The Directorate of Veterinary Services has placed strict control measures in response to the outbreak of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the Otjinene constituency and Gam area of the Otjozondjupa Region.

According to the state veterinarian, Dr. Seuakouje Veii, all villages in the Otjinene, Omaheke, and Gam areas in the Otjozondjupa Region have now been put under animal movement restrictions with immediate effect.

Veii added that cattle movement from the affected area is allowed on the condition that they are not showing clinical signs of the disease and have been vaccinated at least 21 days before such a move.  

Cattle moving into the affected area must have been vaccinated at least 21 days before such a movement is conducted, says Dr. Veii.

The above control measures exclude animals destined for direct slaughter or clinically healthy cattle.

The veterinarian advised farmers to administer supportive treatment antibiotics drugs to animals affected by the LSD virus and to control bloodsucking insects and ticks in their herd.

Veii also implored farmers to vaccinate all healthy cattle against the disease.

Meanwhile, the Rietfontein area in the Otjombinde constituency also remains under cattle movement restrictions because the numbers of sick cattle have yet to decline.