Lumpy Skin Disease Spreads to 29 Districts, Causing Rs 1.34 Billion in Losses

The Department of Livestock Services has reported that the Lumpy Skin disease outbreak in cattle and buffalo has spread to 29 districts across six provinces, causing losses exceeding Rs 1.34 billion. A total of 27,425 animals have been infected so far.

The disease had previously spread as an epidemic in Nepal in March-April 2023. This year, it has re-emerged at a rapid pace in Koshi, Bagmati, Lumbini, Madhesh, Karnali, and Gandaki provinces, according to Nepal Veterinary Council Registrar Manoj Kumar Shahi.

Shahi said the council’s study found that each infected animal causes an average economic loss of Rs 49,135. Based on the number of deaths so far, the total damage is estimated at over Rs 1.347 billion.

Agriculture contributes 24 percent to Nepal’s GDP, with livestock accounting for nearly half of the total agricultural output, according to the World Bank.

Koshi Most Affected

Data from the department shows Koshi Province is the hardest hit, with infections in 11 districts between June 20 and August 5, leaving 22,122 animals sick and 637 dead. The disease has also been detected in eight districts of Madhesh, one each in Gandaki and Karnali, five in Bagmati, and three in Lumbini. No cases have been confirmed in Sudurpaschim Province yet.

Madhesh has reported 179 cattle deaths and 4,492 infections, Bagmati 30 deaths and 793 infections, and Lumbini and Gandaki 16 and 7 infections respectively.

Excluding Sudurpaschim, 561,751 cattle have been vaccinated against Lumpy Skin disease.

No Federal Compensation

Senior veterinarian Dr. Tapendra Prasad Bohara of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said the federal government does not provide compensation for cattle deaths due to this disease, although local governments may offer up to Rs 10,000 per animal. Insured livestock are compensated by insurance companies.

Losses of Rs 79 Billion Two Years Ago

The Veterinary Council reports that in March-April 2023, Lumpy Skin disease infected about 1.536 million cattle in 71 districts, killing around 65,500 and causing losses estimated at Rs 79 billion. At that time, 867,000 animals recovered after treatment, and about 350,000 were vaccinated.

About the Disease

Lumpy Skin is a highly contagious viral disease in cattle and buffalo, transmitted through biting insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and certain ticks. It can also spread through animal movement, shared grazing areas, reused needles, and during artificial insemination or treatment.

Outbreaks are more common in summer when insect activity is high. The disease reduces milk production, causes high fever, weight loss, and can lead to death if fever is uncontrolled. Recovered animals may see milk yields drop by up to 70 percent, and their hides lose commercial value. Symptoms include 1–5 cm nodules on the skin, sores in the mouth and nose, and excessive eye discharge.