Almost 26,000 livestock have died owing to the lumpy skin outbreak in Sudurpaschim Province, as per reports. The disease has spread to all nine districts of the province, and has affected an estimated 634,800 animals. Meanwhile, it has been reported that only 630 livestock have received vaccines against the disease.

According to Dr Hemraj Awasthi, Chief of Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Kailali, the largest number of fatalities has been recorded in Baitadi District, whereas Kanchanpur District has recorded the lowest number of fatalities.

“This year, the outbreak is more severe in the hilly districts”, he said, adding that “the outbreak has caused panic within farmers in the province”.

Meanwhile, livestock technicians have suggested farmers to isolate the infected cattle to prevent transmission.