Generalized Conditions - MSD Veterinary Manual

Actinobacillosis

Actinobacillosis is caused by several species of gram-negative coccobacilli of the genus Actinobacillus. Clinical signs vary, depending on the specific bacteria and the animal species they infect. Diagnosis can be confirmed by culture, PCR, or ELISA of tissue samples to identify the bacteria. Antibiotics are the usual treatment in swine and horses. Sodium iodide is used in ruminants, although antibiotics or surgical debulking may be required in severe or refractory cases.
- Actinobacillosis
Actinomycosis

Actinomyces are gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria that cause disease primarily in cattle and swine but also occasionally in other animals. Lumpy jaw is a localized, chronic, progressive, granulomatous abscess that most frequently involves the mandible, the maxillae, or other bony tissues in the head. Presumptive diagnosis is often based on clinical signs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by culture of the organism from the lesion; however, this requires anaerobic conditions and is frequently negative. The goal of treatment for actinomycosis is to kill the bacteria and stop the spread of the lesion.
- Actinomycosis in Cattle, Swine, and Other Animals
Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is caused by deposition of insoluble proteins in tissue. Formation of the proteins is often associated with inflammation. Deposition can lead to organ dysfunction, which can be fatal if critical organs are affected. Diagnosis is based on tissue biopsy. There is no effective treatment once protein deposition has occurred, although reducing inflammation may slow the progression of the disorder.
- Amyloidosis in Animals
Anthrax

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the sporeforming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is most common in wild and domestic herbivores (eg, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, antelopes) but can also be seen in people exposed to tissue from infected animals, to contaminated animal products, or directly to B anthracis spores under certain conditions. Depending on the route of infection, host factors, and potentially strain-specific factors, anthrax can have several different clinical presentations. In herbivores, anthrax commonly presents as an acute septicemia with a high fatality rate, often accompanied by hemorrhagic lymphadenitis. In dogs, people, horses, and pigs, it is usually less acute although still potentially fatal.
- Overview of Anthrax
Besnoitiosis

Besnoitiosis, caused by tissue cyst–forming apicomplexan parasites of the genus Besnoitia, is usually a chronic and debilitating disease characterized by skin lesions and systemic clinical signs of varying severity. The disease compromises welfare and is responsible for severe economic losses: infected cattle may lose weight and have decreased milk production, dams may abort during the febrile stage, males may develop infertility or even sterility, and the hides of affected animals are of reduced value for leather production. Skin lesions and visible scleral tissue cysts characteristic of the chronic disease are similar in the different ungulate species affected. There are no effective treatments. For control in cattle, the only permitted vaccine worldwide is a live vaccine used to immunize imported bulls in Israel. Thus, control relies entirely on accurate diagnosis and herd management.
- Besnoitiosis in Animals
Chlamydiosis

Bacteria of the order Chlamydiales are ubiquitous, obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria. Within the host cell, they replicate via a unique developmental cycle competing with the host for intracellular nutrient pools. Virtually any chlamydial organism can infect any eukaryotic host cell, resulting in various infections.
- Overview of Chlamydiosis
Clostridial Diseases

Clostridia are prokaryotic bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes, which are large, anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped, gram-positive organisms. They can be living cells (vegetative forms) or dormant spores. Their natural habitats are soils and intestinal tracts of animals, including humans.
Congenital and Inherited Anomalies

Embryonic and fetal development are the result of a complex series of well orchestrated events. When properly accomplished, the outcome is a healthy neonate. Errors in the sequential steps of development may be followed by:
Coxiellosis

Coxiellosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection associated primarily with parturient ruminants, although domestic animals such as cats and a variety of wild animals have been identified as sources of human infection. The zoonotic infection in people associated with Coxiella burnetii is widely known as Q fever. Coxiella is considered a potential agent of bioterrorism because of its low infectious dose, stability in the environment, and capability for aerosol dispersion.
- Overview of Coxiellosis
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Infection

