Treatment of Mycoplasma Infections: Susceptibility of Field Isolates and Outcome of Treatment

Recovered Cattle: Risk or Bonus?

Authors

  • Roger D. Ayling Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
  • Robin A. J. Nicholas Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20054782

Keywords:

Mycoplasma species, small colony type, pleuropneumonia, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine trials

Abstract

A number of Mycoplasma species cause disease in cattle including Mycoplasma niycoides subspecies mycoides small colony type, the cause of the OIE list A disease, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in Africa, and Mycoplasma bovis, one of the biggest causes of calf pneumonia world-wide. Symptoms include pneumonia, mastitis and arthritis, all of which adversely affect the economics of farming. Control of M. bovis is difficult because it has systems for evading the immune system and has developed resistance to a number of antimicrobials. While strategies can be deployed on the farm to reduce or possibly eliminate disease caused by M. bovis, these approaches can be time consuming, and costly in terms of drug treatment and testing, with no guarantees of success. Although some vaccine trials have seen an exacerbation of disease, vaccines are being developed, and some are in use in the USA, although data on their efficacy is sparse.

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Published

2005-09-24

Issue

Section

General Sessions