Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has once again resurfaced in Nepal, infecting more than 22,000 cows and buffaloes over the past two and a half months. According to the Department of Livestock Services, a total of 22,256 cattle have been infected nationwide, with 636 reported deaths so far.
Koshi Province has been hit the hardest, accounting for 22,112 infected animals and 637 deaths. The worst-affected districts within Koshi include Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari, while Ilam, Bhojpur, Panchthar, Taplejung, and Tehrathum have also reported significant cases. Notably, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, and Solukhumbu districts have so far remained free from infection.
Dr. Purushottam Pandey, a veterinary officer in Koshi, explained that in just one week after July 26 (11th of Shrawan in the Nepali calendar), 1,532 animals were infected, and 82 died. According to the statistics, out of the total infected in Koshi, 224 are buffaloes while 21,898 are cattle.
The economic loss due to the outbreak in Koshi Province alone is estimated at NPR 1.08 billion. Authorities have responded by vaccinating animals to control the spread. So far, 312,641 vaccine doses have been administered in Koshi, and across Nepal, 1.439 million out of 1.46 million purchased doses have been distributed. Only about 21,000 doses remain to be administered.
Officials say the disease is now coming under control. According to Dr. Sushil Kumar Adhikari, director at the provincial livestock office, the infection rate among large animals has declined, while younger calves and unvaccinated animals remain more vulnerable. Vaccination is still underway through local veterinary hospitals and animal service centers.
Lumpy Skin Disease was first detected in Nepal in 2020 in Morang district, confirmed by laboratory testing in Austria. Since then, the disease has reappeared repeatedly, leading to huge losses for farmers. A major outbreak two years ago had affected more than 1.5 million animals nationwide, causing an estimated NPR 74.67 billion in damage.
According to veterinary experts, the disease causes fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, decreased milk production, large nodules on the skin, mouth and nasal sores, watery eyes and nose, swollen lymph nodes, and, in severe cases, death. Authorities urge farmers to contact the nearest livestock service centers for vaccination and treatment to protect their animals.
