JAMMU: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department, Atal Dulloo, chaired a meeting to review preparedness to combat the ingress of Lumpy Skin Disease, at the Civil Secretariat today.
The ACS was apprised about the causes and symptoms of the Lumpy Skin Disease, which usually affects cattle, through a PowerPoint presentation. He was informed that several suspected cases have been identified by Animal Husbandry Department and very few cases have been confirmed, mostly from within the Jammu division. In each district, the department is taking samples rigorously and sending them for lab tests regularly, it was added.
Upon review, the ACS said that the public must be assured that there is no need to panic and that the government is taking every step to mitigation of the disease. He directed all Chief Animal Husbandry Officers, their subordinate staff, and veterinary staff not to leave their respective stations without permission.
The ACS directed that regular advisory, with well-defined ‘dos and don’ts’ be published for public information. Rapid Response Teams, doctors, and paramedics must stay in touch with the farmers around the clock, he directed.
It was directed by the ACS that the Animal Husbandry Helpline number, 1962, must be advertised and be active throughout the day and night. Door-to-door inspection and segregation of infected animals must be ensured by the veterinary officers. It was also directed that the department strategise ‘ring vaccination’ procedures for areas infested with the LSD.
Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir and Jammu were directed to provide adequate logistics, necessary equipment for sample collection and testing facilities, etc to CAHOs. The Directors were asked to activate RTPCR labs and deploy extra staff if necessary per the guidelines of the Government of India.
The ACS took reviews of the availability of PPE kits, disinfectants, medicines, and vaccines. The CAHOs were directed to submit a daily report containing information regarding the number of animals sampled, tested and LSD confirmed cases.
The Directors were instructed to set up Division Level Monitoring & Surveillance Teams at both the divisions and submit consolidated reports daily.
Those present at the meeting included Director Animal Husbandry Jammu, Krishan Lal, and Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Purnima Mittal among other senior officers, CAHOs, and others.
