Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is rapidly emerging as a major threat to livestock farmers across Africa, causing devastating economic losses among pastoral communities. This infectious and eruptive disease not only reduces milk production and damages hides but also leads to high mortality rates, reaching as much as 40% in severe outbreaks.
The Economic Impact of LSD on Livestock
Dr. Glyn Davies, head of the ODA Virology Project at the Veterinary Research Laboratories in Kenya, confirms that while the most common mortality rate is 1–5%, some outbreaks have reported losses exceeding 10–40%. These figures highlight the disease’s crippling impact on the cattle industry, affecting:
✅ Livelihoods of pastoralists
✅ Meat and milk production
✅ Growth rates of infected cattle
✅ The overall economy of affected regions
Is There a Cure? The Role of Vaccination
Currently, no antiviral treatment exists for LSD, but vaccination remains the most effective method of control. Dr. Davies emphasizes that two vaccines—Neethling and Kenya Sheep & Goat Pox Virus—have successfully prevented outbreaks across Africa.
Similarly, veterinary researchers at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute in South Africa developed a highly effective live attenuated vaccine that has been instrumental in controlling LSD since its entry into the country 80 years ago.
Dr. Danie Odendaal, director of the Veterinarian Network, underscores the importance of proactive vaccination programs, stating:
🗣️ “Lumpy Skin Disease is 100% preventable when cattle farmers collaborate with veterinarians to implement proper vaccination strategies.”
Best Practices for Vaccination
✅ Young cattle (6 months and older) should be vaccinated first, as they are the most vulnerable.
✅ Mature herds should receive annual vaccinations, with booster doses every two years for long-term immunity.
✅ Ring vaccination (a 25–50 km buffer zone) is recommended to contain outbreaks.
Additional Control Measures
To curb the spread of LSD, affected cattle should be:
📌 Isolated from the rest of the herd.
📌 Given supportive treatment, including wound care and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.
📌 Provided with adequate food and water to maintain strength.
📌 Monitored for severe complications, such as pneumonia or necrotic skin damage, which can lead to emaciation and starvation.
A Look Back: The History of LSD
📍 First reported in Zambia in 1929, LSD was initially mistaken for poisoning or insect bites.
📍 By the 1940s, it had spread across southern Africa, causing massive cattle losses.
📍 The disease reached Kenya in 1957 and Sudan in 1972, later spreading to Egypt and Israel in the 1980s.
📍 Today, LSD remains enzootic in sub-Saharan Africa, with concerns that it could expand into North Africa and the Middle East.
Recognizing LSD: Symptoms & Effects
Lumpy Skin Disease primarily affects cattle of all ages, with an incubation period of 4–14 days. Symptoms include:
🔥 High fever (40–41.5°C)
💧 Lacrimation (excessive tearing) and nasal discharge
🐄 Skin nodules (5–50mm in size) that appear all over the body
🩸 Hemorrhagic rings and deep skin lesions
🥛 Milk production ceases, leading to economic losses
🦠 Severe cases result in necrotic skin, pneumonia, and even abortion
While mortality rates are typically low, LSD can cripple a farmer’s livelihood, making early vaccination and control strategies critical.
Conclusion: The Fight Against LSD
As climate change and increasing livestock movement contribute to the spread of LSD, collaboration between farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers is essential. With proper vaccination programs and biosecurity measures, the disease can be controlled, ensuring a healthier and more productive cattle industry across Africa.
Proactive prevention is the key to safeguarding Africa’s livestock economy—are you ready to protect your herd? 🚜🐂
