Lumpy skin disease scares Magura cattle owners

MAGURA, Sept 23: Lumpy skin disease has raised concern among the cattle owners of the district.

During a visit to different villages including Shibrampur, Batikadanga, Alidhani, Narihati and Kadirabad, this correspondent found many cattlehead have been suffering from the disease.

Magura district livestock office sources said about 30,000 cattle in the district have already been attacked with lumpy skin disease. Around 20 cattle have already died.

The disease lumpy skin is similar to anthrax .After getting this disease initially different limbs of the cattle including skin get swelled. Then injury takes place in the swelled parts. Finally temperature in cattle body jumps abnormally even to 100 to 106 degree Celsius.

Romen Shikder of Shibrampur village under Magura Sadar, said, "Last week I lost one of my cows as it was attacked with lumpy skin disease. In last Eid-ul-Azha market I did not sell the cattle though customers offered me Tk 60,000."

Alam Sheikh of Batikadanga village said, "Two of my cattlehead are suffering from lumpy skin disease. I am being compelled to spend Tk 3,000 to Tk 4,000 for the treatment."

Sources said lumpy skin disease has caused damage worth Tk 1.5 million. The Livestock department should take immediate steps in this connection before it turns into an epidemic form.

Magura veterinary department official Anwarul Karim admitted the incident of lumpy skin disease. "We are working hard to bring the situation under control", he added.

[email protected]