Ahmed Khan Malik

Sindh’s livestock sector, which provides livelihoods to millions and remains an essential pillar of the province’s rural economy, is grappling with Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a crisis that has worsened following this year’s monsoon rains.

The viral disease has spread rapidly across the province, causing significant economic losses, reducing milk and meat production, and threatening the livelihoods of livestock farmers.

The disease is caused by a virus belonging to the pox family, primarily affecting cattle and water buffalo. It is characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin nodules, and emaciation and reduced fertility in severe cases.

While the disease rarely causes mass mortality, its economic impact is devastating. The infected animals suffer from weight loss and reduced milk yield, and their hides — an important source of income for many farmers — become damaged, lowering their market value.

According to officials from the provincial livestock department, the disease has spread faster than anticipated, largely due to the mobility of animals across districts and the challenges of timely vaccination.

For small-scale livestock farmers, who depend heavily on dairy products for daily income, the disease has been especially devastating. Many households in the rural areas keep two to five buffaloes or cows as their primary source of livelihood.

“Reduced milk production directly affects family income and nutrition, particularly children. In urban areas, the rising demand for milk and beef, coupled with a declining supply, has pushed up prices, burdening consumers,“ Dr. Hizabullah, Director General Livestock, Sindh, told Wealth Pakistan.

He said the economic stakes are high. Pakistan’s livestock sector contributes nearly 60 percent to the country’s agricultural GDP, with Sindh being a key contributor. Any disruption to this sector would not only affect rural incomes, but also national food security, he added.

He told Wealth Pakistan that the provincial government, with support from the federal authorities and international organizations, has initiated vaccination campaigns. However, vaccine shortages, lack of awareness among farmers, and logistical difficulties in reaching remote villages have slowed progress. In some areas, farmers remain hesitant to report cases for fear of culling or financial losses, further complicating containment.

Experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures. Quarantining infected animals, restricting animal movement, and ensuring timely vaccination are considered the most effective strategies to control the outbreak. However, these steps require coordinated action between government agencies, farmers, and local communities.

“Beyond immediate containment, the crisis highlights deeper structural challenges in Sindh’s livestock sector,” Rizwan Soomro, a Hyderabad-based livestock expert, said, adding that inadequate veterinary infrastructure, limited disease surveillance systems, and poor farmer education leave the sector vulnerable to future outbreaks.

He suggested that the government invest in strengthening veterinary services, establishing disease monitoring networks, and training farmers on animal health management.

He said the social impact of LSD should not be underestimated. In many rural households, livestock represents more than just a source of income; it provides security, social status, and a safety net during difficult times.

“Loss of even a single animal can push a family into debt or poverty. Women, who are often directly involved in managing dairy animals, bear a disproportionate burden when milk supply declines, as household nutrition and children’s health are directly affected,” Soomro said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk