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Rabies-induced spongiform change and encephalitis in a heifer
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
Veterinary Pathology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
A heifer diagnosed with rabies exhibited abnormal behavior and neurological changes. This case highlights the importance of considering rabies in cattle with central nervous system disease, especially in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Pathology
- Virology
Background:
- Rabies virus is a significant zoonotic pathogen affecting the central nervous system in various animal species.
- Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance has increased globally, prompting a need to differentiate it from other neurological diseases in cattle.
- Neurological signs in cattle can be diverse, making differential diagnosis challenging.
Observation:
- A 1-year-old heifer presented with acute abnormal mentation and aggressive behavior.
- Post-mortem examination revealed lymphocytic meningoencephalitis and spongiform changes in the thalamus and cerebral cortex.
- Fluorescent antibody testing confirmed the presence of rabies virus antigen in brain tissue.
Findings:
- Histopathology showed meningoencephalitis and spongiform changes consistent with viral encephalitis.
- Rabies virus antigen was detected, confirming rabies as the cause of the neurological signs.
- Absence of Negri bodies did not rule out rabies, emphasizing the need for further testing.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of including rabies in the differential diagnosis for cattle exhibiting neurological dysfunction, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for public health, animal health, and differentiating from other serious conditions like BSE.
- Enhanced diagnostic approaches are necessary to identify rabies, even in the absence of classical Negri bodies.