EU moves closer to approving vaccine against lumpy skin disease in cattle

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended granting marketing authorization for the veterinary vaccine Bovilis Lumpyvax for cattle. The vaccine is intended to reduce clinical signs and viraemia following infection with lumpy skin disease virus.

The positive opinion was issued by the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) after assessing data on the vaccine’s quality, safety and efficacy. The European Commission must now make the final decision on marketing authorization across the EU.

Lumpy skin disease is spread mainly by insect vectors, including flies, mosquitoes and ticks. This makes the disease difficult to control through standard biosecurity measures alone, while mass vaccination is considered one of the key tools for containing its spread.

The disease can cause high fever, skin lesions and a significant decline in animal productivity. Outbreaks can also result in economic losses through lower milk and meat production, reduced hide value and restrictions on livestock trade.

Once finally approved, EU countries will be able to include Bovilis Lumpyvax in national prevention and outbreak-response programmes. After the vaccine enters the market, its safety will continue to be monitored through the EU pharmacovigilance system.

Tags: EU, cattle, veterinarian