LSD in the classical form is an acute viral disease of cattle characterized by the eruption of variably sized cutaneous nodules, edema of one or more limbs and swelling of the superficial lymph nodes. Pox virus which is related serologically to sheep and goat pox viruses. Cattle and buffaloes are the natural hosts. Skin nodules of varying sizes. Thicken masses of skin tissue with a creamy gray color.
Some lesions ulcerate.
It is caused by a rickettsia, Cowdria ruminantium , which is transmitted by the Amblyomma ticks. Cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, and antelope. The antelope is believed to be very important in Africa. The are several non-ruminant hosts including guineafowl, tortoise, hares, and some amphibians and reptiles that may be important in t he maintenance of C. ruminantium in nature. Of importance in the US, is the fact that cattle egrets are known hosts of the host ticks.