Prevalence and risk factors of Lumpy skin disease of cattle at Chakaria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious and economically significant disease affecting cattle. This study was initiated to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of LSD among cattle in the Chakaria Upazila of Cox’s Bazar. Livestock plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s food security, balanced nutrition, and addressing unemployment by creating self-employment opportunities, earning foreign exchange, enhancing soil fertility, and empowering women. As a contagious ailment, LSD poses a substantial threat to this sector. A well-designed questionnaire was used to gather information from 274 cattle cases. The research, conducted from April to June 2023 at the Chakaria Upazila Veterinary Hospital, included a comprehensive examination of these cases. Out of the 274 cattle, 171 were diagnosed with LSD, revealing a high prevalence rate of 62.4%. The mortality rate was 4.34%, with a case fatality rate of 7.02%, underscoring the severity of the disease. Gender and age emerged as significant factors in disease susceptibility; male cattle were more prone to infection and mortality compared to females, and the 0–6-month age group exhibited the highest incidence. Furthermore, the study indicated that indigenous cattle (47.37%) displayed milder symptoms compared to crossbreeds (52.63%), suggesting varying resistance to the disease. The research highlighted the limited use of vector control measures, with reliance primarily on natural controls or mosquito nets, likely due to resource constraints and gaps in awareness. While the study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of LSD, it acknowledges several limitations, including its exclusive focus on Chakaria Upazila, the short duration of the study, and the reliance on hospital-based data, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of LSD on cattle populations in Chakaria Upazila.