With Brucella abortus infection, sporadic late term
abortions are common in cattle and buffalo, but they
may also give birth to weak calves which subsequently
die. The placenta is occasionally retained. In bulls,
occasional epididymitis and orchitis may occur. Carpel
hygromas may occur in both sexes. In small stock
Fig 4 Opening Carpel hygroma – sable antelope.
(Photo courtesy of Mac MacFarlane)
Fig 2: Carpel hygroma in a buffalo cow
infected with Brucella melitensis, abortion storms
are more commonly seen, and retained placentas
are a common complication in nanny goats. Arthritis
and hygromas may also occur in both sexes. Brucella
mellitensis infection in sable antelope presents as
a clinical systemic disease with affected animals
aborting (cows), or doing poorly, have a staring hair
coat and lameness as a result of severe arthritis and
even hygromata. In addition, hoof deformities as a
result of severe arthritis may occur. In bulls, orchitis,
epididymitis and inflammation of the seminal vesicles
are frequently encountered.
Fig 3: Carpel hygroma – sable antelope
(photo courtesy of Mac MacFarlane)
Fig 5: The severe arthritis seen in sable antelope may result in
hoof deformities. (Photo courtesy of Mac MacFarlane
Fig 6: Sable bulls may also develop orchitis, epididymitis
and inflammation of the seminal vesicles.
(Photo courtesy of Mac MacFarlane)
2015
DECEMBER
15