Lumpy skin disease has taken an alarming turn in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with cases reported in 28 districts of the province, according to the Livestock Department.
A total of 1,440 cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported across KP, while 80 livestock animals have died from the disease, according to officials.
The Livestock Department’s focal person said Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Dir are among the worst-affected areas. In Peshawar alone, 88 cases have been reported.
Officials said vaccination and improved cleanliness are essential to protect livestock from the disease. An awareness campaign is also under way among farm owners to help prevent further spread.
Lumpy skin disease mainly affects cattle and buffaloes and can cause fever, skin nodules, reduced milk production and, in some cases, death. The disease is primarily spread by biting insects such as flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
Health emergency raises concern for elephant Madhubala
Karachi Safari Park elephant Madhubala is in a grave condition, as it has fallen ill and now cannot stand on its own.
The female elephant, who has suffered multiple health problems for more than a year, collapsed on Monday morning.
Later, it was stabilised with the help of a crane and a supporting belt by the authorities at Safari Park.
Officials have been in constant touch with Sri Lankan wildlife health specialist Dr Budhika Bhandara regarding Madhubala’s condition, said Safari Park director Amjad Zaidi.
Zaidi said Madhubala is suffering from swelling in the right hind thigh, which is impacting her movement of that leg.
The cause of the swelling will be determined following additional medical examinations; he said it could have been caused by a fight between her and Malika, her animal companion.
A local veterinary team is expected to perform an X-ray, blood and urine testing.
Zaidi shared that Madhubala had already recovered from tuberculosis after undergoing an 18-month treatment programme and had also beaten a foot infection. She was still eating and otherwise was stable, he added.
