Lumpy Skin Disease Sparks Panic Among Dairy Farmers in Sepahijala, Alleged Negligence Leads to Cattle Deaths in Dakshin Charilam

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 17, 2026

A growing outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease has triggered widespread fear among dairy farmers in Tripura’s Sepahijala district, particularly in Dakshin Charilam, where multiple cattle deaths have been reported, allegedly due to lack of timely medical intervention.

According to local cattle rearers, several milch cows have been attacked by the disease over the past few days, showing typical symptoms such as fever, weakness, and painful nodules across the body. The situation turned critical when a cow belonging to local resident Dipankar Dutta succumbed to the illness, intensifying panic in the area.

Farmers claim that despite repeatedly contacting the government’s Animal Husbandry department and its call center, no effective assistance was provided. They allege that while assurances were given over the phone, including promises to dispatch veterinary doctors and animal ambulance, no such services reached the ground.

“We kept calling for help, but only received verbal assurances. No doctor came, no treatment was provided. If timely care had been given, our cattle could have been saved,” said one of the affected farmers.

Local cattle rearers, who depend heavily on dairy farming for their livelihood, expressed deep frustration over what they describe as administrative inaction. They also reported that even nearby government veterinary hospitals failed to extend any tangible support during the crisis.

The issue came to light after several farmers invited local journalists to Dakshin Charilam to highlight their grievances. The affected community now fears that more cattle may fall prey to the disease if urgent measures are not taken.

Residents have demanded immediate intervention from the administration, including deployment of veterinary teams, emergency treatment services, vaccination drives, and awareness campaigns to contain the spread of the disease.

Experts warn that if the outbreak is not controlled swiftly, it could severely impact rural livelihoods and the local dairy economy.

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