Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle and Buffalo under Subtropical Environmental Conditions

Abstract

L umpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral infectious disease caused by a virus (LSDV) in the family Poxviridae, genus Capripoxvirus which is closely related antigenically to poxvirus of sheep and goat. LSD is also referred to as Neethling virus disease, Pseudo-urticaria, and Exanthema Nodularis Bovis. The main species affected by LSD are cattle, though the infection has also been reported in water buffalo (Al-Salihi, 2014;Kiplagat et al., 2020). LSD is characterized by skin nodules with enlarged inflamed lymph nodes accompanied by a high persistent fever, pneumonia, lacrimation, and nasal discharge (Al-Salihi and Hassan, 2015). The morbidity rate of LSD ranges from 3 to 85% in different epizootic situations while in the endemic areas, the morbidity rate is estimated at 10% and mortality rate of LSD varies between 1 and 3%, but percentage up to 40% have been reported in severe outbreak conditions (Ochwo et al., 2019).The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) classifies LSD as a notifiable disease due to the considerable economic impact of an LSD outbreak that comes from:1. The disease is more serious in cows especially through the peak of lactation result in a sharp decline in milk research Article Abstract | Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease with major economic impacts on the animal wealth in different countries and it became endemic in Egypt. The present study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of LSD in El-Qalyubia governorate, Egypt, and the related risk factors. In total, 665 blood samples were collected from diseased and apparently healthy animals to detect positive cases. The prevalence of LSD was higher in cattle (36.7%) than in buffalo (15.2%). The animals of age 1-2 years and over 2 years showed a higher prevalence of LSD (42.2% and 34.9%, respectively) than young animals of age less than one year (26.3%). The prevalence was higher in summer and spring (37.7% and 34.1%, respectively) than in the winter season. Also, the highest prevalence of LSD was reported at a high THI level >80 (37.6%). Regarding the locality, Benha, Qaha, and El-Khanater El-Khayria showed the highest prevalence of LSD (45.6%, 44.4%, and 38.4% respectively). Also, the prevalence of LSD in non-vaccinated animals (50%) was higher than in vaccinated animals (34.3%). A univariate logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the risk factors of LSD, followed by forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression. The final multivariate model revealed that the seroprevalence of LSD was significantly associated with animal species and age. Cattle and animals of age 1-2 years have a higher likelihood to be infected with the LSD compared with their contemporaries (OR = 4.08 and 2.35; P = >0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Therefore, early detection of LSD seropositivity among cattle of age 1 -2 years and the application of control measures among localities are the methods of choice to minimize future LSD outbreaks in Egypt.

Lumpy Skin Disease: A Systematic Review of Mode of Transmission, Risk of Emergence and Risk Entry Pathway

“…Ten articles reported LSDV infection, via antibodies, clinical signs and PCR, in animals other than cattle ( Table 3 ). Specifically, these animals were mainly free-ranging African buffaloes ( Syncerus caffer ) [ 62 , 63 ], which were classified as LSDV positive via serological test, and the Asian water buffalo [ 38 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. Other reported African wild ruminant species with antibodies against Capripox viruses included an Arabian Oryx ( Oryx leucoryx ) in a wildlife reserve [ 67 ], southern elands ( Taurotragus oryx ) [ 69 ], Springboks ( Antidorcas marsupialis ) [ 69 ], Impalas ( Aepyceros melampus ) [ 69 ], and wildebeests ( Connachaetes gnou , C .…”

“…Farm level risk factors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models in ten studies [ 38 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. Table 7 summarizes the odds ratio (OR) obtained from such models.…”

“…There were different reported risk factors, being the three main reported risk factors (i.e., higher odds of presenting LSD): female cattle [ 41 , 42 , 46 , 47 ], animal movements (introduction of new cattle and sales) [ 40 , 43 , 44 , 45 ] and communal watering/grazing systems [ 40 , 42 , 43 , 45 ]. Other identified risk factors were genus and breeds (local breeds and buffaloes less likely to present LSD clinical signs) [ 38 , 40 , 47 ], and contact with other animals (sheep, goats, buffalo) [ 40 , 42 , 48 ]. Age and herd size showed different results as their group categories differed in the studies.…”

“…One study showed a higher risk for medium and large size herd [ 46 ], and another the contrary [ 44 ]. Likewise, age showed various results, young cows had higher risk [ 38 , 46 ] and in others older ones were at risk [ 40 , 42 , 48 ]. Two studies which included weather conditions in their models found that higher risk was found the summer season [ 40 ], and a mean annual rainfall of 1001–1200 mm [ 42 ].…”

“…As for the modes of spread, these are associated with modes of transmission. Risk factors studies at a herd level (i.e., short distance spread) using logistic regression [ 38 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ], had differences on how they defined a herd or animal as being positive to LSDV. Some studies relied on serological tests (ELISA) while others considered LSD clinical signs reported by the cattle holder or veterinary services to consider if an animal or herd positive to LSD.…”