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that primarily affects swine, turkeys, and sheep. In swine, it causes erysipelas, which takes forms ranging from acute septicemia to subacute cutaneous erythema—including classic, diamond-shaped lesions—to chronic arthritis or endocarditis. In turkeys, erysipelas also has a range of clinical signs but primarily manifests as cyanotic cutaneous lesions, including blue comb, and muscular petechiae. E rhusiopathiae infection in sheep is most commonly seen as nonsuppurative polyarthritis in growing lambs over a month of age. As a zoonosis, erysipeloid in humans is generally an occupational disease characterized by localized cutaneous lesions and rarely septicemia. The bacterium can infect a wide range of host species, and disease is newly emerging in wildlife. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, isolation of the bacteria, and PCR. Treatment with antibiotics is generally effective in acute cases, and prevention through vaccination is effective at controlling outbreaks in swine.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the world's most economically important viral diseases of livestock. The virus infects cattle, pigs, and sheep and many cloven-hoofed wildlife species. The infection results in vesicular lesions in and around the mouth and on the feet, resulting in the reluctance of an animal to eat or move. Confirmation of the infection requires laboratory analysis, usually involving real time RT-PCR, and serotyping is achieved using antigen ELISA. Inactivated virus vaccines are available.
- Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Animals
Fungal Infections

Systemic mycoses are infections with fungal organisms that exist in the environment, enter the host from a single portal of entry, and disseminate within the host usually to multiple organ systems. The soil reservoir is the primary source of most infections, which can be acquired by inhalation, ingestion, or traumatic introduction of fungal elements. (Also All.see page Dermatophilosis.)
Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by infection with any of several pathogenic serovars of Leptospira. The disease affects virtually all mammals and has a broad range of clinical effects, from mild, subclinical infection to multiple-organ failure and death. Kidney, liver, and respiratory disease are key findings. Diagnosis is best made by a combination of serologic testing and PCR assay. Antimicrobial therapy is usually effective; however, organ damage can be permanent.
Lightning Stroke and Electrocution

Injury or death from electrocution may be caused by lightning, fallen power lines, faulty electric circuits, or other causes. Death usually results from cardiac or respiratory arrest. Besides sudden death, signs can include singe marks, temporary loss of consciousness in mild cases, and fractures or muscle damage from severe contractions. Diagnosis may depend on circumstantial evidence, such as the location of groups of affected animals and lack of other signs of disease. For animals that survive the initial event, supportive care is indicated.
- Lightning Stroke and Electrocution in Animals
Listeriosis

The most common clinical manifestation of listeriosis is a localized ascending asymmetric infection of the brain stem of ruminants by Listeria monocytogenes. The resultant meningoencephalitis damages the origins of cranial nerves V, VII, and VIII in the brain stem, resulting in unilateral facial paresis or paralysis, head tilt, loss of sensation, depression, and recumbency. Diagnosis in ruminants is based on typical neurologic clinical signs. Treatment with high dosages of antimicrobials may be effective if given early in the course of infection.
- Listeriosis in Animals
Lyme Borreliosis

Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks infected with spirochetal bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. Affected dogs typically present with intermittent, lameness, fever, inappetance, lethargy, and focal lymphadenopathy. Although infrequently reported, clinical manifestations in horses include neurologic abnormalities, uveitis, and cutaneous lymphoma. Diagnosis is based on a combination of history, clinical signs, laboratory findings, exclusion of other diseases, and response to treatment. Treatment consists of an extended (eg, 30-day) course of antibiotics, supportive measures including analgesia, and immunosuppressive therapy in the case of autoimmune reaction.
- Lyme Borreliosis in Animals
Melioidosis

Melioidosis is a bacterial infection of animals and people. It is often associated with suppurative or caseous lesions, comprising a mixed purulent and granulomatous response that can occupy any body organ.
- Overview of Melioidosis
Neosporosis

Neosporosis is a disease caused by infection with protozoal parasites in the genus Neospora, most often N caninum but also N hughesi in horses. The most commonly observed problems include bovine abortion and gradually progressive myositis with paraparesis in puppies. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical signs, histopathology, serology, and PCR. There are no approved treatments in cattle, but antibiotics may be helpful in dogs.
- Neosporosis in Animals
Nocardiosis

Nocardia is a genus of widely distributed saprophytic bacteria that can cause opportunistic cutaneous/subcutaneous or pulmonary infections in domestic animals, wildlife, and humans following inoculation or inhalation, which can progress to systemic disease. Characteristic histologic or cytologic findings include suppurative to pyogranulomatous inflammation with branched, filamentous organisms with gram-positive and partially acid-fast staining characteristics. Special microbiological techniques and molecular diagnostic testing may be necessary for confirmation. Many months of targeted antimicrobial therapy based on culture and susceptibility results may be required. Prognosis is guarded in cases of disseminated disease.
- Nocardiosis in Animals
Peritonitis

Peritonitis is the inflammation of the serous membranes of the peritoneal cavity. It may be primary or caused by infectious or noninfectious agents. Signs include localized pain, depression, fever, and anorexia. The clinical diagnosis may be supported by ultrasonography and laboratory analysis of blood or abdominal fluid. Treatment may include peritoneal lavage, surgery, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Peritonitis in Animals
Plague

