Besnoitiosis
The besnoitiosis ( "elephant skin disease") is a by the Apicomplexa Besnoitia besnoiti caused parasitosis in cattle caused by nodular changes of the skin and mucous membranes is characterized.
distribution
Besnoitiosis was first described in the early 19th century and was limited to the Pyrenees regions of France and Portugal. From the 1940s, diseases were also found in Africa, Asia, and South America. Since the 1990s, the disease appears to have spread within Europe, initially to other regions of France and Portugal as well as Spain and Italy. The first outbreak was observed in Bavaria in 2008. In July 2012, the disease was first detected in four imported cattle in Switzerland.
The path of transmission of the pathogen has so far been little researched. It is assumed that it changes host like other Besnoitia species and that cattle represent an intermediate host. The final host is still unknown. Transmission via blood-sucking insects is certain. The extent to which flies can also be used as mechanical carriers has not been clarified. In any case, besnoitiosis can be transmitted from cattle to cattle through blood contact. Whether intensive contact or mating also play a role in the transmission has not been scientifically proven.
clinic
The acute infection causes a high fever. Pregnant cows can miscarry, while bulls suffer from fertility disorders due to orchitis . In infected animals there is a loss of body mass despite good feed intake.
The chronic infection is characterized by the characteristic bumps and nodules of the conjunctival coating of the sclera , which are caused by the accumulation of parasite cysts . There is no itching.
Combat
No specific treatment is known. The control is primarily aimed at preventing further spread by avoiding purchases from infected herds or the serological examination of purchases to detect asymptomatic carriers.
If a case of disease has been detected, the entire herd should be examined serologically and infected animals should be segregated. Insecticides and repellants can be used to prevent transmission .
literature
- Nicole S. Gollnick et al .: Besnoitia besnoiti: About the risk of spreading in Germany. In: Dt. Veterinary sheet. 58. 2010, pp. 338-343.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Basler Zeitung of July 4, 2012