Mycoplasma Infection in a Commercial Goat Dairy Caused byMycoplasma AgalactiaeandMycoplasma MycoidesSubsp.Mycoides(Caprine Biotype)

Abstract

Abstract.A commercial dairy goat herd of 600 animals experienced sudden onset of arthritis/polyarthritis, clinical mastitis, and sudden death in does. The offending infectious agents were Mycoplasma agalactiae and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides (caprine biotype). The disease syndrome began approximately 4 weeks following the 1) introduction into the herd of a lactating doe with no apparent clinical signs and 2) a breakdown of proper hygienic conditions in the milking parlor. Over a period of 3 weeks, 90 does (15%) either died or were culled because of arthritis/polyarthritis and mastitis. A management decision resulted in only the does affected with M. mycoides subsp. mycoides being submitted for necropsy; those affected with M. agalactiae, which were in a different "string," were not submitted for evaluation. Gross necropsy of the does affected with M. mycoides subsp. mycoides showed purulent discharges from the udders, enlarged supramammary lymph nodes, enlarged and firm spleens, and swollen livers. Microscopic findings were characterized by a loss of vascular integrity and diffuse fluid leakage in multiple organs. Antibiotic therapy with tylosin was attempted but was not successful. The outbreak was terminated following the removal or segregation of affected does and implementation of hygienic conditions in the milking parlor.

Epidemiology of Mycoplasma Agalactiae Infection in Free-Ranging Spanish Ibex (Capra Pyrenaica) in Andalusia, Southern Spain

“…Other factors, such as high population density, previous overpasturing, movement of infected domestic flocks (DaMassa et al, 1987;Kinde et al, 1994), and the presence of chronic or systemic diseases that compromise the immune system (DaMassa et al, 1987;Corrales et al, 2004) also may affect disease epidemiology. The annual report on the climate (Environmental Council of Regional Government of Andalusia, 2005) considered 1997 an anomalous and very warm year in Spain.…”

Contagious Agalactia of Sheep and Goats. A Review

“…In natural conditions it is difficult to determine if the infection has been acquired via the respiratory route but experimental infection with M. agalactiae has been successful (Damdinsuren 1989;Da Massa et al 1992). Infection and subsequent colonisation of the mammary gland with M. agalactiae is thought to be a result of incorrect milking techniques or defective milking equipment (D a Masssa et al 1987;Kinde et al 1994).…”

Polyarthritis in Goat-Kids Caused by Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Zooepidemicus

“…The septicemia-arthritis syndrome in goats is an acute febrile disease, associated with a drop in milk yield due to mastitis [1]. Kinde et al [2] described an outbreak of arthritis/polyarthritis, clinical mastitis and sudden death in a dairy goat herd where Mycoplasma agalactiae was isolated from the joint. Caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) is caused by Lentivirus, the one of few viral agents that has been linked with arthritis in domestic animals [1].…”