, we are on alert mode.
Dr Vikram Niratle, MBMC