By Neo Kolane
The director general of veterinary services in the ministry of agriculture, Dr Marosi Molomo, has confirmed an outbreak of three-day stiff sickness (TDS), a relatively unknown disease that is afflicting cattle in some parts of the country.
Molomo told theReporter that Qacha’s Nek, Mokhotlong, Maseru and Quthing have been identified as the districts that have been affected by the outbreak.
She further said TDS disease has always been there but was not afforded due regard. What is worrisome is that it is spreading to a number of districts in a short time.
The Disaster Management Authority has also alerted farmers in the Thaba-Tseka district about the outbreak of TDS.
Three-day stiff-sickness is an insect-transmitted viral disease of cattle. It is one of the local dairy industry’s most important erosion diseases, and is responsible for annual losses of millions of rands in neighbouring South Africa. TDS starts suddenly and is normally of short duration. Most cases recover completely within three days, hence the name. Mortality in animals in good condition is usually low.
Sick animals suffer sudden onset of fever, are stiff, lie down and are reluctant to rise or move around. The fever usually subsides and temperature returns to normal within 36 hours. Cows in an advanced stage of pregnancy may abort.
A dramatic decline in the milk production of dairy cows and the quality thereof can cause great economic losses. The fertility of affected bulls is temporarily suppressed.
The disease is caused by a virus transmitted to cattle by biting insects. Midges and mosquitoes are the main vectors. Other insect species are also suspected, but to date have not been identified. According to reports, the outbreaks usually occur at times of above-average rainfalls.
However, the same situation has also been witnessed by some cattle owners in Quthing.
This was confirmed by acting chief of Ha Peete ‘Mathesele Nkuebe on Tuesday in an interview with theReporter.
Nkuebe said that indeed cattle are subjected to stiffness and that farmers were waiting for the vet from Ha Makoae.
A farmer from Ha Tšiu, a village close to Ha Peete, Masimphane Molise, said three of his cattle showed symptoms of the disease as they manifested stiffness and were not feeding.
Molise who depends entirely on his livestock, said he realised that the animals were infected by the disease three weeks ago.
He said as cattle owners they have never seen something like that before and that the Ha Makoae vet confirmed the presence of the disease, warning it is a result of heavy rains.
Molise explained that he is devastated and has tried to treat his three cattle with locally available medicinal herbs like sage.
He said the medication helps a bit as his cattle seemed to be recovering.
He said some of the cattle owners were injecting their livestock with some substance known as Hitet but not everybody can afford to buy it.
Molise said he gets his milk and meat from his cattle which are a source of income to feed his family. In hard times, he trades his cattle to fend for the household.
Speaking with the publication, councillor of Ha Peete Karabo Lesala, said the extension officer of the ministry of agriculture and food security explained that the condition will not affect the animals for a prolonged period.
