What is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)?

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease in cattle caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae, also known as  Neethling virus.  
The disease is characterized by fever, enlarged superficial lymph nodes and multiple nodules (measuring 2–5 centimetres (1–2 in) in diameter) on the skin and mucous membranes (including those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts). Infected cattle also may develop edematous swelling in their limbs and exhibit lameness. The virus has important economic implications since affected animals tend to have permanent damage to their skin, lowering the commercial value of their hide. Additionally, the disease often results in chronic debility, reduced milk production, poor growth, infertility, abortion, and sometimes death.

Epidemiology

LSDV mainly affects cattle and zebus, but has also been seen in giraffes, water buffalo, and impalas. Fine-skinned Bos taurus cattle breeds such as Holstein-Friesian and Jersey are the most susceptible to the disease. Thick-skinned Bos indicus breeds including the Afrikaner and Afrikaner cross-breeds show less severe signs of the disease. This is probably due to the decreased susceptibility to ectoparasites that Bos indicus breeds exhibit relative to Bos taurus breeds. Young calves and cows at peak lactation show more severe clinical symptoms, but all age-groups are susceptible to the disease.

Classification

Realm:              Varidnaviri
Kingdom:        Bamfordvirae
Phylum:          Nucleocytoviricota
Class:             Pokkesviricetes
Order:            Chitovirales
Family:          Poxviridae
Genus:          Capripoxvirus
Species:       Lumpy skin disease virus 

 

Transmission

           LSDV are associated with high temperature and high humidity It is usually more prevalent during the wet summer and autumn months, especially in low-lying areas or near bodies of water, however, outbreaks can also occur during the dry season. 

Blood-feeding insects such as mosquitos and flies act as mechanical vectors to spread the disease. A single species vector has not been identified. 

Instead, the virus has been isolated from Stomoxys, Biomyia fasciata, Tabanidae, Glossina, and Culicoides species. The particular role of each of these insects in the transmission of LSDV continues to be evaluated.   Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease tend to be sporadic since they are dependent upon animal movements, immune status and wind and rainfall patterns, which affect the vector populations.

The virus can be transmitted through;

 blood, 
nasal discharge, 
lacrimal secretions, 
semen and 
saliva  

          The disease can also be transmitted through infected milk to suckling calves. In experimentally infected cattle, LSDV was found in saliva 11 days after the development of fever, in semen after 22 days, and in skin nodules after 33 days. The virus is not found in urine or stool. Like other pox viruses, which are known to be highly resistant, LSDV can remain viable in infected tissue for more than 120 days.


Treatment 

There is no treatment for lumpy- skin disease.
Nonspecific treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin injections) is usually directed at treating the secondary bacterial infections, inflammation and fever, and improving the appetite of the animal.

 

 


What is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)?

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease in cattle caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae, also known as Neethling virus.

Transmission of lumpy skin disease?

LSDV are associated with high temperature and high humidity It is usually more prevalent during the wet summer and autumn months, especially in low-lying areas or near bodies of water, however, outbreaks can also occur during the dry season. Blood-feeding insects such as mosquitos and flies act as mechanical vectors to spread the disease. A single species vector has not been identified.

Treatment of lumpy skin disease

There is no treatment for lumpy- skin disease. Nonspecific treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin injections) is usually directed at treating the secondary bacterial infections, inflammation and fever, and improving the appetite of the animal.

Transmitted rout of lumpy skin disease?

blood, nasal discharge, lacrimal secretions, semen and saliva