Epidemiological investigation of lumpy skin disease in Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically important emerging vector-borne viral disease of cattle caused by the LSD virus. The recent outbreak of LSD has severely affected the economy of the cattle industry in many countries, including Bangladesh. LSD was first reported in Zambia in 1929 and has occurred in most African countries and sporadically in the Middle East region. LSD has now become a threat to Europe and Asia. The current outbreak in Bangladesh occurred in the second half of 2019. LSD was first reported in Zambia in 1929 and has occurred in most African countries and sporadically in the Middle East region. LSD has now become a threat to Europe and Asia. The current outbreak in Bangladesh occurred in the second half of 2019. The present study was carried out based on 210 LSD virus affected cattle of different breeds in the Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh from September, 2019 to December, 2019 to investigate the epidemiology of lumpy skin disease. Data was collected directly from the animal owners and through physical observation of the affected cattle based on clinical signs of LSD. About 61% of affected cases were found in high mosquito/fly prevalence areas. Young, female, and crossbred cattle were found to be more susceptible to LSD as compared to the adult, male, and indigenous breeds of cattle, respectively. LSD was found to be more prevalent among cattle ≤ 24 months of age. About 57.6% (95% CI: 50.6–64.4) of cattle were affected where bush was present around the farm/herd. Public awareness and biosecurity measures around the cattle farm are important to minimize the vector population and prevent the spread of LSD. Over 80% of affected cattle required more than a month of recovery. The present study also reviewed the latest research findings on the epidemiology of LSD. It will provide readers with a promising idea about LSD, which will be useful in developing a plan for the prevention and control of this disease.