ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF LUMPY SKIN DISEASE ON DAIRY CATTLE IN BOALKHALI, BANGLADESH: A FOCUS ON VACCINATION AND PRODUCTION OUTCOMES

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the effects of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and the associated vaccination on milk production, mortality, and feeding practices in dairy cattle across various unions in Boalkhali upazila, Chattogram, Bangladesh. Data was collected from rural dairy farmers using a structured questionnaire with multiple-choice questions. The sample size was calculated using the formula N = Z²(1-P)P/L². A total of 28 dairy farmers were interviewed. The results showed that 53.57% of the farmers experienced an LSD outbreak on their farms. Additionally, 3.57% reported a complete halt in milk production due to the disease, while 17.87% experienced average milk production and 50.0% saw 50% reduction in milk output. Moreover, 54.55% of farmers diagnosed LSD based on clinical symptoms without consulting a veterinarian. About 20 (61.5%) farmers did not vaccinate their cattle, whereas 38.5% did administer the LSD vaccine. The lack of vaccination among rural farmers was attributed to the significant distance between their homes and agrovet facilities, which are primarily located in urban areas. In Boalkhali upazila, the Neethling strain and SIS Neethling strain were the two main vaccines available. Feeding practices revealed that 62.23% of farmers produced their own rice straw, while 37.77% had to purchase it. Similarly, 58.04% produced Napier grass, but both sources were often insufficient for year-round feeding. As a result, farmers also utilized uncultivated grasses, tree leaves, and water hyacinth. For concentrate feed, 70.35% of farmers purchased rice bran, and the majority relied on external sources for other concentrates, such as wheat bran, broken maize, and mustard oil cake. The heavy reliance on purchased feed and the challenges of vaccine access suggest significant constraints on both cattle nutrition and disease prevention. This study highlights the critical need for improved vaccine distribution and sustainable feeding strategies to mitigate the effects of LSD on dairy production in rural Bangladesh.