Epidemiological, Clinico-haemato-biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle

Abstract

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is responsible for huge economic losses due to reduced milk production, degradation of hide, abortion, temporary or permanent sterility of bulls and cows and death. It is highly contagious in nature. The clinical entity and morbidity pattern of disease vary considerably therefore present study was undertaken. Methods: A total of 308 cattle were screened for LSD for a period of one year (October 2021 to September 2022) in Rajasthan state in India and the animals were subjected to thorough physical and clinical examination. Skin nodular scab samples were collected and processed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for molecular characterization. Blood samples were also collected for investigations on haemato-biochemical parameters. Result: Overall prevalence of LSD in cattle was 5.84 per cent. Highest prevalence was observed in cattle above 3 years of age. Higher prevalence of LSD was observed in crossbred cattle and during winter season. Molecular characterization revealed a band size of 192bp in all LSDV positive samples. There was highly significant (P less than 0.01) difference in PCV, Hb, TEC, TLC, total protein, albumen, globulin, ALT, AST, ALKP, BUN and total bilirubin in LSD affected cattle as compared to healthy control whereas reduction in platelet count was significant (P less than 0.05).