Magnitude and risk factors associated with bovine dermatophilosis in Sabon-Gari, Kaduna state and Jos, Plateau state, Nigeria

Dermatophilosis is a contagious zoonotic skin disease affecting a variety of domestic and wild animals with grave economic consequences. The status of bovine dermatophilosis and associated risk factors in Sabon-Gari, Kaduna State and Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria are yet to be fully determined. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine dermatophilosis in Sabon-Gari and Jos. One thousand, nine hundred and twenty skin scab samples consisting of 1,530 from Sabon-Gari and 390 from Jos were obtained from cattle having cutaneous lesions including papules, exudative dermatitis with matting of the hair, cream colored, thickly crusted and scabby lesions suggestive of Dermatophilus infection. Smears were made from the underneath surface of each specimen on a clean glass slide, air dried, heat fixed and Gram stained. The stained smears were examined microscopically for Gram-positive filamentous organism having both longitudinal and transverse division, typical of Dermatophilus congolensis. Further identification was done by isolating the causative agent in 5% de-fibrinated sheep blood agar. Data were analyzed using tables, percentages and Chi square test. P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered significant. One hundred and forty-six (9.5 %) and 21 (5.4%) of the samples from Sabon-Gari and Jos respectively were positive for D. congolensis. The overall prevalence of bovine dermatophilosis in Sabon-Gari and Jos was 8.7% (167/1,920), respectively. Breed, age, management practice and season were found to be significant risk factors associated with bovine dermatophilosis. Methods for control of the disease in cattle as well as prevention of human exposure were highlighted. Keywords: Cattle, Dermatophilosis, Jos, Nigeria, Sabon-Gari

Draft Genome Sequences of 40 Dermatophilus congolensis Isolates from Bovine Dermatophilosis Cases in St. Kitts and Nevis

Dermatophilus congolensis causes dermatophilosis in cattle, mainly in tropical climates. Despite the economic losses caused by this bacterium, its pathogenic factors are less well understood. We report draft genomes of D. congolensis strains isolated during a dermatophilosis outbreak in cattle in St. Kitts and Nevis. Some isolates contain tet (Z), which is responsible for resistance to tetracyclines.

The influence of disease-inducing agents other than Dermatophilus congolensis on the severity of bovine dermatophilosis

This study was designed to assess the influence of disease-inducing agents other than Dermatophilus congolensis on the incidence of bovine dermatophilosis from cattle farms in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State and also from Akinyele cattle market in Oyo State. Skin scrapings collected from cattle with typical lesions of dermatophilosis were examined for the presence of bacteria, fungi and ectoparasites. Out of the 57 animals examined with typical skin lesions of dermatophilosis, Dermatophilus congolensis organism was cultured from 23 cases. Other bacterial organisms identified included Staphylococcus aureus (28 cases), Staphylococcus albus (35 cases), Bacillus mycoides (14 cases), Bacillus cereus (1 case), haemolytic Streptococcus (5 cases) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 cases), Escherichia coli (16 cases), Proteus spp (4 cases) and Norcardia spp (5 cases). Ticks (mostly Amblyomma variegatum) were seen in all the 57 animals while Demodex bovis, Sarcoptes scabiei var bovis and lice were seen in 15, 4 and 8 cases respectively. It was inferred that secondary bacterial invasions are associated with the pathogenesis and severity of the infection and the presence of ticks and mange mites may serve as the portal of entry for dermatophilosis infection. The control of dermatophilosis should take into account of arthropod vectors and secondary bacterial complications.

Bovine dermatophilosis: awareness, knowledge, perception and drug usage practices amongst cattle herders in Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Economic and zoonotic importance of bovine dermatophilosis in tropical countries and Nigeria in particular cannot be underestimated. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional study to assess cattle breeders’ awareness, perceptions and practices with regard to bovine dermatophilosis in Oyo State. Methods: The survey was conducted from June to December 2017 across the four geopolitical zones, which includes; Ibarapa, Oyo/Ogbomosho, Oke ogun and Ibadan. A total of 400 cattle breeders were interviewed using well-structured questionnaires. The data obtained were analysed on SPSS for frequency and percentages. Results: The results revealed high awareness of dermatophilosis among the breeders. However, 388/400 (97%) were not aware of its’ zoonotic importance. Nearly 49% engaged in self-treatment, while only 44/400 (11%) sought for veterinary intervention. Majority (97%) of the respondents disclosed to have used drugs for treatment. However, 94% did not adhere to manufacturer’s instruction while 8/400 (2%) were unaware of manufacturer’s instruction. More than 90% were unaware of withdrawal period in administering drugs, 16/400 (4%) observed it and 16/400 (4%) did not always observe withdrawal period when administering drugs. About 96% agreed that the drugs were effective while 8/400 (2%) were not sure about drugs effectiveness. Conclusions: Despite the high awareness of dermatophilosis by cattle rearers in Oyo state, the knowledge, practices and perception of farmers about the disease are still generally very low. Therefore, further education for the cattle breeders and the general public on zoonotic importance of bovine dermatophilosis is required.

Successful therapy in unusual generalized Dermatophilus congolensis infection in a calf based on modified in vitro disk diffusion test

ABSTRACT: Bovine dermatophilosis is a dermatitis characterized by typical focal or localized lesions with “paintbrush” aspect and occasionally as disseminated cutaneous disease. We report the case of a one-year-old Nelore female with history of chronic cutaneous disseminated lesions that appeared immediately after a rainfall period. Serous to purulent exudates, hair with tufted appearance, hyperkeratotic, non-pruritic, hardened, yellowish to brown, and coalescent crusty lesions were observed distributed all over its body. Removal of the crusts revealed ulcerated or hemorrhagic areas, with irregular elevated crusts like “paintbrush”. Microbiological diagnosis enabled the identification of a microorganism, the Dermatophilus congolensis. Despite disseminated and chronic lesions, we obtained a successful therapy with parenteral therapy using long-acting tetracycline based on modified in vitro disk diffusion test. The present report highlights success therapy in uncommon generalized bovine dermatophilosis with selection of first-choice drugs based on modified in vitro susceptibility test, and need of responsible use of antimicrobials in livestock.

Spatiotemporal patterns of clinical bovine dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe 1995–2014

A retrospective study of clinical bovine dermatophilosis outbreaks and cases for the period 1995–2014 was conducted, using data obtained from the Division of Veterinary Services (DVS). A total of 3856 outbreaks and 26 659 cases of dermatophilosis were reported countrywide during this period. The post rainy season accounted for 37.9% of the outbreaks followed by the rainy season (26.7%), cold dry season (22.1%) and the hot dry season (13.2%). A retrospective space–time scan statistic in SaTScanTM was used to detect clusters. From this study, it was evident that dermatophilosis was spreading from the north-west of Zimbabwe through the central to the north-east during the period 2010–2014. Five clusters were identified mainly in the central and north-western regions of Zimbabwe. The primary cluster was centred at Ungwe, Gokwe district in Midlands; the second, third, fourth and fifth likely clusters were centred at Bonga (Mashonaland Central), ARDA (Mashonaland West), Nsenga (Matabeleland North) and Zanda in Gokwe, respectively. The findings of this study suggest the continued spread of dermatophilosis across the country; as such the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services are advised to develop measures aimed at managing this spread such as dipping, quarantine, movement control and raising farmer awareness.