ISOLATION AND GENETIC DETECTION OF MORAXELLA BOVIS FROM BOVINE KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS IN BASRAH CITY

This study was aimed to determine the most sensitive isolation procedures and evaluate the genetic diversity of Moraxella bovis because there are large number of pathogenic bacteria and several other infectious agents such as virus and Mycoplasma have been isolated from the eyes infected with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). This study included examination of (40) eye swabs, from cows from different ages and regions in Basrah city showed clinical signs of an ocular infection. The isolated bacteria that obtained in pure cultures were non-motile, catalase and oxidase positive, and a clear zone of β-hemolytic colonies were produced on blood agar. According to the growth characteristics, morphology, staining and biochemical tests, the isolated bacteria were identified initially as Moraxella spp., the genetic diversity among Moraxella spp. was assessed by 16S rRNA and sequencing as M. bovis. The study has also indicated that the isolates of M. bovis were resistant to tetracycline, chloramphenicol and erythromycin, However, they were sensitive to penicillin and gentamicin and has an intermediate sensitivity to streptomycin. This study concluded that PCR techniques and sequencing were verified to be most accurate tools to indicate the genetic diversity between Moraxella spp. in bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

The epizootic situation of cattle moraxellosis in several economic entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Background and Aim: Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK; conjunctivitis) is a widespread eye disease in cattle. In 1960, the Gram-negative bacillus Moraxella bovis was discovered as one of IBK's etiological causal agents. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiological (epizootic) situation of cattle moraxellosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study also maps the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the epidemiological (epizootic) process to develop more effective antiepizootic measures. Materials and Methods: We clinically examined both imported and local cattle species based on existing epidemiological (epizootological) units of economic entities in Kazakhstan. Then, we selected biomaterials for laboratory tests to screen for moraxellosis. Results: We clarified the epizootic situation for moraxellosis of cattle in Kazakhstan using data from the Meat Union of Kazakhstan, veterinary reports from the Veterinary Control and Surveillance Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture, Kazakhstan, and our results, obtained during visits to farms in the various regions of the republic. Conclusion: Based on the data of the conducted studies, we developed epizootic visualization maps with quantitative indicators of the cattle moraxellosis epizootic-transfer processes within various regions of Kazakhstan for 2019. The data obtained from studies of the properties of the isolated cultures compared with the characteristics of reference strains gave grounds to classify them as belonging to the Moraxella genus.

IMMUNOBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AN ASSOCIATED VACCINE AGAINST IN-FECTIOUS KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS OF CATTLE BASED ON ANTIGENS OF BACTE-RIA MORAXELLA BOVIS AND MORAXELLA BOVOCULI

An associated vaccine against infectious keratoconjunctivitis in cattle based on the antigens of the bacteria Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi is presented. As antigens, the vaccine con-tains formalin-inactivated cell suspensions of bacterial strains Moraxella bovis «G97-VNIVI» and Moraxella bovoculi «SH-CH6-DEP» taken in the same proportions and the adsorbent is 6 % alumi-num hydroxide gel. The results of studying the immunobiological properties of an associated vaccine against cat-tle ICC based on antigens of bacteria Moraxella bovis and Moraxella bovoculi are presented. The data obtained show that the associated vaccine remained sterile, harmless and antigenically active during the observation period.

THE PREVALENCE OF MORAXELLA BOVIS IN CLINICALLY NORMAL CATILE EYES: ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO INFECTIOUS BOVINE KERATO-CONJUNCTIVITIS

In a study to determine the prevalence of Moraxella bovis in clinically normal cattles eyes in the Maiduguri area of Nigeria, 35 adult cattle (70 eyes) and 25 calves (50 eyes) were sampled. Three each of the adult and young cattle making a total of 6 (5%) were positive for M.bovis (the aetiological agent of infections bovine Keratoconjunctivitis) out of the 120 eyes sampled. Branhamella catarrhalis, Branhamella mucosa and Escherichia coli were each isolated respectively, from 2 (1.6%) of the 120 samples. The other bacterial species isolated were Bacillus (5:4.2%), Corynebacterium (17; 14.2%), Streptococcus (9; 7.7%) and Staphylococcus (21/17.5%), could be regarded as commensals. The epidemiological implications of finding M. bovis in clinically normal cattle eyes are discussed.

Randomised Control Trial Comparing Cypermethrin-Based Preparations in the Prevention of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in Cattle

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) caused by Moraxella bovis is commonly seen in the summer months spread by face flies. This trial investigated the difference in incidence of IBK cases from natural exposure between two groups of animals, one treated with Cypermethrin pour-on preparation (PON, n = 98) and one with Cypermethrin impregnated ear tags (TAG, n = 99). Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG) difference was investigated between animals with cases and those without and between treatment groups. A randomised positive control study, enrolled 197 animals split into two treatment groups. Cases of IBK and DLWG were recorded over the grazing season (April–November 2018). Fifty-four cases of IBK were recorded. There was no association between the two treatment groups (p = 0.362) and case status. Breed and under 12 months old were significant factors for having a case; (OR 2.3, p = 0.014 and OR 3.5, p < 0.001 respectively). There was no difference in DLWG between animals that had a case and animals that had not (p = 0.739) or between the two treatment groups (p = 0.215). Based on our results, there is no significant difference between PON or TAG preparations in the prevention of IBK. Younger animals and white-faced breeds are significantly more likely to suffer with IBK.