2.2 Sample collection and processing:
Total 30 affected dairy farms (backyard -13 and organized -17) rearing
both crossbred and indigenous cows were investigated. The size of
backyard farms was 2-10 animals with limited floor space and close
contact between animals. The organized dairy farms consisted of 10 to
600 animals. Sampling was done from 66 cows showing varying degree of
clinical signs of LSDV and 15 healthy/asymptomatic animals which were in
close contact with affected animals. Skin biopsy specimens were
collected under local anesthesia (2% lignocaine administration at the
nodule site). Blood in EDTA and without anticoagulant was collected from
all the animals. The samples were transported to laboratory on ice.