Understanding CBPP and IBK Diseases: How to Protect Your Cattle

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Cattle

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a respiratory disease that affects cattle and is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. The disease causes significant productivity losses due to its high mortality and morbidity rates. 

CBPP is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides and is highly contagious, making it a disease of major economic importance in many tropical countries. CBPP is characterized by severe septicemia of the lungs and pleura.

Prevalence of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is widely prevalent in tropical regions, causing significant economic losses in Africa while being completely eliminated in America.

Cause of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) are known for causing severe fibrinous bronchopneumonia and pleural effusion during the acute to subacute stages, as well as pulmonary sequestra in chronic cases.

Additionally, infected animals may exhibit lesions in their kidneys, as well as in the carpal and tarsal joints of calves.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is highly pleomorphic, appearing in various forms such as globules, filaments, rings, or minute elementary bodies. It is exclusive to bovines, especially cattle. Although a similar disease occurs in goats, it is caused by different microorganisms.

Transmission of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

Inhaling infected droplets from the nasal discharge of an infected animal can cause the organism to survive for only a few hours outside the body.

The disease spreads through direct transmission, particularly in situations where animals are in close proximity, such as at watering points. Nomadic grazing and trekking make controlling the disease more challenging.

Clinical Signs of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

According to WOAH and other research sources, loss of appetite, fever, and respiratory signs, including a rapid respiratory rate, cough, nasal discharges, and painful and difficult breathing, are common symptoms. The incubation period for the disease is typically 3-6 weeks, but it can last up to 6 months.

This extended incubation period makes controlling the spread of the disease more challenging as animals can transmit the organism before exhibiting clinical signs.

While only a few cattle may die from the disease, acute symptoms include high fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, decreased milk production, extended necks, and respiratory signs such as rapid respiratory rate, cough, and nasal discharges that cause pain and difficulty breathing. Calves may also develop arthritis and lameness.

Clinically, the animal's temperature may rise to 40.5 °C, and it may develop anorexia as its hair coat hardens, starches, and dries. The animal may also lag behind others when moving, and rumination may come to a halt.

When driven, the animal may begin to cough, and as the disease progresses, it may exhibit strong coughs with front hooves pointed inward, an arched back, and an extended head, all of which indicate pain.

The animal may experience shallow, fast inhalation accompanied by grunting on exhalation, and there may be swelling in the throat and dewlap, along with heavy discharge from the nostrils and lips.

In acute cases, death typically occurs within 1-3 weeks of the appearance of clinical signs, and animals may lose weight and condition. In chronic cases, the disease can persist for up to 7 weeks, and animals may exhibit a persistent cough. The animal may appear to have recovered, but the infection may remain in the lung, even if the animal appears healthy.

Approximately 50% of the affected animals die from acute disease, while 25% remain carriers and continue to spread the infection. These animals are primary sources of the infection, as sections of their lungs containing microorganisms become encapsulated.

Although these animals may appear normal, they may experience stress due to exhaustion and starvation, among other factors. Encapsulated lesions can break open, redistributing the microorganisms and causing the animal to shed them. This shedding can continue for up to three years.

Postmortem Findings of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

The lung lesion presents a distinct feature in which only one lung is affected. When the thorax is opened, the affected lung does not collapse but remains firmly attached to the inner surface of the chest wall. On section, the lobules vary in color from red to gray, and each is separated by septa containing straw-colored fluid that thickens over time, becoming firm and yellowish-white with a marbled appearance.

The pleura, whether attached to ribs or not, is thickened, white in color, and firm. The pleural cavity contains clear exudates that may be present in low quantities and occupy a significant amount of space typically taken up by lung tissue. The necrotic lung tissue is situated between fibrous tissues, forming the sequestrum.

Diagnosis of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

In order to diagnose contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in cattle, the following steps should be taken:

1. Gather history
2. Observe clinical signs
3. Conduct postmortem examination
4. Perform complement fixation test on blood sera from in-contact animals
5. Send lung sections and pleural fluid samples to the laboratory for further analysis.

Treatment of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

It is limited to regions where the disease is endemic and can only be administered under government supervision. Since the organism may persist and carriers can emerge, tylosin is beneficial in the initial phases and excessive vaccination responses.

The recommended dosage of tylosin is 10 mg per kg (equivalent to 1 ml) administered every 10-12 hours, with a total of 6 injections. Additionally, Danofloxacin 2.5% has been reported to be extremely effective, with a daily dosage of 2.5 mg per kg for three consecutive days.

