What is lumpy skin disease in cattle? Does it affect milk we consume? Explained

What is lumpy skin disease in cattle? Does it affect milk we consume? Explained

The viral infection has killed around 75,000 cattle in India and spread to more than 10 states and union territories, leaving Rajasthan the worst affected.

The story so far: To prevent the spread of lumpy skin disease, the Mumbai Police has ordered a ban on the transportation of cattle in the city. This means that cattle cannot be taken out of the place where they are being raised or taken to markets. The order came into force on September 14 and will remain in force till October 13. The disease has claimed 127 cattle lives in Maharashtra, which has spread to 25 districts. The contagious viral infection has so far spread to cattle in more than 10 states and union territories. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week informed that the Center and states are working together to control the spread of the disease, which has emerged as a matter of concern for the dairy sector.

What is lumpy skin disease and how is it spread?

Caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which belongs to the capripoxvirus genus, which is part of the Poxviridae family (smallpox and monkeypox viruses are also part of the same family). LSDV shares antigenic similarity with sheeppox virus (SPPV) and goatpox virus (GTPV) or is similar in immune response to those viruses. It is not a zoonotic virus, which means the disease cannot be transmitted to humans. It is an infectious disease spread by vectors such as mosquitoes, some biting flies and ticks and usually affects host animals such as cows and buffaloes. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), infected animals shed the virus through oral and nasal secretions that can contaminate common food and water troughs. Thus, the disease is spread either through direct contact with the carrier or through contaminated feed and water. Studies have also shown that it can be spread through animal semen during artificial insemination.

LSD affects the lymph nodes of an infected animal, causing the nodes to enlarge and appear as lumps on the skin, hence its name. Cutaneous nodules, 2-5 cm in diameter, appear on the head, neck, limbs, udder, genitalia and perineum of infected cattle. The nodules may later turn into ulcers and eventually the skin may develop scabs. Other symptoms include high fever, sharp drop in milk yield, discharge from the eyes and nose, drooling, loss of appetite, depression, damaged coat, emaciation (thinness or weakness), sterility and abortion. The incubation period or the time between infection and symptoms is about 28 days according to FAO and 4 to 14 days according to some other estimates.

 

What is the geographical distribution and how did it spread in India?

The disease was first observed in Zambia in 1929, which has since spread extensively to most African countries, followed by West Asia, Southeast Europe and Central Asia, and most recently in 2019 to South Asia and China. spread up. According to the FAO, LSD diseases are currently endemic in several countries in Africa, parts of West Asia (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic) and Turkey.

The outbreak in South Asia first affected Bangladesh in July 2019 and then reached India in August of the same year, with initial cases reported in Odisha and West Bengal. The FAO points out: "The long porous borders between India, Nepal and Bangladesh allow a significant amount of bilateral and informal animal trade, including cattle and buffalo." This may have contributed to the spread of LSD between Bangladesh and India in July-August 2019, the UN said. While the 2019 outbreak has since subsided, recent outbreaks in India began in June this year.

Is it safe to consume milk from infected cattle?

Studies report that it has not been possible to detect the presence of viable and infectious LSDV virus in milk obtained from infected animals. However, FAO notes that a large proportion of milk in Asia is processed after collection and is pasteurized or boiled or dried to make milk powder. This process ensures that the virus is deactivated or destroyed.

Notably, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) Joint Director told PTI that it is safe to drink milk from cattle infected with Lumpy Skin Disease, as it is a non-zoonotic disease.

"It is safe to drink milk from infected cattle. There is no problem in the quality of the milk whether it is boiled or unboiled," said Mr. Mohanty.

How bad is the current spread in India and what is the government doing?

The current outbreak started around July in Gujarat and Rajasthan and spread to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar and Uttarakhand in early August. It then spread to Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. In recent weeks, it has been reported in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Jharkhand. As of September 11, more than 16 lakh cattle in 197 districts have been infected with the virus. Of the nearly 75,000 cattle killed by the disease, more than 50,000 deaths, mostly cows, have been reported from Rajasthan.

 

FAO recommends a set of spread-control measures for LSD, including vaccination of susceptible populations with coverage greater than 80%, movement control and quarantine of cattle, enforcement of biosecurity through vector control, cleaning of sheds, and insecticide spraying, activation and reinforcement. is passive surveillance; Spread awareness about risk reduction among all stakeholders involved and create large-scale protection and surveillance areas and vaccination zones.

 

The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed that 'goat pox vaccine' is "highly effective" against LSD and is being used in affected states to prevent its spread. As of the first week of September, 97 lakh doses of vaccination have been administered. Affected states have banned movement and are isolating infected cows and buffaloes, spraying insecticides to kill vectors such as mosquitoes, some affected states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have also set up dedicated control rooms and helpline numbers. Guide farmers whose cattle are infected.

Lumpy skin disease has claimed the lives of 127 cattle in Maharashtra. The contagious viral infection has so far spread to cattle in more than 10 states and union territories.

Lumpy skin disease virus shares antigenic similarities with sheep pox virus and goatpox virus. It is not a zoonotic virus, which means that the disease cannot be transmitted to humans.

LSD affects the lymph nodes of an infected animal, causing the nodes to become enlarged and appear like lumps on the skin, from which it derives its name.

 

 

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Question

What is the cause of Lumpy Skin Disease?

Can Lumpy Skin Disease be cured?

Is Lumpy Skin Disease contagious to humans?

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