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Primary reference(s)

FAO, 2017. . Accessed 3 October 2020.

Additional scientific description

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a poxviral disease with significant morbidity in cattle that has dramatic effects on rural livelihoods (FAO, 2017). Although the mortality rate is generally low, economic losses result from loss of condition, decreased milk production, abortions, infertility and damaged hides.

Lumpy skin disease is caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a member of the genus Capripoxvirus (CaPV) within the family Poxviridae. The LSDV shares the genus with sheep pox virus (SPPV) and goat pox virus (GTPV), which are closely related, but phylogenetically distinct. Although the three viruses are considered to be distinct viral species, they cannot be distinguished by routine serological tests (FAO, 2017).

The causative virus seems to be spread mainly by blood-feeding insects, such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes or ticks, and outbreaks can be widespread and difficult to control (OIE, 2020). LSD spreads mainly through mechanical transmission by arthropod vectors. In addition to vectors, transmission may occur through consumption of contaminated feed or water, direct contact, natural mating or artificial insemination (FAO, 2017).

Although traditionally limited to sub-Saharan Africa, LSD has slowly been invading new territories since 2015 including the Middle East and Turkey, and most of the Balkan countries, the Caucasus and the Russian Federation, causing substantial economic losses and serious threat to the food security. Further, in 2019, LSD was also reported in Bangladesh, China and India and in 2020 it has reached Chinese Taipei (OIE, 2020). LSD can rapidly spread across national borders and reach epidemic proportions, thus requiring regional cooperation in prevention, control and eradication (FAO, 2017).

Large-scale vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control the disease spread. Effective vaccines against LSD are commercially available and the sooner they are used the less severe the economic impact of an outbreak is likely to be (FAO, 2017).

There is no evidence that LSDV can infect humans (FAO, 2017).

Metrics and numeric limits

Not available.

Examples of drivers, outcomes and risk management

Drivers: lack of biosecurity, presence of vectors (FAO, 2017).

Outcomes: death of infected animals, spread of infection, trade ban (FAO, 2017).

Risk management: vaccination programme, vector control, movement control, farm biosecurity (FAO, 2017).

The Food and Agriculture Organization of The United Nations (FAO) provides guidance on prevention measures (FAO, no date). It is difficult to stop cattle being attacked by infected vectors (flies, etc.) once infection is within an area. Risk behaviours increase the probability of infection being carried between locations. Large-scale vaccination is the most effective way to prevent and control the disease spread (FAO, 2017).

The FAO guidance on preventative measures that can improve the level of protection of a herd from LSD and other infectious diseases includes the following (FAO, no date):

• Implement biosecurity measures: 
  • As livestock and vehicles can carry live vectors (flies, mosquitoes, etc.) between areas, avoid entry or opening of such
    vehicles within or close to livestock holdings, unless disinfested with approved products.
  • Protect animals from insects (e.g., treatment with approved repellents, move animals to locations within the holding where fewer biting flies).
  • Change needles when treating animals.
• General measures to reduce the risk of LSD and other diseases: 
  • Disinfectant footbath at the entrance of the stable.
  • Disposable boot covers and suit for the visitors.
  • Disinfection and disinfestation of vehicles prior to and after movements.
  • Raise awareness at livestock keepers, field veterinarian and animal health workers levels and encourage reporting to the central veterinary authority.
• Avoid: 
  • Contacts between animals of different herds (e.g., on pasture).
  • Grazing areas where nuisance flies are very abundant.
  • Sharing animals, tools, vehicles, personnel with other farms.

Awareness of herd may be at risk. It is very important to check regularly all the animals and report to a veterinarian or veterinarian service.