Serological tests for lumpy skin disease in Republic of Tajikistan in 2023

Introduction. Cattle farming plays a key role in the agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan, satisfying not only the needs for meat and dairy products. Recently, the intensification of livestock production in Tajikistan has been facing serious problems related to infectious diseases, in particular those caused by capripoxviruses, including lumpy skin disease (LSD), which causes significant economic damage and compromises animal performance and health in the region and around the world. Studying and understanding the LSD epizootology in the Republic of Tajikistan climatic environment will facilitate better disease control. Objective. Epizootological data collection and brief description of LSD outbreaks in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2023. Materials and methods. Traditional epizootological analysis tools were used to collect data on LSD outbreaks, as well as serological tools for the disease retrospective diagnosis. Results. In 2023, an LSD case was first reported in the Republic of Tajikistan in the region bordering Afghanistan. Analysis of the seasonal pattern of the disease occurrence in Tajikistan demonstrated that the LSD outbreaks were most often reported in summer and autumn: from July to November. The disease spread mainly in the areas with a high concentration of livestock, in particular in the Khatlon Region. The average animal density in the Khatlon Region is 46 cattle per 1 km2 and 117 sheep and goats per 1 km2. The peak of LSD epidemic was recorded in September – November 2023. Morbidity and mortality varied by districts, ranging from 10 to 55% and from 2 to 15%, respectively. Tests of 216 bovine serum samples demonstrated LSD virus antibodies in 109 animals, accounting for 50.5% of the total. Conclusion. In 2023, a range of studies was conducted and measures were taken in the Republic of Tajikistan to prevent LSD spread. To effectively control the disease, it is necessary to strengthen epizootological monitoring, carry out timely vaccination of animals and implement measures for the identification and control of potential vectors. These steps will minimize economic losses and maintain the animal health in the republic.