As the cattle epidemic continues to rage in the country due to highly infectious Lumpy skin disease (LSD), Ayurveda experts have said that there are several conventional methods that can help check the spread of the viral disease that has claimed nearly 70,000 milch cattle across the States.
Caused by a virus called Capripoxvirus, the LSD is an infectious condition with no treatment so far, but if a cow gets infected, several traditional medicines can be used to treat them, said Dr Devesh from National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Dr. RP Parashar, Medical Superintendent Ayurvedic Panchkarma Hospital, Prashant Vihar in Delhi.
Dr Devesh elaborated on the steps to create a traditional cure for the treatment saying that a paste combined of betel leaves, black pepper, 10-gram salt, and jaggery can be given to the animal in modest quantities.
“On the first day, give it one dose every three hours. From the second day to the second week, provide three doses each day. For other treatments, one should use 1 handful fenugreek leaves, 10 garlic cloves, 1 handful neem leaves, 1 handful henna leaves, 500 cc coconut or sesame seeds, 20 grams turmeric powder, 1 handful of basil leaves. And give it to the affected cattle,” various reports quoted him.
If a cow is diseased and these conventional methods are followed, a lot of improvement can be offered. However, keep in mind that throughout this period, the diseased animal should be kept in isolation. Allow no other animals to approach the ill or consume its remaining water or feed, said Dr Devesh
Dr. Parasher too batted for the ayurvedic medicines saying that these will prove helpful to prevent and treat the disease. Ayurvedic medicines are already in use in Rajasthan and other states to tackle the menace which has helped restrict the disease and the resultant losses, he said.
Tulsi leaves, cinnamon bark and ginger mixed with jaggery given to the cattle provide immunity against the disease. Ayurvedic medicines like kalmegh and kutki mixed with sesame seeds and cow ghee are also effective in preventing the disease, said Dr Parashar.
Similarly, If tulsi leaves, betel leaves, Neem leaves, garlic, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, coriander and haldi powder and rock salt mixed in jaggery are given to the infected cattle, it starts decreasing severity of the disease within 3 days and the cattle gets cured within 10 to 15 days, said the ayurveda expert.
He further said, “Solution of turmeric mixed with neem, henna and alum is quite effective against the infected skin, if sprinkled twice a day on the cattle. Further, fumigation of neem and henna leaves, valerian, myrrh, etc. make the atmosphere free from virus and bacteria.”
This disease has spread to around 17 states in the country.
The incubation period of the disease is 7 to 14 days and milk from the cattle is supplied in the market before the symptoms. Hence, it is necessary to get the milk properly boiled before consumption to avert any untoward effects on the human body, suggested the ayurveda experts.
According to a report by GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, LSD is “an emerging threat to livestock worldwide”. This disease affects cattle and water buffalo mainly through vectors. The symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease include excessive nasal and salivary secretion.