Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
Author Spotlight: Studying Host-Microbe Interactions in Wound Biofilm Formation
Published on: June 16, 2023
Postvaccination wounds associated predominantly with Arcanobacterium phocae in mink (Neovison vison) at three mink
Robert J Molenaar1, Rianne Buter1, Agnieszka Sroka2
1GD Animal Health, Arnbergstraat 7, 7400, Deventer, The Netherlands.
Background:
The emerging skin disease fur animal epidemic necrotic pyoderma (FENP) has been attributed to infection with Arcanobacterium phocae (ABP). The exact pathogenesis and risk factors of FENP have yet to be elucidated.
Animals:
Three mink from each of three different mink farms (A-C) with postvaccination skin wounds at the vaccination site and six mink from an unaffected mink farm (D) that had used the same vaccine batch and vaccination site (hind leg).
Methods And Results:
All mink from farms A-C had severe necrotizing to necropurulent dermatitis where they were vaccinated intramuscularly in the hind leg. ABP was the sole bacterium cultured from six of nine wounds. Using 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region and BOX-PCR, the ABP isolates from these wounds were indistinguishable from isolates originating from several cases of FENP.
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
This is the first report of FENP-like lesions at the site of vaccination, in the days following the procedure, associated with ABP. At farms with FENP vaccination, procedures should be considered carefully.
Insights
Fur animal epidemic necrotic pyoderma (FENP) outbreaks were linked to Arcanobacterium phocae (ABP) infections post-vaccination. Careful consideration of vaccination procedures is recommended for farms experiencing FENP.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Fur animal epidemic necrotic pyoderma (FENP) is an emerging skin disease.
- Arcanobacterium phocae (ABP) is suspected as the causative agent.
- Pathogenesis and risk factors for FENP remain unclear.
Observation:
- Mink on three farms (A-C) developed skin lesions at vaccination sites.
- A control group of mink (Farm D) remained unaffected.
- Lesions were characterized as severe necrotizing to necropurulent dermatitis.
Findings:
- Arcanobacterium phocae (ABP) was the primary bacterium isolated from nine infected wounds.
- Genetic analysis confirmed ABP isolates from FENP-like lesions were identical to those from FENP cases.
- This study reports FENP-like lesions at vaccination sites following the procedure.
Implications:
- Vaccination site infections with ABP can cause FENP-like lesions in mink.
- Vaccination protocols require careful review in FENP-affected farms.
- Understanding ABP's role is crucial for managing FENP in farmed animals.
