Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus-P32 Gene in Cattle of Potohar Region, Pakistan.

Lumpy Skin disease (LSD) is a viral infection that primarily affects the cattle and poses a serious threat to the livestock industry. In 2022, a widespread outbreak of LSD in Pakistan resulted in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry due to mortality, morbidity, reduced productivity and deterioration of the hide quality. This study focused on molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of the LSD virus (LSDV) in the cattle population of the Potohar region of Pakistan. A total of 80 samples including blood (n = 40), nasal swabs (n = 24) and skin swabs (n = 16) were collected from suspected cattle. The conventional PCR was performed for the molecular identification of the LSDV using the primers of the P32 gene. Results demonstrated the presence of LSDV in 20% of the samples. Out of total PCR positive samples, 5 high quality PCR products were subjected to sequencing. The sequences of study isolates were deposited to National Center for Biotechnology Information with accession numbers PQ014597.1, PQ014595.1, PQ014596.1, PQ010735.1 and PQ014598.1. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that our isolates showed genetic similarity with the isolates from India, China, Bangladesh, Albania and Greece. It was concluded that LSDV is endemic in the cattle population of the Potohar region, with strong genetic links to strains circulating in neighboring and distant countries, indicating its transboundary spread. It arises the need to strengthen molecular surveillance, enforce strict biosecurity and movement control measures in addition to developing region-specific vaccination strategies against LSD to prevent future outbreaks and limit its transboundary transmission.