Contagious agalactia is a mycoplasmal disease of goats that can cause serious economic losses. It is caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae referred as multi-etiological disease syndrome characterized by the triad of mastitis, arthritis, keratoconjunctivitis and occasionally respiratory and reproductive tract disorders . Mycoplasma agalactiae has been reported to be isolated from different parts of the world in various countries namely India, Australia, Turkey, Iran, Mongolia, Nigeria, Iraq and Spain. The disease is rapidly spread by contact between infected and healthy animals. Transmission of disease by dissemination of the microorganisms into the environment occurs by means of ocular and nasal discharge, milk, faeces, urine and excretions from open joint lesions and the male urogenital tract .Clinical signs includes anorexia, lethargy, udder seems hot, swollen and tender. Later it becomes flaccid, filled with connective tissue and eventually atrophy develops. Milk turns into a yellowish or bluish fluid that has a salty taste. Lactation diminishes and may completely stop. Permanent damage to the udder with atrophy and fibrosis is common. In ocular localization keratoconjunctivitis later vascularization of the corneal surface. Arthritis or polyarthritis occurs most often in the tarsal and carpal joints. The joint is swollen and painful with accumulation of synovial fluid. Diagnosis is done by the help of biochemical test, PCR, ELISA. Systemic uses of tetracycline, macrolide or quinolone group of antibiotics along with local application in advanced stages are useful treatment options. Use of antioxidant increase efficacy of therapy. Prevention and control strategies that will help in countering this disease. Both live attenuated and inactivated vaccines are available for contagious agalactia
Key words: Caprine, contagious agalactia, prevalence, significances
|
