The rapid spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in several Indian states has worried dairy farmers. Cattle and other bovine animals have been affected. Evidence suggests that the virus is not zoonotic and is not transmitted to humans through consumption of meat or milk. Basically, it affects cows and buffaloes, although it is possible that only mild infections are detected in the latter.
According to some researchers, it is spread through ticks, flies and mosquitoes and sometimes through contaminated water, food and saliva. The factors that determine which cattle develop mild and which develop severe diseases are unknown. Migration of infected animals is one of the major factors that can cause LSD to spread over large distances.
Scientists across the country are conducting research to find out whether the lumpy skin virus, which has killed more than 65,000 cattle in India, could potentially spread to humans. The study will also determine whether people will contract the disease if you drink the milk of affected animals.
The most effective method of prevention is vaccination, and a live homogeneous vaccine made from a strain of LSDV resembling neuthling is recommended. However, you need not worry too much as there is currently no evidence to support animal-to-human transfer, despite millions of documented instances of the lumpy virus in 18 states in India.