Call for artificial breeding of cattle to increase production

Milk and meat of the animals infected with lumpy skin disease fit for human consumption

RAWALPINDI:

Livestock experts have said that artificial breeding of high-breed cattle is essential to increase milk and meat production.

Livestock Dairy Development, Rawalpindi Division Director Dr Sarfraz Ahmed Chatha said that steps were being taken for artificial breeding of high-yielding cattle to meet the domestic demand for milk and meat. The director said that various sessions under the breed improvement programme were being organised for the capacity building of livestock officers and staff.

Meanwhile, Additional Director Dr Naveed Sehar Zaidi commenting on the threat of the spread of lumpy skin virus (LSV) said it was not transmittable to humans. Also the milk and meat of the infected animals were fit for human consumption. The official said that LSV was caused by Capripox and Poxviridae viruses, mainly infecting cows instead of buffaloes.

The rate of animals infected with LSV was recorded as very low, and there was no threat of its spread to humans, he said. He advised the cattle sellers to separate the infected animals from others, and such animal movement should be regulated to prevent the disease. The livestock officer urged to use mosquito repellent spray and ensure giving other medicines, including multivitamins, to the animals in consultation with the livestock department.

He added that livestock teams were carrying out the vaccination against the LSV at the cattle markets in the Rawalpindi division.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2022.