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is an acute and sometimes fatal bacterial zoonosis transmitted primarily by the fleas of rats and other rodents. Enzootic foci of sylvatic plague exist in the western USA and throughout the world, including Eurasia, Africa, and North and South America. In addition to rodents, other mammalian species that have been naturally infected with Y pestis include lagomorphs, felids, canids, mustelids, and some ungulates. Domestic cats and dogs have been known to develop plague from oral mucous membrane exposure to infected rodent tissues, typically when they are allowed to roam and hunt in enzootic areas. Birds and other nonmammalian vertebrates appear to be resistant to plague. On average, 10 human plague cases are reported each year in the USA; most are from New Mexico, California, Colorado, and Arizona. Most human cases result from the bite of an infected flea, although direct contact with infected wild rabbits, rodents, and occasionally other wildlife and exposure to infected domestic cats are also risk factors.
- Overview of Plague
Protothecosis

Protothecosis is an infection caused by members of the genus Prototheca (achlorophyllous algae found ubiquitously in the environment). Prototheca organisms are opportunistic and infect humans, some domestic animals, and wildlife. Mammary infections in cattle, cutaneous lesions in cats, hemorrhagic enteritis and systemic signs in dogs, and cutaneous, articular, and disseminated infections in humans represent the main clinical manifestations. The algae usually are refractory to conventional therapy.
- Protothecosis in Animals
Rhodococcus Infection

Rhodococcus infection causes pyogranulomatous disease, typically suppurative pneumonia, lymphadenitis, and abscesses in other organs, and affects both animals and humans. It is caused by Rhodococcus equi (formerly Corynebacterium equi), an opportunistic, ubiquitous soilborne bacterium. It is found worldwide and is a pathogen of major importance to equine breeding activities.
- Rhodococcus Infection in Animals
Sweating Sickness

Sweating sickness is an acute, febrile, tickborne toxicosis characterized mainly by a profuse, moist eczema and hyperemia of the skin and visible mucous membranes. It is essentially a disease of young calves, although adult cattle are also susceptible. Sheep, pigs, goats, and a dog have been infected experimentally. It occurs in eastern, central, and southern Africa and probably in Sri Lanka and southern India.
- Overview of Sweating Sickness
Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic protozoal infection worldwide. All homoeothermic animal species may be infected. Infection is generally asymptomatic and chronic in immunocompetent individuals. Common clinical signs are abortion and reproductive failure, especially in small ruminants, cervids, and pigs. Some susceptible animal species (e.g., Australian marsupials, New World monkeys, and meerkats), as well as immunocompromised individuals, suffer multiorgan failure, referred to asfatal toxoplasmosis. Humans may experience retinochoroiditis (ocular toxoplasmosis) or fetal neurologic disorders (congenital toxoplasmosis). Monitoring by means of serologic testing and anticoccidial treatments is recommended.
- Toxoplasmosis in Animals
Tuberculosis and other Mycobacterial Infections

Tuberculosis (TB) is considered a reemerging, infectious granulomatous disease in animals and people caused by acid-fast bacilli of the genus Mycobacterium. Although commonly defined as a chronic, debilitating disease, TB occasionally assumes an acute, rapidly progressive course. The disease affects practically all species of vertebrates. The widespread occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of M tuberculosis is of concern to clinicians and public health and regulatory officials involved in the control of disease. Bovine TB is still a significant zoonosis in nonindustrialized countries of the world. Signs and lesions are generally similar in the various species.
Tularemia

Tularemia is a bacterial septicemia that infects >250 species of wild and domestic mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and people. It is listed as a category A bioterrorism agent because of the potential for fatality, airborne dissemination, and societal disruption if released. Clinical signs depend on the host species, subspecies of bacteria, and route of infection. Diagnosis is confirmed by culture, serology, or PCR. Antibiotic treatment can be effective if begun early.
- Tularemia in Animals
Vesicular Stomatitis

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a viral disease of livestock transmitted primarily by biting flies and midges. The disease results in characteristic vesicular lesions that can occur on the muzzle, lips, tongue, ears, sheath, udder, ventral abdomen, and/or coronary bands. The disease is generally self-limiting, with no specific treatment, but some animals may require supportive care. VS is a reportable disease in most countries, including the United States, with diagnostic confirmation by complement fixation test, PCR, and/or virus isolation at an approved reference laboratory. In ruminants and swine, the disease is clinically indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, and vesicular exanthema of swine, which must be ruled out first on diagnostic testing. Vesicular stomatitis virus is zoonotic and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with lesioned animals, so personal protective measures should be used when handling infected livestock.
- Vesicular Stomatitis in Large Animals
African Horse Sickness

