Howick Veterinary Clinic - Large Animal

Thoughts shared by Dr Andy Lund on the outbreak of FMD in the KZN Midlands, and South Africa in general.

The second in our informative series of cattle diseases. Today it's Lumpy Skin Disease.

Lumpy Skin Disease (Isifo sesikhumba esinezigaxa)

Spring is the time to vaccinate against Lumpy Skin Disease (L*D).

What is L*D?
Lumpy Skin Disease is a disease caused by a virus (Capripox Virus), and is transmitted by biting insects (mosquitoes, biting flies, midges etc).

What are the clinical signs of L*D?
Multiple, firm nodules on the skin and mucous membranes. Often, the animals will have a fever, and may develop pneumonia secondary to L*D.

How do I treat L*D?
It is best to consult a veterinarian regarding treatment for this disease. Because L*D is caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot cure the disease. Anti-inflammatory treatment is indicated. Often, a covering antibiotic is given, to prevent and treat secondary bacterial infections.

How do I prevent L*D?
Prevention is better than cure. All animals need to be vaccinated with a vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease (eg. Lumpyvax) in the spring (August, September, October). In a herd where the mother cows have been vaccinated, calves must be vaccinated from 6 months of age, also in the Spring season.

A further update from Endeavour Alpacas on Lucy's progress. So happy to see she is healing well.