The disease can spread via

• vectors: via biting, sucking insects (culicoides etc.), mites and flies (house flies, barn flies).  The exact species spectrum of LSD vectors - in particular the European vector spectrum - has not been researched scientifically to date
• direct contact 
• infected sperm (the virus could be detected 22-159 days in the sperm of bulls infected experimentally following the infection)  
• trading in infected but symptomless livestock
• trading in untreated animal hides and products from infected animals (e.g. hunting trophies; the virus can survive up to 18 days in untreated, dry animal hide)
• products made from raw meat or raw dairy products, used to make animal feed incl. colostrum 
• aerosols and dust (there is no precise scientific data; vehicles leaving the zones restricted due to the outbreak in Bulgaria must be disinfected and cleaned (in line with Commission implementing decision 2016/645)

Controlling the epidemic is only possible by putting rigorous measures into place. The measures introduced in Bulgaria in line with Commission implementing decision 2016/645 of 22 May, 2016 are among others

• setting up restriction zones around outbreak locations
• emergency culling of infected animals and animals suspected of having been infected
• control of healthy animals by the appropriate official agencies around outbreak locations
• control of wild ruminants in and around outbreak locations
• vaccination: vaccinations with the Sheeppox virus strain RM-65 and LSDV-strain Neethling may protect the animals from a clinical outbreak of the disease, but do not prevent infection. Viraemic animals that show no symptoms are dangerous as they may transmit the disease to healthy animals in an unnoticed way. There were still new infections in Greece in 2016, despite vaccination programmes!
• ban of movement of livestock from LSD-areas – controlled transport of live animals (cattleand wild ruminants) inside restriction  zones (e.g.: direct transport of cattle to the slaughter house)
• professional treatment of raw meat and raw dairy products from cattle and wild ruminantsfor human consumption; no sale of raw meat and raw dairy products and animal feed including colostrum from areas affected
• cleaning and disinfection of vehicles when leaving restriction zones

Lumpy skin disease is a notifiable pox virus disease. Thus, the Official Veterinarian must be informed upon even the slightest suspicion of the disease. The occurrence of the disease can result in drastic economic losses. Its rapid spread via direct contact and multiple vectors are reasons enough to act quickly. The Official Veterinarians should take samples (skin necroses, lacrimal fluid, saliva, serum and EDTA blood) upon even the slightest suspicion of infection.

Lumpy skin disease is examined at the AGES Centre for Biological Safety in Austria:

AGES - Institute for Veterinary Disease Control Mödling
Robert Kochgasse 17,
2340 Mödling
Tel: 0043 50555 38112
Email: vetmed.mödling@ages.at

Samples are analysed  under biosafety conditions  at the laboratory of the Centre for Biological Safety (BSL3+).

Diagnostic methods applied

1. Pathomorphological methods (histology, dissection)
2. Molecular biology (PCR, sequencing) 
3. Serology 
4. Electron microscopy (rapid diagnosis) 
5. Virus isolation with cell cultures

Sample type for taking samples

Live animals

• Skin lesions and/or scabs 
• Saliva (native in test tubes or swab possible – don't use tubes with bacteriological swab transport medium)
• Fluids from the nose and eyes (swab - don't use tubes with bacteriological swab transport medium)
• Blood (EDTA/heparin) and serum

Animal carcasess (dead)

• Skin lesions and/or scabs 
• Lymph nodes 
• Spleen 
• Lung and changed areas of the respiratory tract 
• Nasal fluids (swab –  don't use bacteriological swab transport medium)

For more details on the disease contact

Dr. Susanne Richter, susanne.richter@ages.at
Dr. Angelika Loitsch, angelika.loitsch@ages.at