Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) – A Detailed Overview

1. About Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

• Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle and buffaloes.
• It is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), belonging to the Capripoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.
• The disease leads to severe economic losses in the livestock industry due to decreased milk production, weight loss, and trade restrictions.

2. Causes & Transmission

• Pathogen: Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV).
• Mode of Transmission:
  • Vector-borne transmission: Spread by blood-feeding insects, such as:
    • Flies (Stomoxys species)
    • Mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex species)
    • Ticks (Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma species)
  • Direct Contact: Through infected animals.
  • Contaminated feed, water, or equipment.
  • Aerosol transmission (rare but possible in crowded conditions).

3. Symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease

• Fever (40–41.5°C).
• Large firm nodules (2-5 cm in diameter) on the skin, covering the head, neck, limbs, udder, and genitalia.
• Swelling of the lymph nodes.
• Loss of appetite & reduced milk production.
• Lameness due to painful nodules.
• Nasal and eye discharge.
• In severe cases, it can lead to death, especially in young and immunocompromised cattle.

4. Economic & Agricultural Impact

• Decline in Milk Yield: Affected cattle produce less milk due to stress and fever.
• Reduced Meat Quality: Skin nodules cause lesions that affect leather and meat quality.
• Trade Restrictions: Many countries ban cattle imports from LSD-affected regions.
• Increased Veterinary Costs: Treatment and vaccination programs increase expenses for farmers.

5. Prevention & Control Measures

• Vaccination:
  • Biolumpivaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech & ICAR, recently approved by CDSCO.
  • Other live-attenuated vaccines are also used.
• Vector Control:
  • Use of insecticides, repellents, and tick control measures.
• Quarantine & Biosecurity Measures:
  • Isolating infected animals to prevent disease spread.
  • Disinfecting farm equipment, feed, and water sources.
• Public Awareness & Farmer Training:
  • Government-led programs to educate farmers on disease prevention.

6. Government & Global Efforts

• India’s Response:
  • The Government provides central funding for LSD control through vaccination programs, awareness campaigns, and training initiatives.
• Global Efforts:
  • FAO and OIE recommend early detection, vaccination, and vector control for LSD management.

This structured approach ensures effective understanding and management of LSD among livestock farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers.

Brucellosis: A Zoonotic Bacterial Disease

Recent Case in India

• Recently, an eight-year-old girl from Kottakkal in Malappuram district of Kerala succumbed to Brucellosis, bringing attention to this zoonotic disease.

What is Brucellosis?

• Type: Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by species of the Brucella genus.
• Common Brucella Species:
  • Brucella melitensis (most prevalent in humans)
  • Brucella abortus (common in cattle)
  • Brucella suis (affects swine)
  • Brucella canis (affects dogs)
• The disease primarily affects livestock but can be transmitted to humans.

Transmission of Brucellosis

• Animal-to-Human Transmission:
  • Direct contact with infected animals (cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs).
  • Consumption of contaminated dairy products such as unpasteurized milk and cheese.
  • Inhalation of airborne bacteria, especially in farms, slaughterhouses, and laboratories.
• Human-to-Human Transmission:
  • Extremely rare but can occur through blood transfusions, sexual contact, or breastfeeding.

Symptoms of Brucellosis in Humans

• Initial Symptoms: Fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, joint pain, and loss of appetite.
• Chronic Symptoms: Arthritis, endocarditis (heart inflammation), neurological issues, and long-term fatigue.

Risk Factors for Brucellosis

• Occupational Risks: Farmers, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, and laboratory personnel handling animals.
• Environmental Factors: Poor animal husbandry practices and lack of hygiene in food processing.
• Urbanization & Animal Industry Expansion: Increased human-animal interactions heighten the risk of outbreaks.

Prevention & Control Measures

• Vaccination: Livestock vaccination programs to reduce infection rates.
• Food Safety: Pasteurization of dairy products and proper cooking of meat.
• Hygiene Practices: Protective gear for workers handling animals and routine disinfection in farms.
• Early Diagnosis & Treatment: Antibiotic therapy for infected individuals to prevent complications.