Lumpy skin disease outbreak in dist can reduce milk production

With over 900 cattle infected with Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and more cases emerging daily, Pune district is staring at a potential decline in milk supply.

- Vicky Pathare

Animal husbandry officials said that the spread of LSD ~ which affects cattle health ~ has been reported in 122 epicentres of the district, and can significantly reduce milk production. Pune district, with over 8.46 lakh cattle as per the 20th livestock Census, is a major contributor to milk production. An outbreak on a large scale could disturb both the rural economy and urban milk supply chains, officials said LSD is economically important for producers as it can cause a temporary reduction in milk production, impact fertility, damage hides, and result in the death of cattle in severe cases. Considering this, Pune dis-