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Colitis in sheep due to a Campylobacter-like bacterium
Australian Veterinary Journal
|June 1, 1984
Summary
A novel curved bacterium is implicated in weaner colitis, an epidemic diarrhoea affecting sheep. This bacterium, a potential new Campylobacter species, was identified in affected animals and caused similar symptoms experimentally.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Weaner colitis is an epidemic diarrheal disease in sheep.
- The condition affects significant numbers of young sheep, causing notable morbidity and low mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aetiology of weaner colitis.
- To identify the causative agent of the epidemic diarrhoea in sheep.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of colon contents from affected sheep into healthy controls.
- Microscopic and electron microscopic examination of colonic mucosa.
- Bacterial isolation, characterization, and experimental inoculation.
Main Results:
- Experimental inoculation reproduced diarrhoea in 13 of 17 sheep.
- Curved bacteria were consistently found in affected sheep's colons.
- A novel Gram-negative, motile bacterium was isolated and partially characterized.
Conclusions:
- A new Campylobacter species is strongly suggested as the causative agent of weaner colitis.
- The identified bacteria play a major role in the aetiology of this sheep disease.