Observations on haemorrhagic septicaemia in Pakistan livestock

Information based on field observations of Veterinary Officers in nine districts of Punjab, Pakistan showed 11% incidence, 9% mortality and 78% case fatality rates of haemorrhagic septicaemia in buffalo, whereas these values were 4%, 2.5% and 62% in cattle. Disease incidence was higher in 0-24-month-old animals and groups of less than 10 animals. The disease was seasonal, occurring only in rainy seasons of the year, and victims were only cattle and buffalo. The clinical course of the disease was generally 1-2 days. symptoms included high temperature, salivation, swelling of the throat and difficulty in breathing and could result in death. Successful treatment was reported if antibiotics were given at the initial stages of the disease. Various combinations of sulphur drugs and antibiotics were considered more effective. The results of the questionnaire survey suggest that a favourable response was obtained using clamoxyl LA, farmox 15%, vesulong, gentakel and chloramphenicol. Previous vaccination of livestock with the alum-precipitated formalinized broth culture of Pasteurella multocida vaccine (bacterin) was not considered to protect against field outbreaks.