The first national case of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) (also known as Lumpy Dermatitis) has been confirmed in the Nuoro area, a viral disease of cattle transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, flies or ticks, which can cause serious losses in livestock farming.
The initial diagnosis was confirmed late this evening by national reference laboratories.
"This is - explains a note from the Region - the first confirmation of the disease on the national territory. The Health Department immediately took action , with the sole suspicion of a single animal, even before there was diagnostic confirmation from the laboratories in Teramo", explains Health Councilor Armando Bartolazzi.
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease of cattle and buffalo, characterized by the appearance of nodules on the skin, fever and reduced milk production, and can also lead to the death of the animals . Although it is not transmissible to humans , LSD has a significant economic impact on livestock farming due to production losses and trade restrictions.
"It is essential to act with the utmost promptness and rigor to contain the spread of this disease," Bartolazzi added. Adding: "In the context of European animal health legislation, the disease is categorized as a category A disease, that is , listed diseases that do not normally occur in the European Union and for which, once detected, eradication measures must be adopted immediately."
" All procedures required by national and European protocols for the management of LSD outbreaks were immediately implemented, including epidemiological investigations to reconstruct the chain of contagion . The collaboration of all breeders is crucial at this time", concludes the councilor.
From the point of view of prevention and control measures, the Department makes some urgent recommendations to breeders, namely:
- Strengthen biosecurity : limit the entry of non-essential people and vehicles into farms; thoroughly disinfect means of transport and equipment; ensure the isolation of new animals introduced to the farm for an observation period.
- Careful Monitoring of Animals : monitor the health of the animals on a daily basis; pay particular attention to the appearance of suspicious symptoms such as fever, skin nodules (especially on the head, neck, back, perineum, udder and legs), tearing, nasal discharge and lameness.
- Immediate reporting : in case of clinical suspicion, even slight, or abnormal mortality, immediately contact the Veterinary Services of the ASL Sardegna of territorial competence. Timely reporting is essential for the rapid adoption of control measures.
- Control of Insect Vectors : LSD is mainly transmitted by blood-sucking insects (mosquitoes, flies, ticks). It is recommended to adopt measures to reduce the presence of these vectors in farms, such as the use of insecticides and the elimination of stagnant water.
- Registration and Traceability : keep up-to-date records of animals on the farm and their movements.
Meanwhile, the prevention department of the Barbagia ASL has issued an ordinance that imposes a ban on the movement of animals in 52 municipalities of the territory.
The areas affected are:
- Macomer District including the municipalities of: Birori, Bolotana, Borore, Bortigali, Dualchi, Lei, Macomer, Noragugume, Silanus, Sindia.
- Nuoro District including the municipalities of: Bitti, Dorgali, Fonni, Gavoi, Lodine, Lula, Mamoiada, Nuoro, Oliena, Ollolai, Olzai, Onani, Oniferi, Orani, Orgosolo, Orotelli, Orune, Osidda, Ottana, Sarule.
- Siniscola District including the municipalities of: Galtellì, Irgoli, Loculi, Lodè, Onifai, Orosei, Posada, Siniscola, Torpè.
- Sorgono District including the municipalities of: Aritzo, Atzara, Austis, Belvì, Desulo, Gadoni, Meana Sardo, Ortueri, Ovodda, Sorgono, Teti, Tiana and Tonara.
(Online Union)
