Is Mycoplasma bovis a missing component of the bovine respiratory disease complex in Australia?. Issue 6 (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horwood, PF; Schibrowski, ML; Fowler, EV; Gibson, JS; Barnes, TS; Mahony, TJ
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 92:Issue 6(2014)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="avj12184-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a multi‐factorial disease in which numerous factors, such as animal management, pathogen exposure and environmental conditions, contribute to the development of acute respiratory illness in feedlot cattle. The role of specific pathogens in the development of BRDC has been difficult to define because of the complex nature of the disease and the presence of implicated bacterial pathogens in the upper respiratory tract of healthy animals. <italic>Mycoplasma bovis</italic> is an important pathogen of cattle and recognised as a major contributor to cases of mastitis, caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia, arthritis and otitis media. To date, the role of <italic>M. bovis</italic> in the development of BRDC of Australian feeder cattle has not been investigated.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12184-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>In this review, the current literature pertaining to the role of <italic>M. bovis</italic> in BRDC is evaluated. In addition, preliminary data are presented that identify <italic>M. bovis</italic> as a potential contributor to BRDC in Australian feedlots, which has not been considered previously.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12184-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results and Conclusion</title> <p>The preliminary results demonstrate detection of <italic>M. bovis</italic> in samples from all feedlots studied. When considered in the context of the reviewed literature, they support the inclusion of <italic>M. bovis</italic> on the list of pathogens to be considered during investigations into BRDC in Australia.</p> </sec> </abstract>