Lumpy Skin disease: No immediate impact on milk output, say states

Officials worry that disease may affect fertility of affected animals, and of their offspring

Though there has been minimal impact of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) on milk production in the country, states are wary of the viral infection’s long-term effect on cattle fertility.

Some of the worst affected states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have so far unofficially pegged the decline in milk production at less than 1 per cent, even as the respective animal husbandry departments continue to collate data. Others like Bihar, which were the worst hit last year, have done better due to growing cattle immunity.

“Currently, milk production has not gone down but has actually improved for the