Australia is currently free from both FMD & LSD and our priority is to keep it that way.
Should you have concerns, or be suspicious about the presence of an Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) the first thing you should do is call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle (both beef & dairy) and water buffalo. It does not affect humans and has never been recorded in Australia. Lumpy Skin Disease is primarily spread by biting flies, mosquitoes and midges; or by the movement of infected animals or contaminated products and equipment.
Symptoms of LSD include:
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Discharge from eyes & nose (usually observed first)
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High fever
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Appearance of firm skin nodules (lumps) of 2-5cm in diameter, particularly on the head, neck, limbs, udder (within 48 hours of onset of fever)
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Loss of body condition
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Incubation period is usually between 4-14 days post-infection, but can be up to 28 days.
More information can be found at Animal Health Australia: Lumpy skin disease
The AUSVETPLAN contains the nationally-agreed approach for the response to emergency animal disease (EAD) incidents in Australia. The plan is captured in a series of manuals and supporting documents and is available at Animal Health Australia: Informing EAD Responses – AUSVETPLAN
Access information surrounding Biosecurity Awareness on our website here.