By Yang Ater Yang
An outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has resulted in the deaths of at least 273 cattle in Lakes State over the last two months (August and September 2024).
The state’s Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism, Samuel Gai Magok, confirmed that a total of 5,024 cattle have been affected by the disease.
He noted that data collection and investigations have been conducted across all eight counties in Lakes State, revealing the extent of the outbreak.
As of now, he said 273 deaths have been recorded and 3,588 recoveries. Unfortunately, 1,480 cattle are still battling the illness.
To mitigate further spread, Magok urged livestock owners to implement preventive measures before assistance arrives.
“We recommend isolating sick animals, cleaning the environment, including cow yards, and minimizing random livestock migrations,” he advised.
“This disease is serious and devastating, killing many animals. We urge the national ministry and our partners to respond quickly with vaccines and treatments to help save the remaining cattle,” he stated.
James Majak Muorwel, a laboratory technician, disclosed that he has three infected cows and is struggling to treat them effectively.
“The specifics of the treatment for this disease are still unclear. We are focusing on raising awareness in the community,” he explained.
The outbreak is also affecting goats in the community.
Mayak Mabil, a Community Animal Health Worker in Rumbek Central County, reported that the locally known disease, “tuuntun,” is impacting a significant number of livestock.
“We are vaccinating more than 20 cows daily at our veterinary clinic, in addition to those vaccinated by their owners in the field,” he said.
Mabil highlighted that all surrounding cattle camps are facing similar challenges due to the outbreak.
“This disease is killing many cows and goats. Previously, the FAO and RRC provided us with necessary medicines, but we have not received assistance recently,” he lamented. “We have gone nearly three days without any vaccines for animals in Rumbek Central County.”
Many community members are now relying on private veterinary clinics in Rumbek Town to purchase medications, which are often insufficient.
“Those without money cannot afford treatment, leaving many animals vulnerable,” he added.
LSD is a disease of cattle characterized by fever, nodules on the skin, mucus membranes and internal organs, emaciation, enlarged lymph nodes, oedema of the skin and sometimes death.