Entomological and Virological Methods for the Identification of Potential Vectors of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus in the South-Eastern Part of Northern Caucasus, Russia

The article provides assessment of field and laboratory methods for the collection and evaluation of potential vectors of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) in one of the districts of Krasnodarskiy Kray in southern Russia. In this study, we tested several methods of vector collection and a PCR protocol for the detection of the LSDV genome in insects. Descriptive data on samples were collected using a free web-based application Epicollect5.

Potential LSDV vectors are quite widely spread insects in this region. We identified 15 insect species, including Musca domestica, Musca autumnalis and Stomoxys calcitrans. Analysis of the insect population showed an increase in species diversity and a decrease in abundance of the insect population by the end of the flight season.

PCR tests did not detect LSDV genome in the collected samples. All the methods tested were found suitable for large-scale monitoring of lumpy skin disease (LSD). Further studies on potential risk factors of LSD spread are necessary to improve measures on preventing and eliminating the disease.