Pune Records 906 Cases Of Lumpy Skin Disease; District Collector Orders Aggressive Control Measures

Pune district has reported as many as 906 cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cattle. A team of the health department's disease investigation branch visited the affected areas to collect test samples.

District Collector Jitendra Dudi has directed officials to intensify vaccination and prevention measures. He also chaired a review meeting with the Animal Husbandry department.

As per the information received, around 906 cattle in Pune district have been affected by LSD. Of these, 591 have recovered after medical treatment, while 15 have succumbed to the disease. Around 300 animals are currently undergoing treatment, with the number of infected cases rising daily. The highest number of cases has been reported in Shirur, Ambegaon and Junnar talukas. In response, the Collector has ordered vaccination drives within a five-kilometre radius of infection hotspots.

Dudi has emphasised the urgent need to contain the virus through coordinated and swift action. Currently, the department is going through a shortage of manpower in certain areas, to which Dudi instructed that additional personnel from within the district or neighbouring talukas would be deployed.

He also stressed the importance of prompt treatment of affected animals, cleanliness of cattle sheds, biosecurity measures and the spraying of disinfectants to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Though the current outbreak appears mild, most animals are recovering with treatment. Adequate supplies of medicines are available in all government veterinary centres,” said Dudi.

Under the Chief Minister’s Animal Health Scheme and a centrally sponsored scheme, six mobile veterinary teams are reaching out to farmers for treatment at their doorsteps. Farmers have been urged to report LSD cases by contacting the toll-free helpline 1962 for immediate veterinary assistance.

Deputy Commissioner for Animal Husbandry Dr Ankush Parihar said, "As per Central Government guidelines, Goat Pox vaccine (Uttarkashi strain) is being administered as a preventive measure to all bovine animals within a 5-kilometre radius of infected villages. According to the 20th livestock census, Pune district has 8,46,745 bovines. In the current financial year 2025-26, 5,80,600 doses have been distributed, and 5,70,791 animals have been vaccinated so far. Fresh doses are being procured based on demand from individual talukas."