1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab
2Animal Disease Research Centre, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab
3Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab
*Correspondence E-mail: nitindevsingh@gadvasu.in
Address for correspondence: N.D. Singh, Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India;
Pneumonia is a major health concern in small ruminants, significantly reducing productivity and causing substantial economic losses worldwide. Mycoplasma species are key pathogens implicated in respiratory infections of goats and sheep, acting either alone or in combination with other microbes. This study investigated haematological changes and identified major respiratory pathogens in clinically affected small ruminants. It also evaluated the pathological and immunohistochemical changes associated with Mycoplasma induced pneumonia in dead animals. A total of 50 animals (42 goats and 8 sheep) showing respiratory signs were examined. Blood and nasal swab samples were collected to assess haematological parameters and identify causative agents. Haematological analysis revealed significantly elevated total leukocyte counts and neutrophilia (P≤0.05) in affected animals, along with a slight increase in lymphocytes, indicating an active inflammatory process. Bacterial culture of nasal swabs identified Staphylococcus spp. (50%) as the most common isolate, followed by E. coli (30%) and Streptococcus spp. (10%). Postmortem examination of 19 goats with respiratory illness revealed gross lung changes, including consolidation, mucopurulent discharge and tracheal congestion. Histopathological evaluation confirmed interstitial pneumonia in 11(57.89%) animals, characterized by inflammatory infiltrates, alveolar septal thickening. The presence of mixed inflammatory cell populations suggested both acute and chronic phases of disease. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma antigens in all 11 histopathologically positive cases. In conclusion, Mycoplasma associated pneumonia, often compounded by secondary bacterial infections, plays a significant role in the respiratory disease complex of small ruminants. Early diagnosis, along with improved management and control measures is essential to reduce economic losses in small ruminant production systems.
Mycoplasma species, Pneumonia, small ruminants
