Lumpy dermatitis in cattle treated with nitox. Method for the treatment of lumpy skin disease in cattle

The skin is one of the largest organs of both humans and animals. Diseases of this organ adversely affect the health of the whole organism, since damage to the skin often indicates a malfunction in the internal organs. In addition, skin diseases often spread to adjacent tissues and organs, so the presence of a skin disease is a serious cause for concern and requires timely treatment.

Skin diseases of cattle: symptoms and treatment

Damage to the skin of cows is manifested not only in the presence of itching, sores, scars and other symptoms, but also in the deterioration of the general condition of the cow. An animal with a skin disease does not eat well, shows anxiety or, conversely, falls into apathy, which is badly reflected in the number of milk yields, the fattening of the cow and the financial profit of the farm as a result.

The symptomatology of skin lesions in cows is always clear and understandable, therefore it depends only on the owner how timely he can start treatment.

Eczema

This disease is characterized by inflammatory processes in the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) and causes serious consequences (from reduced milk yield to aggressiveness and developmental disorders in calves).

Causes of eczema:

• poor sanitary conditions (damp bedding, mold and dampness in the stall);
• frostbite of the skin, teats or udder (if there are drafts in the stall in winter);
• skin irritation or injury;
• unbalanced diet (lack of vitamins, an abundance of sugar and carbohydrates);
• fungal or bacterial infections;
• the presence of bloodsuckers (tick, gadfly, wither, etc.), as well as worms;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• allergic reaction due to antibiotics.

Important! Another rare cause of eczema is congenital sensitization - hypersensitivity of the skin.

1. Erythematous (initial): general redness, swelling, itching - the cow begins to itch a lot and show anxiety.
2. Papular (nodular): small nodules appear, sores that do not disappear when pressed. Puffiness increases, there is a strong burning sensation and inflammation.
3. Vesicular and weeping (the most acute form): nodules are filled with purulent contents. The sores increase in size and burst upon contact with each other. In such affected areas, hair falls out, and scars may remain in place of bursting abscesses.
4. Scab-shaped: the spilled pus gradually dries up, forming a hard crust.
5. Scaly (final): gradual healing, subsidence of edema, falling off of scabs and crusts, the beginning of skin recovery.

Treatment depends on the stage of the course of the disease - for example, at the initial stage, treatment with antiseptic agents may be sufficient, but in the acute form, it is possible to turn to antibiotics.

Therapy for progressive eczema looks like this:

1. Treatment of damaged areas with furatsilin, tar ointment, boric alcohol solution, as well as applying bandages with antiseptic ointment (for 10-15 minutes).
2. Taking non-hormonal drugs - "Tsidosept", camphor and tar ointment, zinc solution. These anti-inflammatory drugs are used almost without restriction.
3. Antibiotics - in the presence of an acute bacterial infection. Also, the use of antifungal ointments (Zoomikol, Mikosept and other ointments with tetracycline) is additionally prescribed.
4. Antihistamines - calcium chloride solution, Suprastin, etc.

In especially severe cases, autohemotherapy is used - an infusion of the cow's own venous blood under the skin. It helps to stimulate protective functions, and promotes the regeneration of epidermal cells.

Prevention eczema is a timely examination by a veterinarian, compliance with sanitary standards, balanced feed and regular examination of the skin of cows.

Lichen

The main reason for the appearance of lichen is infection with trichophytons and microsporums - pathogenic pathogenic fungi that can live on infected areas of the skin for 5-8 years. The danger of depriving lies in the fact that such an ailment can easily pass to other animals, young calves and even humans. Pathogenic lichen spores remain on the skin, wool, drinkers, feeders, so to get rid of the disease, you will need a thorough disinfection of the room and all equipment in it.

Causes of lichen:

• weakened immunity of the animal;
• lack of vitamins;
• increased skin sensitivity;
• contact with a sick animal or a person infected with lichen.

Symptoms of lichen depend on the specific stage of the course of the disease:

1. Erased- mild form, affects mainly adults. In small areas of the skin, broken and tousled hairs appear, which can peel off. There may be slight itching. To accurately determine lichen at the erased stage, additional laboratory analysis is necessary, since the external signs of the disease are still poorly expressed.
2. superficial- increased itching, foci with ruffled hairs increase, some areas of the coat begin to become covered with inflamed crusts. Hair loss begins, in the place of such bald spots, inflamed wounds can be found.

   Did you know? The taste of a cow's milk directly depends on what kind of food she ate before. So, having used wormwood, the cow will give her milk a bitter aftertaste, but if she eats a flowering clover, the milk will become sweetish.

3. Deep- mainly found in weakened cattle with low immunity. The animal becomes irritable, refuses to eat, rapidly loses weight. Severe inflammation of the skin begins - large dried crusts appear that resemble dough. From the wounds, pus and mucus with an unpleasant odor can ooze, rapid hair loss begins (it can fall out in whole areas).
4. blistered- merging of individual spots into one large infected area. The appearance of deep ulcers with pus. Exhaustion of livestock, complete rejection of food and food, a fatal outcome is possible.

Treatment of lichen is always aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the disease:

1. Placing a sick animal in quarantine.
2. The introduction of an antifungal drug (or vaccine) intramuscularly. Injections are carried out every 10–14 days (there can be up to 4–6 injections in total, then a break is necessary).
3. Use of antifungal ointments and keratolic balms. Such products containing active antifungal components help get rid of the causative agent of the disease. Ointments are applied to the affected areas every 12 hours. In order for the cow not to lick off the ointment, a gauze bandage is additionally applied on top, which is fastened with a bandage.
4. Drinking an animal with vitamin products is necessary to raise immunity.
5. Thorough disinfection of the animal stall, feeders and drinkers - any disinfectants that are safe for animals (iodine and salicylic alcohol solution, formalin, bleach, etc.) are suitable for this.