African horse sickness (AHS) is a life-threatening hemorrhagic disease of equids characterized by respiratory and circulatory impairment. It is caused by the AHS virus (AHSV), genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae. It is transmitted by midges (Culicoides spp) and endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. Diagnosis is by real-time PCR assay. Control is centered around vaccination.
- African Horse Sickness
Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis is a febrile disease of horses caused by the tick-transmitted bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The disease can produce a high fever, which is responsive to tetracycline-class drugs. Equine and canine infections serve as sentinels for human risk because the same tick species can transmit the pathogen to any of these host species.
- Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis
Equine Infectious Anemia

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a noncontagious infectious disease of equids caused by a virus of the same name. Clinical outcomes range from subclinical to a range of signs of variable severity, including fever, depression, muscle weakness, thrombocytopenia, anemia, jaundice, increased heart and respiration rates, hemorrhages on mucous membranes, epistaxis, collapse, and death in a small percentage of cases. Diagnosis of EIA is based on serologic testing and demonstration of antibodies to the virus in blood. There are no treatments or vaccines.
- Equine Infectious Anemia
Equine Viral Arteritis

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an economically important, contagious, viral disease of equids caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV). Exposure to EAV may result in clinical or more frequently, asymptomatic infection, depending on the virus strain, host genetic factors, and various management and environmental factors. EAV infection can cause abortion, respiratory illness, establishment of a carrier state in stallions, and interstitial pneumonia and death in young foals. Diagnosis of EVA is based on virus detection in body secretions or fluids, whole blood, or tissues by virus isolation, RT-PCR and in situ hybridization; identification of viral antigen in tissues; and detection of viral-specific antibodies by serology. The treatment of EVA is general supportive care during the acute phase of infection. There is no treatment to eliminate persistent infection in stallions. Attenuated and inactivated vaccines are available in North America and Europe, respectively, for prevention and control.
- Equine Viral Arteritis
Glanders

Glanders, an often fatal contagious disease of solipeds, now found in remote areas of the world, is caused by Burkholderia mallei. The disease is characterized by purulent nasal discharge, nasal mucosal ulceration, lung lesions, and ulcerating nodules along the subcutaneous lymphatics. Diagnosis is based on presence of nasal ulcers, complement fixation test reaction, positive mallein test, and culture and PCR. Control is based on isolation and culling of affected animals.
- Glanders in Horses and Other Animals
Hendra Virus Infection

Hendra virus infection is a viral disease that can cause acute fatal respiratory and/or neurologic signs in horses of all ages. People and dogs have been infected as spillover events from close contact with clinically infected horses. Diagnosis can be accomplished by viral isolation, PCR, or serology. There is no effective treatment for clinically infected animals, although a vaccine can prevent clinical disease in horses.
- Hendra Virus Infection in Horses
African Swine Fever

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly infectious and severe hemorrhagic disease of pigs that produces a wide range of clinical signs and lesions that can closely resemble those of classical swine fever. African swine fever virus (ASFV) has a case fatality rate of up to 100% in domestic pigs and wild boar. The virus is enzootic in many African countries, where it is maintained in the environment through a sylvatic cycle involving warthogs and Ornithodoros (soft) ticks. In 2007, ASFV spread from Africa to Georgia and has since spread to many countries across Northern and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Asia, including China, which produces over half of the world's pork. This outbreak has resulted in the death and slaughter of millions of pigs, posing a massive threat to the global pig industry. There is currently no effective vaccine.
- African Swine Fever
Classical Swine Fever

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease of swine. Infected pigs develop fever, hemorrhages, lethargy, yellowish diarrhea, vomiting, and a purple skin discoloration of the ears, lower abdomen, and legs. Neurologic signs, reproductive failures, and abortion may also be observed. Diagnostic tests for CSFV detection include RT-qPCR, virus isolation, immunofluorescence assay, and detection of antibodies by serologic tests such as ELISA and virus neutralization. There are no treatments for CSFV. Instead, vaccination against CSFV is used to prevent the disease and is usually applied in regions of the world where CSF is endemic. Countries considered free of the disease do not apply vaccination (eg, USA, Canada, and Europe).
- Classical Swine Fever
Edema Disease

