Bovine teat atresia associated with horn fly (Haematobia irritans irritans (L.))-induced dermatitis

Mammary gland lesions characterized primarily as mammary teat atresia were observed in a Limousin beef cattle herd in eastern Texas. Atresia of multiple teats per mammary gland was reported in first-calf heifers at the time of calving. Pathogens were not identified in eight mammary glands collected at slaughter. Histology of affected glands demonstrated superficial and deep perivascular inflammation and fibrosing dermatitis of teat and mammary gland skin that resulted in formation of the atretic lesions of glandular tissue. Institution of a horn fly (Haematobia irritans irritans (L.)) control program using insecticide-impregnated ear tags was associated with elimination of the problem from the herd.