26/03/2022
Lumpy skin Disease
Lumpy skin disease (L*D) is caused by the poxvirus lumpy skin disease virus in genus Capri- poxvirus that also includes the closely related sheep pox virus and goat pox virus. Cattle are the predominant species affected although infection has also been reported in water buffalo. Several studies have showed that relatively higher seroprevalence is found in older animals of Bos-Taurus (exotic) as compared to Bos-indicus (indigenous) cattle. L*D causes significant economic losses due to permanent hide damage. Temporary or permanent infertility may occur in cows and bulls. . It leads to reduced milk yield and sometimes death due to secondary bacterial infections. In field outbreaks, the incubation period of the disease ranges from 1 to 4 weeks. The disease causes a wide range of clinical signs from mild and unapparent illness to severe infection. In affected animals, L*D is usually diagnosed based on characteristic clinical signs, histopathology, virus isolation and PCR.
Signs and symptoms
The clinical signs are much more severe in exotic cattle as compared to indigenous breeds and are characterized by multiple skin nodules covering the neck, back, perineum, tail, limbs and ge***al organs associated with the persistent high fever and depression. Affected animals also exhibit signs of lameness; emaciation followed by cessation of milk production and decreased body weight. Edema of limbs and brisket, and superficial lymph node enlargement are highly prominent signs.
Transmission
The uncontrolled movement of infected animals may become a factor which can increase the hazard of disease spreading to various regions. Communal grazing and watering has also been associated with a higher occurrence of L*D, likely due to the increased opportunity for mechanical transmission of the virus by mosquitoes. Lumpy Skin Disease virus (L*DV) is thought to be primarily transmitted by biting and blood feeding arthropods like hard ticks. Disease can be transmitted by direct contact (cutaneous lesions, saliva, respiratory secretions, milk and semen) and using of contaminated needles.
Eradication and Control
• Implementation of vaccination.
• Strict quarantine measures. .
• Isolation and slaughter of affected animals.
• Proper disposal of carcasses, cleaning and disinfection of the premises.
• Insect control.
• Supportive treatment that may include wound dressings to prevent fly infestations and secondary infections
• Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drug
Lumpy skin disease.
*D
