Lumpy skin disease: current situation in Europe and neighbouring regions and necessary control measures to halt the spread in south-east Europe

Effective and safe vaccines against lumpy skin disease (LSD) are already commercially available. Large-scale vaccination combined with other appropriate control measures, can eliminate the outbreaks. In the absence of appropriate DIVA vaccines, carrying out preventive vaccination against LSDV in disease free but at-high risk countries, inflicts heavy export restrictions on live cattle and their products, inhibiting these countries from vaccinating prior to incursion. Since despite massive vaccination in many countries there is no evidence of the vaccine strain regaining virulence or spreading of the disease via cattle products, lifting unnecessary trade restrictions should be advocated. As a sole control measure, stamping-out is rarely effective in stopping the spread of LSD and should be combined with vaccination. Culling infected and in-contact animals should remain as a primary measure when LSD is detected in a previously disease-free country. Removal of infected animals from the herds is feasible. However, discussions between Veterinary Authorities and policy makers should take place on the costs-benefits of total or partial stamping-out after vaccination campaigns have been initiated. Affected countries should be allowed to choose the most feasible culling policy for their circumstances, while respecting relevant international standards. Regulation of cattle movements within and out of affected areas remains as a priority. Movement of unvaccinated cattle from affected and vaccinating zones should remain banned. However, in order to minimise the economic impact of the outbreaks and to increase farmers and traders cooperation, movement of fully immunised cattle should be allowed within or between vaccinated zones under strict supervision and according to the OIE international standards. Current knowledge gaps on LSD need to be addressed. More funding is required to set up studies directly affecting disease control such as diagnostic methods, immunology, epidemiology, vectors and transmission.