Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is primarily caused by biting insects acting as vectors for the virus.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Primary Cause: Insect Vectors: The LSD virus is mechanically transmitted by biting insects. These include:
- Mosquitoes
- Biting Flies
- Possibly Ticks
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Mechanical Transmission: The insects don't become infected themselves. Instead, they pick up the virus on their mouthparts and transmit it directly to another animal when they bite.
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Direct Contact: LSD can also spread through direct contact between susceptible animals. This occurs via:
- Secretions (e.g., saliva, nasal discharge)
- Excretions (e.g., semen)
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Iatrogenic Transmission: In rare cases, the disease can spread through contaminated needles or other veterinary equipment.
In summary, while direct contact and contaminated equipment can contribute, the main cause of lumpy skin disease spread is the transmission of the virus by biting insects.
