Economic Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease in Africa and Asia: A Systematic Review of Economic Losses, Control Strategies, and Research Gaps

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), is an important transboundary viral disease affecting cattle and water buffalo across Africa and Asia. Although mortality is generally low (<5%), the disease causes substantial economic losses through reduced productivity, treatment expenses, and trade-related disruptions, posing a serious threat to livestock-dependent communities.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesise available evidence on the economic impact of LSD in Africa and Asia, evaluate methodological approaches used in economic assessments, analyse control strategies, and identify key research gaps to support future policy and research priorities.

Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and March 2026. Eligible studies included economic impact analyses, cost-benefit evaluations, and livestock disease economic assessments related to LSD. Data from 18 eligible studies were synthesised using narrative synthesis due to methodological and geographical heterogeneity.

Results: The review found that LSD imposes substantial direct and indirect economic losses through reduced milk production (20–65% for 2–8 weeks), weight loss, hide damage, reproductive inefficiency, treatment costs, labour diversion, market disruption, and trade restrictions. Economic impacts were often greater in intensive dairy systems and among crossbred cattle due to higher productivity losses and market value. Vaccination was consistently identified as the most cost-effective control strategy, with reported benefit–cost ratios ranging from 1.4 to 8.1. However, considerable methodological heterogeneity across studies limited comparability of economic estimates. Major research gaps included the absence of standardised economic assessment frameworks, limited evidence from smallholder farming systems, and insufficient long-term economic evaluations.

Conclusion: Lumpy skin disease imposes a significant economic burden across Africa and Asia despite its relatively low mortality. Strengthening vaccination strategies, improving standardised economic evaluation methods, and addressing key research gaps are essential for evidence-based disease control policies and improved livestock sector resilience.

Journal of Disease and Global Health

Economic Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease in Africa and Asia: A Systematic Review of Economic Losses, Control Strategies, and Research Gaps