[Lumpy Skin Disease] Deaths Of Large Number Of Cows Taking Place, Matter Deserves To Be Heard Early: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to respond to a public interest litigation seeking remedial steps for treatment of lumpy skin disease among cows in the national capital.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice on the plea moved by Ajay Gautam, who argued that there is no proper set up to treat the cows that are dying due to the infectious disease.

Gautam also submitted that the carcasses of the cows are being disposed of in a 'crude manner' which is hurting the religious sentiments of a large section of the society.

Taking note of the submission, the court said, "... as deaths of a large number of cows are taking place, the matter deserves to be heard at an early date".

The matter has been listed for hearing on October 14.

Highlighting that the skin disease has killed nearly 70,000 cattle in the country, the numbers of which are increasing everyday, the plea states:

"Symptoms include skin nodules of about two to five centimetres, high fever, reduced milk production, loss of appetite, and watery eyes. The Centre recently said about 70,000 cattle have died so far due to the disease which has spread to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh."

It adds: "That Cow and Gau Vansh is prayed and is revered as a holy and sacred animal by the largest Community of this country and Cows have religious importance. Hindu treat Cows as their Mother."

The plea thus seeks constitution of a team of Veterinary doctors, on an immediate basis, in every zone of the national capital to deal with the disease in cows.

A direction has also been sought for setting up Lump Care Units or Isolation Wards in all the zones and districts for medical treatment of infected cows.

The plea also seeks that an antidote and vaccines be arranged for stopping further spread of the disease.

Title: Ajay Gautam v. GNCTD & Anr.