Lumpy skin and khari diseases reappear in Baitadi livestock

Lumpy skin disease and khari disease have reappeared in animals in Baitadi. According to Gumani Panta, head of the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center, livestock in all local areas have started getting infected.

Khari disease, also known as Dhulkhule or Chokhuri, is common in milking buffalo, especially in hilly areas during winter and summer. Once infected, animals become weak and their production decreases. Panta explained that the disease is mainly caused by Sarcoptic mites, which burrow into the skin, making it more painful than other infections. These mites damage the skin, causing thick scabs, wounds, roughness, and dryness.

Research on khari disease has been ongoing since 1988 by the Animal Health Research Division of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council in Khumaltar, Lalitpur. However, there is still no specific treatment. Pant said the disease can improve with balanced nutrition, cleanliness of the shed and animals, and timely advice from veterinarians.

Lumpy skin disease has also been reported in livestock. Symptoms include high fever above 104°F, small and large lumps on the body, swelling in the legs, face, and neck, and loss of appetite.

Pant emphasized the need for vaccination to control lumpy skin disease. The center also warned that it can spread from infected animals to nearby healthy ones, so extra precautions are necessary.