Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Infection: An Emerging Threat to Cattle Health in Bangladesh

Abstract

Lumpyskin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious and economically important transboundary disease of cattle caused by LSD virus (LSDV) LSD is characterized by fever and the appearance of nodular lesions in the skin covering all parts of the body LSD is currently endemic in many African countries and causing significant economic losses LSD has recently spread out of Africa into the Middle East region, and still continuing to spread other territories of the world In September 15, 2019 the first occurrence of LSD outbreak in Bangladesh has been reported to the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) LSD is a vector-borne disease, and climatic conditions of Bangladesh are favorable for the propagation of vectors, which should influence the rapid transmission of LSD in the cattle population of Bangladesh Therefore, LSD may appear as a big challenge to cattle health in Bangladesh in the near future Consequently, it is very important to take strategic plans and immediate control measures for LSD outbreak control and prevention in Bangladesh In this review article, we will focus on epidemiology and modes of LSDV transmission, and its effective control and preventive measures to reduce or eradicate the LSDV infection from a recently infected country like Bangladesh In addition, we will highlight on impacts of LSD outbreaks in cattle industry of Bangladesh, and necessity of farmers’ awareness building and telemedicine service during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in controlling LSD