Niël Terblanché
In response to a recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the Otjituuo and Eiseb Block communal farming areas, the Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services has announced a state-funded vaccination campaign aimed at controlling the spread of the disease.
Dr. Johannes Shoopala, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer, made the announcement and called on all farmers in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions to present all healthy cattle aged six months and above for vaccination.
He reiterated the importance of farmer cooperation with veterinary officials during the vaccination campaigns to ensure swift control of the disease and a return to normal farming activities.
According to Dr. Shoopala, the respective state veterinary offices will announce the locations of the various vaccination points, and the farmers will receive the service at no cost.
Lumpy skin disease is a viral infection that is primarily spread through biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks and can also be transmitted via direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.
It predominantly affects cattle, causing fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and characteristic skin nodules, which can lead to severe economic losses for farmers due to reduced milk production, damaged hides, and in severe cases, abortion and sterility in affected animals.
Infected cattle typically develop nodules on their skin and mucous membranes, which can be painful and lead to secondary bacterial infections if not managed properly.
The disease has an incubation period of 4 to 4 days, and while the mortality rate is usually low, the morbidity rate can range from 5% to 50%.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for LSD. Management of the disease involves supportive care, including the use of antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, and excellent nursing practices.
Vaccination with attenuated virus vaccines is the most effective method of controlling and preventing disease spread.
The Namibian Directorate of Veterinary Services urged farmers to adhere to the control measures stipulated in previous Veterinary Public Notifications and to fully cooperate with the ongoing vaccination efforts.
For further information, farmers can contact the Okakarara State Veterinarian at 067 317904 or the Epukiro State Veterinarian at 062 567 283.
