Seroprevalence of Lumpy skin disease and associated risk factors in cattle in Kilolo District, Iringa Tanzania

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious disease of cattle caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which is a member of the Poxviridae family and genus Capripoxvirus. The illness is marked by mild to severe symptoms, including edema, fever, lymphadenitis, widespread skin nodules, and infrequently, death. In spite of its significance, little is now understood about the magnitude and predisposing factors in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of LSD in cattle within Kilolo district, and to identify key predisposing factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 villages within Kilolo district from February to March 2024 to estimate the seroprevalence of LSD in cattle. A total number of 276 serum samples was obtained from 65 cattle herds and a Double Antigen ELISA (ID Screen®) (IDVet, France) was used to screen for LSDV antibodies. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the risk factors for LSD seropositivity. The overall animal- and herd-level seroprevalence were 18.1% (95% CI: 13.98–23.14) and 44.6% (95% CI: 7.54–15.38), respectively. The highest individual animal level seroprevalence was documented in Irindi village 39.1% (95% CI: 5.36–12.24), followed by Masalali 38.5% (95% CI: 6.25–13.50), Ng’uruhe 37.5% (95% CI: 5.65–12.66), Irole 33% (95% CI: 1.5–6.10), and Utengule 26.5% (95% CI: 3.07-8.81) with significant differences (p=0.003). The seroprevalence of LSD varied significantly (P<0.001) among the three age groups, with adults >2 years having a higher seroprevalence (29.8%, 95%CI, 52.27–64.21) than yearlings aged 1-2 years (5. 6%, 95%CI, 9.31–17.60) and calves (0.0%, 95%CI, 23.36-34.35). Sex (Female/male, OR=2.0937, 95%CI, 1.4642-3.0248), age (Yearling/Adult, OR=0.1756, 95%CI, 0.0841-0.3730), village (OR=0.8970, 95%CI, 0.8349-0.9636) and herd size (Large/small, OR=1.9464, 95%CI, 1.1597-3.2669) were significant risk factors for LSDV seropositivity in Kilolo district. Raising awareness among livestock owners and veterinary staff about the disease and its risk factors, vaccination and vector control measures should be prioritized to minimize the transmission of the disease.