Lumpy Skin Disease

Region: Greater Darwin, Katherine Region, Barkly Region, Central Australia | Topic: Livestock, Biosecurity
May 2022
Figure 1: Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas
Figure 1: Lumpy skin disease in cattle overseas

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has recently been detected in countries close to Australia. LSD has never occurred in Australia, but the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s biosecurity team is increasing surveillance and preparedness measures, to address this emerging threat. You can see this outlined in the preparedness action plan.

Figure 2: The Northern Territory Government has developed a plan
Figure 2: The Northern Territory Government has developed a plan

This highly infectious disease can affect cattle, buffalo and banteng. Other animals and people aren’t affected. More information about LSD is available at: nt.gov.au/lumpy-skin-disease.

Because LSD can look like other common diseases, it is important to have a professional investigate any unusual case of skin disease in cattle, buffalo and banteng to rule out this exotic disease.

Northern Territory (NT) veterinarians have been provided with information to help them diagnose LSD. The department is also providing LSD sample test kits for NT pastoralists who are unable to get a vet or government biosecurity officer out to investigate unusual cases in remote locations.

You can head to our website to take a look at what’s available in the kit:

Territory producers who weren’t able to pick up a kit at the recent NTCA conference can call their local livestock biosecurity office to ask for a lumpy skin disease sample kit and watch our video to see how to use it.

A LSD Stakeholder Group has been formed with industry representatives, and the department is regularly briefing cattle industry representatives to help the sector plan and prepare for any possible LSD incursion.

Territorians who notice anything unusual or suspicious in their animals, including any illness in wild buffalo, cattle or banteng, are asked to call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Contact your local government vet or livestock biosecurity officer to get a free lumpy skin disease sample test kit by calling:

Updates on biosecurity responses in the Northern Territory, including LSD are available by joining the Biosecurity Northern Territory Facebook group.

Figure 3: Can you tell the difference? Bovine herpes virus 2 (left) can look similar to lumpy skin disease (right).
Figure 3: Can you tell the difference? Bovine herpes virus 2 (left) can look similar to lumpy skin disease (right).
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