Lumpy skin disease: A comprehensive review

Korde, Atharv V and Hiwe, Kanchan A and Bakal, Ravindra L and Hatwar, Pooja R and Sune, Prathamesh R (2025) Lumpy skin disease: A comprehensive review. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 31 (1). pp. 173-181. ISSN 2581-3250

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease affecting cattle worldwide, causing significant economic losses in dairy farming. This review summarizes the latest updates on LSD, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. LSD is characterized by fever, skin nodules, and lymph node swelling, with a morbidity rate of 45-100% and mortality rate of 10-40%. The disease is transmitted mechanically through arthropod vectors and can also spread through direct contact. Vaccination is the primary control measure, with live attenuated strains of capripoxvirus used as vaccines. The economic impact of LSD is substantial, with losses due to reduced milk yield, abortion, and hide damage. Understanding the epidemiology and pathophysiology of LSD is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of LSD, highlighting its significance as a major transboundary animal disease.