Lesions In Cattle Research Articles

Challenges in diagnosing bovine tuberculosis through surveillance and characterization of Mycobacterium species in slaughtered cattle in Kolkata

BackgroundTuberculosis in cattle is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species. Apart from MTBC, different Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) species have also been isolated from cattle. The presence of NTM infection in bovines makes the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) a cumbersome task. Therefore, a cross sectional study was conducted to isolate and characterize different Mycobacterium spp. from a slaughterhouse situated in Kolkata, a city in the eastern part of India.ResultsOut of 258 morbid samples, 98 isolates were found to be positive for bacterial growth, and 35% (n = 34) were positive for Mycobacterium. 94% of Mycobacterial cultural isolates were NTM (n = 32), and the rest (n = 2) were found to be MTBC. Species-level identification of the isolates by hsp65 sequencing revealed that out of 32 isolates, 24 were M. fortuitum, three were M. abscessus, two each were M. chelonae and M. parascrofulaceum, and one was M. novocastrense. A phylogenetic tree with partial hsp65 gene sequences was also constructed to determine the relatedness of the unknown isolates to the reference strains.ConclusionBoth NTM species and MTBCs were identified from TB-like lesions in cattle that were slaughtered at the Kolkata abattoir. This discovery may indicate that NTM contributes to the development of lesions in cattle. Also, we recommend implication of more specific diagnostic tests for bTB.

Molecular Characterization of the Presence of Bovine Papillomavirus in Cattle Teat Warts and a Different Treatment Approach

Background: Papillomatosis is a skin condition that is distinguished by benign proliferative tumors with a complicated etiology and epithelial proliferation. There is a need to perform a more thorough study on bovine papillomavirus and identify the virological properties of the agent in detail since a definitive treatment approach against this infection has not yet been completely identified and the suggested treatment outcomes differ. Methods: Samples were collected from warts developing on the teats of 500 cattle raised for milk production in Burdur Center and its districts. The samples were defrosted in order to extract DNA and the Dneasy Blood and Tissue Kit was used for the extraction procedure. By using a PCR assay, wart sample extracts were examined for 13 different BPV types (excluding BPV Type 7). For BPV type-specific primers, a protocol was utilized. Amplification products were demonstrated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Result: In the PCR test of 500 wart samples, BPV types (type 1-type 13) were detected in 378 (75.6%). In the general distribution of BPV types (single or mixed types) in teat warts, BPV-2 (n=85; 22.49%), BPV-8 (n=45; 11.90%), BPV-9 (n=48; 12.70%) and BPV-10 (n=52; 13.76%) were determined to be more common. In the study; it was determined that three different combined treatments provided 100% regression or complete recovery in warts developing on the teat of cattle. In conclusion; one of these three treatment combinations may be preferred for teat wart lesions in cattle.

Animal diseases in the southern part of the Carpathian Basin during the medieval period

AbstractThis study aims to shed light on animal management influences on the development of pathological changes observed on animal remains from the medieval site of Crkveno Brdo. Animal remains with abnormalities were discovered during archaeological excavations of the medieval settlement at the site of Crkveno Brdo in 2019. The site is situated near Senta in the northern region of modern‐day Serbia. The part of the settlement dated from the 11th to the 15th centuries was excavated. The percentage represented by various mammalian species documents that the most important economic species were cattle and horses, followed by sheep, goats, and pigs. Fishing and hunting were marginal in the settlement subsistence. The analyzed assemblage of bones with lesions consists of 39 specimens with 40 abnormalities. All of the remains exhibiting abnormalities were subjected to macroscopic and stereomicroscope analysis. The specimens with the most prominent changes also underwent x‐ray imaging and histopathological analysis. Almost all lesions were found in domestic animals. The most prevalent lesions in cattle, sheep, goat, and pig were dental and oral pathology, followed by articular abnormalities. In horses, 77% of pathological changes were articular abnormalities, and 11% dental and oral pathology, followed by traumatic lesions and inherited disorders (5.5% each). Congenital morphological variation is represented by a single specimen of horse lumbar vertebra. Pathological alterations were also noted in dogs, as was a severe healed tibiofibular fracture in a frog. Pathological alterations were related to external factors and specifically to patterns of animal management. Dental pathologies in cattle, sheep/goats, and pigs were primary attributed to malnutrition quality; articular abnormalities in horses, similar to aging and environmental factors, most likely work related.

