Abstract

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which belongs to the family Poxviridae. The disease was first identified in Zambia in 1929 and is now recognized as an important transboundary animal disease. The characteristic clinical signs of LSD include high fever and the appearance of flat, disc-shaped skin nodules. The disease can result in mortality and substantial economic losses in affected livestock populations. Transmission of LSDV primarily occurs through blood-feeding arthropods such as flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Multiple outbreaks of LSDV have been reported across several African countries. Over the past two decades, the virus has spread beyond Africa into the Middle East and subsequently expanded rapidly to Russia and the Asian subcontinent. The recent outbreaks of LSD have become a major concern for global regulatory authorities. Although considerable information regarding LSDV is available, the absence of coordinated worldwide surveillance and monitoring systems has led to incomplete and inaccurate data collection. Consequently, the recurring outbreaks of LSD pose a serious threat to the global livestock industry. This mini-review highlights the most recent advances in LSDV research, including its transmission, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, preventive measures, and the economic impact of the disease on the dairy sector.

Keywords : LSD, transboundary disease, clinical manifestation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, preventative efforts