By MaryAnne Musilo

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is intensifying across Narok, Kajiado, Homa Bay, and Nakuru counties and now spreading into other counties. Veterinary officers are calling on farmers to vaccinate their cattle urgently to arrest the disease, which is spread by insect bites and contaminated equipment.

Private veterinary surgeon Dr Gachoka Richard Nyagia of Gatundu South warned that LSD is highly contagious and can be fatal if not treated. “LSD is spread by biting insects like mosquitoes and flies mainly in the rainy seasons. We advise farmers to vaccine the cattle’s since getting rid of the vectors can be hectic. The vaccine costs Sh200, which is affordable,” said the doctor.

The virus is mainly transmitted by flying insects, but can also spread through contaminated needles, ticks, and imported sick cattle or feeds. “Vaccination should be done after every 6 months, before rains start. The best targets are early March and early October,” he said.

“This should be done using one needle and syringe per animal. No needle or syringe should be shared between animals.”

Emergency vaccination can reduce the severity and number of cases during an outbreak, although vaccinating at that point can be tricky, said Gachoka. “This is because the effectiveness of the vaccine may reduce due to other diseases, or may make other diseases transmitted by vectors become severe,” he said.

The vaccine used, known as Lumpivax, can provide full protection when used correctly. “To optimize development of immunity, always keep animals well fed. Animals should be well fed, before, during and after vaccination,” he said.

“When vaccinating the animals it is advisable to vaccinate all cattle in the farm. Most farmers exclude calves for it is believed that they get antibodies from the mothers,” said Gachoka. “In rare cases, the vaccine can cause miscarriages in pregnant cows.”

LSD is a viral illness that causes fever, excessive salivation, eye discharge, and painful skin lumps. It reduces milk production and, in serious cases, leads to pneumonia, reproductive issues, and death. 

Dr Gachoka stressed that vaccination is the most effective defence, supported by global veterinary studies. Experts also recommend disease control measures such as restricting animal movement, avoiding contact between infected and healthy animals, disinfecting equipment, and controlling insect vectors using repellents and proper drainage.

“Although LSD may not directly affect human beings, there are other outbreaks which may affect humans, such as malaria, or both humans and animals, such as Rift Valley fever and require caution, for they share the same insect vectors,” he said.

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He warned that the presence of LSD signals high insect activity and increases the risk of other diseases. “Also, note that the disease may co-outbreak with other zoonosis such as anthrax and rabies. Therefore, care should be taken while handling sick and dead animals, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

A 2020 study in Nakuru found that large herds and exotic breeds are at higher risk, with average losses of Sh76,000 per affected farm. Wildlife and buffalo can also carry the virus, maintaining its spread in local areas.

Dr Gachoka urged farmers to remain alert, vaccinate their herds, and work with veterinary services to protect both livestock and public health.

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