Epidemiology, chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis of Deg Nala disease in buffaloes and cattle.

摘要

Deg Nala disease affected 1820 buffaloes and 40 cattle in Gujranwala district, Punjab, Pakistan, between November 1992 and October 1993. Morbidity was 5.95% and mortality was 1.61%. Clinical signs included necrosis and gangrene of the limbs, ears and tail. Most cases were diagnosed in December, January and February (17.61, 17.69 and 19.62%, respectively) when the average temperature was 15.2+-1.4degC and humidity was 79.8+-4.6%. 22 species of fungi were isolated from the rice straw which was fed to these animals. The commonest isolates were: Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium avenaceum [Gibberella avenacea], Mucor hiemalis, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium fusarioides [Fusarium chlamydosporum], Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum. A small amount of T2 toxin was identified in the rice straw by thin chromatography. The disease was successfully reproduced experimentally in buffaloes and cattle fed the contaminated rice straw. Treatment with penta-sulfate orally in combination with 2% nitroglycerin ointment topically was more effective (90% recovery rate) than parenteral injection of terramycin LA (oxytetracycline) in combination with 2% nitroglycerin ointment topically (70% recovery rate) or zinc sulfateorally (60% recovery rate). Treatment with 4% sodium hydroxide solution neutralized toxins and improved the palatability of the rice straw.