Edema disease is a peracute toxemia caused by specific pathotypes of Escherichia coli that affect primarily healthy, rapidly growing nursery pigs. Other names for edema disease include “gut edema” or “bowel edema” because of the prominent edema of the submucosa of the stomach and mesocolon.
- Overview of Edema Disease
Encephalomyocarditis Virus Infection

Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) is an important viral infection of feral rodents, swine, and captive zoo mammals. It is caused by members of the genus Cardiovirus in the family Picornaviridae and recognized in many parts of the world. The virus has been recovered from rats, mice, squirrels, voles, domestic and wild swine, raccoons, antelope, lions, elephants, birds, and various species of nonhuman primates. Infections in humans have also been reported.
- Encephalomyocarditis Virus Infection in Animals
Glasser Disease

Glässer disease is caused by infection with Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis. The most common form is characterized by fibrinous polyserositis and polyarthritis, but septicemia with sudden death and bronchopneumonia also can occur. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and bacterial isolation or PCR. Antibiotic treatment remains the first option to control a disease outbreak, but several vaccines are available for prevention.
- Glässer Disease in Pigs
Nipah Virus Infection

Nipah virus disease is a relatively newly discovered disease of swine and humans caused by infection with a novel paramyxovirus termed Nipah virus. This disease emerged in Malaysia in 1998 and 1999. It was linked to severe encephalitis among people occupationally exposed to infected pigs in Malaysia and Singapore. The disease was eradicated from the national commercial swine population by control efforts. A number of fruit bats of the genus Pteropus seem to be reservoirs of the virus in Asia.
- Nipah Virus Infection in Swine
Porcine Circovirus Diseases

Porcine circoviruses have been associated with multiple disease conditions in pigs, including postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome and reproductive disorders. Virus has been detected in all body secretions. Depending on the specific type of circovirus, signs may include weight loss, late-term abortions and stillbirths, and a necrotizing vasculitis. Control of PCV-2 is by vaccination.
- Porcine Circovirus Diseases
Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis

Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis is a viral disease of piglets, characterized by a vomiting and wasting syndrome and/or encephalomyelitis. Although the virus is widespread, outbreaks are rare because sows pass protective antibodies during nursing. Diagnosis is suspected based on clinical signs and can be confirmed by viral isolation, immunofluorescence staining of tissues, or PCR. There is no treatment or vaccine. Control is focused on building immunity among breeding sows.
- Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is a viral disease first reported in 1987 in the USA and now found throughout North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. There are two distinct clinical phases: reproductive failure and postweaning respiratory disease. Diagnosis is by serology or PCR. There are no effective treatments, although modified-live vaccines provide partial protection against infection.
- Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome
Streptococcal Infections in Pigs

Of the bacterial group of gram-positive cocci comprising the genera Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Peptostreptococcus, streptococci constitute the most significant pathogens of swine. Streptococci are also associated with infectious conditions of people, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Relative to pigs, S suis (an alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus) is by far the most important agent of infectious diseases in this group, affecting mainly nursing and recently weaned pigs. Septicemia, meningitis, polyserositis, polyarthritis, and bronchopneumonia are associated with S suis infections.
Swine Vesicular Disease

Swine vesicular disease is a viral vesicular disease of pigs caused by an enterovirus closely related to human coxsackie virus B5. It is generally a mild disease that was endemic in Italy until recently; it has occurred only sporadically in other countries. Its importance is as a differential diagnosis for foot-and-mouth disease, from which it is clinically indistinguishable.
- Swine Vesicular Disease
Trichinellosis

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic condition affecting mammals, including humans, birds and reptiles caused by infection with Trichinella sp. People are most commonly infected by eating improperly cooked pork. Whereas infection in animals is usually undetected and of minimal clinical importance, trichinellosis is an important human public health risk globally. Prevention of disease in people is accomplished via appropriate meat inspection practices and proper cooking or freezing of meat and meat products.
- Trichinellosis in Animals
Vesicular Exanthema of Swine

Vesicular exanthema of swine (VES) is an acute, highly infectious disease characterized by fever and formation of vesicles on the snout, oral mucosa, soles of the feet, coronary bands, and between the toes.
- Vesicular Exanthema of Swine
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Bluetongue

Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminants worldwide. Clinical signs in sheep result from vascular endothelial damage, including edema of the muzzle, tongue, and coronary bands. Diagnosis is made on clinical suspicion and viral identification. Control and prevention measures consist of vaccination, where available, and vector control.
- Bluetongue in Ruminants
Bovine Ephemeral Fever

