According to the World Organisation of Animal Health (WOAH), LSD impacts domestic cattle and water buffalo.
The researchers described the virus as a “rapidly emerging, economically devastating viral disease.”
“Though LSD does not pose a zoonotic threat, it is classified by the WOAH as a notifiable disease due to its potential for rapid transboundary spread and substantial economic impact on livestock production systems.”
The significance of LSD prompted a team to uncover the exposure of LSD Barura Upazila, Bangladesh while exploring their genetic make-up.
The study was conducted by an international team, involving researchers from the Bangladesh Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, as well as several academic institutions from Australia and Malaysia.
High exposure warning
Between July and September 2024, a total of 424 blood samples were collected from cattle in Barura Upazila by a licenced veterinarian as part of a routine surveillance.
The study ended up revealing a high exposure of LSD among the population with over half displaying the antibodies, indicating the endemic nature of the disease in the region.
“The observed seroprevalence of 55.5% indicates substantial exposure within the cattle population.”
It was also noted that while variations were noted across age groups and breeds, the associations were not statistically significant.
Furthermore, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing identified the presence of LSDV DNA in all 20 cattle samples, confirming active viral infection.
The research also found that there genetically distinct strains circulating simultaneously, which it attributed to animal movements between regions as well as the spread of the virus through insects
While these genomes had shared genetic characteristics, their differences helped the virus multiply and evade local cattle immune systems, the study said.
“Genomic comparisons highlighted both conserved and unique features in the newly sequenced strains, including the presence of additional ORFs, gene truncations, and polymorphisms potentially associated with viral replication and immune evasion.”
Some of the strains were very similar to those from South Asia, while others were closer to viruses from Africa.
This suggested there may have been multiple introductions of the virus into the region or that the virus was evolving in parallel.
However, the researchers also noted a limitation of being unable to differentia between natural and vaccine-derived disease.
“Despite ongoing research, challenges remain in differentiating field strains from vaccine-derived viruses, complicating surveillance and outbreak tracking efforts.”
These findings signal that the virus are becoming even harder to track and control.
“These patterns may reflect the influence of animal trade routes, vaccine usage, or undocumented outbreaks – mechanisms previously implicated in the global spread of LSDV. Moreover, the coexistence of divergent strains in a single geographic setting raises important implications for disease management.”
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As the virus evolves, the researchers highlighted an urgent need for better tracking of the virus, improved diagnostic tools, and adaptable vaccination strategies.
“These findings collectively highlight the urgent need for enhanced genomic surveillance, updated diagnostic tools capable of differentiating field and vaccine strains, and adaptive control strategies tailored to local epidemiological realities.”
The study emphasised that ongoing research and monitoring will be key to shaping effective control strategies.
“In regions where LSDV is endemic or emerging, such integrated molecular approaches will be essential for guiding vaccination policies, monitoring viral evolution, and preventing transboundary spread.”
Source: Viruses
Integrating Serological and Genomic Data to Elucidate Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Diversity in Cattle from Bangladesh
Authors: Tonu et al.
https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081126
