Review on Actinomycosis in Cattle

Abstract

Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw) in cattle is a chronic infectious disease characterized by suppurative granulation of the skull, particularly the mandible and maxilla. A bovis are the etiologic agent of lumpy jaw in cattle. It has also been isolated from nodular abscesses in the lungs of cattle and infrequently from infections in sheep, pigs, dogs, and other mammals. ). Although actinomycosis occurs only sporadically, it is of importance because of its widespread occurrence and poor response to treatment. It is recorded from most countries of the world. Predisposition to disease seems to occur through direct extension of the infection from the gums, apparently following injury or as a complication of periodontitis of other causes. ).In the jawbones a rarefying osteomyelitis is produced. Actinomycosis lesion in the cows appeared as hard and immobile swellings in the mandibles. The disease is sporadic but common in cattle. Occasional cases occur in pigs and horses and rarely in goats. Rarefaction of the bone and the presence of loculi and sinuses containing thin, whey-like pus with small, gritty granules are usual. Treatment is with surgical debridement and antibacterial therapy, particularly iodides as used in case of actinobacillosis. For control, isolation or disposal of animals with discharging lesions is important, although the disease does not spread readily unless predisposing environmental factors cause a high incidence of oral lacerations. Therefore the objective of this paper is to review available information on actinomycosis in cattle and to highlight the basic clinical findings, diagnosis and prevention measures of the disease in cattle.

Keywords: Actinomyces bovis, sulfur granule, osteomyelitis, lumpy jaw