Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a notifiable, vector-borne disease of cattle caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). It is
a type of Capripoxvirus of the Poxviridae family. LSDV is endemic in Africa and found in the Middle East, south-Eastern Europe, Russia and southeast Asia.

The disease manifests as firm, raised and painful lumps or nodules that develop in the skin in all parts of the cow's body. Severe cases involve the mucous membranes of the eyes and oral/nasal cavities, causing excessive lachrymation, salivation and nasal discharge. Pox lesions can also occur in the pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs and throughout the alimentary tract.

They will often disappear and reappear on other parts of the body or alternatively, will slough off to reveal large open sores which eventually transition into dry scabs.

LSD tends to occur sporadically or epidemically in cattle, and outbreaks tend to correlate with periods of high insect activity. LSDV can affect cattle of any age, however young calves are most severely affected.

Transmission
LSDV is transmitted to cattle most frequently through biting insects (mosquitoes and flies) or through direct contact with the blood, nasal and lacrimal secretions, semen or saliva of infected cattle.

Incubation period
The incubation period for LSD varies between 2 to 4 weeks, with a 5-7 week course of the disease.