Molecular detection and seasonal distribution of lumpy skin disease virus in cattle breeds in Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution patterns of LSDV infections in the provinces of northern Turkey, and to detect the factors influencing the epidemiology of LSD virus infections (age, breed, season, climate, geography, population dynamic, animal movement), as well as to assess the diagnostic value of the sampled materials in the diagnosis of LSDV infections. Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically important cattle disease. The disease is endemic in many African countries, but outbreaks have also been reported in Turkey and the Middle East. In this study, a total of 564 samples (skin, blood and lung) from different cattle breeds (Jersey, Holstein-Friesian, Anatolian Black, Simmental and Brown Swiss) (n = 465) in the many herds suspected of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection as clinically and macroscopic pathologic remarks, housed in the 7 different provinces of northern Turkey, were used for gel based conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). LSDV nucleic acid was detected in 259 of 564 (45.92%) materials by PCR. According to the result of PCR, the LSDV infection was diagnosed in 54.62% (254/465) of the sampled animals. The diagnostic value of necropsy and clinical materials such as skin and lung were determined as more valuable diagnostic materials in the diagnosis of LSDV infection by PCR. Data showed that LSDV infection was widespread in the provinces of northern Turkey and that the prevalence of the infection in the region varies in accordance with factors such as geographical conditions (climate, season, location etc.) and the method of breeding.