Henry Annandale

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a Capripoxvirus which causes considerable economic losses. Whereas the pattern of shedding of virus in semen and the pathogenesis thereof has been studied, as well as the prevention of shedding by vaccination, no data is available on the actual potential for transmission via infected semen. Two trials were conducted to investigate the infectivity of LSDV-contaminated semen; one trial involved insemination of oestrussynchronized heifers and a second trial involved the insemination of superovulated heifers from which embryos were subsequently harvested. Transmission of LSDV did occur, with five out of 11 heifers developing typical lumpy skin disease. However, the urogenital organs were much more severely affected in these animals than is typically the case. None of the heifers in the first trial were pregnant, suggesting a possible negative effect of the virus on fertilisation…