Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle and Buffalo in Asian Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an acute viral transboundary disease of cattle and buffalo with significant economic importance caused by the LSD virus in the Poxviridae family. Objective: This study aimed to determine the regional prevalence of LSD in cattle and buffalo in Asian countries using a systematic approach. Methods: A systematic search for articles on the prevalence of LSD in cattle and buffalo was performed via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and article reference lists published between 1 January, 2012 and 28 February, 2025. Articles were selected according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence was estimated through a random effects meta-analysis model because significant heterogeneity existed among the studies. Results: The overall pooled estimated prevalence of LSD in Asia was 25.2% (95% CI: 95% CI: 19.95–30.88%), with significant variations across species, countries, and diagnostic methods. Cattle had the highest pooled prevalence at 26.2% (95% CI: 20.73–31.96%), whereas buffalo reported much lower rates at 7.7% (95% CI: 3.60–13.00%), and epidemic cases presented the highest prevalence at 41.4% (95% CI: 0–98.1%). Temporal analysis revealed that the peak prevalence in 2016 was 74% (95% CI: 68.56–79.06%), and the lowest estimate in 2015 was 16.3% (95% CI: 3.25–36.47%). Conclusion: This study reveals significant regional and species-based variations in LSD prevalence across Asia, with diagnostic methods and temporal trends influencing the results. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted surveillance and control strategies to address high-prevalence areas.