Dermatophilosis Disease Control Programme to Be Launched This Week

By: Chaïra Flanders

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 3, 2020 (ZIZ News): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis through the Department of Agriculture is gearing up to host a launch of a Dermatophilosis Disease Control Programme tomorrow.

Dermatophilosis is a bacterium that affects animals by causing scabs and crusts on the skin. In some cases, the disease can also lead to death.

The disease is caused by a parasite known as the Amblyomma variegatum, commonly known as the tropical bont tick and affects ruminance such as cattle, sheep, goat and wild deer.

Director of Agriculture, Melvin James said the effects of Dermatophilosis which occurred since the 80’s has prompted this response to assist farmers through this program.

Mr. James said it is necessary to implement the Disease Control Programme as it will also help to prevent further loss of animals.

The Agriculture Director then explained that in its efforts to control the (Derma) in animals, the government allocated 300 thousand dollars to the Ministry of Agriculture to protect livestock production.

He used the opportunity to invite all Agriculture stakeholders and livestock farmers to tomorrow’s launch ceremony.

The official launch of the Dermatophilosis Disease Control Programme will be held in the Department of Agriculture Conference Room in LaGuerite on Tuesday February 4, 2020 at 5 pm.