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Korean J. Vet. Serv. 2024; 47(3): 179-183
Published online September 30, 2024
https://doi.org/10.7853/kjvs.2024.47.3.179
© The Korean Socitety of Veterinary Service
Correspondence to : Yeonsu Oh
E-mail: yeonoh@kangwon.ac.kr
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5743-5396
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0). which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
In 2023, an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea, resulted in nine confirmed cases, comprising 8.4% of the national total, a disproportionately high percentage. Epidemiological investigations indicated a significant role of biting insects in viral transmission, particularly in the northern region. However, human-mediated transmission between farms under the same management was also identified. Clinical presentations in infected cattle varied, ranging from anorexia and skin nodules to severe systemic illness. Control measures included culling and burial of infected animals, a standstill order on susceptible livestock movement, and a mass vaccination campaign encompassing all 21,983 cattle in Incheon. Movement restrictions were gradually lifted following negative test results in designated surveillance, protection, and control zones. Environmental testing conducted 30 days after restriction removal allowed for restocking of previously affected farms. This outbreak highlights the vulnerability of the South Korean cattle industry to LSD and emphasizes the critical need for robust preventative measures, including enhanced vector control strategies and widespread vaccination.
Keywords Lumpy skin disease, Outbreak, Transmission, Control measures, South Korea
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a severe viral disease of cattle caused by the LSD virus (LSDV), a member of the genus
The first outbreak of LSD in South Kroea was reported on October 19, 2023, on a Hanwoo farm in Seosan, Chuncheongnam-do. Over the following 33 days, a total of 107 LSD cases were confirmed across 9 provinces and 34 cities/counties, excluding Jeju Island. The outbreak initially emerged in coastal areas and regions bordering North Korea, subsequently spreading inland. It is suspected that infected biting insects form endemic countries like China, as well as potentially from the demilitarized zone, entered the country through coastal areas. The virus then likely spread to inland regions through the movement of livestock vehicles and infected animals (MAFRA, 2023a).
Following nationwide vaccination efforts and the onset of winter, the situation stabilized. However, a new case was reported on August 12, 2024, on a Hanwoo farm in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do (MAFRA, 2024a). The infected animal was unvaccinated, and epidemiological investigations revealed inadequate vaccination practices on the farm and a second LSD outbreak was reported in South Korea on August 31, 2024. This outbreak occurred in a dairy cattle farm in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, located approximately 10.5 kilometers from the initial outbreak site. While epidemiological investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and transmission route of this second outbreak, its occurrence underscores the continued vulnerability of the South Korean cattle industry to LSD.
Incheon, situated on the west coast of South Korea, experiences significant international trade and travel. The Ganghwa region, in particular, is geographically close to the border with North Korea, making it highly susceptible to the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. This vulnerability is evident in the occurrence of previous outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease in 2010, African swine fever in 2019, and LSD in 2023 (Rhee and Park, 2011; Cho et al., 2021; Chu et al., 2023).
This case report aims to provide a detailed account of the LSD outbreak in the Ganghwa region of Incheon, focusing on the disease’s progression during the summer months when insect vector activity is high and after the completion of the two-dose LSD vaccination campaign. By examining the outbreak dynamics and the impact of vaccination on antibody seroprevalence, this report seeks to inform strategies for prevention future LSD outbreaks and contribute to the existing knowledge base on LSD control in endemic regions.
The first LSD case in Incheon was reported on October 24, 2023, on a dairy farm in Hajeom-myeon, Ganghwa-gun. On the same day, two additional cases were confirmed on Hanwoo farms (corresponding to the 24th∼26th cases nationwide). By November 3, six more cases were identified, bringing the total number of cases in 2023 to nine. As of September 2024, no further cases have been reported (Table 1, Fig. 1).
