Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has begun spreading across southern Punjab, with dozens of cases reported in Rahim Yar Khan district and nearby areas bordering Sindh and Balochistan. The latest outbreak comes as veterinary authorities struggle to supply vaccines, leaving livestock farmers to fend for themselves.
Villages most affected include Chak 196-1-L, Chak 93-1-L, Chak 251-1-L, Chak 159-7-R, Sheikh Bhatta Bagho, Bagho Bahar, Ahmadpur Lamma, Ranjha Khan, Kot Sabzal, Chowk Bahadurpur, Tib Chauhan, and Head Fareed, among others.
According to veterinary experts, lumpy skin disease causes painful skin nodules, fever, loss of appetite, and a severe decline in milk yield. The infected animals often show disfigured meat, making them unsuitable for sale or consumption.
The disease, first detected in Pakistan in 2022, entered the country through imported cattle and has since caused recurring losses to the livestock sector.
No Government Vaccines
Despite the alert issued by the Punjab Livestock Department, farmers report that no government-supplied vaccines have reached them. As a result, they are being forced to purchase expensive doses privately, further increasing their burden.
Outbreaks have also been reported in Pakpattan, Lodhran, and Khanewal, indicating that the virus may be moving northward. Just three months ago, Punjab faced another crisis when thousands of animals contracted foot-and-mouth disease.
Checkpoints Planned to Limit Spread
In response to the outbreak, the government has announced plans to establish inter-provincial checkpoints to prevent the cross-border movement of infected cattle from Sindh and Balochistan into Punjab. However, implementation on the ground remains limited and slow, according to local sources.
Livestock experts have called for immediate vaccine supply, enhanced surveillance, and awareness campaigns to prevent further spread and avoid a repeat of the 2022 crisis.
Quite threatening
Hi there