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CALF DIPHTHERIA DEFINITION A infection of the oral cavity or, less frequently, the larynx and pharynx, of calves and young cattle resulting in swelling of the affected area, fever, depression and reluctance to eat or drink. Fusobacterium necrophorum is often involved.INCIDENCE The condition is common and may affect groups of calves or young cattle in a particular building or repeatedly on a particular farm. AETIOLOGY F.necrophorum is present in the lesions and its elimination by treatment usually cures the condition. It is, however, probably a secondary invader following damage to the oral cavity in animals suffering from intercurrent disease the commonest of which is bovine papular stomatitis. CLINICAL SIGNS Calves with calf diphtheria frequently have a swelling of the cheeks, throat, foetid or rancid breath, purulent discharge from the nose and may salivate excessively. A moist, painful cough, breathing difficulty, pain on swallowing and fever may be seen in more than one animal in a group. Depression and death may result in the absence of treatment. Local necrotic infections or ulcers in other parts of the oral cavity may produce a similar picture. Infected material may be inhaled and this can result in a severe pneumonia. EPIDEMIOLOGY The infection appears to spread by contact on dirty milk pails amongst groups of calves. The disease may also result from damage associated with rough feed and the eruption of teeth or from secondary infection of BPS lesions. DIAGNOSIS The clinical and pathological findings are characteristic. In particular the smell of the breath and the appearance of the lesions. It should be borne in mind that this condition may be secondary to other diseases affecting the oral cavity. TREATMENT Sulphonamides, penicillin or the tetracyclines are usually effective. CONTROL Disinfection of milk pails etc. coupled with improved hygiene is of value. |
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