SciTech Express

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, u...

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): A Global Concern   Recent Development: A new genotype (D1.1) of Bird Flu virus has been detected in dairy cattle in the US . Previously, all detections in cattle were of genotype B3.13 . This highlights the evolving nature of the Avian Influenza virus and its ability to infect new hosts. About Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) 1. Causative Agent: Bird Flu is caused by Avian Influenza Type A virus . The virus is divided into subtypes based on two surface proteins : Hemagglutinin (HA) – Helps the virus attach to host cells. Neuraminidase (NA) – Helps the virus spread between cells. 2. Transmission and Carriers: Migratory wild birds , especially waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans), act as natural reservoirs . The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments . 3. Human Infections: Some subtypes, like H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6 , have infected humans. Transmission occurs through contact with infected birds, poultry products, or ...

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. Symp...