Clinico-epidemiological insights and treatment practices of bovine lumpy skin disease in Bangladesh
Article excerpt
by Md. Khalid Hasan Sumon, Sumya Binte Salam, Jesmin Sultana, Sharmin Aqter Rony, Farzana Yeasmin, AKM Anisur Rahman, Md. Amimul Ehsan, Md. Aminul Islam Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle in Bangladesh, first reported…
by Md. Khalid Hasan Sumon, Sumya Binte Salam, Jesmin Sultana, Sharmin Aqter Rony, Farzana Yeasmin, AKM Anisur Rahman, Md. Amimul Ehsan, Md. Aminul Islam
Background Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging viral disease of cattle in Bangladesh, first reported in 2019. Given the critical role of veterinarians in disease detection, management, and control, it is essential to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the clinical and epidemiological aspects of LSD and its treatment strategies.
Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among early-career veterinarians using a cluster random sampling technique to assess epidemiological insights and clinical practices regarding the LSD outbreak in the field.
Results All veterinary practitioners were aware of LSD, and 83.67% had previously managed LSD cases. Approximately 92% of cases of LSD are diagnosed clinically, primarily by observing circumscribed skin nodules, either alone or with other characteristic lesions. Nearly 69% considered clinical signs alone sufficient for diagnosis, although 73.62% reported diagnostic confusion with other diseases, including cowpox (29%) and papillomatosis (21%). Various treatment strategies were reported, with 43.22% of veterinarians supporting the use of antibiotics, and 60.5% using antibiotics in combination with other drugs. Notably, 62.06% recognized the potential for antibiotic resistance due to frequent use during LSD treatment. While 55.78% observed no drug-related side effects, 81.16% acknowledged occasional adverse effects. Regarding epidemiological perceptions, 85.56% believed that LSD affects cattle of all ages, 94.67% associated it with both sexes, and 67.03% reported no breed predisposition. Most (75.28%) linked disease occurrence to the hot and humid season. Perceived modes of transmission included mechanical transmission by arthropod vectors (33.69%), direct contact (22.19%), and a combination of both (16.84%).
Conclusion Bangladeshi veterinarians demonstrated sound knowledge, positive attitudes, and practical experience with LSD that aligns with current global scientific understanding. However, gaps remain in differential diagnosis and antimicrobial stewardship, warranting targeted training and policy interventions to address these needs.