Prayagraj: Amid concerns over the possible spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) during the monsoon season, Uttar Pradesh govt has intensified preventive measures, including a temporary ban on animal fairs, restrictions on interstate cattle movement and a statewide vaccination campaign. As part of the exercise, 48,000 doses of LSD vaccine have been supplied to Prayagraj. The move comes after suspected cases of the disease surfaced in Jhansi, where blood samples from affected cattle have been sent for laboratory testing following the death of one bovine. Even though no case has been confirmed in Prayagraj so far, the animal husbandry department has been placed on alert. Chief veterinary officer Dr S N Yadav said surveillance has been strengthened, particularly in areas bordering Madhya Pradesh. “Prayagraj shares a border with Madhya Pradesh and villages along the border are under close watch. Necessary precautions and awareness measures are being taken,” he said. Officials have identified the Koraon area as particularly vulnerable. Survey teams have been deployed and ring vaccination is being carried out to create a protective buffer against any potential outbreak. The department has also begun vaccinating more than 23,000 cattle housed in shelters across the district. A total of 37 teams comprising 32 veterinarians and 292 support staff have been engaged in the drive, while mobile veterinary units are visiting villages to monitor livestock health. The district administration had launched a livestock vaccination campaign in July following the onset of the monsoon to protect animals against seasonal infectious diseases. Under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, around 7.36 lakh animals have been vaccinated against Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), officials said. The district also received 9.2 lakh doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, of which 5.38 lakh doses have already been administered. According to livestock census data, Prayagraj had a combined cattle and buffalo population of 13.77 lakh in 2020. The corresponding figure recorded in the 2021 census was 8.90 lakh.
