Jammu, 28 August (H.S.): J&K BJP senior leader and MLA, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal launched a scathing attack on the NC-led Government for what he termed its administrative negligence and failure to protect the livestock of farmers from the deadly Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), saying that the loss of precious cattle is not merely an animal-health issue but a serious economic blow to thousands of farming families across Jammu province.

Dr. Manyal accompanied by MLA Mohan Lal and MLA Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj. J&K BJP media incharge, Dr. Pardeep Mahotra and SC Morcha president, Dharminder Kumar was addressing a press conference at BJP Headquarters, Trikuta Nagar here, today.

Dr. Manyal said the NC Government had been repeatedly apprised of the spread and severity of Lumpy Skin Disease, yet failed to take timely and effective preventive measures. He said that the administration's failure to ensure the availability of the appropriate vaccine has resulted in the loss of hundreds of cattle, leaving poor farmers to bear an unbearable financial burden.

He said LSD emerged as an epidemic during 2021-22, when Goat Pox Vaccine (GPV) was used as a control measure. However, India subsequently developed an indigenous LSD-specific vaccine for cattle. The Homologous Live Attenuated Lumpy Skin Disease (LA-LSD) vaccine was recommended for use following the requisite regulatory approvals, providing a more targeted preventive measure against the disease.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar