Vaccine shortage 250 cattle die as LSD spreads in Ishwardi

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has taken a serious toll on cattle in Ishwardi of Pabna, with at least 250 cattle reportedly dying from the disease over the past month.

Calves are particularly vulnerable. With no government supply of the necessary vaccines, officials and veterinarians at the livestock department are struggling to provide effective treatment to infected cattle.

Officials concerned said repeated requisitions for vaccines had been sent to Dhaka, but an adequate supply has yet to arrive. As the disease continues to spread, farmers and cattle owners are facing significant financial losses.

According to the Upazila Livestock Office, around 103,000 cattle are currently being raised by farmers and at different farms across Ishwardi.

Of them, more than 20,000 to 30,000 cattle have been infected with lumpy skin disease this year. According to the office’s estimates, at least 10 out of every 25 infected cattle are dying. Most infected calves, in particular, cannot be saved.

The situation has caused widespread concern among farmers and cattle owners in villages across Pakshi, Sara, Salimpur, Dashuria, Laxmikunda, Muladuli and Sahapur unions. Fearing that their cattle may die, some farmers are even selling them at significantly reduced prices.

Dr Md Faruk Hossain, veterinary surgeon at the Upazila Livestock Office and Veterinary Hospital, said, “Cattle, particularly calves, have been affected by lumpy skin disease in almost every area of the upazila. Many farmers are bringing infected cattle to the hospital for treatment. But without the necessary vaccines, it has become extremely difficult to save them.”

Upazila Livestock Officer Akleema Khatun said infected cattle can be saved if the vaccine is administered at the prescribed dosage. A single vial contains enough vaccine to inoculate approximately 10 cattle. However, because there is no government supply, the livestock department is unable to vaccinate the cattle.

She said, “Each vial costs around Tk 2,300 to Tk 2,500 in the market. If the government ensures an adequate supply of vaccines, a large number of infected cattle can be saved. Unless the vaccine shortage is resolved quickly, the spread of the disease could lead to an even higher cattle mortality rate.”

Many affected farmers and cattle owners have been bringing their sick cattle to the Upazila Livestock Office and Veterinary Hospital in the hope of getting them treated. However, due to the shortage of vaccines, they are being forced to return home with little more than verbal advice from officials and veterinarians.

Farmer Altaf Hossain said, “Farmers are already facing losses for various reasons while working in agriculture. On top of that, the outbreak of lumpy skin disease this year has made it extremely difficult for us to afford cattle treatment. If vaccines were provided by the government, we would not have to worry so much.

Without access to vaccines, we are unable to save our cattle.”