Introduction

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral cattle disease that poses significant challenges for dairy farmers worldwide. In this blog, we explore its symptoms, prevention strategies, and how modern technology aids farmers in tackling it.

From Africa to Asia, The Spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

Lumpy skin disease was first reported in the year 1928, in the African continent. By 2012, it had spread to South Europe and the Middle East. Eventually, by 2019 the spreading of LSD was reported in many Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In India, the first case of Lumpy skin disease was reported in Odisha, in the year 2019.

What is Lumpy Skin Disease?

Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease, that primarily affects Cattle and buffalo. LSD is caused by Capripoxvirus (belonging to the family Poxviridae) also called lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV).

Lumpy Skin Disease Key Symptoms

1. Sudden High Fever:

Affected animals develop a high fever rapidly.

2. Characteristic Skin Nodules:

Within 1-2 days of fever onset, distinct skin nodules (1-5 cm) appear across the body.

3. Reduced Milk Production:

Milk yield decreases significantly in lactating cows.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes and Lameness:

Lymph nodes become enlarged and painful. Sometimes joint swelling and oedema make it difficult for the animal to lie down for 1-2 days.

5. Nodules and Ulcers on Mucous Membranes:

Nodules and Ulcers can form in the nose, mouth, teats, and genital areas.

6. Reproductive Issues:

Pregnant cows may abort. Breeding bulls may experience temporary or permanent infertility.

Modes of Transmission of Lumpy Skin Disease

LSD is mainly transmitted through vectors/agents like biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Infected needles may contribute to the spread of disease. These insects contribute to the spreading of disease in local/nearby areas, and cattle movement contributes to the spreading of disease over long distances. Other rare transmission methods are through contaminated fomites like water and feed, iatrogenic, transplacental, milk, and semen. The LSDV is present in the semen of infected bull for up to 42 days. Overall, biting insects are the primary culprits behind local spread, while cattle movement plays a significant role in spreading LSD over long distances.

Prevention and Control Measures for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD):

1. Vaccination:

Vaccination is the most cost-effective method for LSD prevention and control. It reduces the number of susceptible animals by building herd immunity, helping to avoid direct and indirect economic losses associated with the disease.

• Goat Pox Vaccine:

The Goat Pox vaccine is proven effective against LSD and is recommended by the Government of India (GOI).

• Target Group

All cattle and buffaloes above 3 months of age are eligible for vaccination.

• Ring Vaccination:

Recommended coverage is a 5 km radius from the epicenter.

• Immunity Development:

Full immune protection develops approximately three weeks post-vaccination. During this period, animals may still get infected by the field virus or show clinical signs if already in the incubation stage at the time of vaccination.

2. Segregation and Isolation:

Affected animals should be isolated from healthy ones to prevent the spread of the virus. Restrict the movement of animals to limit transmission.

3. Grazing and Market Restrictions:

Avoid communal grazing and gatherings such as cattle markets to reduce the spread of infection.

4. Vector Control:

Use insect nets wherever feasible and apply insect repellents, and pesticides regularly to control vectors.

5. Biosecurity Measures:

Implement farm-level biosecurity practices to minimize disease spread. Disinfect animal sheds and surrounding areas. Properly dispose of carcasses to prevent further contamination.

6. Chemical Disinfection:

LSD virus can be inactivated using a variety of acidic and alkaline disinfectants, including:
Ether (20%), chloroform
Formalin (1%), phenol (2% for 15 minutes)
Sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium hypochlorite (2-3%)
Iodine compounds (1:33 dilution)
Quaternary ammonium compounds (0.5%)

Modern Technologies for Managing Lumpy Skin Disease

LSD is a serious concern for the dairy industry globally. Where it impacted not only cattle health and well-being, but it also affected the breeding efforts of dairy farms, milk production, and overall productivity. Understanding its symptoms transmission methods, using preventive techniques and technologies might help dairy farms to curtail LSD.

For example, solutions like JioGauSamriddhi cattle monitoring solution which tracks cattle activity through smart neck tags and collects data through the gateway. Then the collected data is analyzed in the cloud, and alerts will be generated in real-time to respective dairy farms. This allows farmers to take quick actions like isolating affected animals, reminds about timely vaccination as per schedule, and helping to control diseases like LSD.