A report on the occurrence of septicaemia caused by Pasteurella multocida type E in cattle from Southern Africa

Haemorrhagic septicaemia caused by Pasteurella multocida type E was diagnosed at post-mortem examination in a bovine originating from South West Africa. This is the first report of this disease occurring in South West Africa. The history, clinical symptoms and gross and microscopic pathology of this case are described. The pathologic features included generalized congestion, subcutaneous oedema especially of the submandibular area, fibrinous arthritis, tendovaginitis and myositis with an accompanying lymphadenitis of the regional lymph nodes and a haemorrhagic pleuritis and pericarditis. The epizootiology of the disease in South West Africa as compared with that in Central African and Asia, where the disease is common, is discussed. A case of septicaemia caused by P. multocida type E in a calf from a group of calves originating from the Transvaal, is also reported. A post-mortem examination on this calf revealed moderate pulmonary oedema and generalized congestion of the organs and musculature. The latter lesions suggest a septicaemic condition. Other calves in this group revealed one or more of the following lesions: myositis, fibrinopurulent pneumonia or fibrinous peritonitis.