Ulcerative stomatitis associated with yellow bristle grass in New Zealand dairy cows

ABSTRACT Case history A line of 25 cull cows were all found to have ulcerative lesions of the tongue at post-mortem inspection in a New Zealand slaughter plant. A further 9 of 10 cows inspected at the farm of origin had similar oral lesions. There were no other clinical signs or indicators of ill-health observed at ante-mortem inspection in the abattoir or on the farm. The cows had been fed baleage for 3 weeks prior to slaughter, made from pasture in paddocks heavily contaminated with yellow bristle grass (Setaria pumila). Clinical findings There was extensive and deep transverse linear ulceration in the lingual fossa immediately rostral to the torus linguae. At histological examination, full-thickness ulceration of the stratified squamous epithelium was observed with a bed of disorganised collagenous tissue and extensive mixed inflammatory infiltrate extending into the sub-epithelial connective tissue and skeletal muscle. Barbed plant fragments were embedded in both the superficial and deeper areas of inflammation. Detailed examination of the baleage also found that yellow bristle grass seedheads were present. Diagnosis Based on the presence of barbed plant material in the tongue and yellow bristle grass seeds in the baleage, a diagnosis of ulcerative stomatitis associated with yellow bristle grass was made. Clinical relevance Clinicians should be aware of the potential for hay or baleage contaminated with yellow bristle grass to cause oral lesions in cattle.

Potential Inhibitors of Lumpy Skin Disease's Viral Protein (DNA Polymerase): A Combination of Bioinformatics Approaches.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by a virus within the Poxviridae family and Capripoxvirus genus, induces nodular skin lesions in cattle. This spreads through direct contact and insect vectors, significantly affecting global cattle farming. Despite the availability of vaccines, their efficacy is limited by poor prophylaxis and adverse effects. Our study aimed to identify the potential inhibitors targeting the LSDV-encoded DNA polymerase protein (gene LSDV039) for further investigation through comprehensive analysis and computational methods. Virtual screening revealed rhein and taxifolin as being potent binders among 380 phytocompounds, with respective affinities of -8.97 and -7.20 kcal/mol. Canagliflozin and tepotinib exhibited strong affinities (-9.86 and -8.86 kcal/mol) among 718 FDA-approved antiviral drugs. Simulating the molecular dynamics of canagliflozin, tepotinib, rhein, and taxifolin highlighted taxifolin's superior stability and binding energy. Rhein displayed compactness in RMSD and RMSF, but fluctuated in Rg and SASA, while canagliflozin demonstrated stability compared to tepotinib. This study highlights the promising potential of using repurposed drugs and phytocompounds as potential LSD therapeutics. However, extensive validation through in vitro and in vivo testing and clinical trials is crucial for their practical application.

