Study on Sero-Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Lumpy Skin Disease in West Wollega, Ethiopia

Abstract

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically devastating emerging viral disease of cattle caused by a virus associated with the Neethlig poxvirus in the genus Capripoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2012 to May, 2013 in two districts of Western Wollega of Oromia Regional State, with the objectives to determine animal and herd level seroprevalence of lumpy skin disease and to assess the risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of lumpy skin disease. The study population comprised of indigenous and crossbred cattle. Multi-stage sampling method was applied to select cattle and herd owners for the interviews. Totally, 544 sera samples were collected from 252 herds and the serological test was conducted using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). An overall individual level sero-prevalence of 6.43% (n=35) and herd level seroprevalence of 5.95% (n= 15) were estimated.There was significant variation (P<0.05) between the seroprevalence in Gimbi (4.41%) and Lalo Assabi (8.46%) districts at animal level. The sero- prevalence of LSD exposure among breeds (local and cross) was significantly different in that it was found significantly higher in cross breeds (OR = 2.85, p = 0.016) than in local zebu. A summer season showed statistically significant association (p = 0.000, OR = 4.224. CI = 1.13-7.57) with concomitant high levels of insect activity. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the age groups (adult, young and calf) in the seroprevalence of LSD. However, the sero-prevalence of LSD was very low in calves. The current finding revealed no significant variation between male and female animals (p>0.05). In addition, there was no significant association between seropositivity to LSD and the agro-climatic zones (midland and highland). The risk factors considered in the univariate analysis had no significant association with the herd-level seroprevalence of LSD (p>0.05). Finally, the present study revealed a moderate distribution of sero-positive cattle in the study area and similarly the risk factors of the disease observed warrants future detailed study on the transmission of the disease in the area.