In the heart of Bangladesh, a silent battle is unfolding—one that doesn’t involve humans but cattle, and a virus that’s steadily gaining ground. Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a transboundary pathogen, is posing significant challenges to cattle health and, by extension, the agricultural economy in South and Southeast Asia. A recent study, led by Nasrin Sultana Tonu from the Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Dhaka, has shed new light on the genetic diversity and spread of LSDV, offering crucial insights for future disease control strategies.
The study, published in the journal *Viruses* (which translates to *Viruses* in English), combined serological, molecular, and genomic approaches to investigate LSDV in Barura Upazila, Bangladesh. The team screened 424 cattle using a commercial ELISA and found a high seroprevalence of 55.5%, indicating widespread exposure to the virus. “This high seroprevalence suggests that LSDV is well-established in the region,” Tonu explained. “The virus doesn’t discriminate by age or breed, which means it’s circulating broadly among cattle populations.”
Real-time PCR confirmed LSDV DNA in all 20 clinically infected animals, with consistent amplification of the P32 gene. Two samples with low Cq values underwent whole-genome sequencing, revealing that the complete genomes of LSDV-L2/2024 and LSDV-L3/2024 showed over 99.6% identity with the reference strain LSDV-29. However, they also carried unique genomic features, including truncated or variant open reading frames (ORFs) and differences in immune-related genes.
Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA polymerase gene revealed distinct clustering: L2/2024 aligned with South Asian isolates, while L3/2024 grouped with strains from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. “This co-circulation of genetically diverse strains suggests possible cross-regional introductions,” Tonu noted. “It highlights the evolutionary plasticity of LSDV and the need for ongoing genomic surveillance.”
The findings have significant implications for the agricultural sector, particularly for cattle farmers and the broader economy. LSDV can cause severe economic losses due to reduced milk production, weight loss, and trade restrictions. Understanding the genetic diversity and spread of the virus is crucial for developing targeted vaccines and effective disease control strategies.
“This research underscores the importance of integrating multiple approaches—serological, molecular, and genomic—to combat transboundary diseases,” Tonu said. “It’s a call to action for continuous surveillance and adaptive strategies to stay ahead of evolving pathogens.”
As the world grapples with emerging and re-emerging diseases, the study serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between pathogens and their hosts. For the agricultural sector, it highlights the need for proactive measures to safeguard livestock health and ensure food security. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of LSDV but also pave the way for innovative solutions to protect cattle and the livelihoods that depend on them.
In the words of Tonu, “Our work is just the beginning. The more we understand about these viruses, the better equipped we are to control them.” As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of LSDV, the hope is that their efforts will translate into tangible benefits for farmers and the agricultural industry at large.