{"id":7638,"date":"2025-10-17T07:40:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-17T07:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ambiotecsolutions.com\/lumpy-skin-disease-lsd-in-cattle-risks-and-control\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T08:23:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T08:23:48","slug":"lumpy-skin-disease-lsd-in-cattle-risks-and-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ambiotecsolutions.com\/en\/lumpy-skin-disease-lsd-in-cattle-risks-and-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Cattle: Risks and Control"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bovine Contagious Nodular Dermatosis: An Emerging Threat to Spanish Animal Health<\/b><\/h1>\n

Introduction<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Causative Agent and Viral Characteristics<\/b><\/h2>\n

BCND is caused by a virus belonging to the genus <\/span>Capripoxvirus<\/span><\/i>, family <\/span>Poxviridae <\/span><\/i>(WOAH, 2025).<\/span><\/p>\n

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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).<\/span><\/p>\n

Transmission and Infection Cycle<\/b><\/h2>\n

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

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Transmission occurs when a vector bites an infected bovine and subsequently bites a susceptible animal, depositing the virus in the skin or bloodstream.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The infection cycle can be summarized in the following stages:<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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    Susceptible Hosts<\/b><\/h2>\n

    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).<\/span><\/p>\n

    Clinical Signs and Manifestations<\/b><\/h2>\n

    BCND presents with diverse clinical signs depending on the viral strain, herd immunity, and vector density. The symptoms are classified in phases:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Prodromal Phase (initial signs and symptoms)<\/b><\/h3>\n