Epidemiological findings of Lumpy skin disease outbreak investigations carried out in Cattle Colony Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological findings of Lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreak in Cattle Colony Karachi. In total nine LSD affected farms were visited. Blood (n=7), skin scabs (n=2) and nasal swabs (n=6) were collected from LSD suspected cattle and data was obtained on pre-designed proforma. The samples were analysed for LSD using PCR. The most commonly observed clinical signs were nodules on the skin, fever, lachrymation, nasal discharge and reduction in milk production. The clinical signs of LSD were only observed in cattle in affected farms. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 15.3% and 6.8% respectively. Of 15 samples collected from suspected LSD cases two (13.3%) were found positive for LSD using PCR. This is the first study describing epidemiological features of LSD outbreak in Cattle Colony Karachi, Pakistan. This study provides baseline information for further epidemiological studies and establishment of LSD control strategy in Pakistan.