In addition, a sick animal needs to improve the quality of nutrition and ensure peace. Certain antibiotics may be given by the veterinarian to reduce itching and pain in the animal.

Important! When treating wounds of a sick animal, as well as when injecting, feeding, etc., always use sterile protective gloves (moreover, they can only be used once and a new pair must be worn for each subsequent wound treatment).

Prevention of lichen is timely vaccination (vaccines TF-130 and TF-130K), regular examination by a veterinarian, quality control of nutrition, regular feeding with vitamin supplements, as well as periodic disinfection of the entire barn (at least 1 time in 3 months).

Lumpy dermatitis

An infectious disease, accompanied by fever, swelling of the skin and the appearance of characteristic tubercles on it, as well as damage to internal organs (with a severe form of the disease). It is characterized by a decrease in milk yield, weight loss of livestock, in some cases - the onset of sterility (a cow can no longer conceive and bear a calf).

The causes of lumpy dermatitis are:

• infection with a dermatitis virus through the blood - the source can be either an infected animal or birds and blood-sucking insects;
• insemination of a cow with an infected bull;
• infection of a calf by a sick mother through milk;
• general weakening of the immune system and lack of vitamins.

Symptoms of lumpy skin disease are similar to those of smallpox:

• the appearance of small nodules on the skin;
• general inflammation of the skin, swelling;
• severe fever a day after infection;
• increase in body temperature;
• the formation in the groin, udder, head of very dense tubercles, which sometimes merge into one large swollen lump;
• tearing and gray discharge from the nose (sometimes with pus);
• loss of appetite, weakness;
• profuse salivation (in severe form), heavy breathing, severe swelling of the lymph nodes, sometimes asphyxia;
• the appearance of erosions on the internal organs (mainly in the intestinal tract and lungs), as well as the cornea of ​​​​the eye. Sometimes, due to erosion, blindness occurs.

Treatment of lumpy dermatitis in a progressive and severe stage (when the disease has been active for more than 30 hours), unfortunately, it is impossible: the sick animal and those that have been in contact with it are killed and thorough disinfection and disinfestation measures are taken.

Animals at risk (that were within a radius of 10–15 km from the source of infection or were suspected of being infected) are placed in quarantine, where they are vaccinated and provided with fortified feeding.

Prevention of lumpy dermatitis is an annual immunization - the cow is injected with 3 strains of special sheep pox virus. Some vaccinated animals may show local signs of disease (appearance of bumps) that disappear within 2 weeks. The duration of the vaccine is 1 year.

Scabies (demodectic mange)

This disease is caused by subcutaneous mites, which most often appear in young individuals in the hair follicles. When one cow becomes ill, scabies is quickly transmitted to the entire herd, so a sick animal must be placed in quarantine.

Causes of scabies:

• non-compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards in the barn (waste accumulation, as well as a humid environment contributes to the cultivation of scabies mites);
• contact with a sick animal;
• damage to the skin or excessive sensitivity of the skin.

• the appearance of weeping elevated formations with a diameter of up to 10 mm in the area of ​​​​the udder, head and neck of the animal, as well as on the limbs;
• severe itching (the animal constantly itches);
• peeling of the skin. With the progression of the disease - the appearance of dense crusts;
• anxiety of the animal, loss of appetite.

Treatment of scabies is aimed at getting rid of scabies mites:

1. A sick animal is placed in quarantine.
2. Insecticidal ointments, sprays and balms are used, which are applied to the affected areas (drugs based on butomat, trichlorfon, phosphoric acid). Processing is carried out every 10 days.
3. With a highly progressive disease - applying antiseptic compresses to combed wounds;
4. Vitaminization of feeding.

Scabies prevention is the regular spraying of insecticides in the premises where cows are kept (at least once a month). A prerequisite for prevention or treatment is also adherence to sanitary standards (cleaning the barn from dirt, food residues, regular ventilation, etc.).

A skin disease caused by streptococci. It is characterized by a change in skin color (the appearance of pinkish spots that can peel off), anxiety of the animal. The danger of the disease lies in the risk of transmission from a sick cow to a healthy animal and person.

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Causes of streptoderma:

• any damage to the skin (wounds, scratches, bites and scratching);
• low immunity, lack of vitamins;
• bites of insects carrying streptococci;
• contact with sick animals.

Symptoms of streptoderma are:

• the appearance of pinkish scaly spots on the skin, udder;
• itching and burning of the skin;
• the formation of dry crusts at the site of combed wounds;
• intense thirst, restlessness of the animal.

Treatment of streptoderma is based on the use of antiseptic and antibacterial drugs:

1. The animal is placed in quarantine.
2. External treatment of wounds and flaky spots with furatsilin, Levomekol or other antiseptics.
3. Application of wet compresses (based on 2% resorcinol). The bandage is applied daily for 7-10 days.
4. With a strong neglect of the disease - injections of antibiotics against streptococci.

Prevention of streptoderma consists in regular antiseptic treatment of the barn, timely isolation of a sick animal (to avoid infection of healthy cows), as well as a balanced diet and examination by a veterinarian.

