Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle and Buffalo: History, Impact, and Response in Nepal BY Rupesh Prasaila Yadav

 Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle and Buffalo: History, Impact, and Response in Nepal

History of Lumpy Skin Disease

Initially restricted to Africa, LSD made its first major leap out of the continent in the 1980s, eventually reaching the Middle East and parts of Europe. The disease was confirmed in India in 2019, marking the beginning of its rapid spread in South Asia.

The first confirmed case of LSD in Nepal was reported in the last week of June 2020 in cattle populations in Koshi Province, particularly at Sundarharaicha, a village within Morang district followed by the first week of July 2020 in Chitwan, the second week of July in Makwanpur district and the third week of July in Rautahat district of Nepal (OIE, 2020c, 2020d). By 2022, LSD outbreaks had been recorded in all seven provinces, with the Terai region being particularly affected due to its warmer climate and denser livestock populations. The 2023 and 2024 outbreaks were especially devastating, with thousands of cattle and buffalo affected, leading to significant economic losses in milk production, livestock trade, and farming households’ income. The outbreak spread swiftly due to the lack of prior exposure and immunity in the native cattle population, limited awareness among farmers, and insufficient disease surveillance.

What is Lumpy Skin Disease?

Lumpy Skin Disease is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus, within the Poxviridae family, which is closely related to the sheep and goat pox viruses. It primarily affects cattle and buffalo, causing fever, nodular skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, edema, and, in severe cases, death. Transmission typically occurs through biting insects such as mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), hard ticks (Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma species), and flies (Stomoxys calcitrans), houseflies (Musca domestica) and can also spread via and through semen, contaminated equipment or direct contact in close quarters.

 

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Infected animals typically exhibit the following signs:

·        Fever: Temperatures ranging from 40°C to 41.5°C.

·        Skin Nodules: Firm, round nodules (0.5–5 cm in diameter) appearing on the skin, particularly on the head, neck, limbs, udder, and genitalia. These nodules may ulcerate and become necrotic over time.

·        Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlargement of superficial lymph nodes.

·        Discharge: Nasal and ocular discharge, along with hypersalivation.

·        Reduced Appetite and Milk Production: Significant decline in feed intake and milk yield.

·        Lameness: Due to edema in limbs and pain from skin lesions.

·        Reproductive Issues: Abortions in pregnant cows and temporary or permanent infertility in bulls.

Picture: Cattle suffering from lumpy skin disease showing the presence of nodular regions all over the body (https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2024.2398211 )

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical signs and confirmed through laboratory tests such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect viral DNA. Differential diagnoses include pseudo-lumpy skin disease, bovine herpesvirus infections, and other skin conditions.

Treatment and Management

There is no specific antiviral treatment for LSD; management focuses on supportive care

·        Antibiotics: To prevent secondary bacterial infections (e.g., oxytetracycline, penicillin).

·  Anti-inflammatory Drugs: To reduce fever and inflammation (e.g., meloxicam, flunixin meglumine).

·        Antihistamines: To alleviate allergic reactions (e.g., chlorpheniramine maleate).

·        Wound Care: Regular cleaning and application of antiseptics to prevent maggot infestation.

·   Hydration and Nutrition: Ensuring adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet to support recovery.

Recent studies suggest that methylene blue, known for its antiviral properties, may aid in reducing viral load and promoting healing when used alongside supportive treatments.

Prevention Measures

Preventing LSD involves a combination of strategies

·    Vaccination: Use of live attenuated vaccines.
·    Vector Control: Implementing measures to reduce insect populations, including using insecticides and maintaining clean animal housing.
·    Quarantine: Isolating infected animals to prevent disease spread.
·    Biosecurity: Regular disinfection of equipment and restricting movement of animals from affected areas.

·   Awareness Programs: Educating farmers on early detection and reporting of symptoms.

Picture: Biosecurity (above), Intimation(middle), and vaccination (below)

 Impact on Nepal’s Livestock Sector

• Economic Losses: LSD causes a decline in milk yield, weight loss, infertility, and reduced draught power, severely affecting both subsistence farmers and commercial dairy producers.
• Buffalo Susceptibility: Buffalo are generally less susceptible than cattle.
• Livelihood Threats: In rural Nepal, where livestock plays a central role in agriculture, transportation, and income generation, the impact of LSD has been deeply felt.

Government and Community Response

The Government of Nepal, through the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and provincial veterinary offices, has taken several key steps to combat LSD:

1. Emergency Vaccination Campaigns: Nepal has adopted the use of goat pox vaccines, which offer cross-protection against LSDV, and recently imported live attenuated LSD vaccines from international sources.
2. Movement Control: Temporary bans on livestock movement were implemented in outbreak zones.
3. Awareness and Training: Veterinary health workers and local farmers received training on early detection, treatment, and prevention.
4. Quarantine and Sanitation: Promotion of disinfection and insect control in farms and livestock shelters.

However, challenges remain in achieving full vaccination coverage, enforcing biosecurity, and coordinating surveillance at the community level, especially in remote rural areas.

Way Forward

LSD is likely to remain endemic in Nepal unless robust and sustained measures are adopted. Here are a few recommendations:

• National Vaccination Strategy: Implementing a nationwide annual LSD vaccination program.
• Cross-border Coordination: Strengthening disease control collaboration with neighboring countries, especially India.
• Farmer-Centric Education: Rolling out mass communication efforts through radio, SMS, and local agricultural extension to inform farmers.
• Surveillance and Reporting: Investing in mobile apps or digital platforms for real-time disease monitoring.

Conclusion

Lumpy Skin Disease has emerged as one of the most significant animal health threats in Nepal’s recent history. While the country has made commendable efforts to contain the outbreaks, continued vigilance, effective vaccination, and community involvement will be essential in the long-term fight against LSD. Protecting cattle and buffalo means safeguarding the heart of Nepal’s rural economy.

References

First outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in Nepal

Lumpy Skin Disease: An Economically Significant Emerging Disease

Lumpy skin disease: Know everything about Nepali farmers' regular trouble

Lumpy skin disease outbreak: challenges and strategies for control and eradication

First report of Lumpy skin disease outbreak in cattle and buffaloes of Gandaki Province, Nepal

Pathological, immunological and molecular epidemiological analysis of lumpy skin disease virus in Indian cattle during a high-mortality epidemic

Lumpy skin disease outbreak in Nepal(IntechOpen, OnlineKhabar English News, Farsight, Authorea, Wikipedia)