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New infection with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis reduces wool production
M W Paton1, I R Rose, R A Hart
1Avon Districts Agriculture Centre, Department of Agriculture, Northam, Western Australia.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Natural Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in sheep significantly reduces wool production. This study quantifies the economic impact of caseous lymphadenitis on the Australian wool industry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Animal Science
- Agricultural Economics
Background:
- Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection, known as caseous lymphadenitis, is prevalent in sheep.
- Previous research indicated artificial infection with C. pseudotuberculosis leads to wool production loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of natural C. pseudotuberculosis infection on wool production and quality in sheep.
- To quantify the economic losses associated with caseous lymphadenitis in the Australian wool industry.
Main Methods:
- A toxin ELISA was employed to identify sheep naturally infected with C. pseudotuberculosis.
- Comparison of greasy fleece weight, clean fleece weight, and fibre diameter between infected and uninfected sheep groups.
Main Results:
- Natural C. pseudotuberculosis infection resulted in a 3.8–4.8% decrease in greasy wool production.
- Clean wool production decreased by 4.1–6.6% in infected sheep.
- No significant effect of C. pseudotuberculosis infection on sheep fibre diameter was observed.
Conclusions:
- Natural C. pseudotuberculosis infection negatively impacts wool yield in sheep.
- Caseous lymphadenitis causes substantial annual economic losses, estimated at $17 million, to the Australian wool industry.
