Abstract

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by lumpy skin disease virus (Capripoxvirus), has intensified across India in recent years, with Kerala reporting recurrent outbreaks since 2020 despite not being the epicentre of the 2022 national epidemic. The state’s repeated, molecularly confirmed cases, including those affecting indigenous Vechur cattle, highlight the establishment of LSDV in tropical smallholder dairy systems where monsoon-associated vector abundance facilitates efficient transmission. This review consolidates recent advancements in the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostics, therapeutic practices and prevention strategies of LSD, with a specific focus on Kerala. National and global evidence indicates that LSD spread is driven primarily by mechanical transmission by biting flies, mosquitoes and ticks, compounded by environmental stability of the virus and extensive cattle movement. Clinically, the disease manifests as fever, nodular dermatitis, lymphadenopathy and systemic complications, resulting in substantial economic losses due to reduced milk yield, mastitis, infertility, and hide damage. Diagnostic confirmation relies mainly on lesion-derived qPCR, supported by multiplex assays, histopathology and serological surveillance. Treatment remains supportive, centred on wound care, antibiotics, NSAIDs, hydration and vector control; although methylene blue has been included in recent advisories, its efficacy remains unvalidated. Control efforts depend on high vaccination coverage, preferably with homologous Neethling-strain vaccines along with vector suppression, farm-level biosecurity, movement restrictions and coordinated surveillance. Kerala’s extensive vaccination campaign covering more than 1.9 million cattle has significantly reduced outbreak severity. Strengthened genomic surveillance, climate-linked vector studies, and validation of adjunct therapies are essential to achieve sustainable control under tropical endemic conditions.

Keywords : Lumpy skin disease, Capripoxvirus, Epidemiology, Clinical signs, Diagnostics, Vaccination, Vector control