Control of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Cattle

The control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in free areas is based on four methods:

1. Slaughter of infected and in-contact animals
2. Complement fixation testing
3. Quarantine
4. Vaccination: Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia vaccines are commonly used in Africa and are produced from either T1/44 or KH3J strains, each of which has a streptomycin-resistant variant.

Prevention of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia

To prevent contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, it is important to keep cattle at a distance of approximately 2 miles from other cattle, as the disease can be spread through the air within this range.

Therefore, it is recommended to relocate your cattle to maximize the distance between herds. Additionally, it is important to frequently monitor your cattle for any signs of illness or the development of this disease.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is commonly misdiagnosed as helminthiasis, tuberculosis, or trypanosomiasis. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a differential diagnosis to distinguish between these diseases.

Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) or Pink Eye in Cattle

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pink eye or the new forest eye (blight), is a veterinary infection that affects cattle and is caused by a Gram-negative, β-hemolytic, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium called Moraxella bovis.

The infection is spread through direct contact or by flies that serve as vectors. This condition causes inflammation of the cornea and the conjunctiva and can occur in cattle, sheep, and goats.

Causes of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, pink eye, the new forest eye, or blight is a veterinary infection of cattle caused by Moraxella (Haemophilus) bovis, a Gram-negative beta-hemolytic, aerobic rod-shaped bacterium. It is spread by direct contact or by flies serving as vectors.

Summary:

Note: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis is commonly transmitted by flies and by two moths which commonly feed on secretions from the eyes.

Transmission of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis is transmitted by direct contact, aerosols, and fomites. Flies may serve as mechanical vectors of the bacteria Moraxella bovis, by droplets or in dust

Note: IBK is more frequently encountered in dry weather and dusty conditions, and where animals are closely collected together.

Risk Factors Related to The Prevalence of IBK in Cattle

Environmental factors that contribute to the development of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis include face flies, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mechanical irritation from plants, awns, or dust, and flies that carry the organism.

Dust conditions, particularly in the summer, and long grass that can cause corneal trauma and facilitate the transmission of the organism, as well as close proximity to wooded areas, are also significant risk factors.

Pre-disposing factors of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis include dust conditions, especially during the summer, tall grass that can cause corneal trauma and facilitate the transmission of the organism, wind, weed, pollen grains, and bright sunlight.

Clinical Signs of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle

Conjunctivitis, excessive tearing, photosensitivity, ocular pain, eyelid squinting, corneal edema, and corneal ulceration can progress to corneal rupture and blindness.

Upon examination, swelling of the eyelids and frequent bleeding are present. Additionally, the patient exhibits conjunctivitis with tearing and sensitivity to light. Within 2-7 days, the cornea may become affected and display a central opacity followed by superficial ulceration. Within 10-17 days, the cornea may cloud completely.

The tearing is severe and the discharge is purulent. Although adults can recover, young animals are susceptible to serious lesions. Secondary bacterial infections may result in a modest rate of death and morbidity (50%). Furthermore, the animal may suffer from hunger, thirst, and accidents due to itching and blindness.

Treatment of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis

The treatment for IBK consists of either parenteral or topical antibiotic therapy. Bulbar conjunctival injection with penicillin is also a common treatment, but because it lacks a label indication for IBK/Moraxella, other approved treatments may be more attractive.

For infectious keratitis in sheep and goats, currently approved treatments include topical oxytetracycline and antiseptic sprays.

Some examples of ophthalmic/eye drugs include gentamycin or any drug containing neo-mydin or tetracycline 20%, in combination with an anti-inflammatory drug such as dexamethasone.

In mild cases, a solution of zinc sulfate can be used as a common ophthalmic therapeutic agent. For more serious cases, chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline are recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) are two significant diseases that affect cattle. CBPP is a highly contagious respiratory disease with severe consequences for cattle productivity and economic losses, primarily prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa.

On the other hand, IBK, also known as pink eye, is an infection that affects the eyes of cattle, sheep, and goats, causing inflammation and potential blindness. Both diseases have specific causes, modes of transmission, clinical signs, and treatment options.

Controlling and preventing these diseases require proactive measures, including proper management practices, quarantine, and vaccination programs. Timely diagnosis and early treatment can greatly mitigate the impact of these diseases on cattle health and productivity.

It is important for farmers and livestock owners to stay vigilant, regularly monitor their animals for any signs of illness, and consult with veterinarians for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. By implementing effective control strategies and maintaining a healthy environment for their cattle, farmers can minimize the spread and impact of CBPP and IBK, ensuring the well-being and productivity of their herds.