It is an infectious disease of cattle and horse characterized by formation of skin ulcers with involvement of lymph vessels of lower limbs.
Distribution
The disease is world-wide in distribution.
Aetiology
The disease is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. This is pleomorphic, non-motile, non-spore forming, non-capsulated gram positive rod. Corynebacterium equi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been isolated from the lesion.
Susceptible Hosts
It is primarily a disease of horse but it has also been recorded in cattle.
Transmission and Pathogenesis
Disease is related to soil contamination. The organisms may remain on the skin as contaminants and may invade the tissues through abrasion and other injuries. The organism then invade the lymphatic vessels and lead to the formation abscess.
Clinical Findings
The disease is sporadic in nature and develops slowly. It begins as moderate diffuse swelling on one or both the limbs causing lameness. Nodules formed on the legs break down leading to the formation of ulcers. Thick greenish exudate mixed with blood appear from such ulcers.
Lesions
Lesions heal up in one week. Systemic reactions are not a feature.
Diagnosis
This is based on the following:
- Clinical sings
- Isolation and identification of the organisms.
- Guinea pig inoculation – There is rapid intoxication and death from peritonitis.
Treatment
Preventive antibiotics (Penicillin, Ampicillin) may be used. Ulcers are to be treated with antiseptic solution.
Control
- All contaminated materials should be properly disinfected or disposed.
- Good hygiene is to be maintained.
- Prompt treatment of limb injuries is to be made.
- There is no immuno prophylactic agent against this disease.
