If you suspect an exotic disease in your livestock, immediately call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (free call within Australia)
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle and buffalo that causes relatively low mortality. It does not affect humans. The disease can result in animal welfare issues and significant production losses.
The disease is not present in Australia.
Infection typically causes acute disease with:
- fever
- depression
- skin nodules
- reduction in milk yield
- abortion in pregnant animals.
LSD is spread:
- by movement of affected animals
- by biting insects or parasites such as flies, mosquitoes and ticks
- by contaminated equipment
- directly from animal to animal in some cases.
In March 2022, LSD was officially reported by Indonesia on the island of Sumatra and in Singapore.
Livestock producers
Find out what signs to look for in cattle, how to report a suspect case, and what you can do to protect your animals.
National Lumpy Skin Disease Action Plan
Find out more about the agreed priorities for actions to strengthen Australia’s preparedness for a potential LSD incursion.
Watch
In this video Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp, provides information about Lumpy skin disease, including its potential impacts and the need for disease vigilance.
Video transcript - lumpy skin disease information
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