Executive Summary & Operational Context
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle caused by Capripoxvirus, transmitted by biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. It manifests as high fever (104–106°F) followed by painful 2–5 cm cutaneous nodules over the entire body, enlarged lymph nodes, and severe edema of legs and brisket.
Annual vaccination with live-attenuated Goat Pox Vaccine (Uttarkashi strain at 3 ml dose for cattle) provides 95%+ protective immunity against Lumpy Skin Disease.
Clinical Progression of LSD & Warning Signs
Stage 1: High biphasic fever (104–106°F), severe depression, anorexia, eye discharge, and dramatic 50-80% milk drop; Stage 2 (48 hours later): Distinct, firm, round 2 to 5 cm cutaneous nodules erupt across head, neck, udder, and limbs; Stage 3: Nodules become necrotic, creating deep "sitfast" crater wounds prone to secondary bacterial infection and maggot infestation (Myiasis); Stage 4: Ventral edema in brisket and forelimbs making walking painful.
Standard Veterinary Supportive Treatment Protocol
Because LSD is viral, there is no direct antiviral cure. Treatment focuses on preventing secondary bacterial infection and managing pain: 1. Anti-inflammatory & Pain Reliever: Meloxicam + Paracetamol (Melonex Plus) for 3-5 days to reduce fever and swelling; 2. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic: Ceftiofur sodium (1 mg/kg) or Enrofloxacin to prevent bacterial skin necrosis and aspiration pneumonia; 3. Antihistamine: Pheniramine maleate (Avil) 10 mL daily; 4. Liver Tonic & Immunity Boosters: High-dose Vitamin A, D3, E, Zinc, and Selenium supplements; 5. Topical Wound Care: Spray wounds daily with herbal fly-repellent wound sprays (Topicure / Charmil) or apply neem oil mixed with camphor.
How to Implement on Your Dairy Farm
Vaccinate Annually in Spring
Administer Goat Pox vaccine (Uttarkashi strain, 3 mL subcutaneously) in February-March before summer mosquito breeding.
Isolate Infected Cattle Immediately
Quarantine symptomatic animals in a separate fly-proof enclosure to cut biting vector transmission.
Spray Ectoparasiticides in the Shed
Spray shed corners with Deltamethrin (2 mL/L) or Cypermethrin to eradicate biting stable flies and ticks.
Recommended Breeds for this System
Related Dairy Guides in Disease & Health
Mastitis in Dairy Cows: California Mastitis Test (CMT), Teat Dip & Intramammary Treatment
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD / Khurpakka-Munhpakka): Vaccination Timing & Outbreak Protocol
Black Quarter (BQ / Langda Bukhar): Symptoms, Clostridium Vaccination & Urgent Therapy
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Cattle: Goat Pox Vaccine Schedule, Treatment & Bio-Security
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