This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Genetic Characterization of the First Case of Lumpy Skin Disease in Singapore, 2022
by
, , , , ,
Eileen Y. Koh
*
,
Adrian K. S. Tan
,
Yin Cheong Aden Ip
,
Clara Lau
,
Jasmine Ong
,
Oi Wing Ng
,
Jing Chen
,
Christine Lee
,
Suria Fabbri
,
Juline Chua
,
Samyuktha Balakumar
,
Kelvin Ho
,
Wai Kwan Wong
,
Brian Z. Y. Tan
,
Charlene Judith Fernandez
,
Siow Foong Chang
and
Him Hoo Yap
Animal and Veterinary Service, National Parks Board, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569, Singapore
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(11), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111108 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 29 July 2025
/
Revised: 28 October 2025
/
Accepted: 30 October 2025
/
Published: 20 November 2025
Simple Summary
This study documented and characterised Singapore’s first outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), a transboundary viral disease affecting cattle that poses significant threats to livestock production and trade. In March 2022, the National Parks Board investigated an outbreak at a local dairy farm where cattle exhibited characteristic dermatological lesions. The laboratory investigation employed real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing to analyse samples from affected animals. Results showed that 11 of 13 samples from one farm tested positive for the LSD virus, whilst a neighbouring farm remained unaffected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Singapore LSD strain clustered with recombinant variants circulating in Asia, particularly those from Thailand, China, and Russia, suggesting regional transmission patterns. The outbreak was successfully contained through the immediate implementation of movement restrictions, vector control measures, and enhanced biosecurity protocols, with clinical signs resolving within one month without requiring vaccination or culling. This disease investigation demonstrates the critical importance of robust disease surveillance systems and rapid diagnostic capabilities in managing transboundary animal diseases. The findings contribute valuable epidemiological data for understanding LSD transmission dynamics in Southeast Asia and inform evidence-based strategies for preventing future incursions, thereby protecting livestock industries, and maintaining food security.
Abstract
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of wild and domesticated ruminants, and notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). LSD has spread rapidly in the cattle population across the African, European and Asian continents since 1929. Following recent outbreaks in the Southeast Asia region, Singapore observed its first occurrence of LSD in a local dairy cattle farm in March 2022. LSD was confirmed in dairy cattle exhibiting clinical signs with quantitative real-time PCR and sequencing with MinION Nanopore. Analyses of the assembled whole viral genomes also revealed high phylogenetic relatedness to LSD recombinant strains. It remains unclear how the virus was introduced into Singapore, given the absence of known vectors and strict import regulations in place. This highlights the importance of biosurveillance, and laboratory diagnostic readiness to manage outbreaks and prevent the spread of transboundary diseases.
