Mycoplasma canis in a British calf
Nicholas, R.A.; Hannam, D.A.; Baker, S.E.; Weaver, C.R.; ter Laak, E.A.
Veterinary Record 137(17): 443-444
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8560708 Document Number: 452777
The isolation of M. canis with Haemophilus somnus from the lungs of a calf, aged approximately 5 months, which had died of acute respiratory disease is reported. PM examination detected a severe pneumonia affecting about 75% of the lung tissue; histologically there was a diffuse fibrinopurulent pneumonia. M. canis was cultured from lung tissue and identified by the fluorescent antibody and growth inhibition tests using hyperimmune rabbit antiserum. There had been no close association with farm dogs since the calf had been purchased at 10 to 14 days old. This is the first isolation of M. canis from cattle in the UK. H. somnus was the main cause of disease in the calf but it is unclear whether M. canis had a secondary role in pathogenicity.