Sero-prevalence of lumpy skin disease in selected districts of West Wollega zone,

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically devastating emerging viral disease of cattle caused by a virus associated with the Neethlig poxvirus in the genus Capripoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2012 to May, 2013 in two districts of Western Wollega of Oromiya Regional State, with the objectives to determine animal and herd level seroprevalence of lumpy skin disease in the study area. The study population comprised of indigenous and crossbred cattle. Multi-stage sampling method was applied to select cattle and herd owners for the interviews. A total of 544 sera samples were collected from 252 herds and the serological test were conducted using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Result: An overall individual level sero-prevalence of 6.43 % (n=35) and herd level seroprevalence of 5.95 % (n=15) were estimated. There was significant variation (P 0.05). In addition, there was no significant association between seropositivity to LSD and, the agro-climatic zones (midland and highland). Conclusion: The present study revealed a moderate distribution of sero-positive cattle in the study area and the disease observed warrants future detailed study on the spread of the disease in the area.