Lumpy Skin Disease: Warning about cattle disease in Europe

Greifswald. In light of recent outbreaks of the cattle disease "Lumpy Skin Disease" (LSD) in France and Italy, the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) is warning of an outbreak of the virus in Germany. "Measures to prevent the introduction of the virus, as well as to ensure early detection through diagnostic tests, must therefore be further intensified," the FLI, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, announced in Greifswald.

LSD is a viral disease that exclusively affects cattle, zebus, and buffalo. The disease is harmless to humans. According to the institute, the virus is primarily transmitted by biting insects such as horseflies and biting flies; animal-to-animal transmission plays a minor role.

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According to the FLI, it has been spreading increasingly in Europe and Southeast Asia for several years, and has been prevalent in Africa and the Middle East for some time. Transmission occurs particularly at higher temperatures, as these favor insect flight.

Affected animals can suffer severe health impairments due to typical symptoms such as sudden onset of fever, nodular skin lesions, especially on the head, neck, back, and udder, and swollen lymph nodes. Nasal and eye discharge, loss of appetite, general weakness, and a decrease in milk production are also common symptoms.

From an agricultural perspective, the disease can lead to significant animal losses and production losses and thus cause significant economic losses – including through declines in milk yield or trade restrictions.

In view of the LSD cases in France and Italy in the past two weeks, the institute believes it is crucial that livestock farmers and veterinarians are particularly vigilant about possible LSD symptoms in cattle herds.

"If LSD is suspected, the responsible veterinary office should be informed immediately to initiate a rapid investigation and, if necessary, any necessary measures," the FLI stated. "Only through early detection and consistent action can the spread of the virus be effectively prevented."

Cattle farmers have been struggling with bluetongue disease in recent years, with significant economic consequences. Vaccination as widely as possible is recommended to limit the impact.

RND/dpa