Lumpy Skin Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Lumpy skin complaint (LSD) is an economically significant, vector-transmitted viral complaint of cattle and Asian water buffalo caused by the Lumpy skin complaint contagion (LSDV), a member of the rubric Capripoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. The complaint is accompanied by fever, skin nodular lesions, lymphadenopathy and may result in dropped milk product, weight loss and gravidity. After its major restriction to Africa, LSD spread to the Middle East, Europe and Asia, resulting in enormous lucrative losses. This review provides an overview of the present knowledge of LSD epidemiology, viral structure and pathogenesis, clinical donation, individual approaches, remedial and probative care, vaccination strategies, and forestallment and control measures. The work is acclimatized to B.Pharmacy scholars to provide a pharmacology- and public- health- familiar view of complaint operation and the role druggists may have in outbreak response. Vital challenges, new developments in diagnostics and vaccines, and future investigation directions are debated.

Introduction

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo, caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus genus. Originally confined to sub-Saharan Africa, the disease has spread across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, causing significant economic losses due to reduced milk production, weight loss, damaged hides, reproductive issues, and trade restrictions. Although LSD is not transmissible to humans, it remains a major veterinary and agricultural concern.

The disease was first reported in Zambia in 1929 and has since spread through many countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Transmission occurs mainly through blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and ticks, while animal movement and trade contribute to long-distance spread. Morbidity rates vary widely, but mortality is generally low.

After infection, the virus spreads through the lymphatic system and bloodstream, leading to fever, enlarged lymph nodes, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and characteristic skin nodules measuring 1–7 cm in diameter. Severe cases may cause respiratory problems, lameness, and systemic illness. Laboratory confirmation is essential because symptoms can resemble other skin diseases.

Diagnosis relies on PCR testing, virus isolation, serological assays, and histopathological examination of skin lesions. Currently, no specific antiviral treatment exists. Management focuses on supportive care, including anti-inflammatory drugs, fluid therapy, nutritional support, wound care, fly control, and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Vaccination remains the most effective control measure. Both homologous LSDV vaccines and heterologous sheeppox/goatpox vaccines are used to provide immunity. Additional control strategies include vector management, movement restrictions, quarantine, surveillance, early reporting, and farmer awareness programs.

Pharmacists and pharmacy students can contribute by ensuring proper drug use, maintaining vaccine cold chains, educating farmers, supporting disease surveillance, and promoting antimicrobial stewardship. Recent research focuses on rapid molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, improved vaccines, genomic surveillance, and risk-based disease control strategies. Overall, effective management of LSD requires coordinated efforts involving veterinarians, pharmacists, farmers, and public health authorities to minimize its economic and agricultural impact.

Conclusion

One of the resurging transboundary animal diseases with severe economic impacts is lumpy skin disease. Control requires a thorough strategy that includes surveillance, biosecurity, vector management, and vaccination. Pharmacists and new B.Pharmacy graduates help in medication management, vaccine handling, and community education in areas of medication management, vaccine handling, and education to the community. The control will be supported by ongoing research on improved vaccines, rapid diagnostics, and understanding of transmission determinant factors.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Akshay Budhe, Ganesh Gurav, Ananda Waghmode, Priyanka Waghmode. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.