Enteritis in cattle due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Bovine Pathology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is a significant pathogen in livestock.
• Understanding its prevalence and impact in cattle is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Yersinia sp. infections in scouring cattle.
• To determine the clinical and pathological manifestations of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in cattle.
• To evaluate the susceptibility of Y. pseudotuberculosis to tetracyclines and assess the efficacy of treatment.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of Yersinia sp. from the intestinal tracts of 222 scouring cattle using selective media.
• Clinical and hematological examination of affected animals.
• Histopathological examination of intestinal tissues.
• In vitro susceptibility testing of Y. pseudotuberculosis to tetracyclines.
• Experimental challenge of adult and weaned cattle with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III.

Main Results:

• Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, particularly serotype III, was prevalent in weaned calves, yearlings, and young adult cattle.
• Clinical signs included profuse diarrhea and systemic illness, with 35 cattle deaths.
• Histopathology revealed characteristic microabscesses in the intestinal mucosa.
• In vitro sensitivity to tetracyclines was observed, leading to rapid bacteriological cure.
• Experimental infection was established in weaned calves, causing clinical signs and lesions, while adult cattle remained resistant.

Conclusions:

• Cattle are a common host for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, with frequent infections and occasional clinical disease.
• Younger cattle are more susceptible to clinical yersiniosis.
• The factors precipitating clinical disease in cattle remain unidentified.