KenyaChange
Treatment
Treatment is directed at preventing or controlling secondary infection. Animals infected with LSDV generally recover (mortality is usually less than 3 percent). Complete recovery may take several months and may be prolonged where secondary bacterial infection occurs. Loss of production results from severe emaciation, lowered milk production, extensive damage to hides and lameness. It may take up to 6 months for animals severely affected by LSDV to recover fully (9).
Vaccination
In endemic areas, vaccination against LSD has been successfully practiced. In the Union of South Africa, an attenuated LSD vaccine is used. In Kenya, sheep and goat pox virus is used (4). In Egypt, the Romanian strain of sheep and goat pox vaccine has been used successfully for prophylaxis against LSD.
Control and Eradication
The most likely way for LSD to enter a new area is by introduction of infected animals. Biting insects that have fed on infected cattle may travel and be blown for substantial distances. It is likely that LSD spread to Israel via contaminated insects blown across the Sinai Desert (21). The movement of contaminated hides represents another potential means for this resistant virus to move.
If LSD is confirmed in a new area before extensive spread occurs, the area should be quarantined, infected and exposed animals slaughtered, and the premises cleaned and disinfected. Vaccination of susceptible animals within the quarantine should be considered.
If the disease has spread over a large area, the most effective means of controlling losses from LSD is vaccination. However, even with vaccination, consideration still should be given to eliminating infected and exposed herds by slaughter, proper disposal of animals and contaminated material, and by cleaning and disinfecting contaminated premises, equipment, and facilities.
In the Union of South Africa, the control of insects was not effective in preventing the spread of LSD, but current insecticides together with repellents aid in the prevention of the spread of LSD.
Public Health
There is no evidence that LSDV infects humans.
