Vectors of lumpy skin disease: Their role in disease transmission and management

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an important transboundary viral disease affecting cattle, buffaloes and some wild ruminants, caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV). Unlike many other viral diseases, LSD spreads mainly through blood-feeding arthropods rather than direct animal- to-animal contact. Stable flies, mosquitoes and ticks act as mechanical carriers of the virus and play a crucial role in disease transmission. Environmental factors such as rainfall, humidity, warm temperature and poor sanitation favour multiplication of these vectors and increase the risk of outbreaks. This article highlights the important arthropod vectors involved in LSD transmission and provides practical measures that can help reduce disease spread under field conditions.