Lumpy cow skin disease, also known as lumpy skin disease (LSD), has caused significant stress to cattle owners, especially in Asia, where it’s primarily found. I am a professional hoof trimmer in Canada and want to share my knowledge about LSD so that farmers are prepared and can keep their animals safe.
North America hasn’t seen cases of lumpy skin disease, but awareness and readiness are crucial. Let’s go over what this disease is, why it’s difficult to treat, and some practical steps cattle producers can use to fight it.
What Is Lumpy Cow Skin Disease?
Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease in cattle, caused by a capripox virus. Infected animals get firm, raised bumps (nodules) on their skin, which can look alarming. The disease was first recognized in Africa, but since 2019, it has spread rapidly in Asia, with confirmed cases in Bangladesh, China, and India. Since then, it has continued to spread, affecting much of the continent, as well as parts of Europe and the Middle East.
North America hasn’t yet seen cases of lumpy skin disease, but moving animals between countries always carries some risk. Stay alert.
The disease primarily spreads through the bites of insects such as ticks, flies, and mosquitoes. It can also spread through shared equipment or close contact between infected and healthy cattle, although this occurs less frequently.
Here’s what’s important to know:
- Lumpy skin disease does not spread to people. Milk from affected animals is safe for humans.
- The virus can be tricky because healthy-looking cows may carry and spread it without showing symptoms.
Symptoms of Lumpy Cow Skin Disease
Here are the key signs to watch for this cow skin disease:
- Skin lumps/nodules (especially on the head, neck, and body).
- Fever, tiredness, and decreased appetite.
- Lower milk production.
- Reluctance to move or swollen legs.
- Scabs, wounds, or discharge from eyes or nose.
Not every infected cow shows all the signs. Sometimes calves or adults don’t look very sick, while others are obviously uncomfortable. Occasionally, you’ll see additional symptoms like abortions in pregnant animals or rare hair loss, mostly in severe cases.
Most vets spot lumpy skin disease by its nodules and other symptoms. If unsure, laboratory tests like PCR (a genetic test) or virus tests may confirm the diagnosis. This is necessary because other diseases, such as pseudo-lumpy skin disease, cowpox, or certain skin conditions, can appear similar.
Lumpy skin disease in cattle primarily spreads through the bites of biting insects, such as ticks, flies, and mosquitoes. The virus can spread less commonly through shared equipment or close contact between infected and healthy cattle.
It’s important to know:
- Lumpy skin disease does not spread to people. Milk from affected animals is safe for humans.
- The virus can be tricky because healthy-looking cows may carry and spread it.
What is the best lumpy skin disease treatment medicine available today?
I’m not a veterinarian; according to animal health experts, there’s no specific medicine or antiviral treatment that cures lumpy skin disease in cattle. This can feel discouraging. The best approach is supportive care—managing symptoms, reducing stress, and preventing secondary complications, like bacterial infections or dehydration.
When treating an animal, work closely with your local veterinarian, as they know your regional regulations and approved drugs.
How to Treat Lumpy Cow Skin Disease
The strategy for cattle lumpy skin disease is straightforward while scientists work on an antiviral drug:
Supportive care and infection prevention:
- Wound sprays and healing lotions: Sprays dry out and protect wounds on the animal’s skin. Products like Intra Repiderma help protect against secondary infections.
- Antibiotics cannot cure the virus itself, but if prescribed by your veterinarian, they may be used to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or infected sores.
- Painkillers/NSAIDs help animals stay comfortable and maintain their appetite.
- Fly repellents and hygiene: Treat animals to reduce fly numbers and keep wounds clean.
- Vitamins and fluids: A vet may recommend supplements for weakened cattle.
The mortality rate of this disease isn’t high—1-3% when handled well—but uncomfortable animals and milk loss can negatively impact profits.
Successful Case Reports on Lumpy Skin Disease Treatment in Cattle
A vet treated a calf with LSD in India using antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, wound lotions, antihistamines, fly repellent, and multivitamins. The recovery took time, but the calf returned to health.
