Identification of Lumpy skin disease (LSD): First-time in Bangladesh during the investigation of unknown skin disease of cattle

Abstract

Background: Cattles are often infected with different skin diseases but mostly without no serious consequences. In July 2019, District Livestock Officer of Chattogram reported an unknown skin disease in cattle which was spreading rapidly with casualty. Comparative studies and effective control of such skin disease in cattle requires accurate laboratory techniques to confirm provisional clinical diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine the extent and causes of the outbreak as well as controlling the skin disease by effective investigation of skin lesions. Methods and materials: To facilitate the study of the reported skin disease pathogenesis, we selected the livestock population from different areas of Chattogram district (Patia, Karnafully and Anowara upazilla). We interviewed the farm owners and used different physical examination techniques to investigate the outbreak. Cattle developing skin nodules especially in the head and neck, perineum, genitalia, udder, limbs and with enlarged superficial lymph node were primarily selected for the case study. Blood samples, skin nodules and swab were collected from the cases and tested by RT-PCR. Results: We visited 13 cattle farms in three upazillas and found 66 infected animals out of 360. Among the suspected 66 cattle, condition of 21 cattle were recorded where 04 (19%) were local breed and 17 (81%) were cross breed. It was found that the attack rate was 42% in Anowara,15% in Karnafully and 66% in Patia. Among all age group, female cattle were found more vulnerable with a rate of 62%. The spreading rate was higher among dairy cattle. Nodular lesions were more common in the body surface and neck. Surroundings of the visited farms were low-laying and marshy where vector (fly and mosquito) have a possible breeding ground. Lumpy skin disease was positive by RT-PCR in skin nodules sample. Conclusion: This was the first identification of Lumpy skin disease in Chattagram and also in Bangladesh. To control this outbreak, community awareness is required to improve the drainage system so that vector cannot breed and isolation of affected animals from the healthy ones is preferable.