Hypodermatosis

A dangerous chronic ailment that is caused by gadflies and their larvae living under the skin. This disease affects not only the skin, but also almost all internal organs, which negatively affects not only the number of milk yields and meat productivity, but also the health of the cow as a whole.

The causes of hypodermatosis in cows are:

Symptoms of hypodermatosis:

• the appearance of small wounds, from which serous exudate is released - this occurs when hatched gadfly larvae penetrate into the subcutaneous tissue;
• painful sensations of the animal, itching and burning, scratching of wounds;
• animal anxiety;
• decrease in milk yield, loss of appetite;
• decreased activity of the cow, apathy;
• swelling of the skin, the presence of inflammatory processes. On palpation, pus may be released;
• the appearance of dense bumps (2-3 weeks after infection) in the ridge, back, lower back, chest and lower abdomen.

Treatment of hypodermatosis begins after an accurate diagnosis has been established (according to the presence of tubercles in the ridge and back):

1. A sick cow and all animals in the herd that have been in contact with her are placed in quarantine.
2. "Early chemotherapy" (in the summer) is used - this is the use of systemic insecticides that can eliminate the first stage gadfly larvae: "Cydectin", "Aversect", "Hypodectin-H". Slaughter for meat after treatment with such drugs is allowed after at least 5 days. If slaughter is to be carried out earlier, then the meat of such a cow is unfit for human consumption, but can be used to feed carnivores.
3. The introduction of injections of "Dermacin" or any drug based on ivermectin (the procedure is performed once, subcutaneously or intramuscularly).
4. Carrying out "late chemotherapy" (in the autumn period) - repeated use of drugs in the same doses. Also, the back is additionally watered with an aqueous emulsion with a solution of cypermethrin and Butox (250 ml per animal). It is important to carry out this procedure in such a way that the cow cannot lick off this emulsion.
5. Strengthening the quality of cow nutrition, additional antibiotics are possible.

Prevention of hypodermatosis is the treatment of animals with insecticidal agents, the disinfection of manure, the treatment of cows with anti-fungal drugs (before the season of gadfly flights), as well as a balanced diet and regular examination by a veterinarian.

Lice (pediculosis)

The disease of cows with pediculosis occurs due to the defeat of lice - small whitish insects. Lice are dangerous because they are carriers of various viral and fungal diseases, so the disease can lead to very serious consequences.

Important! A head lice cow does not need to be quarantined, but treatment should be given to every animal that has been in contact with the cow.

• poor sanitary and hygienic conditions;
• contact with a sick animal;
• drop in immunity, lack of vitamins in the body.

Signs of pediculosis:

• itching and trembling over the body of a cow;
• decrease in skin elasticity;
• breakage of wool, the appearance of dull and tousled hairs;
• constant desire to scratch;
• loss of appetite, refusal of water;
• reduction in the number of milk yields;
• lag of young growth in growth;
• in some cases - anemia.

Treatment of pediculosis is complex: moreover, if lice infect one individual, then the whole herd is usually treated (since the probability of disease of other cows is almost 100%):

In addition to medicines, a good folk remedy against lice is used - wood ash. It is rubbed into the affected areas of the skin every 2 hours for two days. Re-treatment is carried out after 5-7 days.

Prevention Pediculosis in a cow is a timely examination of the animal for the presence of lice, the periodic use of repellents (treatment of places of frequent accumulation of lice - the spine, horns, head, tail and abdomen), compliance with sanitary standards, and regular treatment of the barn with antimicrobial agents.

Prevention of skin diseases

The best treatment for any skin disease is timely prevention: it is easier to prevent an ailment than to cure it.

Did you know?In the old days, when plowing the land in a plow, it was more often not bulls that were harnessed, but cows, since they are calmer and easier to control.

• nutrition quality control - balanced feed, as well as the introduction of vitamin supplements;
• observance of sanitary and hygienic standards in the barn: timely cleaning of manure and replacement of bedding, elimination of dampness and drafts;
• periodic treatment of the barn with any antiseptic preparations (at least 1 time in 2 months);
• compliance with the vaccination plan (against smallpox and lumpy dermatitis);
• careful examination of each cow, observation of the behavior and appetite of the animal;
• scheduled vet checkups.

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Lumpy dermatitis of cattle(tuberculosis; Dermatitis nodularis bovum - lat., Lumpy skin disease - English) - an infectious disease caused by a virus and characterized by short-term fever, lesions of the skin, lymphatic system, mucous membranes, with the formation of tubercles in the subcutaneous tissue and their necrosis.

Prevalence. The disease was first observed in 1929 in Northern Rhodesia, clinical symptoms were described in 1931 (R. Mac Donald). Subsequently, it was registered in most countries of South Africa, in 1954 in Madagascar. According to R. S. Lefevre et al. (1979), over the past decade, tubercles have been identified in many countries of the African continent, and have also been registered in a number of northwestern states of India (R. M. Sharma, 1962).

Economic damage. Mortality in this disease does not exceed 10%. However, according to many authors, the economic damage is significant, since milk and meat productivity decreases, the quality of raw hides decreases, the sexual cycle in cows is disrupted, and temporary sexual sterility develops in bulls. D. R. Nawathe et al. (1978), R. M. Sharma et al. (1962) indicated that this infection in India annually causes damage of 50 million rupees.