Table 1 . Lumpy skin disease cases in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Farm | Region | Kind | Herd size | No. of confirmed LSD | Date of occurence |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Farm 1 | Hajeom-myeon | Holstein | 35 | 5 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 2 | Hwado-myeon | Hanwoo | 90 | 3 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 3 | Yangsa-myeon | Hanwoo | 20 | 1 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 4 | Songhae-myeon | Hanwoo | 552 | 2 | 2023.10.25. |
Farm 5 | Hajeom-myeon | Hanwoo | 50 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 6 | Yangsa-myeon | Hanwoo | 21 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 7 | Hajeom-myeon | Holstein | 144 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 8 | Bureun-myeon | Hanwoo | 275 | 1 | 2023.10.31. |
Farm 9 | Yangdo-myeon | Hanwoo | 85 | 1 | 2023.11.03. |
Geographically, the cases were distributed as follows: three cases in Hajeom-myeon, two in Yangsa-myeon, and one each in Hwado-myeon, Sonhae-myeon, Bureun-myeon, and Yangdo-myeon. Notably, six out of the nine cases (67%) occurred in the northern part of Ganghwa-gun.
Considering the average incubation period of LSD, which ranges from 4 to 14 days, and the absence of direct epidemiological links between most affected farms – such as shared farm owners (including family members), workers, livestock professionals, or feed transport vehicles – it is highly plausible that biting insects (mosquitoes and biting flies) played a significant role on the virus’s spread, particularly in the northern region of Ganghwa-gun.
However, in the cases of the Songhae-myeon farm and the Bureun-myeon farm, the same farm manager oversaw both locations. This suggests a potential for human-mediated transmission during the incubation period, as the manager could have inadvertently carried the virus between the farms.
Infected cattle primarily exhibited clinical signs such as anorexia, skin nodules, and leg edema. One dairy cow, in particular, experienced a severe disease course. Initially, she presented with anorexia, decreased milk production, fever, and nodules on the vulva and udder. Over time, the nodules spread across her entire body, affecting the head, neck, chest, hind limbs, eyes, and nose. She also developed progressively worsening lymphadenopathy and leg edema, showing no signs of recovery until she was ultimately euthanized (Fig. 2). The final farm affected by the outbreak presented a slightly different clinical picture. While other cattle on the farm remained asymptomatic, a single calf was diagnosed with LSD. This calf, less than two weeks old and unvaccinated, exhibited copious ocular and nasal discharge. Additionally, the calf developed unusual skin lesions around the mouth, resembling lichenification typically observed in allergic dermatitis (Fig. 3).
Following the standard operating procedures for LSD outbreaks (MAFRA, 2023b), all cattle on affected farms were culled and buried. A standstill order was issued for all farms in Ganghwa-gun housing susceptible animals. An emergency request for LSD vaccines was made on October 24, 2023, and a mass vaccination campaign was implemented from October 26th. Over five days, all 21,983 head of cattle in Incheon, including those on unaffected farms, were vaccinated through a combination of veterinarian-administered and farmer-administered vaccinations.
Following the completion of the mass vaccination campaign, movement restrictions remained in place. The movement and sale of cattle within Incheon were only permitted after a veterinarian conducted a clinical examination and confirmed a negative LSD status.
Epidemiological investigations were conducted in concentric zones around affected farms:
• Surveillance zone (3∼10 km radius): Clinical examination were performed on all cattle.
• Protection zone (500 m∼3 km radius): Clinical examinations and antigen testing were conducted.
• Control zone (within 500 m radius): Clinical examinations, antigen testing, and environmental testing were carried out.
• Infected farms: Comprehensive epidemiological investigations were conducted.
All tests conducted within these zones yielded negative results. Consequently, the movement restrictions imposed on all areas within Incheon were lifted on December 21, 2023.
In accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and rural Affairs’ revised guidelines for restocking LSD-affected farms, environmental testing was conducted 30 days after the lifting of movement restrictions. This testing targeted vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the eight affected farms where restocking was planned. All tests returned negative results, and restocking was subsequently permitted on these farms.
LSD casts a long shadow over the cattle industry, threatening to decimate herds and cripple economies. Reduced milk production, compromised animal welfare, lower conception rates, and miscarriages are just a few of the devastating consequences this disease can inflict (Das et al., 2021; Kale et al., 2023). The recent outbreak in South Korea, though successfully contained, served as a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerability and the urgent need for robust preventative measures.
Incheon, with its nine confirmed cases in 2023, emerged as an unexpected hotpot, accounting for a disproportionately high 8.4% of the total LSD cases nationwide. While its location within the West Coast belt, potentially increasing its susceptibility to vector-borne diseases, might offer a partial explanation, it also throws into sharp relief the critical need for enhanced vector control strategies.
While completely eradicating biting insects from environment is an impossible task, strategically implementing measures to suppress their population density can significantly curb transmission risks. This multifaceted approach starts with enhancing farm hygiene. Maintaining meticulously clean and sanitary conditions on farms disrupts insects breeding cycles, making these environments less hospitable to these unwelcome guests.
Complementing these efforts, targeted vector control strategies, employing an integrated pest management approach, can further reduce insect populations. This includes the judicious use of insecticides, strategically deployed insect traps, and other environmentally sound methods.
Further bolstering these defenses, physical barriers, such as screens fitted securely on barn windows and doors, can effectively prevent insects from infiltrating these spaces. Inside the barns, strategically positioned large fans can be employed to create airflow patterns that deter biting insects, making it more difficult for them to land and feed on cattle.
However, in the face of this formidable disease, prevention through vaccination emerges as the most potent weapon in our arsenal. Coupled with proactive farm management practices, early detection through vigilant monitoring, and prompt reporting of suspected cases, vaccination forms the cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard our livestock and protect the economic vitality of the cattle industry.
This work was supported by Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (IPET) through high-risk animal infectious disease control technology development program, funded by Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) (Project No. RS-2024-00400522).
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
Korean J. Vet. Serv. 2024; 47(3): 179-183
Published online September 30, 2024 https://doi.org/10.7853/kjvs.2024.47.3.179
Copyright © The Korean Socitety of Veterinary Service.
Dokyung Ra 1, Hyung-Seok Kim 1, Cheol Jeong 1, Dae sung Yoo 2, Ho-Seong Cho 3, Yeonsu Oh 4*
1Incheon Research Institute of Public Health and Environment, Incheon 22320, Korea
2College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
3College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
4College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
Correspondence to:Yeonsu Oh
E-mail: yeonoh@kangwon.ac.kr
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5743-5396
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0). which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
In 2023, an outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea, resulted in nine confirmed cases, comprising 8.4% of the national total, a disproportionately high percentage. Epidemiological investigations indicated a significant role of biting insects in viral transmission, particularly in the northern region. However, human-mediated transmission between farms under the same management was also identified. Clinical presentations in infected cattle varied, ranging from anorexia and skin nodules to severe systemic illness. Control measures included culling and burial of infected animals, a standstill order on susceptible livestock movement, and a mass vaccination campaign encompassing all 21,983 cattle in Incheon. Movement restrictions were gradually lifted following negative test results in designated surveillance, protection, and control zones. Environmental testing conducted 30 days after restriction removal allowed for restocking of previously affected farms. This outbreak highlights the vulnerability of the South Korean cattle industry to LSD and emphasizes the critical need for robust preventative measures, including enhanced vector control strategies and widespread vaccination.
Keywords: Lumpy skin disease, Outbreak, Transmission, Control measures, South Korea
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a severe viral disease of cattle caused by the LSD virus (LSDV), a member of the genus
The first outbreak of LSD in South Kroea was reported on October 19, 2023, on a Hanwoo farm in Seosan, Chuncheongnam-do. Over the following 33 days, a total of 107 LSD cases were confirmed across 9 provinces and 34 cities/counties, excluding Jeju Island. The outbreak initially emerged in coastal areas and regions bordering North Korea, subsequently spreading inland. It is suspected that infected biting insects form endemic countries like China, as well as potentially from the demilitarized zone, entered the country through coastal areas. The virus then likely spread to inland regions through the movement of livestock vehicles and infected animals (MAFRA, 2023a).
Following nationwide vaccination efforts and the onset of winter, the situation stabilized. However, a new case was reported on August 12, 2024, on a Hanwoo farm in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do (MAFRA, 2024a). The infected animal was unvaccinated, and epidemiological investigations revealed inadequate vaccination practices on the farm and a second LSD outbreak was reported in South Korea on August 31, 2024. This outbreak occurred in a dairy cattle farm in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, located approximately 10.5 kilometers from the initial outbreak site. While epidemiological investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and transmission route of this second outbreak, its occurrence underscores the continued vulnerability of the South Korean cattle industry to LSD.
