1. ETIOLOGY:
The disease is caused by Pasteurella multocida. The bacteria have a strong resistance and they can live for a long time within barns and humid soil. The disease occurs throughout the year and usually occurs the most during rainy season when the atmosphere is hot and humid, which is optimum for the bacteria’s activity. During rainy season, sudden changes in the climate therefore animals’ resistance is vastly reduced, which made them susceptible to the bacteria. In Vietnam, buffaloes are more likely to get infected than cattle.
2. SYMPTOMS:
The animal suddenly had a high fever of 41oC – 42oC and became extremely aggressive which it would pound his/her head against the wall. Once these symptoms have shown, the animal will be dead within 24 hours. In some cases, young calves from 3 to 18 months of age, neurological symptoms such as seizure are recorded.
Incubation period is relatively short, generally from 1 – 3 days. The infected can be seen exhausted and accommodated with high fever. Constant runny nose is also a common symptom. Lymph nodes are swollen, especially one under thyroid gland which made it impossible to retract their tongue. Lymph nodes in the shoulders, in the front of the thighs are also swollen, water puncture makes it difficult for animals to walk. Pasteurella multocida also causes pleurisy, pleural effusion, hematoma and acute pneumonia in many cases. In other cases, sometimes, Hemorrhagic Septicemia may vicariously cause intestinal diseases such as constipation and diarrhea. Once showing these symptoms, if not being treated within 3 – 5 days, mortality rate can be 85 – 95%.
Less severe conditions that being recorded from Acute form will start to show such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, bronchitis and pneumonia. Within a few weeks, these symptoms can subside but the infected are exhausted and thin.
3. PREVENTION:
Pasteurellosis prevention would be desirable given the economic costs of treatment, losses, and reduction of weight gains in survivors. Commercial vaccines are available for cattle and buffalo and therefore, this method is highly recommended.
During season changes, extra hygiene measures and extra care for the herd are required.
4. TREATMENT:
When diagnosed with Hemorrhagic septicemia, treatment should be conducted early by using these following antibiotics:
2 – 4 ml/100 kg of b.w, administer once daily for 3 – 5 days consecutively.
1 ml / 20 kg of b.w, administer once daily for 3 – 5 days.
While doing so, administer anti-inflammatory injection such as BUTAFOLIC to strengthen immune system and restore health:
