Clinical Insights of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a contagious and life-threatening affliction affecting both cattle and calves, marked by the emergence of nodules on the skin and various body areas. Notably, in calves, the impact extends beyond generalized lesions, leading to a frequent occurrence of respiratory distress. Secondary bacterial infection also often aggravates the condition. A total of 36 cases presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu during the period of April to June 2023 with the history of eruptive lesions all over the body showing signs of Lumpy skin disease with various clinical manifestations like nodular lesions all over the body, fever, nasal discharge, lymphadenopathy, inspiratory dyspnoea, along with diffused edematous swelling of all limbs and diarrhoea in calves. In Indigenous adult cattle, diffused edematous swelling of limbs either unilateral or bilateral along with brisket and jowl edema were observed. Mortality rate in calves less than 3 months is 75 %. In adult animal the mortality rate was high in Indigenous breeds compared to cross bred cattle. Animals were treated to combat secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics along with supportive like Syr. Lavitone H 3ml per.os daily as prophylactic therapy to combat fungal pneumonia. The cases with severe clinical manifestation were even treated with steroid Inj. Prednisolone @1mg/kg b.wt. Animal treated for 15 days, gradual recovery was noticed. Vector control need to be implemented to prevent the disease associated with economic losses.