Bovine ephemeral fever is an arthropod-borne viral disease of cattle and water buffalo that causes milk production losses, recumbency, and sometimes death. Diagnosis is mostly performed by PCR. Treatment includes administration of NSAIDs, accompanied by supportive care to recumbent cows. Vaccine effectiveness varies.
- Bovine Ephemeral Fever
Bovine Leukosis

Lymphosarcoma in cattle may be sporadic or result from infection with bovine leukemia virus (BLV); the latter is often referred to as an enzootic bovine leukosis. Sporadic lymphosarcoma in cattle is unrelated to infection with BLV. Despite the lack of association, animals with sporadic lymphosarcoma may possibly be infected with the virus. Sporadic lymphosarcoma manifests in three main forms: juvenile, thymic, and cutaneous. Juvenile lymphosarcoma occurs most often in animals
- Overview of Bovine Leukosis
Bovine Petechial Fever

Bovine petechial fever is caused by the rickettsia Ehrlichia ondiri and affects cattle and some species of wildlife in the highlands of Kenya and Tanzania. Clinical signs include intermittent fever, depression, decreased milk production, and petechial hemorrhage affecting mucous membranes. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and can be confirmed by histopathologic evaluation. Treatment with antimicrobials may be successful if started early in the course of disease.
- Bovine Petechial Fever
Bovine Viral Diarrhea

Bovine viral diarrhea/mucosal disease is a pestivirus infection of cattle and other ruminants. Infection leads to immunosuppression and can cause signs in multiple body systems in addition to the digestive tract. Mucosal disease is an uncommon form of infection in persistently infected cattle and is typically fatal. Clinical signs range from inapparent infection to fever, depression, decreased milk production, abortion, diarrhea, and death. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, virus isolation, serology, and PCR. Treatment consists of supportive care. Improved biosecurity and vaccines are used for prevention and control.
- Bovine Viral Diarrhea and Mucosal Disease Complex
Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis

Caprine arthritis and encephalitis (CAE) is a persistent lentiviral infection of goats. There are multiple clinical presentations: 1) leukoencephalomyelitis, affecting 2- to 6-month-old kids, 2) chronic, hyperplastic polysynovitis, 3) indurative mastitis, and 4) interstitial pneumonia. Presence of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) can be confirmed in a goat herd by means of serologic testing; however, a positive result does not guarantee an individual animal will develop clinical signs of disease. A presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for CAEV, supportive care is indicated, with euthanasia necessary in severe cases.
- Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis
Colisepticemia

Colisepticemia is characterized by invasion of the blood stream by coliform bacteria and is primarily observed in neonates and immune-compromised animals. Affected animals show pronounced signs of systemic disease and tend to deteriorate rapidly. A presumptive diagnosis is made based on clinical signs in combination with hematologic and blood biochemical results. Blood cultures are considered a diagnostic gold standard, but they lack sensitivity, and results are not readily available. Therapy consists of immediate, thorough antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and fluid therapy.
- Colisepticemia
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe hemorrhagic disease affecting humans caused by the zoonotic CCHF virus. Many animal species and some birds can be infected without signs of illness in natural infection. Ticks are the main vector for human disease, as well as contact with blood or tissues of infected wild or domestic animals or that of other infected human patients.
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Animals
Heartwater

Heartwater is an infectious, noncontagious, tickborne rickettsial disease of ruminants. The disease is seen only in areas infested by ticks of the genus Amblyomma. These include regions of Africa south of the Sahara and the islands of the Comores, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sao Tomé, Réunion, and Mauritius. Heartwater was introduced to the Caribbean, and it and its vector (A variegatum) are endemic on the islands of Guadeloupe and Antigua. A variegatum, but not the rickettsia, has since spread to several other islands despite attempts at eradication. Possible spread to the mainland threatens the livestock industry of regions from northern South America to Central America and the southern USA. In heartwater endemic areas in southern Africa, it is estimated that mortalities due to the disease are more than double those due to bacillary hemoglobinuria (red water, All.see page Bacillary Hemoglobinuria in Animals) and anaplasmosis (All.see page Anaplasmosis in Ruminants) combined. Cattle, sheep, goats, and some antelope species are susceptible to heartwater. In endemic areas, some animals and tortoises may become subclinically infected and act as reservoirs. Indigenous African cattle breeds (Bos indicus), especially those with years of natural selection, appear more resistant to clinical heartwater than B taurus breeds.
- Overview of Heartwater
Histophilosis

