Respiratory disease due to pasteurellosis

Pasteurella bacteria can cause an acute respiratory infection in calves, where by the lungs and chest membranes are affected.

Definition 

Pasteurella bacteria can cause an acute respiratory infection in calves expiring where the lungs and chest membranes are affected. Because Pasteurella bacteria are able to form toxins can be fatal. 

Cause 

Pasteurella bacteria are Gram negative rods. Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica in calves are found. 

Description 

Pasteurellosis usually occurs as a complication of viral respiratory diseases: see respiratory disease.  After an incubation period (time between infection and visible phenomena) of 1 to 3 days acute worsening phenomena appear. These are characterised by very high fever, accelerated supporting breathing and nasal discharge, possibly with blood incorporation. The affected animals are very stuffy and may die. 

Treatment 

For the management see respiratory disease: treatment. It is of the utmost importance at bronchial problems the couple several times a day to inspect and individually to intervene in affected calves. Pasteurella has by the formation of toxins a fast and often fatal course.