GABORONE, June 6– Agriculture authorities have warned of a suspected outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in northwest Botswana.
According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Botswanan Ministry of Agriculture, the suspected outbreak has been detected in some parts of the country, including western Sandveld.
“LSD is a debilitating viral disease of cattle that can cause significant deaths and economic losses,” said Kefentse Motshegwa, director of veterinary services at the ministry.
Animals affected by LSD develop fever and eruptions of painful skin nodules that may cover the entire body. In extreme cases, secondary infection aggravates the condition.
LSD virus is transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as flies, mosquitoes and ticks.
An LSD outbreak would threaten the viability of Botswana’s beef industry, which heavily relies on exports to the international market, according to the ministry.
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