Research proves that ticks help spread lumpy skin disease

Dr Jimmy Clement Lubinga of the University of Pretoria conducted a study that confirmed that ticks are also vectors for the lumpy skin disease virus. Dr Lubinga received his doctoral degree in veterinary tropical diseases on 11April 2014.Lumpy skin disease was first diagnosed in Zambia in 1929. It spread through Botswana into South Africa and now covers the entire continent.Until now, the method of lumpy skin virus transmission – a growing problem in herds in Africa and the Near East – has not been fully understood and mostly been associated with flying insects. Dr Lubinga stated, “The ticks also act as reservoirs for the virus, as it can persist in external parasites during periods between epidemics. The virus has been found in their saliva and organs, and could potentially overwinter in these ticks.”To read more click HERE.