An Incidental Finding of Dermatophilus congolensis in a Sheep: A Case Report from Shivamogga, Karnataka

Vasudha A. N.; Shashanka S.; Pooja M.; Ravindra B. G.

Authors

Vasudha A. N.
Shashanka S. B.V.Sc & A.H
Pooja M. Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Shivamogga-577 204 Karnataka INDIA
Ravindra B. G. Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College, Shivamogga-577 204 Karnataka INDIA

Keywords:

Dermatophilosis, Dermatophilus congolensis, Rainfall, Djallonke sheep, Tram-track

Abstract

A six-month-old, male sheep (Tiruchy black breed) reared under an extensive system was presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College Shivamogga, with the complaint of limping, nasal discharge, and poor growth. On clinical examination the sheep was anaemic, suffering from helminthic infection and exudative dermatitis with crusts observed over the ear pinnae, muzzle, nasal planum, scrotum, fetlock, and pastern regions of limbs. The scabs were stained to demonstrate characteristic hyphae composed of branching filamentous rods that divide into transverse and longitudinal coccoid cells (Coccoid form) resembling ‘tram-track’. The recent heavy and prolonged rainfall in this region may have created a conducive hot humid environment causing Dermatophilosis in sheep which may be exacerbated by concurrent helminthic infection and profound anaemia in sheep. Adequate treatment was given and control measures were undertaken to mitigate the spread of the disease.

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