Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

What is lumpy skin disease?

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle, caused by lumpy skin disease virus, a member of the pox virus family. Buffaloes can also be infected. The virus spreads mainly through biting insects such as flies, mosquitoes and ticks. LSD has spread widely in India in recent years.

LSD is a notifiable disease, which means cases must be reported. If you suspect it, tell your veterinarian or the animal husbandry department. Many animals recover slowly, but the disease can cause a long drop in milk yield, damaged hides, abortion and loss of condition, and some animals die. LSD is not known to infect people.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Fever and dullness
• Firm, round lumps on the skin, often on the head, neck, legs and udder
• Lumps that break open and form scabs or sores
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)
• Watery eyes, runny nose and drooling
• Swollen legs and lameness
• A sharp drop in milk yield

Which lab tests help

The Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) RT-PCR looks for the virus's genetic material in a skin lump, scab, swab or blood sample. It is the main test to confirm LSD. Samples from skin lumps are taken by a veterinarian.

The Lumpy Skin Disease Antibody ELISA looks for antibodies, the proteins the body makes against the virus. Antibodies can come from infection or from vaccination, so tell your vet about the herd's vaccination history. Antibodies take some time to appear, so an early ELISA can be negative.

Histopathology / Biopsy, the study of a small piece of a skin lump under the microscope, can show changes that support the diagnosis. If open sores become infected, a Wound Swab Culture & Sensitivity can show which bacteria are present and which antibiotics may work.

Other problems, such as insect bites, hives (an allergic skin reaction) and some skin infections, can also cause lumps, so lab confirmation helps. A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the herd's signs, vaccination and history. Testing helps confirm the disease, but it cannot by itself stop it spreading.

When to see your vet

Call your vet at once if animals develop fever with skin lumps. Tell your veterinarian or the animal husbandry department, and follow their guidance. Ask your vet about vaccination and insect control.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab in Shahpura, Bhopal provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. For suspected LSD, call the lab on +91 88175 01118 before sending samples, so it can confirm how samples taken by your vet should be packed and sent. From other districts, samples come through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.