12/07/2022
How is L*D treated?
There is NO TREATMENT for lumpy-skin disease.
Nonspecific treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin
injections) is usually directed at treating the secondary bacterial infections,
inflammation and fever, and improving the appetite of the animal.
How can you prevent lumpY-skin disease in your
herd?
Prevention is the cheapest and best method of control of the disease. If
your animals are protected, you will not suffer any production or financial
losses as a result of the ill effects of the disease.
Vaccination (the best)
The attenuated Neethling strain vaccine is a product that contains a
weakened L*D virus. When this vaccine is administered the animal will
develop protective antibodies (made by white blood cells). These antibodies
then resist the actual virus that is transmitted by biting flies or milk and saliva
of infected animals. The animal is therefore protected or immune.
The Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute or the local veterinarian can supply
vaccines.
All cattle should be vaccinated annually (once a year), and preferably
before the summer rains to ensure good protection.
Animals that had the disease and recovered, are immune and therefore do
not have to be vaccinated.
Calves which are under 6 months old and were born to cows which have
been vaccinated or had the disease, do not need to be vaccinated. However,
as soon as they are 6 months old, they have to be vaccinated annually.
There may be a swelling at the site where the vaccine is given, and a
temporary drop in milk production, but the swelling will disappear after a
few weeks with a return to normal milk production.
It is important to read the instructions for use on the vaccine labels. If
you have any questions or need assistance with vaccination, contact
your state veterinarian or animal health technician for help.
Fly control
It is unpractical and almost impossible to control all the flies in your herd. It
is better to prevent flies from biting your animals.
Cattle should be dipped in a product that contains an insecticide. Make
sure that the dip includes insecticides effective against flies. Read and
follow the instructions on the labels of the products.
Fly repellents can be sprayed on cattle.
Note that fly control will not prevent all cattle from being infected by L*D.
The only way to ensure that all cattle are protected is by vaccination alone.