Descriptive Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Lumpy Skin Disease in Egypt during 2006-2018

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a notifiable vector–born disease transmitted by blood-feeding insects affecting cattle population. LSD is a severe disease that is leading to economic losses. In this study, we displayed the prevalence of LSD in Egypt through retrospective and survey studies to point out the possible hazards of this serious disease. The 2006-2018 passive surveillance data were obtained from OIE-Wahis. A survey was conducted in 326 cattle, collected from 40 villages in 2017, using a structured questionnaire. The total positive LSD notified outbreaks reached 577 between 2006-2018. For spatial distribution, the Delta region showed the highest significant prevalence of 88% in 2006 outbreak. Afterwards, Upper Egypt recorded the highest LSD prevalence between 2014 and 2018. Temporal distribution showed alternative seasonal prevalence of LSD. In the cross-sectional study, the Delta had the highest prevalence followed by Upper Egypt. Between seasons, autumn had the highest prevalence followed by winter. Regarding risk factors, the age of more than two years showed significant highest prevalence. Dairy animals had significant high prevalence. Housing animals in the open, the presence of farms near markets and repeated visits to markets, all had significant high prevalence. The abundance of biting-flies significantly increased prevalence. Almost all of farmers were significantly unaware about the disease. The absence of periodic cleaning, animal isolation, and proper carcasses disposal, all significantly increased LSD prevalence especially in unvaccinated animals. In conclusion, the retrospective and cross-sectional studies showed that LSD is an endemic disease on both spatial and temporal distributions. In addition, the survey pointed out the husbandry and biosecurity breaches that magnify LSD prevalence. Therefore, raising disease awareness and application of strategic prevention and control measures are the practical pillars against LSD.