Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

Scientific name: Capripoxvirus

About LSD

  • This disease causes cattle and water buffalo to become severely unwell.
  • Milk production in animals with LSD is significantly impacted.
  • LSD may also cause cows to abort their young.
  • Countries with an LSD outbreak loose access to global markets.
  • LSD is primarily spread by biting insects such as certain species of flies, mosquitos and possibly ticks.
  • The disease can also be spread through contaminated equipment, and in some cases directly from animal to animal.
  • Infection typically causes an acute disease with fever, depression and characteristic skin nodules.
  • Some animals with the disease may be asymptomatic (have the disease with not show signs).
  • There may also be a marked reduction in milk yield or can cause abortion in pregnant animals.
  • Once present, this disease can be challenging and costly to control or eradicate.

Countries LSD has spread to

  • The disease has spread from Africa, through China and Southeast Asia.
  • In 2012 the disease was confirmed in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.
  • In March 2022 it was reported in Indonesia and on the Island of Sumatra.

Animals that can be infected by LSD

  • Cattle
  • Water buffalo

What to look for

  • Firm, raised nodules up to 50mm in diameter develop on the skin around the head, neck, genitals and limbs or any part of the body
  • Scabs in the centre of the nodules
  • Large holes that may have formed after the scabs have fallen off
  • These holes may be infected
  • Swelling of the limbs, brisket and genitals
  • Watering eyes
  • Increased nasal and salivary secretions
Image of a cow with lesions on its flank

How to protect your animals

If there is an outbreak in your country, slowing the spread of the disease may include,

  • vaccination
  • controlling movement of animals
  • minimising populations of ticks, flies, mosquitoes and flea
  • culling infected animals.

What to do if you find it