Isolation of Pasteurella spp. from Sick and Healthy Feedlot Calves Using Four Different Sampling Techniques

Authors

Keith A. Gilmore, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
D. Dee Griffin, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Louis J. Perino, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

1993

Document Type

Article

Citation

Published in Beef Research Program Progress Report, No. 4, Part 2 (May 1993)

Comments

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1993 775-731

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease is the most common disease complex of feedlot cattle. The peak incidence of the disease occurs within the first few weeks of arrival at the feedlot. Bovine respiratory disease is attributed to a complex interaction between bacteria, viruses, environment, stress, and managerial practices. Pasteurella hemolytica, and to a lesser extent Pasteurella multocida, are considered to be the most common bacterial isolates from cases of bovine respiratory disease. The purpose of this study was threefold: 1) compare the ability of four different sampling techniques to isolate Pasteurella spp. from the respiratory tract of calves, 2) compare the prevalence of Pasteurella spp. in the respiratory tract of sick calves and clinically normal cohorts, and 3) evaluate the feasibility and practicality of performing nonsurgical tracheal washes in a feedlot setting.