Efficacy of vaccination against lumpy skin disease in Jordanian cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the value and efficacy of vaccination against a natural outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD). Epidemiological data were collected from 101 vaccinated and unvaccinated farms in Jordan. In the unvaccinated holdings, the overall morbidity rate was 42.6 per cent, mortality rate 10.2 per cent and case fatality rate 23.9 per cent. Decreased feed intake, decreased milk production and fever were seen in 100 per cent, 76.9 per cent and 92.3 per cent of the cattle farms, respectively. The percentage reduction in milk production ranged from 0 to 100 per cent (mean=38.5 per cent, SE±9.6 per cent). The total loss/animal in the farm ranged from £27 to £2210 (mean=486, SE±162). In the vaccinated holdings, the overall morbidity rate was 4.7 per cent, mortality rate 1 per cent and case fatality rate 22.9 per cent. Decreased feed intake, decreased milk production and fever were seen in 23.8 per cent, 21.4 per cent and 23.8 per cent of the cattle farms, respectively. Percentage of decrease in milk production ranged from 0 to 100 per cent (mean=6 per cent, SE±1.8 per cent). The total loss/animal in the farm ranged from 0 to £2210 (mean=78, SE±29). Vaccination against LSD remains a viable method of control. Although it does not provide complete protection against the disease, it appears to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, production loss and treatment cost.