ABSTRACT
Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a significant and serious viral skin disease affecting cattle. In this study, isolation and identification of LSDV from ten skin nodule samples collected from infected cattle at different localities of Menofeia province, Egypt between May 2019 and January 2020. Seven from ten nodular samples gave characteristic pock lesions by isolation of LSDV on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of specific pathogen free embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECEs),while four from ten nodular samples gave prominent CPE at the third passage on Madin Darby Bovine Kidney) MDBK (cell culture. Seven isolated samples tested positive by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody test (IFAT). Using specific primers for the LSDV envelope protein (P32) gene, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected LSDV nucleic acid in seven of ten isolated samples and confirmed an LSDV isolate with a specific amplified product of 192 bp. Accurate and fast diagnosis of LSD is critical for controlling the rapid spread of the disease. PCR is effective, quick, and precise method for detecting DNA of LSDV in clinical specimens, such as skin nodules, CAM and MDBK cells. Mass vaccination should be applied for cattle in Egypt using effective vaccines like the attenuated Neethling strain vaccine.