Pseudolumpy Skin Disease Species CattleOther NamesSkin HerpesSyndromesSkin Lesions DescriptionThis is a mild, systemic viral infection with bovine herpesvirus-2 (BHV-2) of cattle in the tropics, causing generalised skin disease. Transmission is mainly by biting insects and the viral reservoir is cattle with latent infection. Outbreaks are mild, sporadic, and occur in the wet season. The virus also causes bovine mammillitis, a separate syndrome of skin ulceration confined to the teats and udder. The skin lesions may cause rejection during selection. Confusion with ringworm or lumpy skin disease may cause concern during health inspections on arrival at destination countries.Clinical Signs and DiagnosisFirm, round, raised nodules with a flat surface and depressed centre appear suddenly all over the body, but mainly on the head, neck, shoulders, back, and perineum. Otherwise, the cattle are usually unaffected. After a week or two the lesions slough leaving 1-2 cm circular patches of alopecia resembling ringworm and possibly dermatophilosis and stephanofilariasis. Lesions disappear in a few weeks when hair regrows. Laboratory confirmation requires skin biopsies chilled for virology and in buffered formalin for histology. Lumpy skin disease, caused by the more serious and exotic pox virus, is differentiated by it being a more severe illness with deeply ulcerative, necrotic skin lesions leaving permanent scarring. Dermatophilus congolensis may also cause skin nodules in cattle. TreatmentNo treatment is necessary. Lesions will spontaneously heal over a few weeks.PreventionNo specific control other than general attention to control of biting insects and routine hygiene.