13/08/2022
Lumpy skin disease (L*D) is a viral disease of cattle and water buffalo that causes relatively low mortality; however, the disease can result in animal welfare issues and significant production losses.
Origin.
Originally limited to Africa, the global distribution of L*D is increasing the risk to Australia. Since 2019, the disease has spread through China and Southeast Asia. In 2021 the disease was confirmed in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. In March 2022 it was officially reported by Indonesia on the island of Sumatra.
Disease impacts
If L*D were to occur in Australia, this would have significant consequences for our beef, water buffalo, and dairy cattle industries, along with substantial trade impacts if Australia was no longer recognised as being free from L*D. The cost of an L*D incursion would also see severe economic losses to Australia’s meat processing sector.
If wild buffalo populations and cattle in northern Australia’s extensive rangelands were exposed to L*D, reservoirs of the virus could establish. If this were to occur, eradication would be extremely difficult.
Prevention activities
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment undertakes a range of activities to manage biosecurity risks to Australia including against L*D.
With the global distribution of L*D changing, and the disease establishes in more countries, the risk of introduction to Australia will increase. The department monitors the global spread which allow us to continually revise our prevention strategies to ensure the risk to Australia remains low.
Managing the international border
Our strict livestock importing protocols are designed to counter the risk of exotic disease incursions. Returning livestock vessels are also managed by department’s biosecurity officers.
Border requirements are in place for incoming air and sea passengers, imported cargo and mail items to ensure the biosecurity risks are managed at the border.
Import conditions are reviewed when the level of risk changes.
Surveillance across Australia’s north
Image of Lumpy skin disease in cattle hind
Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) collaborates with state and territory governments to undertake targeted surveillance activities across Australia’s north, and to deliver the Northern Australia Biosecurity Surveillance Network (NABSnet). Established in 2018, NABSnet supports private veterinarians working in northern Australia to conduct quality investigations into significant disease events, with a particular focus on the extensive cattle industry. NAQS also raises public awareness through our Indigenous Ranger network, to support the early detection of exotic animal diseases.
Australia has well-developed disease response arrangements in place that involve all levels of government and the livestock industries. Those procedures are regularly tested, updated and improved. See more about how we respond to outbreaks.
*About lumpy skin disease*
L*D is a highly infectious disease of cattle and water buffalo that does not affect other livestock or humans. The disease is caused by a virus like sheep pox and goat pox and is mostly transmitted by biting insects.
*How the disease spreads*
The transmission of L*D is not completely understood. The main two routes of transmission are mechanical transmission by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies and the movement of infected animals. The disease can also be spread by fomites through such things as contaminated equipment and in some cases directly from animal to animal.
The disease has shown its ability to establish and spread in a wide range of environmental and productions systems around the world.
*Signs and Symptoms*
Signs of lumpy skin disease in animals
Image of Lumpy skin disease in cattle eyes
Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
Image of Lumpy skin disease in cattle side profile
Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
Firm, raised nodules up to 50 mm in diameter develop on the skin around the head, neck, ge****ls and limbs. Nodules can develop on any part of the body.
Scabs develop in the centre of the nodules after which the scabs fall off, leaving large holes that may become infected.
Swelling of the limbs, brisket and ge****ls may occur.
Watering eyes.
Increased nasal and salivary secretions.
Some animals with the disease may be asymptomatic (have the disease but not show signs).
*Vaccination*
There is currently no L*D vaccine approved for use in Australia.
In southern Europe vaccination has been used to effectively control L*D outbreaks however in other areas vaccination has not been successful.
Eradication of L*D is difficult and early detection is essential for successful control and eradication.
Treatment of L*D
Treatment no 1:
1)Lugol iodine 12CC
2)Olive oil 2CC
3)DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) 2CC
Mix these all and inject the Animal ( Deep I.M)
Dose regimen :
1day
3rd day
6th day
13th day
20th day .
Treatment no2 :
Technique: Auto- hemetheraphy
Take 30 ml blood of infected animal
1)Inject 15CC sub -Cut
2) inject 15 CC I.M
Duration : single dose only.
*D
