ISSN: 2474-9222
Authors: Gemechis TT*
Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is responsible for causing Lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle and buffalo. Its origins trace back to Zambia in 1929, with the first recorded case of LSDV infection reported in that year. Subsequently, the virus spread to Ethiopia, which was identified in the North-West region in 1983. LSD primarily affects cattle and buffalo, causing symptoms such as fever, depression, and enlarged lymph nodes. The disease is more severe in young and female animals. LSDV is mainly transmitted by stable flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. In Ethiopia, the disease is more prevalent in the midland agro-climate zone. LSD has significant economic impacts, reducing productivity and causing deaths in affected animals. Measures such as quarantine, vaccination, and slaughter campaigns are implemented to control and prevent the disease. In countries where the disease is new, infected animals and those in contact with them should be removed to prevent its spread. Vaccination is the main approach to controlling the disease in endemic countries like Ethiopia.
Keywords: Lumpy skin disease; Ethiopia; Epidemiology; Risk factors
