Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle and buffalo. The aetiological agent, lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), is a poxvirus belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus. The hallmark of the disease is the presence of raised multifocal cutaneous skin lesions. LSD results in poor animal welfare, huge economic losses and, ultimately, implications on trade. LSD was first reported in Zambia, Africa, in 1929 and was solely found in Africa until the late 1980s when it spread to the Middle East. Although Australia is LSD free, the disease has spread to parts of Eastern Europe and, more recently, South East Asia. Australia is at risk of an incursion. LSDV is spread mechanically by hematophagous insect vectors. Previous vector competency studies have relied on detection of viral DNA, by PCR, to investigate virus retention and have shown that LSDV may be present up to 8 days. Live virus isolation was attempted but not successful. We have performed acquisition and retention studies on Victorian insect species. Preliminary results revealed that both Culex annulirostris and Culicoides species acquired virus post feeding on LSDV spiked cattle blood. A protocol to isolate infectious virus was developed and infectious virus was detected post feeding. Insects housed for up to 8 days following exposure will be analysed by PCR and virus isolation. Our studies will help inform surveillance, biosecurity controls and update LSD risk assessments.