LUMPY SKIN DISEASE (LSD)

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Causative Agent(s)

LSD is a disease caused by a lumpy skin virus belonging to the genus capripoxvirus (family Poxviridae). The genus capripoxvirus has three virus affecting ruminants: the sheep pox, the goat pox, and the lumpy skin disease. The prototype strain that causes LSD is known as Neethling virus.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Symptoms include biphasic fever and discharge from the eyes and nose. When fever reaches a second peak, firm raised round nodules up to 5 cm in diameter appear throughout the full depth of the skin. The whole body can be covered by nodules; however, the most common places are the head, neck, limbs, genitalia and under the tail. In severe cases, nodules can also develop inside the mouth, nose and many other internal organs which can cause signs such as excessive salivation, lack of appetite, mucopurulent nasal discharges, respiratory distress, and abortion. Lacrimation may be followed by conjunctivitis which may ultimately result in corneal opacity and blindness. Typically, on the muzzle, nasal and buccal mucosa are round and initial raised plaques which often ulcerate. In bull, lesion may occur on the skin of the scrotum and mucosa of the prepuce and glans penis. Necrotic lesions may be found on the testis which will result to orchitis, testicular atrophy and fibrosis. Lesion can also be found on the teat resulting in mastitis. The skin nodules contain a firm, creamy grey or yellow mass of tissue. Most nodules heal over several weeks but leave a disfiguring scar which damages the hide. Some nodules may become permanent hard lumps, and some may disappear completely. The superficial lymph nodes become enlarged, and oedema develops in the udder, brisket and legs. Secondary bacterial infection often aggravates the condition. Very few animals die of lumpy skin disease. The greatest loss from the disease is the decrease in milk yield, the loss in condition, the rejection or reduced value of the hide.

 

Diagnostic Consideration

Diagnostic Method: Electron microscope and PCR Sample to collect: Skin lesions

Management and Treatment
  • Supportive treatment includes:
  • Local wound dressing to discourage fly worry using wound care Topical application of antibiotics cream, ointments, iodine, and astringent lotions or fly repellent and larvicides on the raw ulcerated area help combat secondary bacterial infection of the skin lesions.
  • Systemic/ topical antibiotics to prevent/control secondary bacterial infection of skin lesion, cellulitis, or pneumonia e.g.: Oxytetracycline LA
  • Oxytetracycline LA 20 mg/kg IM, repeat after 2-4 days
  • NSAID: Flunixin meglumine 2.2 mg/kg IV SID x3/7 Prevention by vaccination is the most effective means of control