Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle and buffaloa typically characterized by nodules or lumps on the skin. A new virus has been first reported from Northern Province among cattle and spread to many parts of the country. Pocket outbreaks were notified all over the country and susceptibility much higher in cattle than buffaloes.  Other species of livestock have not been affected by this viral disease.

This exotic viral disease was first clinically manifested and notified in Eastern Province at Veterinary division, Addalaichenanai of Ampara districts in October - 2020 and sample were submitted for confirmation. The disease has been confirmed as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) by local and foreign laboratories (world Reference Laboratory, Pirbright, UK). Isolated cases were found in all three districts in almost all the veterinary ranges. Local native breed is less affected and severity also lower than high yielding exotic breeds like Friesian and jersey. Low mortality and morbidity rate were reported.  The disease is mainly vector born disease transmitted by blood suckling mosquitoes, ticks and flies and rarely by direct contact with infected cows, semen of infected bull, calf through the mother’s uterus and milk.

The main symptoms are visible lumpiness nodular lesions in the skin, fever, loss of appetite, discharge from the eyes and nostrils, rapid decline in milk production, abortions, mastitis and impaired fertility. Necessary awareness and advices were given by facility of provincial department of Animal Production and health- Eastern province. At present Severity of the disease is remarkably reduced.