Survey of Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in Cattle in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

This study surveys the occurrence, distribution, and clinical characteristics of lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks in cattle in Nasarawa State, located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. Lumpy skin disease, caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) of the Capripoxvirus genus, is an emerging transboundary disease that has spread progressively across West Africa in recent years, causing significant morbidity, production losses, and trade restrictions in affected cattle herds. Using a retrospective and prospective cross-sectional design, veterinary field reports of suspected LSD outbreaks in Nasarawa State from 2021 to 2023 were reviewed, and 60 clinically affected cattle from 10 active outbreaks were examined. Clinical signs were documented using a standardised scoring protocol, and skin nodule biopsies were collected for histopathological examination and PCR confirmation. Morbidity and case fatality rates were calculated for each outbreak. Findings revealed an average herd morbidity rate of 31 percent and a case fatality rate of 4.2 percent. Clinical signs included generalised skin nodules, nasal and ocular discharge, limb oedema, and reduced milk production. PCR confirmed LSDV in 86 percent of biopsy-positive cases. Outbreak clustering was observed in riverine communities during the peak rainy season, consistent with insect vector activity. The study recommends LSD vaccination using attenuated Neethling vaccine strain, vector control, and establishment of a state-level LSD surveillance and reporting system. Keywords: lumpy skin disease, cattle, Nasarawa State, LSDV, outbreak.