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.