Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Farmer Awareness of Lumpy Skin Disease in Dairy and Beef Cattle in Habiganj, Bangladesh

Lumpy Skin Disease is a viral infection caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease virus, a member of the genus Capripoxvirus. LSD results in significant economic losses in cattle production through its effects on milk yield, growth rate, an increased incidence of abortion, and restrictions against trade. There is limited information on the prevalence of LSD; moreover, the risk factors and farmer knowledge are not well documented in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey study was thus carried out in Habiganj district from June 2025 to September 2025 and included 50 farms with a total of 400 cattle (300 dairy and 100 beef). Through structured questionnaires, clinical assessments, and farmer interviews, the prevalence, risk factors, and farmer knowledge of LSD were determined. The prevalence of animals was 27.5%, which increased to 50% for local breeds, and the animals of over 2 years of age had a higher prevalence rate compared to the calves. Moreover, the prevalence rate of LSD was significantly lower in vaccinated animals than in unvaccinated animals, at 10%. Among these, the commonly reported clinical signs included skin nodules, fever, and Lymphadenopathy. The prevalence rates of skin nodules, fever, Lymphadenopathy, reduction in yield of milk, and poor growth in beef cattle were recorded as 81.8%, 63.6%, 45.5%, 54.5%, and 13.6%, respectively. This study has identified moderate levels of farmer awareness about LSD; it was recorded that only 60% of farmers were aware that LSD is transmissible, while only 50% of farmers in this study were practising vaccinations in their cattle. The smallholder farms were more severely affected, and there were no biosecurity measures employed by farmers. Considering the given findings, there is a need for vaccination campaigns, farmer education, vector control management practices, and routine epidemiological surveillance to monitor LSD in Bangladesh.