Bovine Contagious Nodular Dermatosis: An Emerging Threat to Spanish Animal Health

Introduction

Bovine contagious nodular dermatosis (BCND), internationally known as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), is a notifiable viral disease that primarily affects cattle and poses a growing threat to European livestock, particularly in Spain and the Catalonia region.

The recent emergence of outbreaks in Catalan dairy farms has raised concerns due to direct production losses, the risk of further spread, and the associated economic and health implications.

This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the disease, its infection cycle, clinical symptoms, current situation in Spain, preventive measures, and the role of AMBiotec and its product CocciBlock in mitigating the risk of vector-borne transmission.

Causative Agent and Viral Characteristics

BCND is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus, family Poxviridae (WOAH, 2025).

This virus is highly specific to cattle, although it can also infect buffalo and some wild ruminants. Infection leads to the development of firm skin nodules, fever, edema, and other systemic signs that impair the general health of the animal and milk production (MSD Veterinary Manual, 2025).

Transmission and Infection Cycle

The virus is mainly transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex species), which act as vectors by carrying viral particles from one infected animal to another. Hard ticks of the Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma genera may also play a role, although they are of lesser importance in field conditions.

Transmission occurs when a vector bites an infected bovine and subsequently bites a susceptible animal, depositing the virus in the skin or bloodstream.

The incubation period ranges from 4 to 14 days, after which animals show clinical signs. Close contact between cattle, exchange of secretions, nursing, animal movement, and contaminated veterinary instruments can also contribute to the spread.

The infection cycle can be summarized in the following stages:

1. Vector bites an infected animal and acquires the virus.
2. Vector then bites a susceptible animal, transmitting the virus.
3. Viral replication in local tissues and systemic dissemination.
4. Appearance of skin nodules containing high viral concentrations, facilitating further transmission to vectors.

Susceptible Hosts

Domestic cattle are the main hosts of BCND, with dairy cows and young stock being particularly sensitive. Buffalo and some wild ruminants can also become infected but rarely act as significant reservoirs. Other domestic species, such as sheep, goats, and pigs, do not play a relevant role in virus transmission (WOAH, 2025).

Clinical Signs and Manifestations

BCND presents with diverse clinical signs depending on the viral strain, herd immunity, and vector density. The symptoms are classified in phases:

Prodromal Phase (initial signs and symptoms)

• High fever and depression.
• Loss of appetite and lethargy.
• Nasal and ocular discharge.
• Excessive salivation.
• Edema in legs, udder, and chest region.
• Enlarged regional lymph nodes.
• Early drop in milk production in lactating cows.

Skin Lesions

• Appearance of firm, well-defined, painful nodules (0.5 to 5 cm) in the skin.
• Commonly located on the head, neck, limbs, perineal region, vulva, scrotum, and udder.
• Possible involvement of mucous membranes and internal organs in severe cases.
• Progression of nodules to necrosis or ulcers, which heal leaving scars.
• Risk of secondary infections in ulcers.

Clinical and Productive Effects

• Generalized or localized skin edema.
• Lameness if lesions affect joints.
• Abortions and reproductive issues in severe cases.
• Significant drop in milk production.
• Dehydration and loss of body condition.
• Relatively low mortality (1–5%), but morbidity may reach up to 50% in severe outbreaks (WOAH, 2025).

Current Situation in Spain and Catalonia

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) actively monitors BCND, implementing quarantines, movement restrictions, sanitary culling, and emergency vaccination (MAPA, 2025). In Catalonia, several recent outbreaks of BCND have been confirmed in dairy farms in Alt Empordà, affecting over 650 cattle and necessitating the culling of infected animals and containment measures in protection and surveillance zones (AnimalsHealth, 2025).

Geographical proximity to France and Italy, where outbreaks have also been detected, increases the risk of cross-border introduction. Surveillance focuses on early detection, immediate notification, biosecurity measures, and strategic vaccination to limit virus spread, as eradication is very complex.

Preventive Measures

Disease prevention and control combines biosecurity, restriction zones, vector control, vaccination, and rigorous health management.

Biosecurity and Management

• Access control and use of specific clothing.
• Quarantine for new animals.

• Cleaning and disinfection of facilities and utensils.
• Control of wild animals and vectors nearby.
• Appropriate management of manure and waste.

Active Surveillance

• Ongoing monitoring of herds for early detection of clinical signs.
• Immediate notification of suspected cases to veterinary authorities.
• Sampling and virological diagnosis in alert cases.

Vector Control

• Application of authorized insecticides and repellents on cattle.
• Use of phytobiotics as natural repellents.
• Light and environmental traps to capture adult insects.
• Removal of standing water and maintenance of clean pastures.
• Use of physical netting and adequate ventilation in barns.

