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Reports of outbreak of goat pox in Kerala and experts have demanded restriction on goat trade from other affected States.

Goat Pox

• Variola caprina (Goat Pox) is a contagious viral disease caused by a pox virus that affects goats.
• The virus usually spreads via the respiratory system, and sometimes spreads through abraded skin.
• It is most likely to occur in crowded stock. Sources of the virus include cutaneous lesions, saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.
• The incubation period is usually between 8–13 days, but it may be as short as 4 days.

Measures to be done

• Healthy animals should be vaccinated against goat pox.
• Trading of animals from affected areas need to be discouraged.
• Antibiotics can be given to control secondary bacterial infection.
• All goat farmers need to take measures to control this epidemic which will affect the productivity and make goat rearing unsustainable.

Source : The Hindu

GS III : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources