Lumpy Skin Disease Spreads in Italy and France, Prompts Warning from Slovenian Veterinary Authorities

Strategic Insights -

Slovenia's Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Administration (UVHVVR) has distributed a leaflet to farmers in the country to raise awareness about lumpy skin disease, a potentially devastating cattle disease that has recently been detected in Italy and France. The disease, which is transmitted mainly by arthropod vectors and can also be spread through infected animals and products, has resulted in 71 confirmed outbreaks in France and 50 in Italy. To prevent the spread of the disease into Slovenia, the UVHVVR urges farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures, including monitoring animal health, purchasing animals from verified farms, and practicing disinfection and quarantine procedures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lumpy skin disease has been detected in 71 outbreaks in France and 50 in Italy, with the first cases appearing in Sardinia and Lombardy in Italy at the end of June.
  • The disease is transmitted mainly by arthropod vectors, such as flies and mosquitoes, but can also be spread by infected animals and their products.
  • Slovenian veterinary authorities have distributed a leaflet to farmers in the country to raise awareness about the disease and its prevention.
  • Biosecurity measures, such as quarantine and disinfection, are crucial in preventing the introduction of the disease into Slovenia.
  • A vaccine against lumpy dermatitis is expected to be available in Slovenia in August, with the costs of vaccination being covered by the state.

Statistics:

  • 71 confirmed outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in France
  • 50 confirmed outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in Italy
  • First cases of lumpy skin disease in Italy detected at the end of June in Sardinia and Lombardy
  • Vaccine against lumpy dermatitis expected to be available in Slovenia in August
  • State will cover costs of vaccination

Sources:

  • " procured the leaflet is distributed by the Food Safety, Veterinary and Plant Protection Administration (UVHVVR) to all Slovenian farms "
  • " Lumpy skin disease first appeared in cattle in Italy (Sardinia and Lombardy) at the end of June "
  • " both countries have already started emergency protective vaccination "
  • " disease is not dangerous for humans, but it can have serious economic consequences due to damage and losses that occur in production (decline in milk yield, reduced skin quality) and due to the ban on the movement of animals and products to and from restricted areas "
  • " By consistently implementing biosecurity measures, we can reduce the possibility of introducing the disease into Slovenia"