Analysis of factors associated with the first lumpy skin disease outbreaks in naïve cattle herds in different regions of Thailand

Orapun Arjkumpa; Wanwisa Wachoom; Bopit Puyati; Sirima Jindajang; Minta Suwannaboon; Sith Premashthira; Tippawon Prarakamawongsa; Tosapol Dejyong; Chalutwan Sansamur; Roderick Salvador; Chalita Jainonthee; Veerasak Punyapornwithaya

doi:10.3389/fvets.2024.1338713

Analysis of factors associated with the first lumpy skin disease outbreaks in naïve cattle herds in different regions of Thailand

Front Vet Sci. 2024 Feb 22:11:1338713. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1338713. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Animal Health Section, The 4th Regional Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
² Nawa District Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand.
³ Buriram Provincial Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Buriram, Thailand.
⁴ Animal Health Section, The 7th Regional Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
⁵ Regional Field Epidemiology Training Program for Veterinarian, Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services, Department of Livestock Development, Bangkok, Thailand.
⁶ Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services, Department of Livestock Development, Bangkok, Thailand.
⁷ Akkhararatchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
⁸ College of Veterinary Science and Medicine, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Philippines.
⁹ Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Centre for Asia Pacific (VPHCAP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
¹⁰ Research Center for Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Abstract

Introduction: Thailand experienced a nationwide outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in 2021, highlighting the need for effective prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to identify herd-level risk factors associated with LSD outbreaks in beef cattle herds across different regions of Thailand.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in upper northeastern, northeastern, and central regions, where face-to-face interviews were conducted with farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable mixed effect logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the factors associated with LSD outbreaks. A total of 489 beef herds, including 161 LSD outbreak herds and 328 non-LSD herds, were investigated.

Results and discussion: Results showed that 66% of farmers have operated beef herds for more than five years. There were very few animal movements during the outbreak period. None of the cattle had been vaccinated with LSD vaccines. Insects that have the potential to act as vectors for LSD were observed in all herds. Thirty-four percent of farmers have implemented insect control measures. The final mixed effect logistic regression model identified herds operating for more than five years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.53) and the absence of insect control management on the herd (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.29-3.25) to be associated with LSD outbreaks. The implementation of insect-vector control measures in areas at risk of LSD, especially for herds without vaccination against the disease, should be emphasized. This study provides the first report on risk factors for LSD outbreaks in naïve cattle herds in Thailand and offers useful information for the development of LSD prevention and control programs within the country's context.

Keywords: Thailand; cattle herds; control measures; lumpy skin disease; risk factors.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This project received support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Regional Field Epidemiology Training Program for Veterinarians (R-FETPV). This work was also funded by Chiang Mai University (grant: R66IN00356). The article processing charge was supported by the National Research Council of Thailand and Chiang Mai University (grant: FF66/021 and R000029530). The funders had no role in the study design, data analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.