Calcium Chloride Treatment Enhances Antigen Production in Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccines for Serotypes SAT1 and SAT3.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection causing acute and severe vesicular lesions in cattle and pigs, which has prompted global vaccination policies. This study presents a technique for enhancing antigen yield in SAT1 BOT and SAT3 ZIM by treatment with calcium chloride (CaCl2). We tested changes in cell viability in BHK-21 suspension cells treated with varying concentrations of CaCl2. The optimal CaCl2 concentration was determined based on antigen yield. The timing of CaCl2 supplementation relative to FMD virus inoculation was tested. Finally, the optimal medium for antigen production was identified. We observed a concentration-dependent decrease in BHK-21 cell viability at >7.5 mM CaCl2. A CaCl2 concentration of 3 mM yielded the most antigens. CaCl2 supplementation relative to FMD virus infection was optimal 2 h before or with viral inoculation. CD-BHK 21 medium supplemented with CaCl2 was the most productive medium. Specifically, SAT1 BOT and SAT3 ZIM showed improved antigen production in CD-BHK 21 medium with 3 mM CaCl2, while Provero-1 and Cellvento BHK-200 media showed no significant enhancement. Overall, CaCl2 supplementation enhanced FMD antigen productivity. This study provides a useful framework for enhancing antigen production efficiently in the FMD vaccine industry.

Proinflammatory CD14highCD16low monocytes/macrophages prevail in Treponema phagedenis-associated bovine digital dermatitis.

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a skin disease in cattle characterized by painful inflammatory ulcerative lesions in the feet, mostly associated with local colonization by Treponema spp., including Treponema phagedenis. The reason why most DD lesions remain actively inflamed and progress to chronic conditions despite antibiotic treatment remains unknown. Herein, we show an abundant infiltration of proinflammatory (CD14highCD16low) monocytes/macrophages in active DD lesions, a skin response that was not mitigated by topical treatment with oxytetracycline. The associated bacterium, T. phagedenis, isolated from DD lesions in cattle, when injected subcutaneously into mice, induced abscesses with a local recruitment of Ly6G+ neutrophils and proinflammatory (Ly6ChighCCR2+) monocytes/macrophages, which appeared at infection onset (4 days post challenge) and persisted for at least 7 days post challenge. When exploring the ability of macrophages to regulate inflammation, we showed that bovine blood-derived macrophages challenged with live T. phagedenis or its structural components secreted IL-1β via a mechanism dependent on the NLRP3 inflammasome. This study shows that proinflammatory characteristics of monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils dominate active non-healing ulcerative lesions in active DD, thus likely impeding wound healing after antibiotic treatment.

Prevalence of heart lesions in cattle, pigs, sheep and goats detected during veterinary checks in slaughterhouses with respect to animal welfare

The incidence of heart damage in cattle, pigs, sheep and goats slaughtered in slaughterhouses in the Czech Republic between 2010 and 2021 was monitored. Findings classified as acute, chronic, and parasitic were recorded during postmortem slaughterhouse examination. Significantly the highest incidence of acute heart damage was found in piglets (14.92%) and calves (4.03%) compared to other animal categories. The incidence of chronic heart damage was found to be significantly the highest for piglets (14.13%). Among fattening animals, the prevalence of chronic heart damage was significantly the highest for finisher pigs (8.19%), followed by bulls (1.33%), lambs (0.20%) and kids (0.15%). Among adult animals, the incidence of chronic heart damage was significantly the highest for cows (7.10%) followed by sows (5.21%), does (1.46%) and ewes (0.86%). Parasitic findings were rare in the period under review (< 0.2% for ewes and < 0.03% for the other monitored species and categories). In general, the highest incidence found was for chronic damage, followed by acute damage, and the lowest for parasitic damage, except for sheep, where the incidence of parasitic findings was higher than the incidence of acute findings. Overall, the highest number of pathological findings on the heart was found for piglets (29.06%), followed by calves (10.87%), i.e. culled young. Relatively high numbers of findings were also found for cows (9.84%), finisher pigs (8.43%), and sows (5.80%). For the other monitored species and categories, heart lesions were found in less than 3% of cases. The results provide insights into the overall heart health and welfare of slaughter animals.

Buffalopox: An emerging cutaneous disease in humans.

Buffalopox virus (BPXV) infection is an under-recognized zoonotic disease associated with recently reported outbreaks in humans in South Asia. It is frequently isolated from skin lesions in cattle and buffalos, and can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with the skin of infected animals and fomites. Very little data exist to inform treatment guidelines. We present a case report of a 50-year-old male with this rare but emerging disease. As outbreaks of viral skin disease such as buffalopox become more common, it is essential for dermatologists to be familiar with their cutaneous manifestations.

Bovine papular stomatitis virus as a vaccine vector for cattle.

Virus vectored vaccines are not available commercially for cattle even though compelling potential applications exist. Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV), a highly prevalent parapoxvirus, causes self-limited oral lesions in cattle. Ability of virus to accommodate large amounts of foreign DNA, induce low level of antiviral immunity, and circulate and likely persist in cattle populations, make BPSV an attractive candidate viral vector. Here, recombinant BPSV were constructed expressing either Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) glycoprotein gD (BPSVgD), or gD and gB (BPSVgD/gB). Immunization of BPSV serologically-positive calves with BPSVgD or BPSVgD/gB induced BoHV-1 neutralization antibodies and provided protection for three of four animals following a high dose BoHV-1 challenge at day 70 pi. Results indicate BPSV suitability as a candidate virus vector for cattle vaccines.

Prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle based on gross and microscopic lesions in Ethiopia

BackgroundParatuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic progressive granulomatous enteritis mainly affecting domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. Although paratuberculosis could be prevail in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of epidemiological data on paratuberculosis in the country. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of paratuberculosis based on gross and microscopic lesions in cattle slaughtered at ELFORA Abattoir, central Ethiopia. Small intestines and associated lymph nodes of 400 apparently healthy cattle which were slaughtered at ELFORA export abattoir were examined for gross and microscopic lesions of paratuberculosis. The microscopic lesions were classified into four grades (I-IV) based on the type and number of cells infiltrated into the lesion. The prevalence of paratuberculosis was estimated on the basis of gross as well as microscopic lesion of paratuberculosis.ResultsThe prevalence of paratuberculosis was 11.25% (95% Confidence interval, CI = 0.083–0.148) on the basis of gross lesion. However, relatively lower prevalence (2.0%, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.039) was recorded based on microscopic lesion. The gross lesions were characterized by intestinal thickening, mucosal corrugations and enlargement of associated mesenteric lymph nodes. On the other hand, the microscopic lesions were characterized by granuloma of different grades ranging from grade I to grade III lesions.ConclusionsThe present study indicated the occurrence of paratuberculosis in cattle of Ethiopia based on the detection of gross and microscopic lesions consistent with the lesion of paratuberculosis. The result of this study could be used as baseline information for future studies on the epidemiology and economic significance of paratuberculosis.

Investigation of vaccinia virus in bovines and buffaloes from the Marajó region, Brazil: standardization of a diagnostic test

The genus Orthopoxvirus (OPXV), belongs to the family Poxviridae and has 12 species, including Vaccinia virus (VACV) and Smallpox virus (VARV). Clinically, lesions in cattle are mostly seen on the teats and udders of lactating cows, which appear as bloody sores. The course of infection to complete healing takes two to four weeks. In humans, infections are currently occupational zoonoses. Little is still known about the ecoepidemiology of these viral agents, requiring further studies to seek alternatives for infection prevention and control. We sought to evaluate the epidemiology of VACV in asymptomatic buffaloes and cattle from farms on Marajó region, Brazil. Serum samples of 247 animals were tested collected in 2009. Viral DNA was extracted using commercial kits and detection was performed by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), targeting the growth factor gene of Vaccinia (VGF), followed by Nested PCR. Samples were undetectable to VACV by the methods used in the animals studied, requiring continuous epidemiological surveillance in the region, especially considering previous reports of outbreaks involving poxviruses in the country.

Forensic necropsies of cattle: a study of Danish cases from 2010 to 2021 and a guideline for forensic examination of cattle

Forensic post-mortem examinations of animals are carried out on suspicion of violation of European and national legislation. In Denmark, and probably also in other countries with large-scale cattle production, cattle are regularly submitted for forensic assessment. Unfortunately, only few studies of forensic pathology in cattle are available. This paper presents a retrospective study of forensic case files on Danish cattle from January 2010 to December 2021. The case files were characterized with respect to types of lesion, age assessments of lesions and other parameters such as age and sex. A total of 118 forensic case files had been archived and related to 132 cattle (14 weeks–20 years of age; 68% female, 30% male and 2% unknown sex) with 228 lesions. Locomotor disorders constituted the majority of lesions. However, cachexia/emaciation, skin ulcerations and overgrowth of cornual horn were also frequent. Most lesions were chronic (91%) and age assessments for more than 2 weeks were stated for 79% of the lesions. This indicates that in Denmark at least, there is a need to consider how cattle with locomotor disorders are treated in a timely manner in order to avoid prolonged futile treatment and, thereby, suffering. Grossly visible reparative granulation tissue and new bone formation were present in lesions of 1–2 weeks and longer duration. However, all age assessments were stated in broad time intervals due to the lack of scientifically based forensic studies of age assessments of lesions in cattle. Therefore, to improve age assessments in forensic cattle cases, studies concerning the chronology of tissue reparation in cattle are warranted. We also present a guideline for the forensic examination of cattle.

Correlation of the breeds and dental lesions in cattle of northern Iran

Correlation of the breeds and dental lesions in cattle of northern Iran

Morphological detection of dermatophytes isolated from cattle in Wasit province

This study aimed to diagnose the skin lesions in cattle that were suspected to be ringworm in order to determine the species causing these lesions. A total of 40 samples of skin desquamation and hair lesions were collected from cattle in a farm located in the Wasit province during the period from October 2021 to March 2022. Diagnosis used to be carried out the usage of direct microscopy of potassium hydroxide, isolation of the fungus through the use of Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, as well as by way of detecting those fungi through staining with Lactophenol cotton blue. The diagnosis results revealed that infection of cattle with ringworm represented 20/40 (50%) of skin lesions and the majority of the common dermatophytes spp was identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes 15/20 (75%) and Microsporum canis5/20 (25%) depending on the fungal growth. In conclusion, the most common skin lesions of cattle in Wasit province were identified as ringworm.

Epidemiological and pathological screening of suspected cases of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in Yola Modern Abattoir, Adamawa State Nigeria

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is an important infectious disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides and a major constraint to cattle production in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed to identify pathological and histopathological lesions identified in cattle tentatively diagnosed with CBPP at Yola Modern Abattoir, Adamawa State. A total of 9,750 cattle were examined at post-mortem for a period of six months, 110 (1.13%) had lesions suggestive of CBPP out of which seventeen (17) were randomly selected and processed for histopathology based on standard laboratory protocols. Based on sex, CBPP lesion was observed more in female 63 (1.06%) than in the male 47 (1.24%). Whereas, CBPP lesions was observed highest in White Fulani breed 68 (1.14%) followed by Cross breeds 23 (91.16%) and Sokoto Gudali 19 (1.74%) and lowest in Red Bororo 10 (1.36%). There was insignificant statistical association (P>0.05) between CBPP lesions and sex and breed of cattle sampled. Age distribution of CBPP lesion was observed higher in cattle between ages of 4-7 years 79 (1.16%), followed by cattle of 1-3 years 28 (1.15%) and least in cattle less than 1 year 3 (0.60%) with significant statistical difference (P<0.05) between the age groups. Histopathology lesions observed include severe congestion of pulmonary blood vessel in all the lung tissues and fibrin exudation into inter-alveolar spaces with almost all the alveoli collapsed. The bronchiolar epithelium was observed to be thickened, hyperplastic and folded, with a considerable quantity of edematous fluid and numerous inflammatory cells seen in the lumen. In conclusion, this study had demonstrated the presence of CBPP lesions in cattle in the study area. Therefore, serological screening of all cattle, stamping out policies and aggressive annual vaccination campaigns are thus recommended in the study area.

“Non-healing” claw horn lesions in dairy cows: Clinical, histopathological and molecular biological characterization of four cases

The increasing prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) contributes to a higher occurrence of secondary infections of exposed corium with Treponema spp. in bovine claws. "Non-healing" claw horn lesions (NHL) clinically resemble BDD lesions. They are severe, cause chronic lameness, and may persist for several months. They poorly respond to standard treatments of BDD and represent a serious welfare issue. In this study, four cases of NHL were classified clinically either as BDD-associated axial horn fissures (BDD-HFA; n = 3) or BDD-associated sole ulcer (BDD-SU; n = 1). In all four cases, pronounced multifocal keratinolysis of the stratum corneum, ulceration, and severe chronic lymphoplasmacytic perivascular to interstitial dermatitis were observed. All lesional samples tested positive for Treponema spp., Fusobacterium (F.) necrophorum, and Porphyromonas (P.) levii by PCRs. BDD-HFA lesions contained Treponema pedis as revealed by genetic identities of 93, 99, and 100%. Treponemes in the BDD-SU lesion were 94% homologous to Treponema phylotype PT3. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed extensive epidermal infiltration by treponemes that made up > 90% of the total bacterial population in all four lesions. FISH also tested positive for P. levii and negative for F. necrophorum in all four cases, whilst only one BDD-HFA contained Dichelobacter nodosus. Our data point to BDD-associated treponemes and P. levii constituting potential etiological agents in the development of "non-healing" claw horn lesions in cattle.

Revisiting the relative effectiveness of slaughterhouses in Ireland to detect tuberculosis lesions in cattle (2014-2018).

Slaughterhouse or meat factory surveillance to detect factory lesions (FL) at slaughter is an important part of the bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication program in Ireland. The objective of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of Irish slaughterhouses or factories in submitting FL and the proportion of those submitted FL confirmed as being due to bTB in slaughtered cattle, and to identify and quantify the association of risk factors at animal, herd, and factory level with FL submission and confirmation. The data consisted of 6,611,854 animals slaughtered in Irish factories from 2014 to 2018 obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), Ireland. Selected risk factors for this study included factory, year and month of slaughter, age, sex, breed, animal movement, ever inconclusive in the standard or severe skin test, herd type, herd size, and bTB history. The association of each risk factor on the FL submission and confirmation risk were analysed with univariable followed by a multivariable logistic regression with herd as random effect. Factories were ranked and compared based on the odds ratio (OR) obtained from the univariable (crude OR) and multivariable (adjusted OR) analysis. The average submission risk of all factories was 20 per 10,000 animals slaughtered, ranging from 1 to 42 per 10,000 animals slaughtered, and the average confirmation risk over all factories was 40.72%, ranging from 0.00 to 61.84%. The odds of submitting and confirming FL as bTB positive were higher in animals over eight years old compared to animals 1-2 years old (OR = 1.91, 95 CI 95% 1.77-2.06 and OR = 4.05, 95% CI 3.17-5.18, respectively), and were higher in animals that ever had inconclusive skin result based on severe interpretation (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 2.44-3.27 and OR = 4.48, 95% CI 2.66-7.54, respectively), animals originating from sucklers herds (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14 and OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.55, respectively), or herds with bTB history in the past three years (OR = 4.46, 95% CI 4.28-4.66 and OR = 319.90, 95% CI 237.98-430.04, respectively). The odds of FL submission and confirmation decreased as the herd size increased (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.96 and OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.78-0.86, respectively). An inverse relationship of FL submission and confirmation was present for variable sex and inconclusive skin result with standard interpretation, where submission odds were higher in males (OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.10) and ever inconclusive animals (OR = 74.24, 95% CI 69.39-79.43), although the confirmation odds were lower (males OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.56-0.76; ever inconclusive OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.36-0.54). The crude and adjusted ranking of factories did not differ greatly for FL submission, indicating that factory-related factors may contribute significantly to the submission variation between factories. However, a substantial difference between crude and adjusted confirmation ranking was present which may indicate that animal and herd-related factors were associated to variation in confirmation risk between factories.

Aloe vera and Bixa orellana in a revitalizing ointment for cattle skin injuries

Phytopharmaceuticals constitute a therapy that, when carried out on a scientific basis, becomes a necessary, safe, effective and, above all, economical alternative in the confrontation of diseases that affect humans and other animals, for the achievement of health. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a revitalizing ointment of Aloe vera L and Bixa orellana L for skin lesions in cattle. The methods used correspond to the transversal research for case control, a total of 76 animals of the classified by categories, females and males of mestizo breeds, belonging to the Basic Livestock Unit "Liberation of Caibarién", Caibarien, Villa Clara, Cuba were selected during the year 2019 where there were problems with the iron marking, the lesions and the statistical equivalence in both groups were taken into account. From the benefits of the two medicinal plants, an ointment was elaborated to treat skin lesions such as burns, wounds and in general, any lesion that tends to chronicity or infection and therefore it is required to accelerate the healing process. The revitalizing ointment proved to be a good healing agent, since it helps the prompt recovery of the lesions and of the animals. In no case did allergic reactions or irritation occur. Since there are difficulties with the acquisition of healing ointments in veterinary medicine, it constitutes an effective and economical alternative treatment, with a positive impact on livestock and industrial production, as well as on the environmental aspect.

Role of Staphylococcus agnetis and Staphylococcus hyicus in the Pathogenesis of Buffalo Fly Skin Lesions in Cattle

ABSTRACTBuffalo flies (Haematobia irritans exigua) are hematophagous ectoparasites of cattle causing production and welfare impacts in northern Australian herds. Skin lesions associated with buffalo fly infestation and Stephanofilaria nematode infection are manifested as focal dermatitis or ulcerated areas, most commonly on the medial canthus of the eye, along the lateral and ventral neck, and on the abdomen of cattle. For closely related horn flies (Haematobia irritans irritans), Staphylococcus aureus has been suggested as a contributing factor in the development of lesions. To investigate the potential role of bacterial infection in the pathogenesis of buffalo fly lesions, swabs were taken from lesions and normal skin, and bacteria were also isolated from surface washings of buffalo flies and surface-sterilized homogenized flies. Bacterial identification was conducted by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and strain typing by repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) and DNA sequencing to determine species similarity and virulence factors. Of 50 bacterial isolates collected from lesions, 38 were identified as Staphylococcus agnetis and 12 as Staphylococcus hyicus, whereas four isolates from normal skin were S. hyicus and one was Mammaliicoccus sciuri. Of the Staphylococcus isolates isolated from buffalo flies, five were identified as S. agnetis and three as S. hyicus. Fifty percent of the buffalo fly isolates had rep-PCR genotypic patterns identical to those of the lesion isolates. Genome sequencing of 16 S. agnetis and four S. hyicus isolates revealed closely similar virulence factor profiles, with all isolates possessing exfoliative toxin A and C genes. The findings from this study suggest the involvement of S. agnetis and S. hyicus in buffalo fly lesion pathogenesis. This should be taken into account in the development of effective treatment and control strategies for lesions.IMPORTANCE Skin lesions in cattle associated with feeding by Haematobia fly species are a significant welfare issue in Australia, North and South America, and Europe. The development of these lesions has been attributed to a number of causal factors, but the exact etiology and pathogenesis were unclear. This study characterized Staphylococcus agnetis and Staphylococcus hyicus strains from cattle skin lesions and in vector flies and demonstrated their role in the pathogenesis of these lesions. These findings will aid the development of targeted and more effective treatment and control strategies for lesions associated with fly infestation in cattle.