Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Infection in Free-Ranging Indian Gazelles (Gazella bennettii), Rajasthan, India

Near a zoo in Bikaner, India, 2 free-ranging Indian gazelles (Gazella bennettii) displayed nodular skin lesions. Molecular testing revealed lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection. Subsequent genome analyses revealed LSDV wild-type strain of Middle Eastern lineage. Evidence of natural LSDV infection in wild gazelles in this area indicates a broadening host range.

Automated summary

Two wild Indian gazelles near a zoo in Bikaner, India were found to have nodular skin lesions caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection. Genome analyses revealed a Middle Eastern lineage of the wild-type LSDV strain. The evidence of natural LSDV infection in wild gazelles suggests an expanding host range.