Pathogen. I. L. Backstrom (1945), R. M. Robinson, P. A. Alexander (1945) established the infectious nature of tubercles. In 1948, Van der Ende, P. Alexander, Kipps isolated the causative agent of this disease in chicken embryos. In 1956-1957. P. Alexander, W. Plowright, D. Haig, studying material from sick animals in calf kidney cell culture, isolated viral agents that differed in cytopathic action. Subsequently, these viruses were divided into three groups, which were designated: 1- Orphelins (orphan); 2-Allerton; 3 - Neethling. J. Prydie, W. Coackley (1959) proved that only a virus belonging to the third group causes lumpy dermatitis and attributed the pathogen to the smallpox virus family. Antigenically, it turned out to be related to the sheep pox virus (J. B. Capstick et al., 1961).
In the experiment, the Allerton virus causes mild illness in animals, and the introduction of Orphelins is not accompanied by the manifestation of clinical signs of the disease.

The tubercle virus multiplies in chicken embryos, in primary cell cultures of calves, lambs, and rabbits. Cattle, sheep, goats, suckling mice, guinea pigs, and to a lesser extent rabbits are susceptible to experimental infection. The causative agent is relatively resistant to changes in the pH of the environment (within 2-10), 20% solutions of ether and chloroform inactivate it (R. E. Weiss, 1959).

epidemiological data. Under natural conditions, cattle, especially cultivated breeds, as well as zebu are most susceptible to lumpy skin disease. The main source of the pathogen are sick animals and virus carriers. At the initial occurrence of the disease in the herd, from 5 to 50%, in some cases up to 75 and 100% of animals are affected. The infection is transmitted mainly through blood-sucking mosquitoes, flies, which are apparently mechanical carriers D. A. Haig (1955) reported a high concentration of the virus in the saliva and salivary glands of sick animals, which, according to the author, plays a role in transmission the causative agent of the disease. There is speculation that the virus may be spread by individual bird species. There are reports of cases of introduction of the tubercle pathogen into sheep farms. According to V. N. Ali, H. M. Abeid (1977), in Sudan the first outbreak of the disease was registered at the end of August 1971 in an area with good pastures and water sources. D. R. Nawathe et al. (1978) in Nigeria noted the greatest defeat of cattle in July - August (from 25 to 75% of the livestock in the herds). In the dry season of the year, epizootic outbreaks were not detected. At the same time, tubercles were not observed among wild ruminants. R. C. Lefevre et al. (1979), analyzing the epizootic situation of lumpy skin disease in Africa, came to the conclusion that the infection is gradually spreading to the north and west of the African continent.

Pathogenesis insufficiently studied, since under experimental conditions it is not always possible to reproduce the typical clinical signs of the disease. With subcutaneous infection of cattle, after 4-7 days, painful tubercles form at the injection site of the virus-containing material, around which an inflammatory reaction occurs up to 20 cm in diameter. Inflammation captures not only the skin, but also subcutaneous tissue, sometimes muscle tissue. Generalization of the process is observed on the 7-19th day after infection of animals, this is preceded by fever for 48 hours or more.

The virus in the blood is detected 3-4 days after the rise in temperature and the mass formation of tubercles. During this period, the virus with blood penetrates into the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, nose, eyes, vagina, prepuce, salivary, mammary glands, testes. The formation of tubercles is accompanied by hyperplasia of the skin epithelium. The occurrence of edema in the dermis is associated with vascular thrombosis, which leads to coagulating necrosis of surrounding tissues. The inflammatory process covers the lymph nodes, but the mechanism of this process has not been elucidated. Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, nodes, the formation of ulcerated wounds, septic complications may occur due to secondary infection.

Clinical signs. The incubation period for natural infection varies from 2 to 4 weeks. In the acute form in the initial stage, the disease is accompanied by fever (body temperature rises to 40 ° C), loss of appetite, lacrimation, serous-mucous discharge from the nose. After 48 hours, a nodular rash appears, raised above the skin, round in shape, with a diameter of 0.2 cm to 5 cm. The number of nodules varies from a few to many hundreds, which can be found in all parts of the skin. Regional lymph nodes are clearly marked. In sick animals, body weight rapidly decreases, and in lactating cows - milk yield due to the occurrence of mastitis. In rare cases, nervous disorders and aggressiveness of animals occur. Cows have had abortions.

In severe form, prolonged fever, loss of appetite, and emaciation are noted. Tubercles are formed throughout the body, on the external mucous membranes, and it is also possible to damage the trachea, pharynx, the occurrence of pulmonary edema with a fatal outcome from asphyxia or the development of bronchopneumonia. In the subacute form, there are no noticeable signs of skin lesions. The disease is manifested by a short-term fever of 2-5 days, lack of appetite.

The atypical form occurs in newborn calves and presents with intermittent diarrhea and fever but no noticeable signs of skin lesions. In adult animals, there is a loss of appetite, periodic fever. The inapparent form is asymptomatic, but is accompanied by virus carrying and the formation of virus-neutralizing antibodies.

Pathological changes. On the section of the tubercles, a connective tissue of a white-grayish color, of a dense consistency is found, the skin and subcutaneous tissue are saturated with a serous reddish liquid. Necrotized tubercles contain caseous masses, under which ulcers form. Tubercles are also detected between muscle fibers, in the lungs, abomasum, scar, uterus. On the pleura, heart, liver, hemorrhages are noted. Histomorphological changes depend on the stage of development of the process. In the initial stage of the disease, epithelial cells are enlarged and vacuoles appear in them. In the histosections of the tubercles, cytoplasmic inclusions of a round or oval shape, often larger than the nucleus, are found. These inclusions are found in epithelial cells and histiocytes.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Typical forms of tubercles are easily diagnosed. Atypical forms, sporadic cases are more difficult to determine. In this case, it is necessary to isolate the virus and identify it. Clinical diagnosis is based on epidemiological data and symptomatology. The appearance of tubercles in the skin, mucous membranes, the reaction of superficial lymph nodes are characteristic signs of lumpy dermatitis. The final diagnosis is made on the basis of laboratory research methods. On histopathological sections, cytoplasmic inclusions are found in the epithelial cells of the affected skin areas. These inclusions in tubercles are detected in more than 90% of cases. Isolation and identification of the virus is carried out on primary cell cultures in a neutralization reaction.

