Field observations and experiences gained from the implementation of control measures against lumpy skin disease in South-East Europe between 2015 and 2017.

The first epidemics of lumpy skin disease (LSD) reported in Europe in 2015 severely affected the cattle farming sector in several Balkan countries. After the first incursion into Greece in 2015, the disease quickly spread across the Balkan region with over 7000 outbreaks reported by the end of 2016. Thanks to a coordinated regional control and eradication policy, the spread of the disease was halted by the end of 2017. Regional large-scale vaccination campaign with effective homologous vaccines and high vaccination coverage revealed to be essential for the successful control the disease, supported by other measures such as early detection of outbreaks, total or partial stamping out and restrictions on cattle movements. The aim of this paper is to discuss the field observations, challenges and lessons learnt while dealing with the first LSD epidemics in Europe. The cross-border collaboration by the veterinary authorities of all affected countries, coordinated by the European Commission and the technical support provided by many other international organizations played a fundamental role in stopping the spread of a disease that otherwise could have expanded further to the European territory causing a large damage to the whole European cattle farming industry. The experience obtained during the control of LSD epidemics indicates that in the future LSD spread can be effectively halted, provided that appropriate surveillance plans and vigilance remains in place in the areas at risk of re-incursion, especially those bordering endemic countries.