Dermatitis in a dairy herd caused by Pelodera strongyloides (Nematoda: Rhabditidae)

A high rate (25%) of infestation of heifers in a dairy cattle herd caused by the saprophytic nematode Pelodera strongyloides is described. Management (crowded) and environmental conditions (moist and filthy) as well as the climate (temperature) apparently favoured the existence and continuation of the nematodes. These infested a large number of heifers by causing dermatitis in skin areas, which were in contact with the contaminated environment. The dermatitis is characterized by a marked thickening of the skin, which became wrinkled and scurfy with alopecia. Pruritus was not observed.     

Necrotizing stomatitis associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum in two goats

Necrotizing stomatitis associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum in two goats is described. Arcanobacterium pyrogenes was the dominant component of the microbial flora cultured under aerobic condition. Treatment with penicillin, at a dose of 50 000 IU/kg for 6 days was used successfully in the cure of the disease.     

Keratoconjunctivitis and periorbital papillomatosis associated with heavy periorbital infestation by the tail louse Haematopinus quadripertusus in heifers

Heifers (Israeli-Holstein), aged 12-18 months, permanently maintained in open barns on an inadequate nutritional regime were found to be moderately to heavily infested by Haematopinus quadripertusus, the tail louse. The severely infested heifers showed keratoconjunctivitis and periorbital papillomatosis. Two treatments with an alpha-cypermethrin pour-on product 14 days apart controlled the lice, and were followed by alleviation of the inflammation and regression of the papillomas.     

Investigation and control of mastitis outbreaks caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a sheep flock and a goat herd

Outbreaks of mastitis in a sheep flock and a goat herd caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their control are described.The morbidity rates of mastitis in a sheep flock and in a goat herd were 18.7 and 18.2 per cent, respectively. The lethality and involuntary culling rates of the animals with sub-clinical mastitis correspond to the morbidity rate.The highest morbidity rates were noted in yearlings--22.5 and 30 per cent, as well as in animals pre- and post partum (7 and 20 per cent, in sheep and goats, respectively). The morbidity periods in the flock and in the herd were 20 and 27 months, respectively. A strict-hygiene milking programme and maintenance of the milking devices was introduced. In addition, prevention of crowding, provision of dry bedding and thorough cleaning of water troughs have also been instituted. Ruthless culling of all infected and carrier animals was an essential part of the control program against Pseudomonas aeruginosa mastitis.