Differential diagnosis is important in the initial stage of the disease. In this case, streptotrichosis, onchocerciasis, skin tuberculosis, skin reaction to insect and snake bites should be excluded.

Outcome with lumpy dermatitis usually favorable. The death of animals does not exceed 10%, but more often it is 1-2%. Immunity and means of specific prophylaxis. In animals vaccinated with a heterogeneous vaccine, immunity is created up to 2 years. The most widely used lyophilized culture virus vaccine from the Neethling strain, which creates immunity lasting up to 3 years. Several million head of cattle have been vaccinated with this vaccine in a number of countries in South and North Africa with positive results.

Prevention and control measures. Specific treatments have not been developed. Natural recovery occurs in 90% of cases. Symptomatic treatment is applied. Animals are provided with good conditions for feeding and keeping. Shower installations are used for washing the skin of animals with disinfectants.

Animals that have been ill develop strong immunity to re-infection. In some countries, a cultured heterogeneous Clavelia virus vaccine is used, which causes a skin syndrome in sheep similar to bovine tubercle, but antigenically different from the Neethling virus. On the African continent and Madagascar, protective and quarantine measures did not give the expected results, and lumpy dermatitis, which appeared in Zimbabwe and South Africa, gradually spread to almost all countries of South, partly North and West Africa. The reason, obviously, is the insufficient knowledge of the epizootology of the disease, especially in identifying the sources and ways of transmission and spread of an infectious disease.

unified system veterinary and sanitary prophylaxis in this disease has not been developed. In some countries - Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, livestock owners are required to report the appearance of the disease to the veterinary service. At the same time, the movement of livestock is prohibited, the transportation of skins, sick and suspected animals are isolated. The bodies are burned or buried in the ground. The sale of milk is prohibited, animals with clinical signs are killed. In Mozambique, in a disadvantaged area, the slaughter of wild animals that can transmit the infectious agent is recommended. According to the recommendations of the FAO, the movement of livestock in disadvantaged areas, the transportation of livestock products through countries where tubercles are registered, are also prohibited. In dysfunctional foci, disinfection and disinsection are used. It is noted that veterinary and sanitary measures in combination with specific prophylaxis, slaughter of sick cattle can achieve good results in the fight against tubercle.

Lumpy dermatitis of cattle (skin tubercle, nodular rash) is an infectious disease caused by DNA-containing viruses from the group of Poxoviruses ( Poxviridae).

Clinical manifestation and pathogenesis

Lumpy skin disease of cattle is on the list of especially dangerous diseases of the World Organization for Animal Health. The disease may not appear immediately, which carries the danger of keeping animal carriers of the virus together with healthy individuals and, as a result, the spread of infection. The first symptoms appear between 3 and 30 days, but usually within 7 days. There is an increase in temperature up to 40 ° C, the formation of mucous discharge from the nose, lacrimation, the animal loses its appetite. At the same time, there is an increase in superficial lymph nodes, which are well palpated, especially subscapular. It is important to note that against the background of the development of lumpy dermatitis, there is a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood of the animal (leukopenia), suppression of immunity. After a few days, nodules form on the skin in an amount from several tens to several hundred pieces. The nodules are noticeable large up to 7 cm in diameter. Subsequently, the nodules become necrotic and disappear after 7-20 days. With complications, the nodules ulcerate, ulcers persist for a long period of time. Lumpy dermatitis can occur in severe form, when nodules form on the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, erosions form on the eyelids, corneal clouding occurs, and partial or complete blindness occurs. A severe form of lumpy skin disease is also accompanied by prolonged fever, exhaustion, saliva becomes thick and viscous, purulent discharge with a fetid odor is observed from the nose. There is also an atypical form of lumpy dermatitis in calves, in which nodules are formed on the skin, however, there are signs of fever and diarrhea. Often, the development of concomitant diseases, such as tracheitis, pneumonia, damage to the genital organs, damage to the joints caused by a bacterial infection that appears against the background of a decrease in general immunity.

The main carriers of infection are blood-sucking insects (mosquitoes, horseflies). The virus can also be transmitted from infected animals to healthy animals through direct or indirect contact. Infectious agents can be found in milk, mucosal secretions, saliva, semen, and milk of infected animals. Lumpy dermatitis outbreaks are most common in hot, humid weather.

Lumpy dermatitis leads to chronic exhaustion of the animal, reduced milk yield, growth rate, infertility, and in some cases leads to the death of cattle (up to 10% of the livestock). The milk of sick cows is pink in color, thickens, milks with difficulty, and becomes gel-like when heated.

Origin and spread of the disease

Initially, the first cases of lumpy skin disease were noted in East Africa in 1929. Within 50 years, the disease spread to the north of the continent, and in subsequent decades to the Middle East (Israel, Turkey, Iran) and Europe (Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, etc.). Unfortunately, outbreaks of the disease have also occurred in the Russian Federation. The Republic of Dagestan, the Chechen Republic, the Republic of Ingushetia, the Republic of Kalmykia, the Stavropol Territory, the Krasnodar Territory, the Astrakhan Region, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and other southern regions of the country are in the high-risk zone. In 2018, the focus of infection was discovered in the Orenburg region of the Russian Federation.