Incheon, situated on the west coast of South Korea, experiences significant international trade and travel. The Ganghwa region, in particular, is geographically close to the border with North Korea, making it highly susceptible to the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. This vulnerability is evident in the occurrence of previous outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease in 2010, African swine fever in 2019, and LSD in 2023 (Rhee and Park, 2011; Cho et al., 2021; Chu et al., 2023).
This case report aims to provide a detailed account of the LSD outbreak in the Ganghwa region of Incheon, focusing on the disease’s progression during the summer months when insect vector activity is high and after the completion of the two-dose LSD vaccination campaign. By examining the outbreak dynamics and the impact of vaccination on antibody seroprevalence, this report seeks to inform strategies for prevention future LSD outbreaks and contribute to the existing knowledge base on LSD control in endemic regions.
The first LSD case in Incheon was reported on October 24, 2023, on a dairy farm in Hajeom-myeon, Ganghwa-gun. On the same day, two additional cases were confirmed on Hanwoo farms (corresponding to the 24th∼26th cases nationwide). By November 3, six more cases were identified, bringing the total number of cases in 2023 to nine. As of September 2024, no further cases have been reported (Table 1, Fig. 1).
Table 1 . Lumpy skin disease cases in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon.
Farm | Region | Kind | Herd size | No. of confirmed LSD | Date of occurence |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Farm 1 | Hajeom-myeon | Holstein | 35 | 5 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 2 | Hwado-myeon | Hanwoo | 90 | 3 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 3 | Yangsa-myeon | Hanwoo | 20 | 1 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 4 | Songhae-myeon | Hanwoo | 552 | 2 | 2023.10.25. |
Farm 5 | Hajeom-myeon | Hanwoo | 50 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 6 | Yangsa-myeon | Hanwoo | 21 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 7 | Hajeom-myeon | Holstein | 144 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 8 | Bureun-myeon | Hanwoo | 275 | 1 | 2023.10.31. |
Farm 9 | Yangdo-myeon | Hanwoo | 85 | 1 | 2023.11.03. |
Geographically, the cases were distributed as follows: three cases in Hajeom-myeon, two in Yangsa-myeon, and one each in Hwado-myeon, Sonhae-myeon, Bureun-myeon, and Yangdo-myeon. Notably, six out of the nine cases (67%) occurred in the northern part of Ganghwa-gun.
Considering the average incubation period of LSD, which ranges from 4 to 14 days, and the absence of direct epidemiological links between most affected farms – such as shared farm owners (including family members), workers, livestock professionals, or feed transport vehicles – it is highly plausible that biting insects (mosquitoes and biting flies) played a significant role on the virus’s spread, particularly in the northern region of Ganghwa-gun.
However, in the cases of the Songhae-myeon farm and the Bureun-myeon farm, the same farm manager oversaw both locations. This suggests a potential for human-mediated transmission during the incubation period, as the manager could have inadvertently carried the virus between the farms.
Infected cattle primarily exhibited clinical signs such as anorexia, skin nodules, and leg edema. One dairy cow, in particular, experienced a severe disease course. Initially, she presented with anorexia, decreased milk production, fever, and nodules on the vulva and udder. Over time, the nodules spread across her entire body, affecting the head, neck, chest, hind limbs, eyes, and nose. She also developed progressively worsening lymphadenopathy and leg edema, showing no signs of recovery until she was ultimately euthanized (Fig. 2). The final farm affected by the outbreak presented a slightly different clinical picture. While other cattle on the farm remained asymptomatic, a single calf was diagnosed with LSD. This calf, less than two weeks old and unvaccinated, exhibited copious ocular and nasal discharge. Additionally, the calf developed unusual skin lesions around the mouth, resembling lichenification typically observed in allergic dermatitis (Fig. 3).
Following the standard operating procedures for LSD outbreaks (MAFRA, 2023b), all cattle on affected farms were culled and buried. A standstill order was issued for all farms in Ganghwa-gun housing susceptible animals. An emergency request for LSD vaccines was made on October 24, 2023, and a mass vaccination campaign was implemented from October 26th. Over five days, all 21,983 head of cattle in Incheon, including those on unaffected farms, were vaccinated through a combination of veterinarian-administered and farmer-administered vaccinations.
