An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease among cattle has been reported in several upazilas of Kurigram district, causing severe concern among farmers and cattle rearers. Over the past two weeks, twelve cows have died from foot-and-mouth disease and two from lumpy skin disease in Kurigram Sadar, Ulipur, and Rajarhat. Hundreds more cattle have been infected, prompting the Department of Livestock to begin field operations and awareness campaigns in affected areas.

Officials have advised farmers on treatment and hygiene measures, including cleaning infected areas with antiseptic solutions and preventing mosquito bites that spread lumpy skin disease. The outbreak comes just before Eid al-Adha, when local farmers traditionally raise cattle for sale. Due to restrictions, infected cattle cannot be taken to markets, and even recovered animals are fetching lower prices because of weakened health.

The district livestock office reported that 116,000 cows and 180,000 goats and sheep have been prepared for Eid markets. Despite the outbreak, officials believe the overall cattle market will remain stable and are monitoring markets to prevent the sale of infected animals.