Cattle udder pox
The pseudocowpox (also Pseudokuhpocken , false cowpox ) are a virus-induced skin infection of cattle . They are of particular importance as a zoonosis , as they cause so-called milker's lumps , also a skin infection, in humans. Cattle udderpox is therefore a notifiable animal disease in Germany .
Cause and epidemiology
| Parapoxvirus bovis 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Pseudocowpox virus | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The causative agent of udder pox is the pseudocowpox virus (also outdated Paravaccinia virus , Milker's nodule virus , Parapoxvirus bovis 2 ) from the genus Parapoxvirus in the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae of the poxviruses . The virus particles ( virions ) are ovoid, i. H. cylindrical and with convex ends with dimensions of 140 x 310 nm (diameter x length). They are usually added to a herd by purchasing sick animals and are transferred during the milking process . Transmission by stinging stable flies is also possible. The disease spreads slowly from animal to animal in the herd.
Symptoms
After an incubation period of six days, edema and erythema develop on the skin of the udder and teat . Within 48 hours, irregular, yellowish papules of different sizes develop there , which soon dry up with the formation of scabs . It heals without scarring within two to four weeks. The disease is mild and has no fever.
diagnosis
The virus can be identified using an electron microscope and ELISA . Differential diagnostics are z. B. Foot and mouth disease and real cowpox to consider.
therapy
Specific therapy is not possible. Symptomatic treatment is carried out through good udder care and hygiene measures. Using ointments containing antibiotics can prevent secondary infections . After milking each cow, hands must be washed and disinfected just like the milking system. The local cellular immunity that exists after recovery only lasts for a short time. Specific vaccines are not available.
literature
- Eberhard Grunert: Buiatrik - Vol. 1 : Udder diseases, obstetrics and gynecology, andrology and insemination , 5th edition, Verlag Schaper, Hanover 1996 ISBN 3-7944-0181-6
- O.-R. Kaaden: Udder pox . In: Anton Mayr (Ed.): Medical microbiology, infection and epidemic theory. Enke-Verlag Stuttgart, 7th edition 2002, pp. 173-174. ISBN 3-7773-1795-0
