4. CONCLUSION
In view of the recent outbreaks of LSD in Asia, it is imperative to characterize the circulating LSDV strains in the region. We have sequenced and characterized the complete genome of LSDV, LSDV-WB/IND/19 isolated from an outbreak in 2019 in the West Bengal region of India. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clustering of LSDV-WB/IND/19 with Kenyan LSDV strains, however with unique kelch-like proteins (LSD_019 and LSD_144). Unique variants in kelch-like proteins have been confirmed by Sanger sequencing of these genes in LSDV-WB/IND/19 as well as other Indian LSDV strains. LSD_019 and LSD_144 genes are thought to modulate virulence and host range in capripoxviruses. It is important to sequence other LSDV strains circulating in the region associated with recent outbreaks in 2022 to get a better picture of molecular epidemiology and the factors driving the evolution. This will help in a better understanding of factors affecting the host range of these viruses to develop precise diagnostics and vaccines.