Lumpy Skin Disease: What you need to know

Emergency Animal Diseases (EADs) pose a serious threat to the health and productivity of Australia’s feedlot industry. This blog series will outline a number of EADs and is designed to help you stay informed, prepared, and ready to respond.

What Is Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)? 

A serious viral threat to cattle and water buffalo - what you need to know 

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle and water buffalo. It does not affect humans or other livestock species. 

Australia is currently free from LSD, and maintaining this status is a top priority for Australian cattle industries. 

About the Disease: What Causes Lumpy Skin Disease? 

LSD is caused by a pox virus and is believed to be spread primarily through biting insects such as: 

• Flies 

• Mosquitoes 

• Culicoides (Midges)  

• Ticks 

  
  

These insects transmit the virus mechanically, leading to skin lesions that can become infected or result in tissue death around the lesion. 

While direct contact between infected animals and the use of infected semen can also spread the virus, this is considered to play a minor role in transmission. 

The role of fomites (inanimate objects that could carry the virus) in transmission is largely unknown, though contaminated equipment (e.g. re-used hypodermic needles) may contribute to virus spread. 

Note: Bos taurus cattle may show more symptoms than Bos indicus cattle. 

What Are the Signs of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle? 

Early signs of LSD may appear mild, but the disease can escalate quickly. 

Initial symptoms to look out for include: 

• High fever 

• Watering eyes 

• Increased nasal and salivary secretions 

• Loss of appetite 

• Depression 

  
  

Symptoms within 1–2 Days: 

• Firm, raised nodules (up to 50mm) on the skin—especially around the head, neck, limbs, and genitals 

• Nodules often scab over and form ‘sitfasts’ that fall off, leaving large open wounds that may become infected 

• Swelling of the limbs, brisket, and genitals 

• Lesions may also appear in the mouth, lungs, throat, and gastrointestinal tract 

• Risk of secondary infections like pneumonia is high 

  
  

The virus can persist in scabs for up to four months after infection. 

What Happens When Cattle Contract LSD? 

Lumpy Skin Disease can have serious consequences, especially in susceptible cattle populations: 

• All cattle breeds and ages are at risk 

• Animals may rapidly lose body condition 

• In severe cases, euthanasia may be necessary 

• Even animals that recover can remain in poor condition for a prolonged period 

• Morbidity rates (sickness) usually range from 10–20% but may vary 

  
  

There is no specific treatment for LSD, though supportive care may help treat secondary infections in valuable animals. 

How to Report Lumpy Skin Disease in Australia 

Lumpy Skin Disease is a notifiable disease. This means any suspected cases must be reported immediately. 

Contact your feedlot veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888 

Quick reporting of suspicious animal diseases is essential to protect Australia’s livestock industries.