Definition and Causative Agent
Lumpy skin disease (LSD), an economically important and highly contagious viral disease of cattle, is characterized by fever, nodules on the skin, mucous membrane and other parts of the body. The severity of LSD is highly variable and depends on several factors, including the virus strain, the age of the host, immunological status and breed. The causative agent is the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) which – along with sheep pox virus (SPPV) and goat pox virus (GTPV) – is a member of the genus Capripoxvirus in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae and family Poxviridae. LSDV is closely related to the SPPV and GTPV.
Transmission
LSDV primarily spreads through insect vectors including biting flies (Stomoxys spp.), mosquitoes (Aedes spp., Culex spp.), and ticks (Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp.). Direct contact between infected and susceptible animals as well as contaminated feed, water, and equipment can also contribute to the transmission. The virus can survive in scabs and lesions for extended periods, increasing the risk of indirect transmission.
Clinical Signs
The incubation period for LSDV ranges from 4 to 14 days. Sudden onset of high fever (up to 105°F) which may exist for 1 week or more, decrease in feed intake, marked enlargement of superficial lymph nodes and reduction in milk yield of lactating cattle. Firm, round nodules appear on the skin, typically 2-5 cm in diameter. These nodules can cover the entire body, including the muzzle, nostrils, eyes, and genitalia. Nodules can develop on mucous membranes of the mouth, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. The ocular and nasal discharge becomes mucopurulent, and keratitis may develop. The dermal lesions include vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis, oedema, thrombosis, lymphangitis, dermal-epidermal separation, and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Limbs become oedematous and painful leading to the lameness. Bulls may become permanently or temporarily infertile and may shed virus in the semen.
Lesions
Lesions caused by LSDV progress through several stages. Initially multiple, firm circumscribed nodules involving dermis and epidermis are formed. These nodules may extend up to the subcutis and even muscles in occasional cases. With time, these nodules may exude serum and become necrotic. Histopathological studies reveal dermal vasculitis and epidermal vacuolar changes with intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. In chronic cases, nodules may ulcerate and form thick scabs circumscribed by granulation tissue. Diagnosis Laboratory confirmation is done by virus isolation in cell cultures or embryonated eggs; detection of virus by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and visualization of virus particles by electron microscopy; and ELISA and virus neutralization tests for detection of LSDV antibodies.
Differential Diagnosis
LSD must be primarily differentiated from Pseudo- LSD, a milder skin disease caused by bovine herpesvirus-2 (BoHV-2); bovine papular stomatitis, bluetongue, foot and mouth disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, malignant catarrhal fever and mucosal disease. The skin lesions of LSD also resemble the dermatophilosis-a bacterial infection causing scabby skin lesions. Other differential conditions may include – dermatophytosis, bovine farcy, actinomycosis, actinobacillosis, urticaria, and pseudocowpox.
🐄 LSD (Lumpy Skin Disease) – Treatment & Management Guide
There is no specific cure for LSD. Management should focus on:
Recommended Supportive Treatment Protocol:
- Antibiotic Therapy:
• Penicillin (DCR) – 2.5 gm/day intramuscularly (i/m), once daily
• Helps prevent secondary bacterial infections - Antiviral Support:
• Methylene Blue (MB) – 0.1% solution, orally (PO), 3 doses per day for 4 days
• Acts as an antiviral agent and shows promising results - Anti-inflammatory and Antihistamines:
• Inj. Melonex Plus – 0.5 mg/kg i/m, once daily for 3 days
• Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Inj. Anistamin™) – 0.5 mg/kg once daily (SID) - Parasitic Control (for skin parasites and fly control):
• Ivermectin – 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneous (s/c) once
• Or Levamisole – 7.5 mg/kg orally (PO), once - Autoimmunization Technique (Optional):
• On the 3rd or 4th day of visible clinical signs:
Mix 15 ml blood from affected animal + 5 ml CPM (Chlorpheniramine Maleate)
Administer once to stimulate immune response - Topical Wound Care:
• Apply Himax ointment on lesions daily
• Aids in healing and prevents fly infestation
✅ 4. Supplementation
- Vitamin C: 3 g (subcutaneous)
- B-complex vitamins: 10 ml (IM)
✅ 5. Nutrition & Hydration
- Provide adequate feed, clean water, and energy-rich diet to support recovery.
✅ 6. Ethnoveterinary Practices
🐄 LSD Herbal Treatment Summary
✅ Day 1–3: Initial Oral Paste
Ingredients: Betel leaves (10), Black pepper (10), Salt (10g), Jaggery
- Grind & mix with jaggery
- Feed every 3 hours (3 doses/day)
- Continue 3 doses/day for 2 weeks
- Prepare fresh each time
✅ Day 3–14: Continued Oral Support
Ingredients: Garlic (2), Coriander (15g), Cumin (15g), Tulsi, Clove leaves, Black pepper, Betel leaves (5), Shallots (2), Turmeric (10g), Neem, Jaggery
- Grind, mix with jaggery
- Feed 3 times/day (morning, evening, night)
- Prepare fresh daily
✅ Wound Oil (Topical)
Ingredients: Acalypha, Garlic, Neem, Tulsi, Turmeric, Heena, Coconut oil (500ml)
- Boil all in coconut oil
- Cool & apply to clean wounds daily
