Lumpy Skin Disease

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

Over the last few weeks, nearly 3,000 cattle have died in Rajasthan and Gujarat due to Lumpy Skin Disease.

A viral infection called the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) that has spread across the states. 

What is the Lumpy Skin Disease?

According to a report by GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, 

• The Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) disease is caused by a virus called the Capripoxvirus and 
• It is “an emerging threat to livestock worldwide”. 
• It is genetically related to the goatpox and sheeppox virus family.
• LSD infects cattle and water buffalo mainly through vectors such as blood-feeding insects. 
• Signs of infection include the appearance of circular, firm nodes on the animal’s hide or skin that look similar to lumps.
• Infected animals immediately start losing weight and may have fever and lesions in the mouth, along with a reduced milk yield. 
• Other symptoms include excessive nasal and salivary secretion.
• Pregnant cows and buffaloes often suffer miscarriage and in some cases, diseased animals can die due to it as well.