Lumpy skin disease is a name which we are hearing a lot now a days but have limited information. In this article, summary of Lumpy Skin disease in most simple language is presented for understanding, hope so you will like this article
Introduction
Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease that affects cattle
and transmitted by insects, such as
certain species of
flies and mosquitoes, or ticks. It causes fever, nodules on the skin and can
also lead to death, especially in animals that that have not previously been
exposed to the virus. Control options include vaccinations Lumpy skin disease
can cause serious damage to economy.
Cause
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is caused by infection of cattle
or water buffalo with the poxvirus Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The virus is one of three closely
related species within the genus capripoxvirus, the other two species being Sheeppox virus and Goatpox virus.
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| LSD in Pakistan |
Clinical findings
- High fever in animals
- Skin nodules up to 50mm in diameter that are develop
around the head, neck, genitals and limbs and on other parts of the body.
- Scab development in the middle of nodules, making
holes that can become infected
- Infected animals may refuse to move and eat
- Ocular and nasal discharges
- Reduced milk production.
- Abortion
Protecting your cattle
- Biting flies and mosquitoes as well as ticks play a major role in spreading LSD between animals, so develop and implement insect management plan
- Ensure tick control step.
- Mange environmental sites to reduce resting and breeding sites for insects for example, water in containers, fill pot holes, ensure drains are not stagnant.
- Maintain control of mosquitoes
- Ensure larvicidal control in water accumulation sites
Treatment
- There is currently no treatment for the virus, so prevention by vaccination is the most effective means of control.
- Secondary infections in the skin may be treated with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs) and by antibiotics (topical/injectable) when needed.