Seroepidemiological Survey of Lumpy Skin Disease among Cattle in El Gezira State (Central Sudan)

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease that affects cattle, buffalos and selected wild animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in El Gezira State, Central Sudan to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of LSD in cattle in seven localities. A total of 197 serum samples were collected randomly from apparently healthy cattle during the period between April – May, 2021 and tested serologically with a commercial ELISA kit. The overall true seroprevalence of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) was 24.6% (50/198). Univariate analysis showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in seropositivity to LSD between age groups, sex as well as breed. Multivariate analysis revealed that only two independent risk factors (age and breed) were statistically significant (p < 0.05). It is apparent from the present study that LSDV infection is quite prevalent among cattle in El Gezira State, Central Sudan. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first seroepidemiological study of LSDV infection in Central Sudan. The authors recommend that the concerned authorities expend more efforts to control this economically important disease in Sudan.