Case Report of Enzootic Cutaneous Actinobacillosis in Dairy Heifers in a Pasture-based Production System

Abstract

We describe for the first time in Uruguay a case of enzootic cutaneous actinobacillosis is described, without the precedence of notified disease in Uruguay. The diagnosis was done in a dairy farm located in Belastiqui. San José, Uruguay. The affected animals grazed an area of 280 hectares, in a river side field with native flora Acacia caven (Espinillo), Celtis espinoso (Tala) and Cutia buxifolia (Corronilla). Affected animals were 42 (14.5%) of a herd of 290 Holstein heifers, with an age of 14 to 18 months, without reports of mortality. The symptomatology presented by the animals was characterized by the thickening of the skin that later on transformed into an ulcerated, fistulised and suppurate granuloma, in all cases in the submandibular and cervical area. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology and the identification was achieved by isolation and standard methods. Four treatments based on sodium iodide, enrofloxacin, ceftiofur and surgery were utilized, all resulting in positive responses. In the impossibility of removing the cattle from the pasture it was recommended to take preventive measures (decrease the amount of animals per ha, improve the environmental hygiene) and the early treatment of affected animals.