Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Cattle: Kenya Farmer Guide

What is Lumpy Skin Disease?

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), a member of the Capripoxvirus family. It causes characteristic skin nodules all over the body and causes significant economic losses through reduced milk production, hide damage, weight loss and sometimes death.

How It Spreads

• Insects - Biting insects are primary vectors: Mosquitoes (Aedes, Culex species), Biting flies (Stomoxys, Tabanus), Ticks (Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus)
• Direct contact - with infected animals
• Contaminated feed/water - virus shed in saliva, milk, semen
• Movement of animals - major spread route in Kenya

Symptoms

Early stage (Day 1-7 after infection):

• High fever (40-41C) lasting 1-2 weeks
• Watery eyes and nasal discharge
• Drooling, reduced appetite
• Drop in milk production

Characteristic stage (Day 7-14):

• Skin nodules - 2-5cm diameter, raised, firm. Appear on: head, neck, back, udder, scrotum, legs. Nodules are painful when touched
• Nodules may ulcerate and become infected
• Swollen lymph nodes (neck, shoulder, groin)
• Lameness (nodules on legs)

Advanced stage:

• Nodules turn crusty, fall off leaving deep scars
• Secondary bacterial infections of open wounds
• Severe mastitis (nodules on udder)
• Bulls: temporary or permanent infertility
• Pregnant cows: abortion

Mortality Rate

• Generally low (1-5% in adults)
• Higher in young calves and immunocompromised animals
• Main losses: production losses, hide damage

Treatment

No specific antiviral treatment exists.

Supportive treatment:

• Antibiotics - Oxytetracycline LA or Penicillin to prevent secondary bacterial infections in skin wounds
• Anti-inflammatory - Flunixin meglumine (Finadyne) reduces fever and pain
• Wound care - Clean open nodules with antiseptic. Apply wound spray (Terramycin spray, iodine)
• Provide clean water and good nutrition
• Separate affected animals from healthy herd
• Keep in shade, reduce stress

Prevention

Vaccination (ONLY effective prevention):

• LSD Vaccine - Available from KEVEVAPI
• Vaccinate ALL cattle annually
• Timing: Before peak insect season (before long rains). Recommended: January-February
• Calves: vaccinate from 3 months old
• Do NOT vaccinate pregnant cows in first trimester
• Immunity develops: 3 weeks after vaccination
• Duration: 12 months - must vaccinate every year

Insect Control:

• Regular dipping/spraying with insecticide (controls mosquitoes + biting flies + ticks)
• Use insecticide-treated ear tags
• Spray housing areas with insecticide

Movement Control:

• During outbreaks: DO NOT move animals
• Report to County Vet before any animal movement
• Quarantine new animals for 21 days before mixing

Biosecurity:

• Restrict visitor access during outbreaks
• Disinfect vehicles entering farm
• Change clothes after visiting markets

Reporting Requirements

• LSD is a notifiable disease in Kenya
• Report suspected cases to County Veterinary Officer
• During outbreaks: government may impose movement restrictions

Economic Impact per Animal

• Milk production loss: 30-50% for 4-8 weeks
• Weight loss: 10-20%
• Hide damage: hides rendered worthless
• Treatment costs: KSh 2,000-5,000/animal
• Mortality (calves): KSh 20,000-50,000/calf

Cost of Prevention vs Treatment

• LSD vaccine: KSh 200-400/dose
• Treatment + production loss: KSh 5,000-20,000/animal
• Vaccinate - it is 20x cheaper than treating

Key Signs to Watch For

Call vet IMMEDIATELY if you see:

• Raised skin lumps/nodules appearing across body
• High fever + nasal discharge + sudden milk drop
• Swollen lymph nodes in multiple animals simultaneously