RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OCCURRENCE OF LUMPY SKIN DISEASE IN CATTLE

Abstract

Abstracts Lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral disease transmitted by vectors, poses a significant threat to the cattle industry. Its emergence as a trans-boundary disease in the Indian subcontinent has raised concerns, including in Bangladesh since 2019. LSD adversely affects milk production, causes weight loss, fragile skin, and decreased market value of affected animals. An unmatched case-control study was conducted, involving 303 households (case-control ratio of 1:2). With a non-response rate of 10%, 98 cases and 196 controls were targeted, providing 80% study power to detect an odds ratio (OR) of 2.5 with 95% confidence. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with household owners in two Upazilas. Multivariate regression models were developed using retained variables (P≤0.05), testing for interaction through collinearity. The study revealed that dairy cattle are seven times more likely to experience LSD compared to beef-type animals (P=0.004). Additionally, calves have a 12-fold higher susceptibility to LSD infection than bulls. Crossbred animals were found to be 1.35 times more susceptible to LSD than local breeds. Vaccination emerged as a protective factor, with non vaccinated animals having a 3.65 times higher probability of developing LSD. Vaccination is a crucial and cost-effective prevention and control strategy to mitigate the impact of LSD. Considering the higher susceptibility of dairy and cross-bred cattle and calves, a targeted intervention with a comprehensive approach integrating vaccination and risk mitigation measures can help minimize the effects of LSD on the cattle industry. In a developing country like Bangladesh, 20% people are directly and 50% people are indirectly depending on livestock for their livelihood. So, it is high time to intervene the spread of LSD by proactively addressing the risk factors and improve the socio-economic condition of our people