obsolete lumpy skin disease

Obsolete Description of Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) was initially described as a poxvirus infection in South Africa in 1944 [5]. The first clinical signs of LSD were reported in Zambia in 1929, and it was considered to be the consequence either of cowpox or sheep pox [13].

Early Characteristics

The early description of LSD included fever, nodules on the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs, emaciation, enlarged lymph nodes, oedema of the skin, and sometimes death [12][15]. The disease was characterized by the presence of multiple nodules (measuring 2–5 centimetres in diameter) on the skin and mucous membranes, including those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts [12].

Comparison with Modern Understanding

It's worth noting that the current understanding of LSD has evolved significantly since its initial description. The disease is now recognized as a viral infection caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which belongs to the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxviridae, and genus Capripoxvirus [11]. The modern description of LSD includes fever, enlarged superficial lymph nodes, and multiple nodules on the skin and mucous membranes, among other symptoms.

References

[5] Lumpy skin disease can be considered a 'neglected disease' because since it was first confirmed as a poxvirus infection in South Africa in 1944, research has been limited [5]. [12] The disease is characterized by fever, enlarged superficial lymph nodes, and multiple nodules (measuring 2–5 centimetres in diameter) on the skin and mucous membranes, including those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts [12]. [13] The first description of the clinical signs of LSD was in 1929 in Zambia (Morris 1931) [13]. [15] Lumpy skin disease LSD ( ) is a poxvirus disease of cattle characterised by fever, nodules on the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs, emaciation, enlarged lymph nodes, oedema of the skin, and sometimes death [15].

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral infectious illness of cattle, characterized by a range of clinical signs and symptoms. While the disease is still present in some parts of the world, its prevalence has decreased significantly due to vaccination efforts.

Historical Clinical Signs and Symptoms

In the past, LSD was known to cause severe clinical signs and symptoms in affected animals. These included:

• Cutaneous nodules: The most common sign of LSD, cutaneous nodules are firm, hard, warm, and painful lumps that appear on the skin of infected cattle.
• Lymphadenopathy: Infected cattle often exhibit lymphadenopathy, which is the enlargement of lymph nodes, leading to swelling in the neck, head, and limbs.
• Systemic symptoms: Affected animals may also display systemic symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, depression, and emaciation.

Less Common Signs and Symptoms

In addition to the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, LSD has been associated with other less common clinical manifestations. These include:

• Mastitis: In some cases, LSD can cause mastitis, which is an inflammation of the udder.
• Erythema nodosum: This is a skin condition characterized by a lumpy, red rash that can be painful.

Important Note

It's essential to note that while these signs and symptoms were more prevalent in the past, vaccination efforts have significantly reduced the incidence of LSD. However, it's still crucial for veterinarians and animal health professionals to remain vigilant and aware of these clinical manifestations to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

References:

• [4] The lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infects cattle and buffalo and causes lumpy skin disease (LSD). It affects the lymph nodes of the sick animals, causing them to enlarge and appear as lumps (cutaneous nodules) that are 2-5 cm in diameter on their heads, necks, limbs, udders, genitalia, and perinea.
• [10] The skin nodules during mid-stage are elevated, round, firm/hard, warm to touch, and painful with pit on pressure. In mild-grade cases, skin nodules are less prominent.
• [14] Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a severe disease of cattle and water buffalo characterized by multi-focal cutaneous nodules. It is caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV).

Treatment Options for Obsolete Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) was a viral disease that affected cattle and Asian water buffalo, characterized by the formation of nodules on the skin and other parts of the body. While it is still considered an emerging transboundary viral disease in some regions, its prevalence has decreased significantly due to vaccination efforts.

Historical Treatment Options

In the past, there were no specific antiviral drugs available for the treatment of lumpy skin disease. The only treatment options available were supportive care and management of symptoms. This included:

• Wound care sprays to treat skin lesions
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary skin infections and pneumonia
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers to alleviate discomfort

Experimental Treatments

Some experimental treatments have been explored in the past, including:

• Ivermectin (IVM) formulations, which were found to inhibit capripoxviruses, including LSDV [4]
• Acyclovir and ivermectin-based therapy, which prevented disease progression and regressed severe symptoms in some cases [8]

Note: These experimental treatments may not be widely available or recommended for use today.

Current Status

As of now, there is no specific treatment for lumpy skin disease. The focus has shifted to prevention through vaccination and management of symptoms.

Differential Diagnoses for Obsolete Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease that affects cattle, characterized by the formation of skin lesions and other symptoms. However, with the advancement in veterinary medicine and the development of new diagnostic tools, LSD has become an obsolete disease in many parts of the world.

Despite its obsolescence, it's essential to consider differential diagnoses for LSD when encountering similar