24/07/2024
or in Cattle: Understanding and Treating the Condition
Papillomatosis, commonly known as warts, is a viral disease in cattle caused by the bovine papillomavirus (BPV). It typically affects young animals due to their underdeveloped immune systems, presenting as benign growths on the skin and mucous membranes. While generally benign, warts can cause discomfort, secondary infections, and economic losses in severe cases.
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Warts appear as multiple, sessile or pedunculated, circumscribed grey-white to dark brownish-black outgrowths on the skin. Common sites include the neck, eyelids, teats, and lower abdomen. Though usually harmless, these growths can interfere with feeding and milking, particularly when located near the mouth or on the udder.
Methods
Treatment varies based on wart severity and location:
1. Immunotherapy: Methods like autogenous vaccination and autohemotherapy stimulate the immune system to combat warts.
2. Cryotherapy: Freezes warts with liquid nitrogen, effective but requires specialized equipment.
3. Chemical Treatment: Uses topical agents like podophyllin or salicylic acid, requiring careful application to avoid healthy tissue damage.
4. Surgical Removal: Necessary for larger warts or those causing discomfort, requiring careful post-operative care to prevent infection.
Autogenous vaccination involves creating a vaccine from the animal's removed warts to stimulate an immune response. The process includes:
1. Collection: Collect warts with varied morphology after surgical removal.
2. Preparation: Triturate tissues with a mortar and pestle, mix with sterile saline, filter, and add formalin and gentamicin sulfate. Store at 4°C for 2 days.
3. Administration: Administer 1,2,3,4 & 5 ml subcutaneously on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.
This method uses the animal's blood to boost the immune system. It involves:
1. Blood Collection: Draw 20-30ml of blood from the jugular vein.
2. Re-injection: Inject half IM in the gluteal region and half S/C in the lateral neck. Repeat weekly for four weeks.
This treatment enhances macrophage activity, aiding in wart regression. Combining it with autogenous vaccination can accelerate recovery, offering a simple, cost-effective solution for farm use.
Preventing papillomatosis involves good hygiene and biosecurity measures. Quarantine new animals, regularly clean equipment and facilities, and manage herd stress to reduce viral spread.