Serious disease appears, national chief veterinarian orders increased control of cattle and buffalo imports

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The lumpy skin disease virus has so far occurred mainly in Africa and the Middle East, but in the second half of June, animal health authorities also detected its presence in two European Union member states, Italy and then France.

The disease virus is spread primarily by blood-sucking arthropods (mosquitoes, flies or ticks), and in rare cases from animal to animal

Warm and humid weather is particularly favorable for lumpy skin disease, as the activity of the arthropods involved in its spread increases. Infected animals become feverish, depressed and inappetent. Discharge may appear around their eyes and nose, and weight loss may occur, as well as a decrease in milk production in cows. The most striking symptom is the 2-5 cm lumps that appear on the animals’ bodies (on the neck, head, back, legs, udder, rump), which heal with scarring.

The lumpy skin disease virus does not make humans sick, and neither the infected animal nor the food produced from infected animals poses a danger to humans

Protection against the disease is of paramount importance because its economic damage is significant. Its appearance – in addition to direct economic losses, such as a decrease in milk production – also causes indirect damage: it may result in restrictions on the export of live animals and their products within the EU or to so-called third countries. That is why it is of utmost importance to recognize lumpy skin disease as soon as possible and prevent its spread. In order to detect it effectively, Dr. Szabolcs Pásztor, the National Chief Veterinarian, has ordered increased animal health inspections of cattle and buffalo shipments. Nébih requests that in case of suspicion, animal keepers immediately notify the attending veterinarian or the regionally competent official veterinarian.

Nébih