Following the completion of the mass vaccination campaign, movement restrictions remained in place. The movement and sale of cattle within Incheon were only permitted after a veterinarian conducted a clinical examination and confirmed a negative LSD status.
Epidemiological investigations were conducted in concentric zones around affected farms:
• Surveillance zone (3∼10 km radius): Clinical examination were performed on all cattle.
• Protection zone (500 m∼3 km radius): Clinical examinations and antigen testing were conducted.
• Control zone (within 500 m radius): Clinical examinations, antigen testing, and environmental testing were carried out.
• Infected farms: Comprehensive epidemiological investigations were conducted.
All tests conducted within these zones yielded negative results. Consequently, the movement restrictions imposed on all areas within Incheon were lifted on December 21, 2023.
In accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and rural Affairs’ revised guidelines for restocking LSD-affected farms, environmental testing was conducted 30 days after the lifting of movement restrictions. This testing targeted vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the eight affected farms where restocking was planned. All tests returned negative results, and restocking was subsequently permitted on these farms.
LSD casts a long shadow over the cattle industry, threatening to decimate herds and cripple economies. Reduced milk production, compromised animal welfare, lower conception rates, and miscarriages are just a few of the devastating consequences this disease can inflict (Das et al., 2021; Kale et al., 2023). The recent outbreak in South Korea, though successfully contained, served as a stark reminder of the nation’s vulnerability and the urgent need for robust preventative measures.
Incheon, with its nine confirmed cases in 2023, emerged as an unexpected hotpot, accounting for a disproportionately high 8.4% of the total LSD cases nationwide. While its location within the West Coast belt, potentially increasing its susceptibility to vector-borne diseases, might offer a partial explanation, it also throws into sharp relief the critical need for enhanced vector control strategies.
While completely eradicating biting insects from environment is an impossible task, strategically implementing measures to suppress their population density can significantly curb transmission risks. This multifaceted approach starts with enhancing farm hygiene. Maintaining meticulously clean and sanitary conditions on farms disrupts insects breeding cycles, making these environments less hospitable to these unwelcome guests.
Complementing these efforts, targeted vector control strategies, employing an integrated pest management approach, can further reduce insect populations. This includes the judicious use of insecticides, strategically deployed insect traps, and other environmentally sound methods.
Further bolstering these defenses, physical barriers, such as screens fitted securely on barn windows and doors, can effectively prevent insects from infiltrating these spaces. Inside the barns, strategically positioned large fans can be employed to create airflow patterns that deter biting insects, making it more difficult for them to land and feed on cattle.
However, in the face of this formidable disease, prevention through vaccination emerges as the most potent weapon in our arsenal. Coupled with proactive farm management practices, early detection through vigilant monitoring, and prompt reporting of suspected cases, vaccination forms the cornerstone of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard our livestock and protect the economic vitality of the cattle industry.
This work was supported by Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (IPET) through high-risk animal infectious disease control technology development program, funded by Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) (Project No. RS-2024-00400522).
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
Table 1 . Lumpy skin disease cases in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon.
Farm | Region | Kind | Herd size | No. of confirmed LSD | Date of occurence |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Farm 1 | Hajeom-myeon | Holstein | 35 | 5 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 2 | Hwado-myeon | Hanwoo | 90 | 3 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 3 | Yangsa-myeon | Hanwoo | 20 | 1 | 2023.10.24. |
Farm 4 | Songhae-myeon | Hanwoo | 552 | 2 | 2023.10.25. |
Farm 5 | Hajeom-myeon | Hanwoo | 50 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 6 | Yangsa-myeon | Hanwoo | 21 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 7 | Hajeom-myeon | Holstein | 144 | 1 | 2023.10.26. |
Farm 8 | Bureun-myeon | Hanwoo | 275 | 1 | 2023.10.31. |
Farm 9 | Yangdo-myeon | Hanwoo | 85 | 1 | 2023.11.03. |
Ba-Ra-Da Koh, Su-Yeon Seo, Ga-Hoi Choi, Byeong-Cheol Yoon
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