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.

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 contaminated surfaces.

4. Symptoms in Humans:

• High fever
• Fatigue
• Cough and sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)

5. Global Concerns:

• Bird Flu outbreaks lead to mass culling of poultry, impacting the poultry industry and food security.
• Mutation risks: If the virus mutates further, it could become capable of human-to-human transmission, posing a pandemic threat.

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Precautionary Measures:

✔ Strict biosecurity measures in poultry farms.
✔ Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
✔ Proper cooking of poultry and eggs to eliminate the virus.
✔ Regular monitoring of wild bird populations.

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.