Molecular Detection and Seroprevalence of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle

Background: To investigate seroprevalence, clinical manifestations, molecular diagnosis of Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle in an around Parbhani during outbreak of LSD.
Methods: The cattle irrespective of their age, breed and gender were screened for detection of LSDV. Duration of study period was from December, 2020 to August, 2021. The cattle showed high fever, presence of nodules on body, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, brisket oedema and lameness were screened for Lumpy Skin Disease and were further confirmed using molecular tests. Total 478 cattle were screened for the seroprevalence of Lumpy Skin Disease by ELISA and PCR tests. The cattle were categorized into different age groups as calves (less than 0-2 years), young (between 2-4 years) and adults (4 years and above). The various breeds such as Khillar, Red Kandhari, Gir, Holstein-Friesen, cross-bred and non-descript cattle were screened. The seroprevalence of Lumpy Skin Disease in female and male was also recorded.
Result: The molecular assay of LSD revealed that, out of 478 cattle screened, 267 (55.85%) serum samples were found positive by ELISA test. Whereas, among 267 blood samples and 8 scab samples tested by PCR, 82 blood samples (30.7%) and 5 scab samples (62.5%) were found positive for LSDV in cattle. LSD is an emerging, transboundary and economically important viral disease of cattle. The overall seroprevalence of LSD in cattle was 55.85%. Prominent clinical manifestations in LSD affected cattle was Prominent clinical manifestations in LSD affected cattle were fever followed by generalized appearance of skin nodules on body. In addition, LSD affected cattle showed oculo-nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, brisket oedema, lameness, corneal opacity and anorexia. The scab samples were more reliable material for LSDV confirmation by PCR.