In Ethiopia, there’s another promising story. After getting LSD, a cow received similar supportive care and fully recovered within three months. In both cases, timely and well-managed treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories reduced losses and gave these animals a chance to recover.
Diagnosis in the Reported Case in Ethiopia
A local breed cow was brought to a veterinary clinic in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia. It was showing a sudden eruption of small to large firm nodules all over its body, especially on the neck and legs. The cow had a high temperature (40.4°C), was lethargic, had swelling in the limbs, and had enlarged lymph nodes near the front and back legs. These symptoms—along with recent decreased feed intake, explanation from the owner, and news of similar cases—led the veterinarian to diagnose Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) based on clinical examination and history. Possible look-alike conditions (such as pseudo-LSD, insect bites, and allergies) were considered but ruled out based on the appearance and grouping of the nodules, as well as local outbreaks.
Treatment Strategy in the Reported Case in Ethiopia
The cow was treated with:
- Oxytetracycline (antibiotic): 100 mg/kg intramuscular injection, once daily for 5 days.
- Dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory): 0.2 mg/kg intramuscular injection, once daily for 3 days
The owner was advised to keep the sick cow isolated and nurse it until it was fully recovered. Within two days, the animal’s fever and energy improved, and the nodules gradually healed (though some scarring remained). It took about a month for the cow to fully recover and all nodules to disappear.
Outcome
After receiving oxytetracycline and dexamethasone, the cow’s fever subsided within two days, and its appetite improved. The skin nodules gradually disappeared over the course of a month, leaving some scars. By three months post-treatment, the cow fully recovered and was sold.
Prevention of Bovine Lumpy Skin Disease (Cow Skin Disease)
Prevention is your best defense. While I’m not a lumpy skin disease expert—that’s the role of your local veterinarian—I want to emphasize the importance of a team approach for herd health. As a professional trimmer, I recommend farmers regularly gather everyone involved in the herd’s care: veterinarians, nutritionists, hoof trimmers, and the farm manager. Collaborating ensures all angles are covered, and your cattle get the best protection and support.
When tracking and preventing diseases like lumpy skin disease, your veterinarian should oversee diagnosis and treatment, and provide up-to-date information. Hoof trimmers, nutritionists, and other consultants should work closely under their guidance to keep your herd healthy.
When clear protocols are in place and the herd care team collaborates, key prevention strategies against lumpy skin disease include:
- Vaccination: In regions with lumpy skin disease, regular vaccination is the most effective preventive tool. North American cattle are not currently vaccinated against LSD, but this policy may change if the disease appears locally.
- Biosecurity: Maintain strict biosecurity protocols on the farm, including quarantining new animals, routinely disinfecting equipment and facilities, and controlling insect populations like flies and mosquitoes.
- Isolation: Animals showing disease signs should be promptly isolated from the herd to prevent outbreaks.
- Outbreak control: During severe outbreaks, strict movement controls—including quarantine or humane culling of heavily affected cattle — are necessary to prevent further spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lumpy skin disease in cattle be treated at home?
Supportive care like a skin spray or keeping animals comfortable can help. As a hoof trimming professional who sees various problems, always involve a vet if you see something unfamiliar or when your cattle aren’t recovering.
How long does it take cattle to recover from lumpy skin disease?
Mild cases may improve in one to three weeks with treatment. Severe cases, including those with secondary infections, take longer to recover. In the Indian and Ethiopian cases, animals showed improvement within a few days, but complete recovery took between three weeks and three months as the wounds healed and scars faded.
Final Thoughts
There’s no magic drug for lumpy skin disease in cattle. The best results are achieved through early diagnosis, supportive skin care, infection prevention, effective insect control, and close monitoring of the herd.
I’m committed to helping you care for your cattle. Stay informed, maintain strong connections with your veterinarians, and reach out at any hint of trouble. For more hoof and herd health tips, sign up for the Diamond Hoof Care “Hoof Clips” email—I share practical farm stories for hands-on folks like you!
