LSDV has been found in blood for 4 days, in saliva for 11 days, and in semen for 22 days after the onset of fever. The virus is present in skin lesions for 5 or more weeks after viremia. Transmission by close contact has occurred only when animals shared the same drinking bowl. The disease spreads along river basins.
Outbreaks occur during the rainy season and disappear at the onset of the dry season.