Cattle in Crisis: The Hidden Costs of Lumpy Skin Disease

Overview

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral infection spreading rapidly worldwide. It primarily affects cows and buffaloes, causing:

• Fever
• Skin nodules
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Reduced milk production

While fatality rates are low, LSD can infect entire herds, leading to significant economic losses in livestock-dependent countries.

Global Impact (2005-2020)

• Total outbreaks: Over 41,000
• Africa: Nearly 30,000 cases
• Asia: 8,800 cases
• Europe: 2,400 cases

India's 2022 Outbreak

• Affected cattle: 2.4 million
• Deaths: Over 110,000
• Economic loss: Over $60 million USD

Transmission

LSD spreads through:

• Direct contact
• Contaminated equipment
• Insects (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
• Key vectors: Aedes aegypti and Stomoxys calcitrans
• Emerging strains: Result from mixing vaccine and wild strains

Control and Prevention

• Diagnostic tools: PCR, LAMP, NGS
• Vaccines: Available but limited
• Challenges:
• Surveillance gaps
• Infrastructure limitations
• Limited access to diagnostics (especially in developing countries)

Expert Recommendations

• Region-specific vaccine strategies
• Improved vector control

Broader Implications

LSD affects:

• Rural livelihoods
• Food security
• Economic stability

Addressing LSD is crucial for animal and human well-being.