Infection by Histophilus somni is common in North American cattle and sporadic in other locations worldwide. Sudden death, or a variety of clinical signs dependent on the system affected, may be observed. Diagnosis is based on histopathology, bacterial isolation, and PCR. Because identification of infected animals is difficult early in the course of the disease, antibiotic treatment may not be successful. Multivalent bacterins may help reduce morbidity and mortality.
- Histophilosis
Hemorrhagic Septicemia

Hemorrhagic septicemia is a disease of water buffalo and cattle in tropical regions caused by specific serotypes of Pasteurella multocida. Asymptomatic, pneumonic, and disseminated (endotoxemic) forms occur, often with peracute distress and high mortality. However, antimicrobial treatment very early in disease can reduce mortality. Definitive diagnosis requires the isolation of P multocida serotypes B:2 or E:2 or detection by molecular capsular and somatic serotype assays.
- Hemorrhagic Septicemia in Water Buffalo and Cattle
Malignant Catarrhal Fever

Malignant catarrhal fever is a severe, often fatal, lymphoproliferative disease of artiodactyls caused by ruminant gammaherpesviruses. Clinical signs include fever, oral and nasal erosions, enlarged lymph nodes, and centripetal corneal opacity. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and laboratory confirmation.
- Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Animals
Nairobi Sheep Disease

Nairobi sheep disease is a serious tickborne viral disease of small ruminants in Africa. It is characterized by peracute deaths and acute illness with severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Ganjam virus, which circulates in Asia, is now considered a variant of the same virus. There is no specific treatment, and case fatality rates are high.
- Nairobi Sheep Disease
Pasteurellosis of Sheep and Goats

Pasteurella and Mannheimia organisms are β-hemolytic, gram-negative, aerobic, nonmotile, nonsporeforming coccobacilli in the family Pasteurellaceae. This family tends to inhabit the mucosal surfaces of the GI, respiratory, and genital tract of mammals. Many are known as opportunistic secondary invaders. Some species show preferences for specific surfaces and hosts. Updating of phylogenetic data has resulted in renaming based on gene sequence analysis. As a result, P haemolytica biotypes A and T were reclassified as M haemolytica (biotype A) and P trehalosi (biotype T). More recently, P trehalosi has been reclassified as Bibersteinia trehalosi. Each isolate of M haemolytica and B trehalosi is designated with a biotype and serotype. M haemolytica A2 is the most common strain isolated from sheep and goat respiratory pasteurellosis, although A6, A13, and Ant have been reported in sheep and Ant in goats. M haemolytica A2 is routinely reported from cases of mastitis in sheep. B trehalosi T3, T4, T10, and T15 have been most often associated with the systemic or septicemic form of pasteurellosis affecting lambs. These serotypes have been regrouped to B trehalosi biotype 2, and a new biotype 4 has been added. B trehalosi is often isolated from the lungs of sheep, goats, and cattle, but pathogenicity is variable and may be incidental. P multocida has also been reported as a cause of pneumonic pasteurellosis in sheep and goats and has been isolated in herd outbreaks of septic arthritis. M haemolytica is the most commonly isolated bacteria in clinical cases, followed closely by B trehalosi, with P multocida seen less frequently.
- Overview of Pasteurellosis of Sheep and Goats
Peste des Petits Ruminants

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute or subacute viral disease of goats and sheep characterized by fever, necrotic stomatitis, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and sometimes death. It was first reported in Cote d’Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) in 1942 and subsequently in other parts of West Africa. Goats and sheep appear to be equally susceptible to the virus, but goats exhibit more severe clinical disease. The virus also affects several wild small ruminant species. Cattle, buffalo, and pigs are only subclinically infected. People are not at risk.
- Overview of Peste des Petits Ruminants
Rift Valley Fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a peracute or acute, mosquito-borne, zoonotic disease of domestic and wild ruminants in Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Large outbreaks of clinical disease are usually associated with heavy rainfall and localized flooding. During epidemics, the occurrence of abortions in livestock and deaths among young animals, particularly lambs, together with an influenza-like disease in people, is characteristic. However, infections are frequently subclinical or mild.
- Overview of Rift Valley Fever
Rinderpest

Rinderpest was the first animal disease to be globally eradicated. Because it was such a scourge and re-emergence remains a possibility, it is vital to maintain current information. Rinderpest was a viral disease of cattle and other ruminants (domestic and wild) characterized by fever, erosive stomatitis, diarrhea, and high morbidity and mortality. In the post-eradication era, testing for rinderpest, preferably using molecular methods, should be considered when an etiologic agent cannot be determined for an infectious disease with characteristic signs of rinderpest.
- Rinderpest
Tickborne Fever

