Detection of lumpy skin disease (LSD) virus and distribution of blood-sucking insects as potential vector in Indonesia

Abstract

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), caused by a virus from the Poxviridae family, is a significant disease in cattle and buffalo. First reported in Indonesia in February 2022 in Riau Province, LSD has raised concerns about its transmission. This research aims to identify potential vectors for LSD transmission as a foundation for vector control in smallholder cattle farms. Blood-sucking insect samples were collected using sweep net and insect trap from both LSD free and LSD infected areas in Indonesia. Skin scrapings and mouth swabs were obtained from infected cattle. Insects were identified in the laboratory using species identification keys, and all samples were analyzed using PCR to detect the potential vector of blood-sucking insects and the presence of LSD virus. The results identified several potential vectors, including blood-sucking flies (Stomoxys calcitrans, Tabanus rubidus), mosquitoes (Culex, Anopheles, Mansonia), and biting midges (Culicoides, Psychodidae). In LSD free areas, Culicoides (66.8 %) and Culex (23.9 %) were dominant, while in LSD infected areas, Stomoxys calcitrans (44.65 %) and Culex (30.07 %) were more prevalent. Culicoides was most common in Sukabumi (31.87 %), while Stomoxys calcitrans was prevalent in Bogor (15.85 %). Molecular testing of skin scrapings showed 100 % positivity for the LSD virus, while mouth swabs were positive in 40 % of cases. No LSD virus was detected in blood-sucking insect samples. These findings highlight the critical role of vectors in LSD transmission and provide essential information for effective vector control strategies in cattle farming.