Farmers Lose 443 Cattle to Lumpy Skin Disease … 1,564 clinical cases reported as the disease spread to eight regions

 

By: Annakleta Haikera and Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus

 

Namibian Farmers have lost 443 cattle due to Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) to date, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has revealed.

The disease, which was first reported in Otjozondjupa in June last year, has now spread to eight regions, undoing livestock farmers’ recovery from the prolonged drought.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Johannes Shoopala, says 1,564 cases of cattle with LSD have been reported, leading to the tightening of controlling measures against the highly contagious disease.

Shoopala highlighted that the DVS has successfully vaccinated 17,671 cattle in the Otjombinde Constituency under Epukiro State Veterinary District, while 11,066 cattle were vaccinated in Okakarara, Otjituu, Okondjata, and Okamatapati under the Okakarara State Veterinary district.