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Contagious lumpy skin disease
Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease of cattle which manifests itself by the sudden appearance of firm nodules all over the animal's skin, accompanied by a high fever. It is transmitted mainly by biting insects: flies, horseflies, mosquito...
What is it?
Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease of cattle which manifests itself by the sudden appearance of firm nodules all over the animal's skin, accompanied by a high fever.
It is transmitted mainly by biting insects: flies, horseflies, mosquitoes and ticks carry the virus from one animal to another. The episodes therefore follow the hot and humid seasons, when insects abound.
The disease has spread from Africa to the Middle East, South-Eastern Europe and North Africa. It is today a major concern for cattle farms in the region.
Key point
Mandatory notifiable disease in many countries, including Tunisia. Any suspicious case must be reported immediately to the veterinary services, and no animal must leave the farm before their intervention. Official restriction and vaccination measures are essential to prevent regional spread.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
High fever, often the first sign, preceding the appearance of nodules by a few days.
Watery eyes and runny nose, slaughtered animal eating less.
Rapid appearance of firm, round, well-demarcated nodules, from the size of a coin to that of a walnut, on the skin of the head, neck, udder, limbs and perineum. They can cover the entire body or remain few in number.
These nodules affect the entire thickness of the skin. Some hollow out in the center, become necrotic and leave deep wounds which take weeks to heal and permanently damage the leather.
Noticeably swollen lymph nodes, especially in front of the shoulder and at the back of the thigh.
Swelling of the limbs, dewlap and sometimes udder, with lameness.
Marked fall in milk production, often lasting.
Nodules can also form in the mouth, nose and respiratory tract, causing discharge and difficulty breathing.
Abortions and temporary infertility, particularly in bulls.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by a virus from the capripoxvirus family, close to sheep and goat pox viruses.
This virus multiplies in the skin, where it causes the characteristic nodules, as well as in the lymph nodes and mucous membranes.
It is resistant in the external environment, particularly in the crusts detached from the lesions, which prolongs the risk after an outbreak.
Cattle and buffalo are the affected species; the human being is not concerned.
Hot and humid season, periods of high presence of flies and mosquitoes.
Proximity to stagnant water points, marshy areas, unmanaged manure which breeds insects.
Introduction of animals from an affected area, purchases in markets, gatherings.
Common pastures and watering troughs shared between herds.
Absence of vaccination in a region where the disease is circulating.
Reuse of needles during interventions on the herd.
Transmission
Mainly by biting insects, which carry the virus from a sick animal to a healthy animal: stomoxes, horseflies, mosquitoes, as well as certain ticks. This transport is mechanical, like a contaminated needle passing from one animal to another.
By close direct contact, to a lesser extent: saliva, secretions from the nose and eyes, crusts of lesions.
By the milk of an affected cow, for the calf which suckles it.
By the semen of an infected bull.
By needles reused from one animal to another and soiled equipment.
Long-distance animal movements are the main driver of spread between regions: an infected animal that travels takes the disease with it.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian is highly suspicious of the appearance of the lesions: numerous firm nodules distributed throughout the body, associated with fever and large lymph nodes, are very suggestive.
Other skin conditions can be confused, including insect bites, ringworm, dermatophilosis or allergic reactions: confirmation therefore requires the laboratory.
The samples – nodule fragments, scabs, blood – are analyzed by genetic research of the virus.
Any suspicion must be reported to the veterinary services even before confirmation: they are the ones who organize the official samples, the investigation around the outbreak and the restriction measures.
In the meantime, isolate affected animals and do not remove any from the farm.
Treatment
No medication destroys this virus. The treatment is only support and prevention of complications.
Affected animals are isolated, placed in the shade, protected from insects, provided with clean water and easy-to-eat food.
Open wounds are cleaned and protected from flies; the veterinarian can prescribe local care and external antiparasitic treatment.
An antibiotic may be justified against bacterial infections that settle in wounds, and an anti-inflammatory to relieve fever and pain: only on veterinary prescription.
Severely affected animals need several weeks to recover; palatable food and good water make a real difference.
The official measures decided by the veterinary services — movement restrictions, area vaccination, management of affected animals — are binding on everyone and complete the care.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Vaccination is the only truly effective way to protect a herd in a risk area.
Fight against biting insects: insecticide treatments adapted to animals and buildings, elimination of stagnant water, management and regular evacuation of manure, mosquito nets or traps when possible.
Do not introduce animals from an affected area; failing this, strict quarantine away from the herd, under veterinary supervision.
Limit gatherings and common grazing during an episode.
One needle per animal, equipment cleaned and disinfected.
Monitor the skin of animals daily during risky seasons: detecting the first nodules allows you to act quickly.
Respect the movement restrictions decided by the authorities: they are the main obstacle to the spread of the disease.
Vaccination
Live attenuated vaccines are used in areas where the disease is circulating.
Vaccines prepared from the lumpy skin disease virus itself provide the best protection.
Vaccination must be carried out on an area scale, with high coverage of the herd, to be effective: a few vaccinated animals in an isolated herd are not enough to stop the disease.
It must be carried out before the insect season, so that protection is installed when the risk arrives.
In most of the countries concerned, vaccination is organized by veterinary services as part of official campaigns: contact them and your veterinarian to find out the applicable arrangements.
Possible complications
Deep wounds that become infected, with abscess formation and very slow healing.
Myiasis: Flies lay eggs in open wounds, making lesions significantly worse in hot weather.
Mastitis and teat lesions, making milking difficult and painful.
Persistent lameness linked to swelling of the limbs.
Temporary infertility, sometimes lasting in bulls; abortions in females.
Fall in milk production which can continue well beyond the healing of the lesions.
Leathers permanently devalued by scars.
When to see a veterinarian
Firm nodules appear on the skin of one or more cattle: call the veterinarian immediately and do not remove any animal from the farm.
An animal has a fever with watery eyes, runny nose and large lymph nodes.
Milk production drops suddenly during the hot season.
Open sores develop at the site of nodules.
A recently introduced animal has skin lesions.
Abortions occur along with skin lesions in the herd.
Prognosis
Most affected animals survive, but healing is slow: several weeks, sometimes several months for the deepest lesions.
Mortality generally remains limited; it is higher in young animals, cows at the beginning of lactation and weakened animals.
The economic losses are significant and lasting: milk, body condition, fertility, hides, and blocking of sales as long as the restrictions are in force.
Area vaccination, combined with insect control and movement control, makes it possible to regain control of the situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is this disease dangerous for humans?
No. This virus does not infect humans. The disease, on the other hand, is very serious for livestock, due to the production losses and the movement restrictions it causes.
My pets never go out: can they catch it?
Yes, because it is mainly biting insects which transport the virus from one farm to another. A closed herd is not immune: the fight against flies and mosquitoes and vaccination remain essential in risk areas.
The nodules disappear, is my pet cured?
Improvement in the skin is a good sign, but recovery of general condition and production often takes weeks. Some deep lesions leave permanent scars, and the restrictions remain in force until the veterinary services have lifted them.
What should I do if I see nodules on a cow?
Isolate the animal, do not remove any cattle from the farm, and immediately notify your veterinarian and veterinary services. Prompt reporting protects the entire neighborhood.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
FAO — Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture
EFSA — Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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