Bovine Pasteurellosis (Hemorrhagic Septicemia): Causes, Symptoms & Rapid Diagnosis

Bovine pasteurellosis, also known as hemorrhagic septicemia, is an acute febrile infectious disease in cattle characterized by high fever, pneumonia, acute gastroenteritis, and widespread hemorrhages in internal organs. The primary causative agent is Pasteurella multocida.

Pathogen
Pasteurella multocida is a small, non-motile, gram-negative coccobacillus that does not form spores. Freshly isolated strains possess a capsule, which disappears after culturing. When stained with alkaline methylene blue, the bacteria exhibit bipolar staining (appearing darker at the poles), a key diagnostic feature.

Survival in the Environment:

• Survives in dry air for 2–3 days.
• Persists in blood, excretions, and secretions for 6–10 days.
• Can remain viable in decaying carcasses for 1–6 months.
• Killed at 60°C in 20 minutes or 70°C in 5–10 minutes.
• Susceptible to common disinfectants within minutes.

Epidemiology

• Transmission:

Primarily via the digestive tract.

Secondary routes: respiratory droplets, skin/mucosal wounds, or insect bites.

• Seasonality:

Occurs year-round but peaks during temperature fluctuations, high humidity, or cold conditions.

Presents as sporadic or endemic outbreaks.

Clinical Signs

Incubation Period: 2–5 days.

Three main clinical forms: 

• Septicemic Form

Sudden high fever (41–42°C).

Depression, rapid respiration/pulse, conjunctival hyperemia.

Anorexia, rumination cessation, abdominal pain, diarrhea (initially watery, later bloody and foul-smelling).

Blood may appear in milk or urine.

Death within 12–24 hours due to circulatory collapse.

• Edematous Form

Swelling of the head, neck, chest, and sometimes the whole body.

Initially warm, then cold edema with pitting on pressure.

Oral mucosal swelling, dysphagia, respiratory distress.

Death by asphyxiation within 12–36 hours.

• Pneumonic Form

Fibrinous pleuropneumonia: dyspnea, dry cough, frothy nasal discharge (later purulent).

Dull percussion sounds over lungs, pain on palpation.

Auscultation reveals bronchial sounds, crackles, or pleural friction rubs.

Some cases show enteritis.

Course: 3–7 days.

VETDiagnostix Rapid Diagnosis

Pasteurella Bovis Antibody Test Cards provide preliminary diagnosis for timely intervention.

• Principle:

Based on sandwich lateral flow immunochromatographic assay.

• Advantages:

Simple operation (no complex equipment needed).

Visual interpretation (avoids traditional lab methods).

Broad applicability (usable in cattle, sheep, pigs; suitable for farms, clinics, and research).

This rapid test enables early detection, guiding effective treatment and outbreak control.