The genome sequence of the Lumpy Skin Disease virus from the outbreak in
India suggests a distinct lineage of the virus
Abstract
Although previously confined to regions within Africa, Lumpy Skin
Disease Virus (LSDV) infections have caused significantly large
outbreaks in several regions of the world in very recent years. In 2019,
an outbreak of the disease was reported from India with low rates of
morbidity and no reported mortality. However, in 2022, an ongoing
outbreak of LSDV spanning over 7 states in India resulted in a reported
mortality of over 80,000 cattle over a short period of three months.
Here, we report complete genome sequences of 6 viral isolates of LSDV
collected from affected cattle during an ongoing outbreak of the disease
in Rajasthan, India. Analysis of the viral sequences suggests the
genomes from the 2022 outbreak harbour a large number of genetic
variations compared to the reference genome and form a distinct lineage.
This report also highlights the importance of genome sequencing and
surveillance of transboundary infectious agents and genomic
characterisation of outbreaks.