Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

Why in news?

• The Central Government is foreseeing a slow growth in milk production and a possible scarcity of ghee and butter as an impact of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) that took the lives of about 1.89 lakh cattle.

About Lumpy Skin Disease:

• It is an infectious disease in cattle caused by a virus, known as the Neethling virus.
• The disease is characterized by fever, enlarged superficial lymph nodes and multiple nodules on the skin and mucous membranes
• Infected cattle also may develop edematous swelling in their limbs and exhibit lameness.
• The virus has important economic implications since affected animals tend to have permanent damage to their skin, lowering the commercial value of their hide.
• Additionally, the disease often results in chronic debility, reduced milk production, poor growth, infertility, abortion, and sometimes death.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Lumpy Skin disease:

1. It is an infectious disease in cattle

2. It is caused by bacteria

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer