(Synonyms

Pasteurellosis

Name of the disease in English

(Acute) pneumonic pasteurellosis of cattle; (Acute) shipping fever pneumonia

The disease in brief

This is an acute pleuro-pneumonia accompanied by severe toxemia caused by Pasteurella haemolytica. It is characterized by the rapid development of pneumonia and pleurisy lesions, accompanied by toxemic signs. It is a group disease, the intensity of clinical signs varies greatly between affected individuals. The disease is possible in all categories of young animals but mainly affects young cattle gathered for fattening (This is the number one cause of losses in the fattening workshop). The disease is possible in adult cattle. 

Clinic & diagnosis

The clinical signs are

– those of a toxemia of varying severity:sudden death with a clear dejection and possible decubitus with fever that appears during the day or in 1-3 days

– those of pleuro-pneumonia: breathing accelerates with noises added to pulmonary auscultation; then dyspnea appears which can quickly worsen until the stomach hollows out when the chest swells, or a complaint is heard with each expiration. 

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-Histophilus pleuropneumone (somnus) N130

-Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia RS27.1

-Pleurisy associated with pericarditis N142

-Acute bronchopneumonia -Bacterial infection stage RS24

Confirm a suspicion?

The presence of must be sought Mannheimia haemolytica in the respiratory tree. Deep samples (transtracheal aspiration, bronchoalveolar lavage are the samples of choice). The bacteria can be detected by culture (antibiogram possible) or PCR. 

Prognosis and treatment

Treatment is based on the administration of antibiotics that diffuse well into the lung and are active against Mannheimia ahaemolytica, (if possible) non-critical (e.g.: phenicols, macrolides). The administration of NSAIDs or corticosteroids (always associated with an antibiotic) is possible to combat toxemia and inflammation.

Treatment should be started as early as possible.

Collective treatment (metaphylaxis) may be indicated in certain cases.

Prevention

Prevention is:

– health and zootechnical: housing and ventilation conditions must be optimized, the introduction of animals and the conditions of allotments are important (e.g.: carrying out a quarantine).

– vaccine: with vaccines containing the valence Mannheimia haemolytica but also directed against the main respiratory viruses (concomitantly associated).

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 314