Epidemiology of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Implications for Control in Karachi, Pakistan

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and treatment practices of LSD in cattle in three areas of Karachi, Pakistan: Landhi Cattle Colony, National Highway Cattle Colony, and Memon Goth Cattle Colony. A total of 60 farms (30 dairy and 30 beef cattle farms) were randomly selected from each area, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to farmers. The results indicated that the prevalence of LSD was higher in dairy farms (90%) compared with beef cattle farms (33.33%). Among the study areas, the highest prevalence was recorded in Landhi Cattle Colony, where 95% of dairy farms and 45% of beef cattle farms were affected. Farm-level analysis showed particularly high prevalence in Madina Dairy Farm (94.77%) and Sikander Cattle Farm (91.09%) in Landhi Cattle Colony. In comparison, Abu Bakar Dairy Farm (94.82%) and MM Cattle Farm (53.33%) showed the highest prevalence in the National Highway Cattle Colony. In Memon Goth Cattle Colony, the highest prevalence was observed in Danyal Dairy Farm (94.11%) and Dil Pasand Cattle Farm (50%). Gender-wise analysis revealed a higher prevalence in females (98.4%) compared with males. Age-wise prevalence was highest in cattle aged 2-5 years (95.55% in dairy farms and 64.63% in beef farms), with significant differences among age and gender groups. Risk factors associated with LSD included poor farm hygiene, large herd size, common water sources, and seasonal occurrence, particularly in May (63.33%). Exotic breeds showed higher morbidity (69.03%) and mortality (52.34%) compared with indigenous breeds. Farmers reported the use of antibiotics, meloxicam, ivermectin, and injectable vitamins for treatment, with an average recovery period of approximately 15 days.