Dealing with lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease is a notifiable disease. This means the state veterinarian must be informed if you suspect your cattle are infected with it, as specific control measures must be implemented.

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Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle characterised by nodules on the skin. The virus is normally spread by biting insects, so the disease usually occurs during the wet summer and autumn months, when there are large numbers of stable flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Any cattle breed can be affected.

LSD can also be spread via the saliva of infected animals at communal drinking troughs.

The disease causes emaciation (loss of body condition because of an unwillingness to eat); temporary or permanent loss of milk production; lowered or complete loss of fertility in bulls and cows; and abortion. Up to 45% of a herd can become infected and the mortality rate can reach 10%.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS