Lumpy skin disease: a significant threat to Australia

Abstract

Lumpy skin disease, a mechanically transmitted poxvirus, causes severe disease in naïve populations of cattle and buffalo. It is characterised by development of multifocal cutaneous nodules and systemic illness with significant impacts on animal health, productivity, welfare and trade. Lumpy skin disease entered South-East Asia via Myanmar (November 2020) and later Thailand (March 2021), and has spread rapidly through the region reaching Indonesia in February 2022. This article provides a brief overview of current literature and its application to the Australian context including possible routes of entry, early detection and knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to improve preparedness and response capability.