NAGESHWARI, KURIGRAM, June 20: An outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, has spread across Nageshwari Upazila in Kurigram, killing several animals and leaving many others critically ill, causing growing concern among livestock owners.
Officials at the Upazila Livestock office said the disease typically appears between May and September, with infections peaking during May and June. Caused by the Capripox virus, the disease spreads through blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes, flies, ticks and mites, as well as through the saliva and wound discharge of infected animals, contaminated syringes, infected milk and human contact during animal handling.
After an incubation period of four to 14 days, infected cattle usually develop a high fever, excessive salivation, loss of appetite and raised nodules on the skin. Swelling between the legs is also common. As the disease progresses, the nodules may rupture, releasing pus and blood, and severely affected animals can eventually die.
A visit to different parts of the upazila found cattle infected with the disease in many households. As there is no specific antiviral treatment for lumpy skin disease, livestock owners have been providing supportive care under the advice of registered veterinarians or local animal health practitioners. This includes cleaning wounds several times a day with potassium permanganate solution, iodine or neem leaf extract, along with other symptomatic treatment and home-based care.
While some animals have recovered, many others have died despite treatment.
According to local residents, cattle deaths have already been reported in several unions, including Neowashi, Narayanpur and different parts of the municipal area. Farmers said the number of infected and dead animals has continued to rise.
Among those who lost cattle are Amjad Hossain, Ashraf Hossain, Khalil Mia, Shukur Ali and Hasen Ali of Musullipara in Neowashi Union; Abdul Alim and Zainal Abedin of Narayanpur Union; and Bipul Chandra, Mojibur Rahman, Abdul Hamid and Sajib Ahmed of the municipality, according to local accounts.
Several livestock owners, including Amjad Hossain, Hasen Ali and Zainal Abedin, alleged that they often fail to receive timely assistance from government veterinary doctors and are forced to rely on local animal health practitioners.
They said although some cattle survive with treatment, many do not recover fully. Even animals that survive often suffer long-term effects, including reduced milk and meat production, permanent skin damage, miscarriage and infertility.
Farmers said the recurring outbreaks have been causing significant financial losses and urged the livestock department to strengthen veterinary services and disease control measures.
Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Arifur Rahman said only two veterinary doctors are currently serving the entire upazila, making it difficult to provide field-level treatment and advice to all affected farmers.
"We are trying to provide treatment and guidance despite the manpower shortage," he said.
He also said the upazila is facing a shortage of vaccines, forcing many farmers to procure them from outside sources. Most animals are brought for treatment only after their condition has become critical, reducing the chances of recovery.
"With timely treatment and proper supportive care, cattle infected with lumpy skin disease can recover," he added.
