Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging transboundary viral disease of cattle causing substantial economic and reproductive losses in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of LSD, identify modifiable farm-level risk factors, evaluate therapeutic management, examine farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), and determine the effect of LSD on the conception rate (CR) of first artificial insemination (FAI) in northern Bangladesh. A 'prospective observational cohort' in Methods was conducted from January 18 to October 30, 2025, across 942 dairy farms in 10 northern districts of Bangladesh. Trained veterinarians or interns clinically examined cattle for LSD, and structured interviews were used to collect socioeconomic data, management practices, and KAP indicators. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors associated with LSD occurrence and reproductive outcomes. The animal-level prevalence of LSD was 21.3%, while herd-level prevalence was 55.1%. Mortality and case-fatality rates were 4.3% and 22.2%, respectively, with calves under six months accounting for 42.9% of deaths. Vector abundance, particularly biting midges, stable flies, and tabanids, significantly increased disease risk. LSD exposure adversely affected reproductive performance; however, cows with higher Red Chittagong (RC) inheritance showed superior FAI conception rates. Only 35.3% of farmers practised adequate preventive measures despite moderate to good knowledge and attitudes. In conclusion, LSD significantly impacts cattle health and reproductive efficiency in northern Bangladesh. Strengthening vaccination coverage, vector control, farmer education, and biosecurity practices is essential to improve disease control and enhance conception rates following the first artificial insemination.

Abbreviations: FAI, first artificial insemination; LSD, Lumpy Skin Disease; KAP, knowledge, attitudes, and practices.