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Prototheca sp. outbreak of bovine mastitis
E O Costa1, A C Carciofi, P A Melville
1Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
An outbreak of bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca sp. occurred in a Brazilian dairy herd. Strict sanitation is crucial to prevent contamination and manage this persistent algal infection in cows.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Dairy Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prototheca sp., a colourless alga, is frequently found in damp, manure-contaminated dairy environments.
- Algal mastitis can lead to reduced milk production and mammary gland damage in dairy herds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a clinical outbreak of bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca sp. in a dairy herd in Säo Paulo, Brazil.
- To highlight the challenges in treating and preventing Prototheca sp. infections in dairy cows.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Prototheca sp. on blood agar from affected quarters of lactating and dry Holstein cows.
- Clinical observation and microbiological assessment of treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Prototheca sp. was isolated from 11 quarters of seven lactating cows and one dry cow.
- Treatments resulted in microbiological cure but not functional recovery of mammary glands.
- Diagnosis in one cow indicated a herd-wide issue.
Conclusions:
- Prototheca sp. infection represents a herd problem requiring comprehensive management.
- Strict sanitation, particularly controlling contact with contaminated water sources, is essential.
- Preventing teat end contamination during milking is critical for control.