Lumpy skin disease
It is learnt that a ban has been imposed on interstate transportation of cattle into South Goa as cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) were flaring up among domestic animals in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan and bringing in animals from these states would worsen the situation. The ban will reportedly last for sixty days. It is understood that action in this regard was taken by the authorities concerned as a precautionary measure after infected animals were spotted in Goa although the situation was under control and traders have been permitted to buy the animals after a health check-up is conducted.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral disease that affects cattle and is transmitted by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. There is no treatment for LSD in animals. However an indigenous vaccine has been developed to protect livestock from the viral disease. It is learnt that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists are carrying out a study to find out if there is any possibility of transmission of the lumpy skin virus to the human population. Samples of cattle heads infected by the dangerous virus have been collected for tests.
The tests will also find out if consumption of milk from infected animals will transmit the virus to humans. According to most scientists LSD doesn’t apparently have a zoonotic link, ruling out its transmission from animals to humans.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Magnificent eight of tennis world
As we revel in spectacular action at the Australian Open in Melbourne, it would be right for everyone in the tennis world to know of the superlative men and women who have made history until now and etched their names in the glorious world of tennis Grand Slams. These action packed individuals have left a lasting impression in tennis. To top them all is Margaret Court who won 24 Grand Slams and is at the pinnacle, followed by the Open era great Serena Williams with 23 Grand Slams to her name. Steffi Graf and Rafael Nadal have each scripted their names on 22 Grand Slams, followed closely by Novak Djokovic with 21 and still counting. Roger Federrer made 20 Grand Slams his own in a spectacular career. And to wind with the top eight none would want to forget the mercurial southpaw Martina Navratilova and the stylish Chris Evert each with an impressive tally of 18 each. Considering the now extremely competitive world of tennis, it would be hard for even one of the contemporaries matching these feats of Grand Slam glory. Time will tell. Marvel them and emulate them. Records are meant to be broken.
Elvidio Miranda, Panjim
Peaceful rail travel
The Indian railways, from time to time, has set certain guidelines for train passengers. Speaking in a loud and irritable voice when others are ready to sleep is an annoying habit of some people. A few travellers revel in keeping the lights glowing as long as they wish. After 10 pm, main lights, except the room lamps, are expected to be shut off. However, no amount of protests by fellow passengers can dissuade the trouble mongers. Another huge roadblock to a deep sleep are transit passengers many of who barge into the bogies with all types of noise. While the Railways has recently come out with stringent steps to end the loud voice and late– night light menace.
But it is silent on the nuisance value of passengers boarding the trains in between. Strict implementation of section 145(6) of the Indian Railway Act, 1989 that deals with annoying or irritating passengers should do a world of good to travellers. The Railways should ask its staff on duty to swiftly act on oral complaints of the passengers regarding the co–passengers. A spot fine is not a bad idea. Similarly, the staff members should be strictly told to go about their task in a peaceful way without disturbing the passengers.
Ganapathi Bhat, Akola
Malaise of fireworks
The recent fire at a paint factory, the worst in Goa’s history, must act as an eye-opener. Environmental and noise pollution should be a matter of concern to all. The Government needs to totally ban all fireworks in the best interests of protecting the wellbeing of the population from air and noise pollution. Fireworks cause serious air pollution, produce a lot of garbage and noise, and are a huge disturbance especially for children, the elderly as well as animals. It causes distress, especially as fireworks can sound like gunfire and can aggravate a nervous condition. Firecrackers are in fact a waste of money. Safeguarding our health and protecting the lives of others should be our priority.
The adverse effects of fireworks on people, animals and property must not be underestimated. They contain chemical components like saltpetre, carbon and sulphur. When these are ignited hazardous oxides of gases are emitted which causes suffocation, reduces visibility, resulting in other health hazards. Medical experts state that the air gets contaminated with toxic gases and remains for days.
The toxic elements that reach the lungs, cannot be removed thereafter and can cause grave health issues. These have long-term effects on children. They frighten children and adults, cause fires and terrify pets and wildlife.
The sparkles from fireworks may last a few seconds but the hazardous toxic air pollution can linger in our environment, towns and cities for many hours. Such short-lived entertainment does not justify the immediate and long term damage to our health, wealth and environment.
Our Goa must take the lead by shunning fireworks. We could initiate the beginning of what would ensure a better environment and cleaning the atmospheric dirt across the nation. Once a total ban on firecrackers and fireworks is in place, there should be very rigorous enforcement. People acting in violation should be severely penalized so that it acts as a deterrent to all. Let us hope and pray that common sense will prevail and that fireworks will be banned by the Government for the common good.
Aires Rodrigues, Ribandar
Governor Ravi in a fix
Having been cornered by the state government as well as the people of Tamilnadu who have not taken his unwarranted proposal to call the state ‘Thamizhagam’ instead of ‘Tamilnadu’ kindly and are angry with his audacity to call himself ‘Thamizhaga Aalunar’ and remove the Tamilnadu emblem from his Pongal invitation, Governor R N Ravi has made a volte face and has clarified that he never meant that the name of the state viz Tamilnadu should be replaced with Thamizhagam! He has also sported another controversy by saying that he used the term Thamizhagam in a historical and cultural context as there was no Tamilnadu in the olden days. By saying this, he has only exposed his total ignorance about the culture and history of the Tamil language and Tamilnadu state as the word ‘Tamilnadu’ is found in many of our ancient Tamil literature and texts and also in Bhakti literature.
By now, he would have realized that Tamilnadu is totally a different type of state having sentimental and progressive- minded people and they will never tolerate anything that touches their self- respect. It is better the Governor confines only to the duties entrusted to him by the Constitution in the gubernatorial position he holds. Any overreach will only boomerang and bring ignominy not only to him but also to the BJP government at the Centre which has allegedly planted him here in the state, with a
different agenda.
Tharcius S Fernando,
Chennai
