The Directorate of Veterinary Services has detected an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the Okakarara constituency of the Otjozondjupa Region.

So far, 39 cattle showed clinical signs of the disease, and two have died.

Cases have been detected in the Okondjatu area in Ouatjiri, Otjijamangombe, Otjomukaru, Otjipoko, Okatemba-kondova between 29 November and 11 December.

In June, the public was notified about LSD at Otjituuo in the same constituency.

LSD is a vector-borne, infectious, and occasionally fatal disease of cattle that is spread by biting insects and characterised by nodules on the skin and other parts of the body.

The Directorate has put in control measures with immediate effect to protect the industry.

Movement from affected villages is allowed on the condition that they are not showing clinical signs and are vaccinated at least 21 days before such movement.

Farmers in a 50-kilometre radius of the affected villages are advised to vaccinate their cattle and to control vectors.

All new cases should be reported to the Okakarara State Veterinary Office.