INTRODUCTION

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an acute to chronic, highly infectious viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo. It is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus, and is characterized by fever, nodular skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, edema, and a marked reduction in productivity. Due to its significant economic impact and ability to spread across borders, LSD is recognized as a major transboundary animal disease.

HISTORY

The disease was first identified in Zambia in 1929 and subsequently spread across southern and eastern Africa between the 1940s and 1980s. It later expanded beyond Africa, reaching the Middle East in 2012, followed by Turkey and Eastern Europe during 2013–2015. The disease was introduced into South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, around 2019–2020, and further spread to Southeast Asia—such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar—by 2021. It is currently recognized globally as a notifiable transboundary disease.

ETIOLOGY

LSD is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV).

• Family: Poxviridae
• Genus: Capripoxvirus
• Closely related to: Sheep pox virus and Goat pox virus

TRANSMISSION

Transmission occurs mainly through biting insects and mechanical vectors, including:

• Ticks (especially Amblyomma species)
• Mosquitoes (Aedes, Culex)
• Biting flies (e.g., Stomoxys calcitrans)

Direct contact is less common, but may occur through:

• Contaminated feed and water
• Contact with skin lesions or saliva
• Use of contaminated equipment (iatrogenic transmission)

Once the virus enters the host, it replicates in lymph nodes and skin tissues, leading to widespread nodules and systemic illness.

CLINICAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Common signs of LSD include:

• Fever
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Firm, round skin nodules (1–7 cm) on the body, head, limbs, udder, and perineum
• Reduced appetite
• Decreased milk production
• Lethargy and weakness
• Skin edema, especially in the limbs
• Infertility, abortion in pregnant cows
• Pneumonia or lameness in severe cases
• Secondary bacterial infections around skin lesion

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose LSD in cattle, consider the following:

Clinical Examination: Presence of multiple skin nodules and swollen lymph nodes.
History of Exposure: Recent outbreaks, presence of vectors, introduction of new animals.

Laboratory Tests:

• PCR (most reliable)
• Virus isolation
• ELISA/Serology for antibody detection

 Differential Diagnosis: Must be distinguished from Bovine Herpesvirus, pseudo-lumpy skin disease, dermatophilosis, and insect bites.

TREATMENTS

1. Ashoxy 20%

• Long-acting Oxytetracycline
• Helps control secondary bacterial infections associated with ulcerated skin lesions.
• Reduces fever, prevents septicemia, and speeds recovery.

2. Meloxicash Injection

• Meloxicam-based NSAID
• Controls pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by nodules.
• Improves comfort and appetite.

3.Ashivita cattle liquid

• Boosts immunity to fight against the disease

 PREVENTION AND CONTROL

1. VECTOR CONTROL

Controlling flies, mosquitoes, and ticks is essential because LSD is primarily spread through biting insects.

Ashitraz Spray/Pour on (Amitraz 125 mg/ml)

• A powerful acaricide effective against ticks, mites, and other ectoparasites.
• Regular application helps reduce vector population and lowers the risk of LSD transmission.
• Can be used as a spray or dip according to veterinary guidance.

2. VACCINATION

Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing LSD outbreaks. Depending on availability, LSD-specific vaccines or live attenuated Sheep Pox/Goat Pox vaccines may be used. In endemic regions, annual vaccination is recommended to maintain herd immunity, and all newly introduced animals should be vaccinated prior to their introduction into the herd.

3. BIOSECURITY MEASURES

Proper farm-level biosecurity is critical to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus. Newly introduced animals should be quarantined for a minimum of 28 days, and animal movement should be strictly restricted during outbreak situations. Regular disinfection of equipment, vehicles, and animal housing must be ensured. Clinically infected animals should be promptly separated from healthy animals, and where possible, separate equipment and personnel should be used for sick animals. Dead animals and contaminated materials should be disposed of safely and appropriately to minimize further disease transmission.

4. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Good nutritional management strengthens immunity and reduces disease severity. Animals should be provided with a balanced diet supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals, and weak or stressed animals may be supported with nutritional supplements such as Ashivita powder. Adequate access to clean drinking water must be ensured at all times, and overcrowding should be avoided to minimize stress and disease susceptibility.

CONCLUSION

Effective prevention and control of LSD require an integrated approach involving vector control, timely vaccination, strict farm-level biosecurity, and appropriate supportive management. Ashish Life Sciences products such as Ashoxy 20%, Meloxicash Injection, Ashivita Cattle Liquid, and Ashitraz support vector control and aid in improving animal recovery, thereby helping farmers reduce the overall impact of LSD on cattle health and productivity.