Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease caused by Capripox virus. It is transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, biting flies and ticks. The disease was endemic in Africa, but in the last 2-3 years, after entrapping the southern states of India, an outbreak/ epidemic of LSD has spread to Punjab and other states of northern India. The disease occurs mostly in cows and somewhat less in buffaloes. Dr. Ashwani Kumar, HoD, Veterinary Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana revealed that the disease is characterized initially by fever followed by development of cutaneous nodules (2-5 cm) all over the body. In some animals, lesions may involve mouth, pharynx and respiratory tract, and may cause pneumonia, enlarged lymph nodes, edema of limbs or brisket region. Many infected animals usually recover but there is reduction in milk yield in lactating cows for several weeks. The morbidity rate is usually upto 50% and mortality rate is usually around 1-5%. The disease is not zoonotic (not spread to human beings), and thus milk is safe for human consumption following pasteurization/ boiling.
Dr. Ashwani shared important tips about treatment and said that many of the affected animals can be managed/ cured with commercially available antipyretics like vetalgin, meloxicam, ketoprofen etc. However if fever persists or the animal shows nasal discharge/ respiratory signs, antibiotics like ceftiofur, enrofloxacin or sulphonamides are administered to check secondary infection. Application of antiseptic ointment with fly-repellent properties may be applied over the skin. Affected animals should be treated at the farm itself; they should not be transported to hospitals or polyclinics, as high fever/ hyperthermia often develops in these animals due to high environmental temperature and humidity.
He also described some prevention measures. Don’t purchase/ enter new animals into your herd during this outbreak period. Restrict animal movement, and abstain from participation of your animals in cattle fairs, shows, and mandis. Make efforts to minimize vector population (ticks, flies, mosquitoes, fleas, midges) at your farm. Vaccinate all healthy animals of your herd with LSD /Goat Pox Vaccine as per manufacturing company’s guidelines.
