Virus kills 100,000 cattle in India, threatens livelihoods
A viral disease that is spread by insects like mosquitoes and ticks has killed at least 100,000 cows and buffaloes in India and sickened more than 2 million
NEW DELHI (AP) — A viral disease has killed nearly 100,000 cows and buffaloes in India and sickened over 2 million more.
The outbreak has triggered devastating income losses for cattle farmers since the disease not only results in deaths but can also lead to decreased milk production, emaciated animals, and birth issues.
The disease, called lumpy skin disease, is spread by insects that drink blood like mosquitoes and ticks. Infected cows and buffaloes get fevers and develop lumps on their skin.
This year farmers have experienced severe losses from extreme weather events: a record-shattering heat wave in India reduced wheat yields in April, farmers in eastern states like Jharkhand state saw winter crops such as pulses shrivel with no rain, and an unusually intense September rainfall has damaged rice in the north.
