Lumpy virus cases among cattle rise in Gujarat: 307 cases across 8 districts in July, 8 dead

Indian Express

a day ago

The Gujarat Animal Husbandry department has reported a surge in cases of the Lumpy virus among cattle in eight districts of Gujarat, with 307 infections and eight deaths recorded across 36 villages in July. The data comes from a survey that concluded on July 30. The highest number of cases was reported in Surendranagar (125), followed by Surat (54), which also recorded eight cattle deaths.
Following the outbreak, the department has initiated a widespread vaccination drive for cattle in the affected districts.
According to officials, the virus tends to resurface with the onset of the monsoon. This season, daily reports of four to five new cases are being received across district-level offices. In Surat district alone, two cattle deaths have occurred so far this monsoon.
Dr A V Kumbhani, investigating officer at the Surat office of the Animal Husbandry department, said, 'If a cattle is infected, they get a high fever, eat less, and even a lactating cow gives less milk and its weight reduces. Lymph nodes, skin nodules, and lameness (also occur). The disease spreads through insect vectors like flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, which thrive in cattle shelter waste. These vectors become active during monsoon and infect cattle upon contact. If proper and timely treatment is given, the cattle can be saved. Infected cattle must be quarantined and isolated until they recover. The mortality rate is quite low, but timely treatment is necessary.'
Sources said the first case in Surat district was reported on July 18 in a village in Mangrol taluka. Since then, 51 cattle aged between six months and two years have tested positive across talukas such as Mangrol, Mandvi, Bardoli, Kamrej, Mahuva, Olpad, and Palsana — with Mangrol reporting the highest number. In Tapi district, 26 cases have emerged across Vyara, Songadh, Valod, Uchhal, Dolvan, and Nizar talukas.
After the first reports emerged, the state department launched a mid-July survey to determine the spread and mortality rate. Samples from suspected cattle were collected and sent to a government laboratory for confirmation. The survey concluded on July 30 and the findings were submitted to the Director of the Animal Husbandry Department in Gandhinagar.
As per the final survey report, 307 Lumpy virus cases were recorded in Surendranagar (125), Rajkot (61), Surat (54), Tapi (26), Morbi (27), Navsari (8), and Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar (3 each). Of these, 238 animals have recovered and 61 have active cases. Eight deaths, including two in Surat, were reported.
Last year too, the state had carried out a vaccination drive. According to the state Agriculture Department, 5,32,684 cattle were vaccinated then, and this year's campaign is already underway. Navsari district recorded the highest number of vaccinated cattle last year at 1,81,031, followed by Tapi (1,21,477) and Surat (1,18,127).
Dr R B Gondaliya, Tapi District In-charge Assistant Director of the Animal Husbandry department, said, 'Out of 26 cases, 21 are active. Last year, we vaccinated over 1.18 lakh cattle in the district. This year, we have started vaccination again. The majority of the affected cattle are calves. We have advised cattle rearers to keep the cattle shed area clean.'
He added, 'Cattle rearers in Surat and Tapi supply milk to Sumul Dairy. There are milk collection centres in various talukas and villages. We alerted staff there and asked them to inform cattle rearers about the symptoms of the Lumpy virus. We have also hung banners so that cattle owners visiting the centres become aware of the disease.'