Epidemic of lumpy skin disease in Pakistan

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral infection affecting cattle and water buffalo, is prevalent in Africa and the Middle East. Caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), it spreads through arthropod vectors, direct contact, and contaminated resources. Diagnosis involves histopathological evidence, virus isolation, or PCR. Treatment focuses on supportive care, with secondary infections managed using NSAIDs or antibiotics. Prevention relies on vaccination. Recent outbreaks in neighboring countries and livestock movement raised concerns about LSD's potential spread to Pakistan. While historically free of LSDV, Pakistan experienced an outbreak affecting over 190,000 animals, resulting in over 7,500 deaths, although a significant number recovered. This outbreak poses a significant threat to Pakistan's already strained healthcare system, burdened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to comprehensively describe the LSDV, its diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and economic and health impacts in Pakistan, including the government's preventive measures and proposals for controlling the disease's spread.

The first clinical symptoms of LSD were reported in Zambia in 1929. The highly contagious disease is rapidly affecting livestock in Southeast Asia, with Bangladesh being the first Asian country to report a case, followed by other countries including China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Myanmar. Pakistan's outbreak resulted in a large number of infected animals and over 200 deaths in Karachi alone. The economic implications are severe, including reduced milk production, infertility, weight loss, skin damage, and death. The disease's impact on Pakistan's economy, already fragile, could be devastating due to potential trade restrictions and a decline in the rural economy. Pakistan is a major milk producer; thus, the reduced milk production due to LSD further exacerbates the economic challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic also significantly hampered the response, with shortages of veterinary medicines and diagnostic laboratories prioritizing COVID-19 testing. Studies in Ethiopia highlighted significant financial losses associated with LSD, including per-animal mortality losses and milk production losses.

This letter to the editor does not describe a formal research methodology. Information is compiled from various sources, including news reports and previously published literature on lumpy skin disease. The authors present a review of existing literature and case studies to describe the situation in Pakistan.

The lumpy skin disease outbreak in Pakistan has affected over 190,000 animals nationwide, resulting in more than 7,500 deaths. However, over 141,000 animals recovered. The disease is present in multiple regions including Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Sindh province alone, over 20,000 animals were initially affected, with around 54 deaths reported in Karachi. The economic impact is considerable, considering Pakistan's role as a major milk producer and the significant losses in milk production and livestock mortality. The existing COVID-19 pandemic further complicates the situation due to the strain on the healthcare system and the shortage of veterinary resources.

The findings highlight the significant threat posed by the LSD outbreak in Pakistan, impacting both animal health and the national economy. The concurrent COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbates the challenges faced by the country's healthcare system and the limited resources available to address the animal health crisis. The economic consequences are particularly concerning, considering the importance of livestock and the dairy industry in Pakistan's economy and livelihood of millions of families. The lack of sufficient veterinary resources and the need for imported vaccines further underline the need for immediate and comprehensive intervention strategies.

The LSD outbreak in Pakistan underscores the need for proactive measures to control the spread of this transboundary disease. The government's formation of a task force and the importation of vaccines are positive steps. However, sustained efforts are crucial, including strengthening veterinary services, improving disease surveillance, enforcing movement restrictions on livestock, and raising awareness among farmers and stakeholders. Further research focusing on the economic impact of the disease and the effectiveness of control measures in the context of Pakistan's unique challenges is warranted.

This letter to the editor is based on secondary data sources and publicly available information. The authors did not conduct primary research; therefore, the findings might not represent the complete picture of the LSD situation in Pakistan. The reliance on news reports and existing literature might introduce limitations in terms of data accuracy and completeness.