Economic consequences of the spread of lumpy skin disease

The economic damage that can be caused by the spread of this disease is very significant, given that the incidence rate can reach 50%, and the cure takes a long period of time. Another unpleasant feature of lumpy skin disease is that the animal that has had the disease does not fully develop immunity and it can become infected again. To illustrate the extent of the possible losses, consider the example of a number of Balkan countries, in particular Albania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia, which were affected by the spread of lumpy skin disease in 2016. Costs incurred, which included costs associated with loss of productivity and culling of the herd, as well as costs for the treatment of sick animals, amounted to 16.6 million euros in 2016 alone. In the following year, the costs dropped sharply to 4 million euros and are mainly related to the cost of vaccination. The numbers clearly show that the costs of preventing lumpy skin disease are not comparable to the costs associated with treating and limiting the spread of the disease. In this regard, it is extremely important to detect diseases as early as possible, preferably during the incubation period. Modern diagnostic methods based on the polymerase chain reaction make it possible to detect animal carriers of a viral infection and take appropriate measures to prevent lumpy skin disease.

Prevention of lumpy skin disease

Given the high risk of the disease and the damage that infection can cause, it is very important to take adequate measures to prevent lumpy skin disease. First of all, it is necessary to carry out timely disinfestation of the barn, maintain low humidity and normal temperature conditions in rooms with animals. Measures to prevent the transmission of the virus through blood-sucking insects also include treatment with insecticidal and repellent preparations. For example, such treatment can be carried out with an insecticidal preparation in the amount of 10 ml per animal weighing more than 300 kg. .

Insecticide "Cyflon"

Alternatively, cattle can be treated with a preparation containing deltamerin as the active ingredient. For the treatment of livestock buildings in order to destroy mosquitoes, flies and other insects, it is recommended to use insectoacaricidal agent.

Equally important are measures to maintain a high immune status of the animal. Thanks to these measures, the susceptibility of animals to infectious agents, including poxoviruses that cause lumpy skin disease, is significantly reduced, as a result of which the number of individuals that are carriers of lumpy skin disease virus and pose a potential danger to the entire livestock is reduced. Excellent results in strengthening the immunity of cattle were shown by preparations based on the species-specific protein of bovine recombinant interferon: and (BelAgroGen). These drugs are used intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For prophylactic purposes, two doses of these drugs are allowed with an interval of 48 hours in the following doses:

Table 1

The high efficiency of the preparations was also shown when used together with sheep pox or a specific vaccine. As a result of joint use, the effectiveness of vaccination increases while simultaneously stimulating the activity of the immune system. The preparations are administered to cattle intramuscularly or subcutaneously once 48 hours before vaccination in doses at the doses given in Table 1.

When using vaccines from attenuated strains of sheep pox virus, after primary vaccination, cases of illness and death of already infected animals that were in the incubation period of the disease, as well as the manifestation of various side effects in healthy individuals, are possible. Side effects with the use of such vaccines can be expressed in the appearance of skin nodules, however, less pronounced and smaller in size compared to the nodules that occur with the development of lumpy dermatitis. There may also be a temporary increase in temperature and a short-term drop in milk yield. The use of a veterinary drug before vaccination can significantly reduce the number and severity of effects of this kind and improve the economic effect obtained by vaccination.

Treatment of lumpy dermatitis

Immunostimulating drugs can also be used for mild lumpy skin disease intramuscularly or subcutaneously 1 time per day for 3 days at the doses shown in Table 1. For animals weighing more than 100 kg on the first day of treatment, it is advisable to increase the dose by 1.5-2 times . As noted earlier, with the development of lumpy dermatitis, there is a decrease in immunity, leukopenia. or allows you to eliminate this effect and activate the body's defenses to fight the infectious agent.

With a mixed viral-bacterial infection and severe lumpy dermatitis, it is recommended to use veterinary drugs, , , which in addition to the immunostimulatory protein compound contain an antibiotic. These drugs have both immunostimulatory and antibacterial effects, which allows you to deal not only with the disease itself, but also with various complications that arise against its background. These drugs are administered intramuscularly 1 time per day for 3-5 days:

It is possible to use the drug in the above doses (the first day is a 2-fold increase in the dose) for 5-7 days together with antibacterial drugs (,, etc.). The choice of a specific type of antibiotic depends on the nature of the bacterial infection that develops against the background of lumpy dermatitis.

In the acute phase and in severe lumpy dermatitis, symptomatic treatment is used.

At elevated temperatures, a drug is prescribed that has a strong anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic and antitoxic effect. The drug is administered once intravenously or intramuscularly at a dose of 2 ml per 45 kg of live weight. If necessary, repeated administration is allowed 24 hours after the first.

To intensify the processes of regeneration, healing of ulcers, stimulation of immunity, a veterinary drug is used. , 1 time per day for 3-5 days in the following doses:

The above treatment regimens have been successfully tested in the southern regions of the Russian Federation (Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Krasnodar Territory and others) and have shown their high efficiency.

