Lumpy Skin Disease
Lumpy skin disease virus (LSD) is a notifiable disease that is infectious. It is a contagious, primarily vector-borne viral disease that affects cattle, water buffalo and some exotic species including antelope and giraffe. It does not affect sheep and goats. LSD cannot be transmitted to humans, nor does it affect food safety.
Current Situation in Europe
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) was reported in Europe in July 2025 for the first time since 2018. On 3 June 2025, an outbreak of LSD was reported to WOAH on the island of Sardinia. A further 80 outbreaks were reported in Sardinia in 2025 and one in Lombardy, mainland Italy. On 30 June 2025, France reported their first outbreak. Between 30 June and 22 December 2025, France reported 115 outbreaks of LSD to WOAH. Spain reported a total of 17 outbreaks of LSD in October 2025.
Italy have reported their first LSD outbreaks of 2026, on the island of Sardinia and it is unclear at this stage if this is a new incursion of disease or not.
How lumpy skin disease is transmitted
LSD is spread by biting flies and mosquitoes. They can carry the infection to other animals after feeding on the skin lesions of infected animals. It can also be spread through infected germinal products (bovine semen, ova and embroyos).
Impact for Northern Ireland
There has never been a case of LSD reported within the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Lumpy skin disease is difficult to control and often requires vaccination to eradicate the disease from the national herd.
The risk of incursion to Northern Ireland is maintained at low (rare but can occur). This reflects the continued occurrence of outbreaks in Europe, which is mitigated by the restricted trade in cattle and bovine germplasm from these countries.
Clinical signs of lumpy skin disease
- clinical signs begin with fever,
- painful, firm nodules on the skin and mucous membranes, which as disease progresses, may crust over or necrose, increasing the risk of secondary infection
- yellowish-grey lesions on the tongue
- swollen and tender udder or testicles
- discharge from the nose and eyes
- more saliva than usual
- bulls becoming sterile and cows having abortions
- swollen lymph nodes
The mortality rate is low but significant losses occur due to decreased milk production, abortion, infertility and loss of condition.
How to report lumpy skin disease
LSD is a notifiable animal disease that means, if you suspect it, you must report it immediately by contacting DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
Preventing and controlling lumpy skin disease
LSD is best prevented by implementing good hygiene and biosecurity on your premises. Find out more about preventing animal disease and how the government will control an outbreak in:
Disease control and prevention
Specified Diseases (Notification) Order (Northern Ireland) 2004
Specified Diseases (Notification and Movement Restrictions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1997
More useful links
Lumpy Skin Disease - WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health