A new predilection site of Mycoplasma bovis: Postsurgical seromas in beef cattle

Mycoplasma bovis is a highly contagious bacterium, which predominantly causes chronic pneumonia, otitis and arthritis in calves and mastitis in adult cattle. In humans, Mycoplasma species have been associated with post-surgical infections. The present study aimed to identify the bacteria associated with three outbreaks of infected seromas after caesarian section in Belgian Blue beef cattle. A total of 10 cases occurred in three herds which were in close proximity of each other and shared the same veterinary practice. M. bovis could be cultured from seroma fluid in five of the six referred animals, mostly in pure culture and was isolated from multiple chronic sites of infection (arthritis and mastitis) as well. DNA fingerprinting of the isolates targeting two insertion sequence elements suggested spread of M. bovis from chronic sites of infection (udder and joints) to the postsurgical seromas. Identical genetic profiles were demonstrated in two animals from two separate farms, suggesting spread between farms. Mortality rate in the referred animals positive for M. bovis in a seroma was 80% (4/5), despite intensive treatment. A massive increase in antimicrobial use was observed in every affected farm. These observations demonstrate involvement of mycoplasmas in outbreaks of postsurgical seromas in cattle.

A progress report on research with beef cattle at the Front Royal Station

Cover title.

Beef cattle science.

Previous editions published under title: Beef cattle husbandry.

Selecting, fitting and showing beef cattle,

Mode of access: Internet.

Dwarfism in beef cattle, a literature review.

Includes bibliography.

Economic history of the production of beef cattle in Iowa,

"The edition is limited to six hundred copies."

Guide to beef cattle improvement program /

Mode of access: Internet.

Farm feeding beef cattle to market homegrown feeds /

Mode of access: Internet.

Effects of stocking rates on range vegetation and beef cattle production in the northern Great Plains /

Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-48).

Beef cattle publications and visual materials /

Cover title.

Feeding beef cattle in Alabama /

"October 12, 1912."

Delayed growth of beef cattle /

Literature cited: p. 25-26.