[Hemorrhagic pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mink in Argentina]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Microbiology
• Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

• Haemorrhagic Pneumonia (HP) is a significant concern in mink farming.
• Previous outbreaks have been documented globally, but not in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Understanding the etiological agent and disease characteristics is crucial for control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the first reported cases of Haemorrhagic Pneumonia in South American minks.
• To identify the causative agent and its serotype.
• To characterize the epidemiology, symptomatology, and pathology of the disease in this region.

Main Methods:

• Field case investigation and sample collection from affected mink farms.
• Bacteriological isolation and identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from lung tissues.
• Serotyping of isolated strains using the Difco system.
• Experimental reproduction of Haemorrhagic Pneumonia in intranasally inoculated mink.

Main Results:

• Confirmed the presence of Haemorrhagic Pneumonia in Argentinian mink populations.
• Successfully isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with serotype no. 6 being the most frequent isolate.
• Observed epidemiological patterns, clinical signs, and gross/microscopic lesions consistent with previously reported HP cases.
• Experimentally induced HP in mink via intranasal inoculation, confirming the etiological link.

Conclusions:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa, specifically serotype no. 6, is identified as the causative agent of Haemorrhagic Pneumonia in South American mink.
• The disease manifestation in this region is comparable to that observed in other parts of the world.
• This study establishes a baseline for understanding and managing HP in Southern Hemisphere mink populations.