PESHAWAR: Lumpy skin disease has continued to spread among cattle in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leaving hundreds of animals infected and resulting in multiple deaths.
In Swabi district, the outbreak has persisted for around a month in Razar tehsil, particularly in Yar Hussain, Yaqoobi, Dobian and nearby villages. Hundreds of cattle have reportedly contracted the disease.
Deputy Commissioner Swabi Dr Tariqullah said the district has a cattle population of 268,699 and that the livestock department was conducting a vaccination drive to contain the outbreak.
He said 14,100 vaccine doses had been administered from July 7 to September 14, while 850 additional doses were currently in stock.
The deputy commissioner added that cattle owners had independently arranged vaccination for nearly 40,000 animals.
The situation has also raised concern in Upper South Waziristan, where three cows have died and dozens more have been infected in Kaniguram tehsil. Authorities are carrying out vaccination in the affected area.
Three cases have also been detected in Charsadda despite vaccination efforts.
Concerned cattle owners have urged the authorities to intensify vaccination in outbreak-hit areas and ensure timely treatment and veterinary assistance for infected animals.
