Lumpy skin disease in cattle and buffalo

What is lumpy skin disease?

Lumpy skin disease is a highly infectious viral disease that affects all breeds of cattle and water buffalo. It does not affect other types of livestock or humans.

It is primarily spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies and possibly ticks. It can also be spread through direct contact between animals via secretions and excretions.

Contaminated feed, water, vehicles and iatrogenic means (e.g. repeated use of needles on different animals) can all spread the disease. Lumpy skin disease may be shed in semen and may be present in milk of infected animals.

Lumpy skin disease is a nationally notifiable disease. This means an animal showing suspect signs of the disease must be reported to a Local Land Services District Veterinarian on 1300 795 299 or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

When to watch for it

The incubation period of lumpy skin disease is between 4 and 14 days, although the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code describes the incubation period as 28 days.

Bos taurus cattle are generally more susceptible than Bos indicus cattle. Young calves often have more severe disease.

Clinical signs

Lumpy skin disease affects cattle and buffalo. Common signs include:

• Firm, raised skin nodules (most obvious sign)
• Nasal and eye discharge (often the first sign)
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Swelling of limbs, brisket, and genitals
• Lameness due to leg inflammation and oedema
• Production losses

What does lumpy skin disease look like?

The most distinctive feature of LSD is the presence of skin nodules scattered across the body, especially on the flanks, back, and lower abdomen.

Key characteristics:

• Nodules range from 1 cm to 7 cm in diameter
• Commonly found on the head, neck, genitals, and limbs
• Nodules can penetrate the full thickness of the skin
• Some nodules may separate from healthy skin and harden into “sit-fasts”
• Lesions may also appear on the nose and mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal cavities

Following are a collection of images with the symptoms of lumpy skin disease. More are available at the Animal Health Australia website.

Lumpy skin disease in cattle - Skin nodules (Image: Dr Deepak Subedi)

Lumpy skin disease in cattle - Skin nodules (Image: Dr Deepak Subedi)

Lumpy skin disease in cattle - Skin nodules (Image: Dr Deepak Subedi)

Lumpy skin disease in cattle - eye and nose discharge (Image: Dr Deepak Subedi)

Lumpy skin disease in cattle - Skin nodules (Image: Dr Deepak Subedi)

How to manage and treat

There is no specific treatment for LSD, so management focuses on early detection, reporting, and preventing spread.

If you suspect LSD:

• Isolate affected animals.
• Avoid reusing needles or equipment between animals.
• Report immediately to authorities.

How to prevent

Preventing LSD relies on biosecurity, vector control, and early reporting.

Key prevention strategies:

• Minimise exposure to biting insects (e.g. mosquitoes, flies, ticks)
• Avoid sharing needles or equipment between animals
• Maintain clean feed and water sources
• Monitor cattle closely, especially during high-risk periods

Lumpy skin disease is not currently present in Australia, but preparedness is essential.