Preparations based on species-specific interferons produced by Scientific and Production Center BelAgroGen LLC are a powerful tool in the fight against viral diseases in cattle, which can be used both for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Igor Nikolaev

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Skin inflammation

Inflammatory defects in various parts of the skin of the animal appear in the form of various dermatitis. They occur in acute and chronic form and are of several types:

• nodular;
• traumatic;
• medical.

nodular view

The first group of dermatitis is about ninety years old. During its existence, it has become very popular. Lumpy dermatitis in cows loves heat and drought. In some cases, the entire herd is affected if diseased individuals are not isolated in time.

Its occurrence is facilitated by the virus of the nitling group. You can catch it through sick animals, their biomaterial, and also get infected from blood-sucking insects and birds. Also, the virus mainly enters the external environment through milk, saliva, blood and semen.

The following symptoms are needed to make a diagnosis:

1. trembling and fever;
2. lack of appetite and lacrimation;
3. offensive discharge from the nose;
4. skin and internal organs are very swollen;
5. lethargy and weight loss;
6. gait becomes unnatural, forced;
7. nodules in the form of tubercles on the body up to six centimeters in diameter.

In the semen of bulls, the virus lives for two months from the day of recovery. And these nodules store the infection for up to four months. For a person, the disease does not pose a threat, so far it has not been diagnosed in him.

It is noteworthy that there is no clear pattern that an animal should get sick after nibbling grass next to infected relatives. But often a cow that was far enough away, several kilometers away, shows signs of lumpy dermatitis.

The incubation period lasts from three days to one month. Therefore, it is almost impossible for a specialist to determine the source.

If at the initial stage nodules accumulate on the limbs, then in a chronic form they cover the pharynx, bronchi, eyelids (partial loss of vision occurs) and trachea.

Lumpy dermatitis

Thus, there are hundreds of nodules on the animal's body.

Very quickly, in a matter of hours, after the appearance of the first tubercles up to half a centimeter high, the skin is separated along their edge. A hole appears in the center and the tissue begins to die. After about three weeks, this area disappears on its own or can be easily removed. You will get a cork two centimeters long.

There may be several scenarios for the development of events:

• lightweight form. The cavity obtained after the tissues fall off is overgrown with skin with wool;
• complicated form. In these places ulcers are obtained. Compacted nodes remain in a static state for many months, swelling grows. Milk changes, becomes light red, turns into jelly when heated;
• a severe form manifests itself when the animal does not take food for a long time, rapidly loses weight, the respiratory and digestive organs are affected.

It turns out that bumps, inconspicuous at first glance, resembling bites of large insects in a few quantities, become a real misfortune for an individual and a herd. They lead to partial or complete blindness and can suffocate due to swelling in the airways. It is noteworthy that this form of dermatitis is not characteristic of a newborn calf. Although the cub is trembling, swearing, there are not many tubercles or ulcers on its body.

Unfortunately, weakened immunity, poor-quality care for sick animals lead to complications. So, lumpy dermatitis turns into tracheitis, pneumonia, affects the genitals and joints.

Experts also note the non-classical type of development of the disease. The modular sign is the formation of nodules, then the atypical appearance is expressed in frequent loose stools, sometimes with blood. The body temperature is elevated, but there are no skin lesions familiar to dermatitis.

Another, inanparent form does not pose a threat to the life of the animal. But it can infect relatives in the herd, so it is necessary to catch the disease in time, as well as isolate the cow.

Despite some terrifying signs, statistics show that in ninety percent of cases, animals are healed. There are general rules that cattle owners who have begun treatment for lumpy skin disease must follow:

1. sanitization of pens where there was a sick individual. Ethyl and chloroform, alkaline solutions are used. If possible, let the microbes "fry" in the sun;
2. tubercles are disinfected with appropriate preparations;
3. give cows antibiotics to expel the infection and prevent a recurrence.

In some countries resort to such a method as getting rid of the entire herd. Of course, it can be considered too categorical and very unprofitable.

The main criteria by which we can talk about the recovery of the animal are:

The best way to prevent the disease is vaccination with a strain of nitling. During the existence of the disease, a vaccine has been created that helps protect livestock for three years. In addition, livestock breeders use the sheep pox virus, protecting the immunity of the herd for a year.

The vaccine is injected under the skin. At the same time, the symptoms of dermatitis can still appear if the above factors contribute to this. But nodules and swelling usually disappear within two weeks.

Traumatic appearance

When there are a lot of animals in one farm or they graze together with neighbors, the likelihood of various diseases increases. This is also the case with traumatic dermatitis. The name also explains the essence of the infection. It occurs as a result of injuries received.

The hair on the affected area is erased and it becomes inflamed. Purulent sores, bleeding and severe pain are not uncommon. It contributes to:

1. udder injury. They occur due to improper milking, including machine milking, damage by thorns or sharp objects;
2. animal scabies or lice. The animal scratches the itchy area and bald patches appear, which develop into dermatitis in cows;
3. lying on a hard floor or low-quality bedding contributes to unpleasant friction and activation of the disease.

With this development, there is no incubation period, sores and other formations appear almost immediately after receiving a wound.

The only way out is to pay attention to any violations of the skin, treatment should follow immediately.

First of all, you need to try to disinfect and treat the indicated areas that disturb the animal.

Medical type

Uncontrolled use of drugs, including external ointments or gels, leads to drug-induced dermatitis. Despite the good properties of iodine, which is quickly excreted from the body of a cow, it is a source for the occurrence of this disease.

This view demonstrates swelling, swelling, redness of some areas. Treatment should begin with the fact that stop taking any drugs, especially those that can cause allergic and other reactions. This should be indicated in the instructions.

