<div style="text-align: justify; "><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Hundreds of cattle in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet district have contracted lumpy skin disease — causing grave concern among farmers ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.</span><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some 300 cows infected with lumpy skin disease have died in the upazila; cattle farmers and those who rear cows at home are facing huge losses as a result.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sources said, the viral disease has been noticed in most cattle farms in the upazila. Cattle farmers are particularly worried considering the Eid-ul-Azha season, as they have been rearing the animals for the occasion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to the outbreak of the virus, no cattle market has been set up in the upazila.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cattle farmers worry over spread of lumpy skin disease</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The viral disease is being noticed in Laxmiprashad West, Laxmiprashad East, Dighirpar East, Satbak and the municipality area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The veterinarians in the Upazila Livestock Hospital are struggling to provide medical treatment to the cattle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Talking to owners and farmers of different cattle farms, UNB’s Sylhet correspondent learnt that lumpy skin disease had spread in the area two and a half months ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At first, small lumps were seen on the cows and later the lumps were swollen. At one stage, reddish holes appeared on the cows’ skin, the farmers described.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The infected cows cannot be fed properly as their throats also swell up, they added.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most of the infected cows die due to gradual weakening.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a highly contagious virus, but the affected cattle can be cured after a few months of proper treatment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Workshop discusses measures to prevent lumpy skin disease</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Nabanita Sarkar Tonni, in-charge of Kanaighat Upazila Livestock Hospital, said most of the cattle in the locality are being infected with the virus and there is no vaccine and medicine for its treatment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The authorities concerned of the hospital have already circulated leaflets and made announcements about the outbreak of lumpy skin disease. A meeting has also been arranged in each union with farmers and farm owners over the issue, she said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Despite manpower shortage, we are providing treatment to the infected cattle. It takes 3-4 months for the cows to be fully cured and the farmers have been asked to have patience,” she added.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lumpy skin disease causes concern for Faridpur cattle farmers</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr Nabanita also advised the farmers to keep their cows under nets, so that the virus is not spread to healthy animals.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Fisheries and Livestock Ministry suggested checking mosquito breeding in farm areas and using antipyretic, antibiotic and antihistamine from registered veterinarians to control the disease. UNB</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>