Observations on lumpy skin disease in local Egyptian cows with emphasis on its impact on ovarian function

Abstract

The present study monitored reproductive and health aspects of local cows in Egypt following natural infection with Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). The study was carried out on 640 mature Egyptian native cows reared at Lower Egypt. Cows were clinically examined and genital organs were scanned by ultrasonography and ovarian function was recorded. Blood samples were collected for virus isolation and propagation on calf Kidney cells, electron microscopy (EM) and for PCR assay. Moreover, progesterone level (ELISA), protein electrophoretic pattern (Polyaccrylamide Gel Electrophoresis), immunoglobulin concentrations (Radial Immune Diffusion) and some trace element values (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) were determined in the serum. Results indicated that LSDV had typical cytopathic effect and plaque. EM showed that size of LSDV size ranges from 300 – 350 nm with crescent or ovoid shape. PCR assay indicated the presence of a band at 192 bp which belonged to viral attachment protein encoding gene. Epidemiological studies revealed that 25.47% of the examined cows were positive for LSDV with obvious year, age and seasonal variations. LSDV infected cows showed fever, become completely of food with skin nodules. Serum progesterone level was low (P < 0.01) during both follicular and luteal phases of the estrous cycle and 92.64% of infected cows had inactive ovaries. Infected cows showed obvious (P < 0.01) low albumin and high g globulin values as well as low concentrations of copper and iron (P < 0.01) in their serum as compared to non infected cow-mates. It was concluded that PCR is a useful method for rapid diagnosis of LSDV. Cows infected with LSDV mostly suffering from cessation of ovarian activity mainly due to poor body condition. Key words: LSDV, Cow, Ovary, PCR, infection, immunoglobulin.