Lumpy Virus: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission, Prevention and treatment

 

Introduction

Cattle and buffaloes are the main victims of the Lumpy Virus, also known scientifically as Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a rapidly spreading viral disease. The virus, which was initially identified in Zambia in 1929, has since spread to several continents, including Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The disease's high morbidity rate, economic burden, and difficulties in controlling outbreaks have caused cattle farmers and veterinary authorities to express major concerns.

Everything you need to know about the Lumpy Virus will be covered in this extensive guide, including its causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and government response.

Lumpy Virus: What is it?

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a condition brought on by the Lumpy Virus. It is brought on by a Capripoxvirus, which belongs to the Poxviridae family and shares a close kinship with the viruses that cause goatpox and sheeppox.

Fever, nodular skin lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, and a decrease in milk output are the hallmarks of lumpy skin disease in cattle. Despite its low death rate (1–5%), trade restrictions, decreased output, and hide damage result in large economic losses.

Origin and spread of lumpy virus

The Lumpy Virus, which was endemic in Africa at first, made its way to the Middle East and some regions of Europe. Nonetheless, reports of LSD breakouts in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and other Asian nations have surfaced in recent years.

Odisha announced the first confirmed outbreak in India in 2019. Numerous states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab, have since reported widespread outbreaks.

Reasons for the Lumpy Virus

The Capripoxvirus infection is the main cause of the Lumpy Virus. The disease's severity and spread are influenced by a number of management and environmental factors:
  • Inadequate care for animals
  • Conditions of overcrowded cattle
  • Existence of insects that bite, such as flies, ticks, and mosquitoes
  • Herds without vaccinations
  • Transfer of diseased animals between states or farms

The Lumpy Virus: How Is It Spread?

Unlike the human flu, LSD is vector-borne, meaning it is spread by insects and blood-feeding vectors. Among the most prevalent vectors are:
  • The mosquito
  • Ticks
  • Consistent flies
  • Midges that bite
  • The virus is transferred from an infected animal to a healthy one by these insects. Additionally, transmission can happen through:
  • Polluted water or feed
  • Needles or medical supplies
  • Direct communication (less frequent)

Lumpy Skin Disease Symptoms

After infection, symptoms usually show up 4–14 days later. The following are typical clinical indicators:

Symptoms in the early stages:

  • high fever (40–41.5°C)
  • Appetite loss
  • nasal discharge and watery eyes
  • Abrupt decline in milk output

Visible sign

  • Signs that are visible include lumps or nodules on the skin, especially around the neck, back, and limbs, that are 2 to 5 cm in diameter.
  • enlarged lymph nodes
  • Wounds or skin sores that could get infected
  • Walking difficulties or lameness
  • Abortion in cows that are pregnant
  • Bulls that are infertile

Identification of the Lumpy Virus

A precise diagnosis is essential for efficient management and therapy. Diagnostic techniques consist of:
  • Identification of distinctive skin nodules is a clinical observation.
  • The most accurate method for identifying viral DNA is the PCR test (polymerase chain reaction).
  • The ELISA test is used to find antiviral antibodies.
  • Isolation of viruses: In specialized labs.
  • Examining the impacted tissues is known as histopathology.
  • Isolating afflicted animals and stopping the virus's transmission can be facilitated by early diagnosis.

Treatment of lumpy virus

LSD does not presently have a particular antiviral therapy. The primary goals of treatment are to:

Manage bacterial secondary infections
Cut down on pain and inflammation
Keep yourself nourished and hydrated.

Treatments that are frequently used:

Antibiotics (oxytetracycline, for example): To stop secondary bacterial infections
Anti-inflammatory medications: To lessen discomfort and edema
Antihistamines: In certain situations
Antiseptics applied topically: To skin lesions
Avoidance and Management
The best approach to dealing with LSD is prevention. The following are important preventative techniques:

1. Immunization

The mainstay of LSD prevention is vaccination. Two kinds of vaccinations are employed:
LSDV-specific live attenuated LSD vaccination
The cross-protective sheeppox vaccineAs an emergency measure, the goat pox vaccine has been utilized in India. The Indian government introduced Lumpi-ProVacInd, an indigenous vaccine, in 2022.

2. Vector Control

Using insect repellents to control vectors
Cleaning animal shelters on a regular basis
Removing standing water to stop mosquitoes from breeding

Electrolytes and multivitamins: To strengthen immunity
When LSD is suspected, veterinarians should be consulted right away.

3. Isolation and Quarantine

Animals that are infected should be kept apart for at least 28 days.
During epidemics, animal movement should be restricted.

4. Biosecurity Protocols

Cleaning clothes and equipment properly
Refusing to use shared needles
Regulation of the movement of animals between states and farms

Lumpy Virus's effects on India

Dairy farming in India has suffered greatly as a result of the lumpy virus. Among the major effects are:

Millions of livestock died
Significant financial losses as a result of the decline in milk output
Farmers' loss of income
Higher costs for medical care and immunizations
Cattle transportation is prohibited when trade is impacted by outbreaks.
In 2022, over 1 lakh cow deaths were reported owing to LSD in India, primarily in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab.

In conclusion

Cattle populations and the dairy industry are seriously threatened by the Lumpy Virus, particularly in developing nations like India. Although it is usually not lethal, it impairs animal output and health and puts producers under tremendous financial burden. Effective containment and management of LSD outbreaks is achievable with the help of the government, early discovery, and appropriate immunization.

The first step in protecting our cattle from this increasing hazard as a livestock owner or veterinarian is to remain knowledgeable and watchful.

FAQs Regarding the Lumpy Virus

Q1. Is it possible for humans to contract the lumpy virus?

No. Only buffaloes and cattle are susceptible to lumpy virus. It does not transmit to people and is not zoonotic.

Q2. Is it safe to consume milk from diseased cows?

It is safe for humans to consume boiling milk from affected cows, although production typically decreases considerably.

Q3. What is the virus's lifespan?

The Lumpy Virus is extremely tenacious, lasting up to 35 days in insect vectors and months in dry scabs.

Q4. Do animals suffer any long-term harm?

Indeed, infertility, decreased milk production, or chronic skin scarring could affect the long-term productivity of healed animals.

Q5. Is it possible to remove LSD?

Effective immunization, close observation, and biosecurity measures can control and prevent future outbreaks, even though total eradication is challenging because of insect vectors.

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