Lumpy skin disease: observations on the recent outbreaks of the disease in the Sudan

Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in imported Friesian and indigenous cattle which occurred in the Khartoum State during the period of 1989-1991, are described. The disease was diagnosed from clinical findings, isolation and identification of the virus and from electron microscopy. Clinical findings included pyrexia, nasal discharge, appearance of multiple skin nodules of varying sizes, oedema of legs and brisket and abortion. The disease in purebred Friesian cattle was severe with a morbidity rate of 37.9% and a mortality rate of 4.2% while it was rather mild in indigenous cattle.