Mannosidosis of Angus calves

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Animal Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mannosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease affecting cellular function.
• Lysosomal storage diseases can cause significant neurological and systemic health issues in animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To diagnose and characterize Mannosidosis in two Angus calves.
• To investigate the genetic carrier status within the affected herd.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and histopathological examination of affected calves.
• Biochemical analysis of mannosidase enzyme activity in herd blood samples.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of Mannosidosis confirmed by clinical signs, gross, and microscopic findings, including hydrocephalus and intracytoplasmic vacuolation.
• Biochemical analysis revealed a bimodal distribution of mannosidase activity in the herd.
• Identification of two distinct populations: normal and heterozygous carriers for the disease.

Conclusions:

• Mannosidosis was diagnosed in two purebred Angus calves in the US.
• The study identified heterozygous carriers within the herd, suggesting a genetic basis for the disease.
• Early identification of carriers is crucial for managing inherited diseases in livestock populations.