As a result of discontinuation of drugs, the symptoms that appear should disappear without additional techniques and interventions. But if the case is started, then erosions or ulcers may form. When they occur, you will have to prescribe the correct treatment.

Interdigital dermatitis

Cattle hoof diseases include interdigital dermatitis. Talking about him deserves attention because of the importance of the health of the cow's legs. Its development is most often promoted by:

• dampness observed in pastures, in the stall due to poor ventilation, rotting floors;
• unsanitary conditions in animal rooms;
• lack of nutrition, leading to disturbances in metabolic processes.

Lumpy dermatitis of cattle (cattle) is a contagious infectious disease characterized by the appearance of fever, swelling of the internal organs and subcutaneous tissue, skin nodules, and damage to the lymphatic system. The disease affects the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory organs and vision. The disease is not transmitted to humans. In medical practice, not a single case has been registered.

The causative agent of pathology is a DNA-containing enveloped virus belonging to the Neethling group of the genus Capripoxvirus. Productive pedigree cattle are more susceptible to the development of the disease. Otherwise, the disease is called: nodular rash, skin tubercle, patchwork disease, nodular dermatitis.

The disease originated in Africa. There, in 1929, it was registered for the first time. For a long period, patchwork disease did not leave the African continent, but is now widespread in Asia.

The agriculture of India suffers the most from the pathology. This is due to the large livestock, and at the same time the very low development of the veterinary structure. As for the relative economic damage, it is due to a sharp decline in productivity and barrenness of livestock.

There are several strains of the virus - Guinean, Ethiopian and Turkish. The structure of the virus is similar to smallpox. The disease affects not only cows, but also wild ungulates, in particular antelope, American buffalo and zebu. Transmission of infection occurs through insects: mosquitoes, mosquitoes, flies. Infection also occurs through direct contact, through common food, as well as care items.

Symptoms and photos

Outbreaks of the disease are sporadic and depend on the state of the immune system of animals, climatic conditions, and movement of livestock. Symptoms do not appear immediately after infection. The incubation period is three to thirty days.

Initially, the reproduction of the virus occurs at the site of introduction, after which it enters the bloodstream. For two weeks, viremia is recorded in infected animals - the penetration of the pathogen into the blood and further spread throughout the body: mucous, salivary and mammary glands, testicles and other organs.

Approximately a week after the entry of the virus, nodules appear on the neck and abdomen of cattle - see photo. Further, there is an increase in temperature to 40 degrees and the transition of the pathology to a generalized form. The nodules spread throughout the body.

The inflammatory process captures not only the skin, but also the subcutaneous tissue and even muscle tissue. Vascular thrombosis causes the appearance of swelling of the skin, which further provokes the occurrence of coagulative necrosis of surrounding tissues.

Due to a secondary infection, the lymphatic vessels become inflamed, ulcerations form. Symptoms get worse:

• prolonged fever;
• loss of appetite;
• rapid breathing;
• tachycardia;
• hyperemia of the oral and nasal cavities;
• watery discharge from the eyes, as well as the subsequent formation of crusts;
• the formation of erosion and ulceration on the eyelids;
• clouding of the cornea, the development of conjunctivitis, blindness;
• serous-mucous, and then purulent discharge from the nasal cavity.

Lumpy nodular dermatitis appears on the neck, trunk, limbs, abdomen, perineum, groin, muzzle, scrotum. Often the nodules coalesce. Severe soreness is noted in the affected areas of the skin.

Along with the progression of the pathology, there is a loss of body weight, an increase in lymph nodes to the size of a goose egg. Abortions are recorded in infected cows, and temporary impotence and infertility in bulls. In addition, there is first a significant decrease, and then a complete cessation of milk yield. In infected cows, it has a pink color and a thick consistency.

Treatment of lumpy dermatitis

Before starting the treatment of the disease, scrapings are taken from the affected area of ​​​​the skin of the infected cattle. It is possible to diagnose blood serum for antibodies. Often a histological examination is also performed.

As for treatment, today there are no specific drugs aimed at destroying the pathogen. Therapy of pathology is symptomatic. In order to prevent the development of complications, in particular pneumonia, the use of antibacterial drugs is prescribed - Nitox, Tetracycline, Oleandomycin.

In order to prevent the occurrence of complications in young animals, including severe forms of enteritis, intraperitoneal blockades are used. It is important in the treatment of the disease to provide livestock with proper nutrition.

To treat the affected dermis, Vishnevsky's ointment is used, as well as zinc or synthomycin. Group treatments are used on farms: showers with the use of disinfectants, spraying of medicines.

Prevention

In livestock that has undergone, the formation of a stable lifelong immunity to re-infection is noted. Vaccination is considered the only effective way to combat the disease in countries where it is endemic.

In order to prevent the disease, a homologous live attenuated virus vaccine from the Neethling strain is used, which induces intense immunity for three years. In addition, for the prevention of the disease, it is possible to use a heterologous live attenuated virus vaccine from the sheep pox virus, which promotes intense cross-immunity for two years.

Another effective preventive measure is to prevent the introduction of the pathogen. It is strictly forbidden to import livestock, fodder and products from disease-prone areas. Animals should be checked regularly and pest control should be used. If cows have the above symptoms, it is recommended to immediately inform the veterinary authorities.

Is lumpy skin disease of cattle dangerous for humans and is it possible to eat meat and drink milk? The disease is not transmitted to humans, but it is not worth consuming milk and meat from infected animals. After the treatment of livestock, as well as after passing the examination, meat and milk are completely suitable for food.