Lumpy skin disease returns to J&K: Central Kashmir reports fresh cases, Jammu's livestock belt on alert
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According to a review of the situation by the J&K Agriculture Production Department, nine active LSD epicentres have been reported in Kashmir, involving 59 cattle, including 55 active cases. No deaths had been officially reported in that assessment. Ganderbal was reported as the worst-affected district, accounting for 52 cases across seven epicentres, followed by Bandipora with three cases, while additional cases were reported from Srinagar.
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In January 2023, the J&K Government declared the entire Union Territory a “Free Area” for Lumpy Skin Disease after no cases were being reported from the districts at the time.
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India now has an indigenous LSD-specific homologous vaccine, but many states continue to rely on the goatpox vaccine that was widely used during the 2021–22 outbreak. Recent reports indicate that the Union Government’s 2026 advisory recommended a gradual shift toward the LSD-specific vaccine, although cost and availability remain factors influencing adoption.
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Veterinary teams have been directed to intensify surveillance, vaccination drives, field visits, and farmer awareness campaigns in affected areas. The J&K Agriculture Minister has also called for adequate supplies of medicines and vaccines, stronger field coordination, and door-to-door awareness initiatives.
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The immediate priority is accurate diagnosis, transparent reporting of cases, timely vaccination of eligible animals, effective vector control, and rapid veterinary intervention before isolated infections develop into wider outbreaks.
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