By Trend News Line 2024-04-03 12:14:52.
Investigation into Lumpy Skin Cattle Disease Outbreak
In a devastating turn of events, a mysterious illness has swept through cattle populations across India, claiming the lives of over 1,00,000 cows. The outbreak, identified as lumpy skin disease (LSD), has been the focus of a comprehensive study conducted by a multi-institutional team led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
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Origins of the Virus Strains
The virus strains responsible for the lumpy skin disease outbreak have been a subject of critical investigation by the research team at IISc. The disease is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which is transmitted by insects like flies and mosquitoes. This viral infection leads to fever, skin nodules, and can prove fatal for cattle.
Global Spread of LSDV
Originally discovered in Zambia in 1931, LSDV was confined to the Sub-African region until 1989. Since then, it has spread to the Middle East, Russia, and other Southeast European nations before reaching South Asia. India has experienced two major outbreaks of the disease, with the most recent one in 2022 infecting more than two million cows.
Genomic Analysis and Variants
To investigate the current outbreak in India, the research team collected samples from infected cattle in various states and performed advanced whole-genome sequencing. The analysis revealed two distinct LSDV variants circulating in the country, one with a low number of genetic variations and another with a high number of variations. The highly varied strains were similar to those from an outbreak in Russia in 2015.
Impact of Genetic Variations
The presence of genetic variations in viral genes critical for binding to host cells, evading immune response, and replicating efficiently is believed to enhance the virus’s ability to cause disease. Cattle in areas with highly diverse strains exhibited more severe symptoms, indicating that the genetic variations could elevate virulence.
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Implications for Vaccine Development
Insights from the genomic analysis of LSDV strains during the outbreak in India can pave the way for improved diagnostics, vaccines, and interventions to combat emerging infectious diseases affecting livestock and livelihoods. The research findings will be crucial in identifying molecular hotspots and genetic variations to target in vaccine development.
One Health Approach
The study exemplifies the “One Health” approach, where multidisciplinary teams collaborate to address issues of national importance. By combining the expertise of molecular biologists, computational experts, and veterinary doctors, the research team was able to gain valuable insights into the genetic landscape of LSDV in India.
Collaboration and Future Research
Collaboration between veterinary experts and scientific institutions played a critical role in tracing the variants of LSDV across the country. The insights gained from this study will not only aid in tackling the current outbreak but also contribute to future research on infectious diseases affecting livestock..
– multi-institutional team
– tracks virus behind India’s lumpy skin cattle disease.
