Risk factors associated with lumpy skin disease in cattle in West Kazakhstan

Lumpy skin disease is an important emerging disease posing a threat to the livestock industry worldwide. Moreover, factors involved in disease transmission in the field and at farm level remain unidentified. This research was based on a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews with affected farmers. From January 2021 to July 2021, 543 households were visited in four provinces of the West Kazakhstan region to assess the prevalence of LSD and its associated risk factors. Animal and farm level risk factors were examined using univariable and multivariable mixed effect logistic regression. At animal level, the factors associated with LSD outbreaks include herd size Medium OR = 0.68, (95% CI: 0.54-0.84); large OR = 0.63, (95% CI: 0.49-0.81), purchasing animals OR = 11.67, (95% CI: 8.87-15.35), and selling animals during LSD outbreak OR = 1.24, (95% CI: 1.06-1.45). The overall animal level and herd level LSD prevalence were 10.2% (95% CI: 9.6 -0.10.9) and 49.2% (95% CI: 45.0 - 53.4) respectively. Our study demonstrates the dissemination of LSDV from primary outbreaks to new areas and risk factors associated with LSD in Kazakhstan. This finding will enhance knowledge on disease epidemiology and help develop coordinated actions in prevention and control of the possible LSD outbreaks.