Bovine Dermatophilosis in Borno State: prevalence, cultural isolation and antibiotic sensitivity pattern

Abstract

One thousand, one hundred and ninety seven cattle were examined bacteriologically for the presence of Dermatophilosis. The result of the investigation revealed a prevalence rate of 4.5%. Bacteriological examination of the scabs and crust samples of affected cattle showed considerable variation in the cultural appearance of the various strains. Cultural comparison showed that all isolates grew at 37oC in CO2 atmosphere with differences in haemolysis pattern on bovine and ovine blood agar. Biochemical reactions showed that all strains were catalase positive and actively positive for the fermentation of glucose while most isolates fermented fructose, maltose and mannitol. Few isolates fermented xylose and sucrose and non-fermented lactose and sorbitol within 24 hours when incubated anaerobically at 37oC. Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the isolates indicated that all strains examined were susceptible to nitrofurantoin, gentamycin, kanamycin, co-trimoxazole and tetracycline with few isolates being susceptible to colistin sulphate and ampicillin. Meanwhile all isolates were resistant to sulphafurazole. Investigations revealed that bovine dematophilosis is prevalent in Borno State. A review of present control measures is recommended. Key words: Bovine dermatophilosis, antibiotics, Borno State, Nigeria. Trop. Vet. Vol. 21: (3) 146-151 (2003)