The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has announced an outbreak of lumpy skin disease in the Otjombinde Constituency of the Epukiro veterinary district.

The ministry's acting chief veterinary officer in the Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Johannes Shoopala, in a media statement said 73 cattle were diagnosed with the disease in the constituency.

Shoopala explained that lumpy skin disease is a debilitating viral disease transmitted by blood-feeding insects, including flies, mosquitoes, and ticks.

Affected cattle develop fever and eruptions of painful skin nodules that may cover the entire body. In extreme cases, secondary infection aggravates the disease condition.

The directorate advised farmers countrywide to vaccinate their cattle against lumpy skin disease, control biting insects, and report any suspected lumpy skin disease case to their nearest state veterinary services office as required by law.

Shoopala highlighted that it is crucial to control biting flies and ticks. 

Oil-based pour-on dips are preferable to provide lasting control.