Ayurvedic Perspective of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cows and Buffaloes

Abstract

Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infectious disease of cattle that is originally found in Africa. Cows and buffaloes are affected by this virus and have the highest incidence of infection in wet summer times but may also occur in winter. Outbreaks of this virus were reported in Russia, Bangladesh, China, and other countries. However, recently it has spread more to other regions which have caused international concern. The morbidity rate varies between 10% to 50%. The infection spreads from cattle to cattle through various means. We will discuss its causes, symptoms, and mode of transmission in this article. Also, we will discuss how Ayurveda can help in managing this viral infection of cattle.

Introduction

Lumpy Skin Disease is an eruptive and fatal disease of cattle characterized by nodules on the skin of cattle with other symptoms. The infection can spread through many routes. It can spread directly through saliva or direct contact with infected cattle, and can also spread by insect biting. Although this virus does not affect humans but is very fatal for cattle. Skin nodules appear in nasal and buccal mucous membranes and contain yellow creamy mass tissue. The skin nodules may heal but leave a scar on the cattle’s body. The disease has a direct impact on milk production, which becomes low. There is a high rejection of cattle suffering or suffering from this fatal disease due to permanent damage to their skin.

Ayurvedic Aspect

According to Ayurveda, skin diseases occur due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha in the body. The weakened immune system cannot fight against viruses and an imbalance of tridosha leads to certain diseases. The action and purpose of skin in humans and cattle are the same. The skin is made up of the same contents. Pitta pacifying herbs and therapies are very effective in managing and treating skin conditions. The same line of treatment is followed for lumpy skin disease of cattle. The herbal medications that can effectively treat such skin and viral conditions of cattle are described in detail further in the article.

Causes

• Lumpy Skin Disease is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus of the family Poxviridae, known as the Neethling virus. The outbreak of the virus varies according to place, weather, and immune status of the cattle.
• This virus can spread through nasal discharge, blood, semen, saliva, lacrimal secretions, and milk.
• The virus can remain viable in cattle for more than 120 days.

Symptoms

Infected cattle may develop certain symptoms within 4 to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms appear such as

• Fever
• Lacrimation
• Nasal discharge
• Hypersalivation
• Skin eruptions (that are widespread and painful)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin and mucous membrane nodules

Also, the disease results in

• Reduced milk production
• Poor growth of cattle
• Infertility
• Death may occur in some cases

Diagnosis

Lumpy Skin Disease is to be differentiated from pseudo- Lumpy Skin Disease. These diseases can have similar symptoms. The diagnosis is confirmed after performing the following diagnostic methods-

• Histopathology
• Virus isolation
• Pcr

Treatment

Vaccines may help control the spread of infection

• Antibiotics
• NSAIDs
• Pain killers

Herbal Remedies for Lumpy Skin Disease by Planet Ayurveda

Ayurveda medicines are very beneficial in the treatment of various human diseases as well as cattle diseases. Planet Ayurveda manufactures medicines for cattle with the same purity and has remarkable results in cattle betterment. Planet Ayurveda is a leading manufacturing company of various herbal medications with the best overall result for 20 years. Their products are 100% pure and vegetarian and are made from standardized extracts of various potential medicinal plants by expert ayurvedic physicians. This company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using its products and medicines. They strictly follow government guidelines for making their products the best. Cattle also need herbal treatment for better health. They need to be protected from the side effects of such chemicals. This indirectly also benefits humans who consume their milk.

Planet Ayurveda provides an ‘LSD Care Pack‘ to treat this fatal condition. Details of the pack are given below.

LSD Care Pack

1. 1. Gandhak Rasayan
   2. Giloyghan Vati
   3. Neem Capsules
   4. Kaishore Guggul

Ingredients Description

1) Gandhak Rasayan

These tablets are prepared from Shuddha Gandhak (Purified Sulphur). It is used in the treatment of skin diseases. These tablets heal the skin nodules of cattle and promote the health of the skin. It supports healthy skin in cattle to heal from skin eruptions in lumpy skin diseases.

Dosage– Give 2 tablets thrice daily after meal with plain water.

2) Giloyghan Vati

These classical tablets are made up of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). They help to maintain healthy tissues and cells by boosting the immune system of the cattle. It protects the cattle from various infections and helps the infected cattle to fight effectively against many diseases like a lumpy skin disease.

Dosage– Give 2 tablets thrice daily after meal with plain water.

3) Neem Capsules

These capsules are made from standard extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem is known from ancient times for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It maintains skin health by eliminating toxins from the body. Neem kills the bacteria and viruses that affect cattle. Neem capsules may also relieve pain in cattle due to skin nodules by treating them.

Dosage– Give 2 capsules thrice daily after meal with plain water.

4) Kaishore Guggul

These polyherbal tablets are made from Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitki (Terminalia bellerica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Red physic nut (Baliospermum montanum), Indian jalap (Ipomoea turpethum). This combination of herbs is effective in treating painful skin conditions. They pacify aggravated Pitta dosha in the body of cattle and hence relieve symptoms of the disease. It eliminates toxins from the body and enhances the immune system of the cattle which will help them recover from this condition more effectively.

Dosage– Give 2 tablets thrice daily after meal with plain water.

Conclusion

Ayurveda offers various therapeutic strategies to deal with viral conditions. Under the guidance of ayurvedic doctors, the condition of cattle is stabled and their skin eruptions are healed to improve their quality of life by increasing their acceptance in the field. Herbal medications improve cattle health without further side effects. That directly benefits cattle health and indirectly benefits human health