Lumpy Skin Disease and Its Diagnostic Insights: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically significant, transboundary viral disease of cattle
caused by Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a member of the genus Capripoxvirus within the
family Poxviridae. Once confined to sub-Saharan Africa, LSD has spread over the past three
decades across the Middle East, Europe and Asia, causing substantial losses in livestock
productivity, trade and animal welfare. Transmission occurs predominantly through arthropod
vectors, and clinically the disease is characterized by biphasic fever, generalized nodular skin
lesions, lymphadenopathy and reduced milk production and fertility. This review outlines the
etiology and global epidemiology of LSD, with emphasis on recent advances in laboratory
diagnosis, from conventional virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology to
emerging CRISPR-Cas-based assays, isothermal amplification platforms, high-resolution melting
analysis and whole-genome sequencing. Prevention and control, including live attenuated,
inactivated and next-generation DIVA-compatible vaccines, are discussed in the context of
recombinant strain emergence. The review highlights critical gaps in surveillance and in the
validation and lineage coverage of emerging assays, and underscores the need for coordinated
global strategies against LSD.