The latest on lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is not present in Australia. However, with the recent detection of the disease in Indonesia, it’s important to know the facts on LSD to keep our industry prepared to prevent the spread of the disease.

Read on to see the latest information and updates on LSD.

What is LSD?

LSD is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle (both beef and dairy) and water buffalo. Symptoms may include:

• discharge from the eyes and nose (usually observed first)
• decreased milk yield in lactating cattle
• high fever
• firm skin nodules 2–5cm in diameter
• loss of body condition
• death.

Is LSD fatal?

LSD causes relatively low mortality in affected cattle and water buffalo. A mortality rate between 1–5% is typical.

However, the disease can cause symptoms such as firm skin nodules or high fever that are an animal welfare concern and will cause cattle to rapidly lose body condition. Significant production losses may result as animals which recover could remain in extremely poor condition for some time.

Where is LSD present?

Importantly, LSD is not present in Australia.

LSD was detected in China and southeast Asia in 2019, and in 2021 it was confirmed in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.

On 3 March 2022, LSD was confirmed in Indonesia. With Indonesia a country in close proximity to Australia, producers are encouraged to be alert for LSD more than ever.

How would LSD arrive in Australia?

LSD is primarily spread by LSD could arrive in Australia through:

• the illegal import of cattle products
• movement of infected animals
• the import of contaminated equipment
• an insect from a country infected with the disease, which has travelled to Australia by wind or by plane or boat.

Producers in the Top End should be particularly vigilant for LSD due to the region’s close proximity and connections to Indonesia, where the disease has been connected.

What’s the plan if LSD is detected in Australia?

If LSD is detected in Australia, industry and government will be required to work together to eradicate the disease as quickly as possible.

The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) contains the nationally agreed approach for the response to an outbreak of LSD in Australia.

The AUSVETPLAN manual on LSD is available here and covers key information around managing the disease. According to the AUSVETPLAN manual, strategies to control LSD would include:

• humane destruction of infected animals
• vaccination
• disinfection of infected properties
• a vector control program.

This manual is also currently being reviewed as part of work underway to strengthen industry capability to respond to LSD. Read more on industry’s plans for managing an animal disease incursion.

What’s being done to keep LSD out of Australia?

It’s the Australian Government’s responsibility for keeping these diseases out of Australia, and industry is doing everything we can to support their work.

From managing the international border to conducting surveillance in Australia’s north, view the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s lumpy skin disease webpage for the latest updates on the Australian Government’s work to protect Australia from LSD.

Alongside this, MLA is also conducting a range of activities to support this work, including funding the creation of strategies for developing diagnostic capability and vaccines to diagnose, prevent and manage the spread of LSD, should it arrive in Australia. Read more here.

What if I think my livestock have LSD?

If you suspect your livestock are showing symptoms of LSD, call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or your local veterinarian.  

What can I do to protect my property from LSD?

To protect their property from any potential disease incursions, producers are encouraged to:

• be aware of the symptoms of LSD
• call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 if you suspect LSD in your livestock
• adhere to all traceability obligations, including meeting your requirements under the National Livestock Identification System and completing National Vendor Declarations so they are clear, complete and correct
• reviewing your on-farm biosecurity plan and other biosecurity obligations under the Livestock Production Assurance program.