Epidemiological Assessment of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle: Risk Factors at Farm and Animal Levels in Southern...

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of cattle that has spread from Africa and the Middle East to Asia, including Bangladesh, causing substantial economic loss. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with LSD in cattle and cattle herds in Barishal, Patuakhali, and Chattogram districts of Southern Bangladesh. A total of 6624 cattle from 1260 herds, including those with current (n = 194) and past cases (n = 445), were included. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, and farms were selected by convenience sampling. Data on management, environmental, and animal-level factors were collected via structured questionnaires. Risk factors were analyzed using cross-sectional (herd-level) and case-control (animal-level) designs, with univariate and multivariate logistic regression models applied. Moran's I statistic was used to assess spatial clustering. The herd-level prevalence was 15.3% (194/1260), and the animal-level prevalence was 13.1% (867/6624). High morbidity was observed in young cattle (8.7%; n = 315), local breeds (7.7%), and females (7.3%). Multivariate analysis at the herd level showed that the highest case rates were associated with communal grazing (aOR = 1.7), manure disposal in ponds (aOR = 2.1), and reporting the use of chemical sprays (aOR = 1.9), compared to no communal grazing, disposal in pits, and the use of mosquito nets. Local breeds (aOR = 2.7), poor body condition (aOR = 2.2), and communal grazing (aOR = 9.9) exhibited higher odds of infection compared to crossbreeds, good body condition, and no communal grazing. Spatial analysis showed geographic heterogeneity but no significant clustering.(Moran's index = 0.25; p = 0.409). These findings emphasize the need for targeted control measures, including improved manure management and vector control, such as insecticide-treated nets.