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Animal Healthcare
Things to know about lumpy skin disease in cattle
Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle (LSD) is a viral illness affecting the cattle. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is caused by the Capripoxvirus, which belongs to the Poxviridae family. Firm-raised lumps appear on the skin, mucous membranes, and sometimes internal organs.
LSD is not transmissible to humans and poses no direct risk to human health. It specifically affects cattle and water buffalo.
This article covers the disease’s causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention and control.
Origin of lumpy skin disease in cattle
The genesis of LSD was first identified in Zambia in 1929. Over 85 years, it gradually spread across most of Africa and reached the Middle East. In 2015, the virus appeared in mainland Europe, starting in Greece, and then spread to the Caucasus and Russia. By 2016, it had moved further east into the Balkans, north towards Moscow, and west into Kazakhstan.
Today, it is seen as a fast-spreading and serious disease. It is a reportable disease, as outbreaks can cause major losses in productivity and trade.
Because of the conducive climatic conditions, the disease spread enormously after 2012. Lumpy skin disease in cattle was first observed in 2019 in India, and by 2020, the outbreak had rapidly spread to Nepal as well as South Asia.
Causes of lumpy skin disease in cattle
Here are the primary causes and contributing factors to the spread of this disease:
Virus Transmission: The Capripoxvirus spreads primarily through blood-feeding insects such as flies (e.g. Stomoxys calcitrans and Biomyia fasciata) and mosquitoes (e.g. Culex mirificens and Aedes natrionus) and ticks. The disease can also spread through direct contact with infected animals and unclean objects, like feed and water troughs.
Environmental Conditions: Warm and humid climates create favourable conditions for vector activity, increasing the disease’s transmission rates. Outbreaks are more common in regions with high temperatures and dense cattle populations.
Animal Management Practices:
Overcrowding: High-density environments increase contact between animals, raising the risk of transmission
Inadequate Ventilation: Poorly ventilated housing can stress animals, weakening their immunity and making them more susceptible
Poor Nutrition: Malnourished cattle are at higher risk of contracting infections, including LSD
Immune-related Factors: Cattle with little or no prior exposure to the Capripoxvirus lack immunity, making them more vulnerable. Calves can also be born infected if the virus is present in pregnant cows
Viruses can live on hides, bedding, and feed for a long time, making it easier for them to spread indirectly.
Symptoms of lumpy skin disease in cattle
Lumpy skin disease in cattle causes a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pseudo-lumpy skin disease is less severe than true lumpy skin disease. However, to show the difference, it is necessary to identify the virus causing the illness. The virus behind true lumpy skin disease can be seen under an electron microscope in the early skin lesions. A more precise way to differentiate the two diseases is through PCR testing.
- Fever with high body temperature (pyrexia) reaching up to 41°C, is often the first symptom of infection. Skin bumps appear as raised, firm lumps that range from 0.5 to 5 cm wide. They often appear on the head, neck, udder, limbs, and genital areas. These can turn into wounds or scars. Nasal and ocular discharge such as watery or pus-like discharge from the eyes and nose. Lymph node swelling wherein enlargement of superficial lymph nodes near the affected areas can be observed.
- Oral and mucous membrane lesions can be seen with ulcers and nodules in the mouth, nostrils, and rectum. Swelling may occur in the dewlap, udder, brisket, and limbs, sometimes leading to lameness. There can also be a sharp drop in milk production because of stress and illness. Appetite loss and weight reduction can also be symptoms.
Pregnant cattle may experience abortion, and infected cattle might suffer from infertility. Secondary Infections such as the risk of bacterial infections in skin lesions can lead to abscesses or mastitis. Cattle may also display general weakness and reluctance to move.
Note: The incubation period for LSD is between 4 and 14 days after infection
Morbidity and Mortality Overview
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle can manifest as isolated cases or widespread outbreaks. While more prevalent in warm, humid regions, it is not confined to these areas. In endemic zones, incidence rates typically increase during wet, warm seasons due to higher populations of insect vectors and decrease during dry periods. New outbreaks can emerge in distant locations.
Within an affected herd, LSD may impact only a few cattle, with others remaining subclinically infected. Some cattle exhibit minimal lesions, while others suffer severe clinical symptoms. Bos taurus breeds, especially Channel Island varieties, are reported to be more susceptible to clinical signs than zebu cattle (Bos indicus). Young calves and lactating cows also tend to be more severely affected.
Implementing effective control measures is crucial to mitigate the impact of lumpy skin disease in cattle populations.
Lumpy skin diseases in cattle treatment
Lumpy skin disease treatment in cattle focuses on supportive care, as there is no specific antiviral cure. Below are the recommended approaches for managing the disease:
Supportive Care
Wound Care: Application of antiseptics or wound dressings to lesions reduces the risk of fly strike and secondary infections
Vector Control
Insect Repellents: Use topical or spray repellents to protect cattle from insect vectors that spread the virus. Mosquito nets may also be used in enclosed housing
Environmental Management: Reducing vector breeding sites by draining stagnant water, proper disposal of manure, and improving farm sanitation
Nutrition and Hydration
Enhanced Nutrition: Providing a high-quality diet helps improve the immune response of affected cattle
Hydration Therapy: Maintaining adequate hydration supports overall health during recovery
Quarantine and Isolation
Isolate-affected animals: Segregate infected cattle to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy stock
Cleaning and Disinfection
Farm Hygiene: Thoroughly clean and disinfect facilities, equipment, and vehicles. The virus is resilient in scabs, so proper removal of organic material before disinfection is essential
Vaccination
Preventative Vaccination: Vaccines are effective in controlling outbreaks, and vaccination campaigns are crucial in endemic regions
Health Safety Measures
Enhanced health safety measures: Implement strict measures, including restricting animal movement and monitoring new stock for symptoms
Prevention and control of lumpy skin disease in cattle
Preventing and controlling lumpy skin disease in cattle requires a combination of measures.
Controlling animal movement, especially from affected to unaffected areas, is essential to prevent the spread. New animals should stay in quarantine for at least 28 days before joining the herd. Cleaners must use chemicals to clean farms, vehicles, and dirty areas.
In conclusion, understanding lumpy skin disease in cattle is crucial for effective management and prevention. This viral disease presents significant challenges for livestock health and farmers’ livelihoods. However, early detection and control measures can reduce its impact.
Cattle owners can protect their herds by staying informed and working with vets and local authorities. This helps improve the health of the livestock industry. Knowledge and proactive action, combined with effective solutions like phytogenic topical sprays that aid in managing lumpy skin, are the keys to safeguarding your cattle from this disease.
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