Vaccination Campaign

• Use of attenuated vaccines (Neethling strains) with coverage of more than 80–90% of the herd.

• Simultaneous vaccination in neighboring farms.
• Post-vaccination monitoring of efficacy by clinical follow-up (PMC, 2021).

Movement Restrictions and Health Control

• Temporary prohibition of cattle movement in affected areas.
• Culling of positive animals as per regulations.
• Cleaning and disinfection of all transport vehicles.

Education and Training

• Training for farmers and veterinarians in recognizing clinical signs and emergency protocols.
• Communication and coordination between farms and health authorities.

Role of AMBiotec

AMBiotec offers integrated preventive health solutions focused on reducing vector pressure and minimizing virus transmission, as well as hydration for affected animals using rehydrators like Bilantul Rehidra.

Its products, based on natural and safe active substances, help to:

• Reduce the presence of insects in contact with animals.
• Complement other preventive measures such as vaccination, biosecurity, and environmental control.
• Provide technical advice regarding application, monitoring, and adjustment of protocols according to each farm situation.

In this way, AMBiotec provides a comprehensive preventive approach, helping farmers protect animal health and reduce the economic impact of BCND.

Impact on Dairy Cattle and Specific Recommendations

BCND especially affects dairy cows, causing:

• Rapid decrease in milk production.
• Increased risk of secondary mastitis.
• Difficulties in milking and handling cattle.
• Reproductive delays and abortions in severe cases.
• Changes in milk quality due to inflammatory processes.

Specific recommendations for dairy farms:

• Immediate segregation of suspect animals.
• Use of repellents on all cows.
• Reinforced hygiene of milking parlors and utensils.
• Adjustment of rations and nutritional supplementation to compensate for reduced intake.
• Individual monitoring of milk production.
• Coordination with official veterinarians for diagnosis and vaccination.

Conclusions

Bovine contagious nodular dermatosis is an emerging threat in Spain and Europe, with a particular impact in Catalonia. Its transmission through blood-feeding vectors, impact on dairy production, and health restrictions make an integrated preventive approach essential. The combination of biosecurity, vector control, active surveillance, vaccination, movement restrictions, and ongoing training is the most effective strategy.

AMBiotec’s role is key in complementing these measures, offering tools to reduce vector pressure and improve animal health, thus contributing to the sustainability of livestock production and minimizing the economic impacts of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bovine Contagious Nodular Dermatosis (BCND)

• What is BCND (Lumpy Skin Disease)?

BCND is a viral disease caused by a Capripoxvirus that primarily affects cattle. It is characterized by the appearance of skin nodules, fever, loss of appetite, and reduced milk production. It is a notifiable disease for health authorities.

• How is the disease transmitted?

The virus is mainly spread by blood-feeding insects such as flies and mosquitoes, which carry the virus from infected to healthy cattle via bites. To a lesser extent, it can also spread by direct contact with secretions or via contaminated instruments.

• What are the main symptoms of BCND?

Animals present with fever, lethargy, nasal and ocular discharge, and later develop firm skin nodules in various parts of the body. In dairy cows, the most evident symptom is a sharp drop in milk production. In severe cases, there may be edema, lameness, abortions, and lesions on the udder or mucous membranes.

• Is there a treatment for BCND?

There is no specific antiviral treatment. Management focuses on controlling secondary infections, relieving pain, maintaining hydration, and supporting animal welfare. Vaccination and prevention are the most effective control measures.

• What is the current situation of the disease in Spain?

In 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed outbreaks in the Catalonia region, especially in Alt Empordà. Quarantine, movement restrictions, and emergency vaccination have been implemented to contain the spread.

• How can the presence of vector insects be reduced?

The use of repellents such as CocciBlock, insecticides, and also maintaining a clean and dry environment, avoiding manure or stagnant water buildups, and reinforcing hygiene in facilities are key. Combining physical, chemical, and nutritional methods increases the effectiveness of vector control.

• What should be done if BCND is suspected on a farm?

The official veterinary services should be notified immediately. The affected animal should be isolated, animal movement limited, and intensive disinfection and vector control measures applied while waiting for diagnosis confirmation.

• Can BCND infect people?

No. Bovine contagious nodular dermatosis is not a zoonosis, so it poses no risk to human health or to the consumption of milk or meat from healthy animals.

• What are the economic consequences of an outbreak?

Outbreaks cause significant losses from reduced production, culling, trade restrictions, and costs of disinfection and vaccination. In dairy farms, the economic impact is especially high due to the drop in production and reproductive problems.