The disease is characterized by fever, enlarged superficial lymph nodes, and multiple nodules (measuring 2–5 centimetres (1–2 in) in diameter) on the skin and mucous membranes, including those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

The virus has important economic implications since affected animals tend to have permanent damage to their skin, lowering the commercial value of their hide.

Additionally, the disease often results in chronic debility, reduced milk production, poor growth, infertility, abortion, and sometimes death.

[2] These lesions, occurring all over the body (but particularly on the head, neck, udder, scrotum, vulva, and perineum), may be either well-circumscribed or they may coalesce.

The lesions can also become sequestrated, leaving deep ulcers filled with granulation tissue and often suppurating (forming pus).

At the initial onset of the nodules, they have a creamy grey to white color upon cut section, and may exude serum.

[2] Additionally, the nodules on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, udder and genitalia quickly ulcerate, aiding in transmission of the virus.

[2] In mild cases of LSD, the clinical symptoms and lesions are often confused with Bovine Herpesvirus 2 (BHV-2), which is, in turn, referred to as pseudo-lumpy skin disease.

[citation needed] The virus has a 151-kbp genome, consisting of a central coding region which is bounded by identical 2.4 kbp-inverted terminal repeats and contains 156 genes.

[6] Young calves and cows at peak lactation show more severe clinical symptoms, but all age-groups are susceptible to the disease.

[7] It is usually more prevalent during wet summer and autumn months, especially in low-lying areas or near bodies of water; however, outbreaks can also occur during the dry season.

[3] Outbreaks of lumpy skin disease tend to be sporadic since they are dependent upon animal movements, immune status and wind and rainfall patterns, which affect the vector populations.

[2] The virus can be transmitted through blood, nasal discharge, lacrimal (tear duct) secretions, semen, and saliva.

In South Africa, the Neethling strain of the virus was first attenuated by 20 passages on the chorio-allantoic membranes of hens' eggs.

[citation needed] In Kenya, the vaccine produced from sheep or goatpox viruses has been shown to provide immunity in cattle.

[citation needed] In order to ensure adequate protection against LSDV, susceptible adult cattle should be vaccinated annually.

[3] Additionally, calves of immune cows acquire maternal antibodies and are resistant to clinical disease until about 6 months of age.

Approximately, 8 million cattle were affected in a panzootic infection in South Africa in 1949, causing enormous economic losses.

[7] Throughout the past decade, LSD occurrences have been reported in Middle Eastern, European, and west Asian regions.