Lumpy Skin Disease Kills 846 Cattle Across Nepal in 47 Days

Nepal has reported 846 cattle deaths over 47 days—from June 20 to August 5—due to lumpy skin disease, a viral infection in cattle characterised by nodules on the skin and other parts of the body.

The disease has been reported in 29 districts across six provinces and has affected a total of 27,425 animals, according to the Department of Livestock Services. The infection has yet to be confirmed in Sudurpaschim Province.

Koshi Province has been the hardest hit, with 22,122 infections and 637 deaths reported across 11 districts. The disease is yet to be confirmed in the remaining three districts of the province—Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, and Solukhumbu.

Madhes Province has recorded the second-highest caseload, with all eight districts reporting a combined 4,492 infections and 179 deaths.

In Bagmati, five districts have reported 793 infections and 30 deaths. Lumbini has seen 16 infections across three districts, while Gandaki has recorded seven cases in one district. Karnali Province has reported a single case during the period.

To contain the outbreak, the department said it vaccinated 561,751 animals in the six affected provinces.