Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

· LSD is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) (Neethling virus), a double-stranded DNA virus in the genus Capripoxvirus, family Poxviridae.

· LSDV is closely related antigenically to sheep pox virus (SPPV) and goat pox virus (GTPV), although it is host-specific to cattle and water buffaloes.

· The virus is highly stable in the environment and can remain infectious for long periods under favourable conditions.