Mahikeng: The North West MEC responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene, cautions farmers to never use Dettol or any other unauthorised treatment on their livestock. This warning follows a number of sporadic outbreaks as one way of curing lumpy skin disease reported since the beginning of the heavy rains in December last year and early this year and information on some farmers reported to be using Dettol to treat this disease.
“We refute with strongest words possible, the popular belief that injecting animals with Dettol is effective and useful in treating the disease,” declared MEC Tshwene, who encourages farmers to rely on their local Veterinarians for accurate information or advice on the treatment of this disease.
Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease of cattle that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Once the disease is in existence, transmission is facilitated by close proximity of sick animals and is transmitted by saliva. Feeding from saliva contaminated grass can also transmit the disease.
Lumpy skin disease has a five to six year cycle and is usually preceded by heavy rain falls and the upsurge in mosquito population. The clinical signs of the disease are usually fever in affected animals.
Farmers may see unilateral swelling of one of the legs, disabling animals to walk properly. Subsequently, there is development of lumps all over the body and in mucous membranes (mouth and eyes). The animals usually drool and become teary because of the cuts in the eyes. Some animals may develop bad pneumonia and if pneumonia develops, cases of death are unavoidable.
The Director for Veterinary Services within the department, Dr Langa Madyibi, says the disease is best prevented by vaccination before the onset of the disease. He says the best period to vaccinate is during the winter months so that enough time is allowed for immunity to develop.
“Once the disease has been diagnosed, vaccination is usually of no benefit. Once there is an outbreak, the best practice is to isolate all affected animals. After diagnosis the best way to attend to sick animals is to treat the secondary bacterial infections”, outlined Dr Madyibi.
Livestock farmers are advised to obtain more information on the treatment from Veterinarians.
Enquiries:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
Source: North West Provincial Government