Tickborne fever is a rickettsial disease of domestic and free-living ruminants in the temperate regions of Europe. Disease is transmitted by the hard tick Ixodes ricinus. The main clinical signs are sudden fever in sheep and depression, weight loss and decreased milk yield in cattle. Diagnosis is by PCR. Oxytetracyclines are the most effective treatment. There is no vaccine.
- Tickborne Fever in Ruminants
Tick Pyemia

Tick pyemia is mainly a staphylococcal superinfection of lambs already infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum,the causative agent of tickborne fever. This results in the formation of crippling abscesses in joints and other parts of the body. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, isolation of bacteria from lesions, and PCR. Penicillin or tetracycline can be used for treatment.
- Tick Pyemia in Lambs
Wesselsbron Disease

Wesselsbron disease is an acute, arthropod-borne flavivirus infection of mainly sheep, cattle, and goats in sub-Saharan Africa. Infection is common, but clinical disease is infrequent although likely under-reported. Newborn lambs and goat kids are most susceptible, and mortality may occur. Infection in adult sheep, cattle, and goats is usually subclinical, but disease may be severe in sheep with preexisting liver pathology. Occasional abortion in ewes, together with congenital malformation of the CNS with arthrogryposis of the ovine (and also the bovine) fetus and hydrops amnii in ewes, is seen. Incidental spillover occurs to people, causing a nonfatal, influenza-like disease.
- Overview of Wesselsbron Disease
Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide.
- Canine Distemper Overview
Canine Herpesviral Infection

Canine herpesvirus is best known as a severe viral infection of puppies worldwide, which often has a 100% mortality rate in affected litters. Increasingly sensitive molecular diagnostics have enabled its recognition in adult dogs with upper respiratory infection, ocular disease, vesicular vaginitis or posthitis, and in dogs with no clinical signs. As is typical of herpesviruses, recovery from clinical disease is associated with lifelong latent infection. Only canids (dogs, wolves, coyotes) are known to be susceptible. The seroprevalence in dog populations worldwide ranges from 20% to 98% depending on the region. Because latently infected animals may transiently convert to seronegative status, any seroprevalence study likely underestimates the true rate of exposure and carriage.
- Overview of Canine Herpesviral Infection
Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an immune-mediated disease triggered by infection with a feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV belongs to the family Coronaviridae, a group of enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses frequently found in cats. Coronavirus-specific antibodies are present in as many as 90% of cats in catteries and in as many as 50% of those in single-cat households. However,
- Overview of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious causes of disease of cats globally. Infection with FeLV can cause a variety of clinical signs, impacting a cat's longevity and quality of life. Vaccination and identification of infected cats is important in preventing disease transmission.
- Feline Leukemia Virus Disease
Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is a parvoviral infectious disease of kittens typically characterized by depression, anorexia, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and consequent severe dehydration. Adult cats are much less often affected. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs, severe neutropenia and lymphopenia, and fecal viral antigen or PCR testing. Treatment includes intensive fluid therapy, glucose and potassium supplementation, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and antiemetic therapy, and sometimes immunotherapy.
- Feline Panleukopenia
Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a worldwide, contagious disease of dogs with signs that vary from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to severe depression, marked leukopenia, and coagulation disorders. It also is seen in foxes, wolves, coyotes, bears, lynx, and some pinnipeds; other carnivores may become infected without developing clinical illness. In recent years, the disease has become uncommon in areas where routine immunization is done, but periodic outbreaks, which may reflect maintenance of the disease in wild and feral hosts, reinforce the need for continued vaccination.
- Overview of Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Leishmaniosis

The leishmaniases are spectral diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Key signs range from localized cutaneous lesions to lymphadenopathy and renal failure for visceral disease. Diagnosis is often made via serology, with quantitative serologic tests such as immunofluorescence assays or ELISA as confirmation. Treatment options are limited by World Health Organization guidelines in human disease endemic areas and by drugs that are FDA-approved within the USA, but include combination use of allopurinol with miltefosine, or liposomal amphotericin B within the USA, and glucantime internationally.
- Leishmaniosis in Dogs
- Feline Leishmaniosis
Rickettsial Diseases

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-transmitted disease that infects blood cells and can cause a variety of signs from none to fever and generalized achiness to possible fatality. Several species of bacteria cause ehrlichiosis, and some of the species infect humans as well as animals such as dogs. Diagnosis is based on signs, serology, and PCR. Doxycycline is the treatment of choice.