The recent outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in India’s bovine population has prompted widespread concern, given the country’s extensive cattle industry. This virus, which is making its first appearance in India, presents a serious threat to these animals’ well-being and subsequently, their productivity. The following sections will delve into its cause, symptoms, effects, vectors, prevention methods, global spread, and potential implications on society.
The Cause of Lumpy Skin Disease
LSD results from an infection with the poxvirus Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV). This pathogen belongs to the capripoxvirus genus, which also contains the species responsible for sheep and goatpox. All of these diseases primarily infect cattle and water buffalos.
Symptomatic Presentation of Lumpy Skin Disease
Cattle with LSD typically develop nodules that range from two to five centimetres in diameter across their bodies. These lumps, which often appear around the head, neck, limbs, udder, and genitals, eventually rupture into large, deep wounds. Other common symptoms include general malaise, discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, and a sudden drop in milk production.
Effects of Lumpy Skin Disease
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, less than 10% of cattle infected with LSD die from the disease. However, the decrease in milk production it causes can have significant implications on a farm’s output.
Vectors of Lumpy Skin Disease
Multiple vectors aid in the propagation of LSD. It spreads through insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks as well as via saliva and contaminated food or water.
Preventing Lumpy Skin Disease
The primary strategies for controlling and preventing LSD include quarantining affected animals, vaccinating healthy ones, slaughtering the infected cattle, and implementing management strategies.
Treatment of Lumpy Skin Disease
Despite there being no cure for the virus, prevention via vaccination is considered the most effective control mechanism. If secondary infections occur within the skin, these can be treated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs) and antibiotics when necessary.
Global Spread of Lumpy Skin Disease
First found in Africa and parts of West Asia in 1929, LSD has since spread to Southeast Asia. Bangladesh reported its first case in July 2019. In India, a country boasting the world’s largest cattle population at 303 million heads, the disease has already spread to 15 states within a mere 16 months since it was first detected in Mayurbhanj, Odisha in August 2019.
Implications of Lumpy Skin Disease
The tunneling effects of this disease could be catastrophic for India, where most dairy farmers are either landless or possess minimal landholdings. Considering milk is one of the cheapest protein sources available, an uncontrolled LSD outbreak may prompt a serious socio-economic setback.
