Colisepticemia of the calves and lambs

The septicemia of calves and lambs is a septicemic disease in calves , sheep and goat kids and by the bacterium Escherichia coli caused. Very different E. coli strains are isolated, but the serovar O78: K80 (B) dominates by far. All septicemia strains are characterized by the virulence criteria adhesion antigen CS 31A and F17c fimbriae .

clinic

Colisepticemia usually occurs in the first few days of life. In the vast majority of cases, the antibody- rich colostrum was not absorbed at all or only insufficiently. The entry ports for the pathogens are the digestive and respiratory tracts . Due to the lack of immune defense, the pathogens spread over the whole body. Symptoms are peracute or acute general illnesses with complete loss of appetite , stagnation and, in some cases, central nervous disorders. Diarrhea often occurs later.

When the disease becomes chronic, it leads to joint inflammation , kidney infection, and pneumonia , and ultimately, grief.

therapy

Immediate antibiotic administration is indicated! Often she comes too late. As a prophylaxis, good hygiene and sufficient colostrum should be observed. Otherwise maternal vaccination is recommended, and if the vaccine strains do not match the pathogens, stable-specific vaccines. Passive immunization by administering Biestmilch antibodies is also possible.

literature

• Medical microbiology, infection and epidemic theory von Rolle / Mayr, Enke Verlag Stuttgart (2007)

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 !