Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lumphy Skin Disease of Cattle at Chakaria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and impact of LSD among cattle in the Chakaria Upazila of Cox’s Bazar. Livestock plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's food security, balanced nutrition, and solving unemployment issues through creating self-employment, earning foreign exchange, increasing the fertility of agricultural land, and empowering women. LSD, a contagious ailment, presents a substantial threat to this sector. The research, conducted from April to June 2023 at the Chakaria Upazila Veterinary Hospital, involved a comprehensive examination of 274 cattle cases. Out of these, 171 were diagnosed with LSD, revealing a high prevalence rate of 62.4%. The mortality rate stood at 4.34%, with a case fatality rate of 7.02%, underscoring the severity of the disease. Gender and age emerged as significant factors in disease susceptibility. Male cattle were more prone to infection and mortality compared to females, with the 0–6-month age group showing the highest incidence. Furthermore, the study indicated that indigenous cattle exhibited milder symptoms compared to crossbreeds, pointing to varying disease resistance capabilities. The study highlighted limited use of vector control measures, mainly relying on natural controls or mosquito nets, likely due to resource constraints and awareness gaps. While the study offers valuable insights into LSD's prevalence and impact, it states that several limitations, such as the focus solely on Chakaria Upazila, the short study period, and the use of completely hospital-based data, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of LSD on cattle populations in the Chakaria Upazila. Addressing this issue is crucial to safeguarding the livestock industry, which plays a vital role in sustaining Bangladesh's economy.