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Department of Agriculture

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  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Pests, diseases and weeds
  4. Animal pests and diseases
  5. Lumpy skin disease

Sidebar first - Pests diseases weeds

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Lumpy skin disease

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.

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The facts about lumpy skin disease

About the disease and the risk to Australia.

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Government actions

Learn more about the measures in place to prevent and prepare for LSD.

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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.

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Veterinarians

Learn more about diagnosing, sampling and reporting LSD.

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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

Media enquiries

For media enquiries visit our News and media centre, email us or phone (61 2) 6272 3232.

LSD information from your state or territory department

  • Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
  • Biosecurity Queensland
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Agriculture Victoria
  • Tasmania
  • Primary Industries and Regions South Australia 
  • Western Australia Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development

Latest LSD news

Australian Biosecurity continuing to protect cattle and buffalo from lumpy skin disease

  • Media release
  • Lumpy skin disease
25 February 2022

Biosecurity keeping Australia’s cattle and buffalo free from Lumpy skin disease

  • Media release
  • Lumpy skin disease
30 April 2021
All news and media

General enquiries

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Last updated: 19 October 2022

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.