Bacillus of cattle farcy, also known as Bacterium mallei, is a pathogenic bacterium that affects cattle and other animals, causing a severe and chronic disease called farcy. Farcy is characterized by the formation of nodular lesions in the skin and lymph nodes, often leading to abscesses and ulceration.
The Bacillus of cattle farcy is a gram-negative, non-motile, and facultatively anaerobic bacterium belonging to the genus Burkholderia. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. This bacterium primarily infects horses, donkeys, and mules, but occasionally affects cattle, goats, and pigs.
Clinical signs of Bacillus of cattle farcy include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and the development of nodules or ulcerative lesions on the skin, often oozing a thick and viscous discharge. These lesions can progressively spread, leading to the formation of abscesses in the internal organs, such as the lungs and liver.
Diagnosis of Bacillus of cattle farcy is typically done through isolation and identification of the bacterium from clinical samples, such as pus or secretions from the lesions. Additionally, serological tests and molecular techniques can aid in confirming the presence of the bacterium.
Prevention and control of this disease primarily involve implementing strict biosecurity measures, such as quarantine and isolation of affected animals, proper hygiene practices, and vaccination of susceptible animals. Treatment is challenging due to the bacterium's antibiotic resistance, but it often involves a combination of antimicrobial therapy and surgical drainage of abscesses.
