Financial impacts and epidemiological characteristics of lumpy skin disease in cattle in Ampara District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Cattle farming is a major economic sector in the Ampara district of Sri Lanka, yet there is limited information on lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the region. This study addresses this gap by investigating the prevalence, mortality rate, distribution, and age-related factors of LSD, as well as assessing the financial impacts of outbreaks. Data of LSD from nineteen government veterinary offices were collected through surveys and interviews. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2021 and Minitab 19. Findings indicate that LSD had spread to nineteen out of twenty ranges in the Ampara district. The highest prevalence was observed in the Irakamam range (20.77%), while the lowest was in the Alayadivembu range (3.81%), with an overall prevalence of 8.59%. Nintavur and Addalaichenai had significantly higher mortality rates of 6.5% and 3.5%, respectively, compared to other regions in the Ampara district, where the mortality rate was much lower at 1.7%. Statistical analysis revealed that the affected animals were predominantly under one year of age. Financial impact assessment showed that 78% of affected farms experienced reduced growth rates in their cattle, while 22% faced infertility issues. Major risk factors for LSD spread included animal transportation, communal grazing lands, and presence of ticks. These findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology and economic burden of LSD in Ampara, offering a basis for developing targeted interventions to protect livestock farmers' livelihoods and sustain the local economy.