Emergence of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Infection in Yaks, Cattle‐Yaks, and Cattle on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau of China

Abstract

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which mainly infects cattle and can cause huge economic losses. In May 2023, yaks, cattle‐yaks, and cattle in Tibet (Xizang), China, developed fever, skin nodules, and severe discharges and were suspected to be cases of LSD. Samples from these animals were analyzed using molecular biology and serological methods. The RPO30, P32, and GPCR genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced, and the whole genome of the virus was determined using viral metagenomics technology. Sequencing results showed that it was indeed an LSDV infection, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results confirmed the presence of LSDV antibodies. The whole genome phylogenetic tree shows that LSDV/CHINA/Tibet/2023 is different from the previous epidemic strains in China, but clusters with India 2022 strain. This is the first report of LSD in yaks, cattle‐yaks, and cattle on the highest altitude plateau in the world.