Ocular squamous cell carcinoma in Simmental cattle in Zimbabwe

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant concern in cattle populations.
• Simmental cattle in Zimbabwe exhibit a high prevalence of OSCC.
• The condition appears to be linked to age and specific physical characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in Simmental cattle in Zimbabwe.
• To compare OSCC incidence between Simmental cattle with different periorbital skin pigmentation.
• To assess the influence of age on OSCC development in this cattle breed.

Main Methods:

• Field study involving observation of 5 Simmental cattle breeding herds in Zimbabwe.
• Data collection on age, periorbital skin pigmentation, and presence/number of OSCC tumors.
• Comparative analysis of OSCC prevalence based on age and skin type.

Main Results:

• OSCC was frequently observed in Simmental cattle, with initial signs appearing around 3 years of age.
• Prevalence increased with age, reaching 36-53% in cattle over 7 years old.
• Cattle with periorbital white skin had a higher incidence of OSCC compared to those with pigmented skin, despite similar environmental exposures in other breeds.

Conclusions:

• Age and periorbital white skin are significant risk factors for ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in Simmental cattle in Zimbabwe.
• The findings suggest a potential genetic predisposition or increased susceptibility related to skin pigmentation in this breed.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying OSCC development in susceptible cattle.