Cattle farmers in the poverty-stricken northern district of Kurigram are facing rising challenges as outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) spread among cattle. Continuous rainfall, cold weather, and other environmental factors have exacerbated the situation. According to local farmers, residents, and the Department of Livestock, at least 12 cows have died so far, while around 250 to 300 cattle are infected. The highest number of cases have been reported in Kurigram Sadar, Rajarhat, and Bhurungamari upazilas.
Farmers are increasingly worried that the infection may spread across the district before Eid. Many who purchased cattle in preparation for the festival are now anxious about losses.
In response, the Department of Livestock has begun fieldwork in affected areas. Officials have advised farmers to clean lesions or nodules on LSD-affected cows with hot water mixed with potash and turmeric. As mosquitoes and flies transmit LSD, they recommend using mosquito nets or smoke in cattle sheds and providing liquid feed. For foot-and-mouth disease, they suggest cleaning the mouths of affected cows with salt or ash water, washing hooves with hot water mixed with potash or neem leaves, keeping the sheds clean, and maintaining regular vaccination.
According to district livestock officials, ahead of this year’s Qurbani Eid, Kurigram has prepared 116,000 cattle and 180,000 goats and sheep for sale.
In the Harishwar Jotgobordhon area of Kathalbari Union, Kurigram Sadar, three cows—including a pregnant one—died from foot-and-mouth disease over the past week. An additional 20–25 cattle in the area have been infected. Overall, the disease has affected 250–300 cows across three upazilas.
Local farmer Altaf Hossain of Jotgobordhon expressed despair: “One of my Friesian cows died from foot-and-mouth disease last week. It was pregnant. Despite treatment, nothing worked. I have lost at least Tk1.5 lakh. More cattle in the village are affected.”
Another resident, Abu Hossain, said: “Every year I raise a couple of cows for Eid sales. Their sales support my household. But this year, as the time to sell approached, foot-and-mouth disease struck, leaving my cows severely ill. I do not know if they will survive.”
Smallholder farmer Ekramul Haque has three affected cows, including a lactating cow whose tongue was affected by the disease. “I rely on milk sales for income. That is now halted. I am providing treatment, but I do not know if the cows or calves will survive,” he said.
Jabbar Mia, who has been raising three healthy cows for four months for sale at the Qurbani market, said: “Even though my cows are healthy, I am worried. I have spent months and a lot of money preparing them. Now there is foot-and-mouth and Lumpy Skin disease. I am anxious about the outcome. Only God knows what will happen.”
Abul Kalam Azad, a rural veterinary officer from Belgacha Union, said: “A large number of cattle are affected by foot-and-mouth disease. While some recover with treatment, the outbreaks ahead of Eid are causing significant financial losses. Farmers cannot sell sick cows, and even recovered cows fetch lower prices due to health concerns.”
He added that the outbreak is worsened by insufficient government vaccination. High market prices prevent farmers from vaccinating their livestock before infection, leading to rapid spread. Nonetheless, recovery rates among treated animals are relatively high this year.
Safiqur Islam, a rural veterinary officer from Begumganj Union in Ulipur, reported widespread foot-and-mouth infections in Mollarahat and the Brahmaputra riverine areas. “Today alone I saw at least 30 affected cattle. Many farmers face losses as fattened cows for Eid have been infected,” he said.
District livestock authorities confirm that foot-and-mouth disease is viral and spreads rapidly from one cow to another. Around 250–300 cattle have been affected in recent weeks, and some have died. While authorities do not anticipate a full-blown crisis, they emphasise treatment and raising awareness.
Dr Md Habibur Rahman, district livestock officer, said: “Although the three upazilas report the highest infection rates, cases are appearing elsewhere as well. So far, only cattle are affected. We are providing field treatment to infected animals.”
On preventive measures, he added: “Ring vaccination is necessary, meaning all cattle around an affected area must be vaccinated. The vaccines are somewhat costly. Even if government supply exists, it is limited, and market prices are high. Infected animals must be treated separately, and farmers must be made aware. We are actively working to manage the situation.”
