Infectious agalactia of sheep and goats

The infectious agalactia in sheep and goats is an inflammation of the udder caused by mycoplasma in sheep and goats . In addition to the udder, eyes or joints can also be affected. It leads to a drop in milk yield and thus to economic losses. The infectious agalactia is endemic in the Mediterranean region in particular; in Switzerland it is one of the "epidemics to be eradicated" .

Pathogen

Various mycoplasmas can be used as pathogens for the disease. The most important representative is Mycoplasma agalactiae , in addition, M. mycoides spp., M. capricolum and M. putrefaciens can trigger a corresponding disease.

The pathogen is excreted primarily with the milk, but also through the afterbirth and eye secretions. The transmission occurs mainly during milking, rarely through direct animal contact. In particular, asymptomatic infected animals play a role in the spread of the disease.

Clinical picture

The incubation period is very variable and is at least 6 days. In lactating animals, there is a significant decrease in milk yield due to inflammation of the udder. The glandular tissue can completely or partially regress ( atrophy ), the udder lymph nodes are usually enlarged.

Occasionally there is also joint inflammation of the forefoot and ankle joints . Conjunctivitis with clouding of the cornea also occurs rarely .

Web links

• Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO: Infectious agalactic sheep and goats

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !