Pseudotuberculosis in small ruminants. Infection Clinic Combat Measures Diagnostic Untersuchungsstellen

Pseudotuberculosis in small ruminants.

  • Occurrence in sheep and goats
  • Pathogen Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
  • Chronic course
  • Continuous spread in the flock
  • Leading symptom: swelling of the lymph nodes with abscess formation (Fig.1)

Further information on pseudotuberculosis can be found underpathogens and in the corresponding information folder under Animal Health.

Fig. 1 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)
Fig. 1
Fig. 1 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)

Infection

  • Spread via infected animals
  • Risk factor: Purchase of clinically inconspicuous animals in early stage of infection
  • Abscess Pus contains bacteria and is highly infectious
  • Infection via pathogen-containing milk or respiratory air
  • Pathogen is resistant to environmental influences

Clinic

Outer shape

  • Point of entry: Skin lesions
  • Superficial lymph nodes are enlarged (Fig.1)
  • Abscesses rupture 2-6 months after infection (Fig.2)
  • Discharge of infectious, yellow-green pus
Fig. 2 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)

Inner shape

  • Abscesses in lymph nodes of internal organs, usually lungs or liver (Fig.3).
  • Untypical symptoms: Emaciation, difficulty breathing, decrease in performance.
Fig. 3 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)
Fig. 3 (Enlarges Image in Dialog Window)

Combat

  • Diagnosis by laboratory tests
  • Removal of infected animals from the herd
  • Controlled purchase from non-suspicious herds
  • Observance of the general principles of hygiene
  • Participation in control programs

Measures

  • TGD program to control and monitor pseudotuberculosis.
  • Regular blood tests to establish unsuspicious foci
  • Diagnostics are carried out at our institutes for veterinary medicine in Linz and Innsbruck

Diagnostic

Pathogen detection

  • Cultivation of abscess materials
  • Examination of suspicious organs (lymph nodes, lungs, liver etc.)
  • Price information by mail (preisauskunft_VET@ages.at) or by phone (0043 (0)50555-45111, 71301)

Antibody detection (ELISA)

  • Detection of antibodies in blood samples
  • indicates infection with C. pseudotuberculosis
  • for herd testing
  • for purchase controls
  • Price information by mail (preisauskunft_VET@ages.at) or by phone (0043 (0)50555-45111, 71301)

Last updated: 31.08.2023

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