Svay Rieng: The Svay Rieng Provincial Administration has issued urgent guidelines on the control and prevention of “lumpy skin disease” in cattle herds in the province. It is a viral infection that has already been detected in over a thousand head of cattle in seven of the province’s districts. Svay Rieng officials say it poses a high risk of a large-scale epidemic that is impacting farmers, livestock and the provincial economy.

Lumpy Skin Disease, or “LSD”, causes thousands of lumps to appear on an animal’s body, most especially around the face, neck and underbelly. It leads to an increase in body temperature and can cause ulcers. It effects the reproductive systems of both males and females and can lead to miscarriage. It has a mortality rate of up to 45%. The virus is transmitted through ticks and other biting insects such as flies and mosquitoes.

To contain the outbreak, Svay Rieng has ordered all relevant authorities and stakeholders to immediately increase hygiene measures at farms and transport companies. Any farmers noticing growths on their cattle should also immediately inform authorities. The Provincial Department of Agriculture, Provincial Police Commissioner, Provincial Military Operations Area and border authorities must also strengthen inspections of all live cattle, as well as imported beef products.

LSD is caused by the capripox virus. It was first detected in Africa in 2012 and has since spread to the Middle East and south-eastern Europe. It was first reported in the Asia-Pacific region in 2019 and has spread rapidly. In just the past year, outbreaks have been reported in Bhutan, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.