An outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) occurred among cattle and water
buffaloes in Egypt in 2006. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the agar gel
precipitation test (AGPT) were compared. Eight of ten (80%) tissue specimens
from diseased cattle were positive with AGPT while 100% were positive with
PCR. Of ten tissue specimens from diseased water buffaloes, 70% were positive
with AGPT while 100% were positive with PCR. Ten milk samples were obtained
from diseased water buffaloes; PCR detected nucleic acid of LSD virus (LSDV) in
50% while AGPT failed to detect LSDV antigen. Water buffaloes are susceptible
to LSDV infection. The clinical signs of LSD were less severe in water buffaloes,
but the virus was excreted in their milk. Diagnosis of LSD outbreaks by PCR will
facilitate rapid application of control measures. Mass vaccination should be
applied in both cattle and water buffaloes in Egypt using an effective specific
vaccine against LSD, such as the attenuated Neethling strain vaccine or a
recombinant vaccine.