What are the symptoms and effects of Mycoplasma bovis?
In beef cattle, a Mycoplasma bovis infection may begin as part of a general respiratory problem that doesn’t respond to the usual courses of antibiotics. The symptoms of these pneumonic cattle may differ from those of other types of pneumonia. The animals may stay bright and alert much longer. The muzzle, instead of becoming dry and cracked, drips with a clear, or nearly clear, thin mucous. Eyes may remain bright. A harsh, hacking cough is common and breathing may not be labored at first, but is more rapid than normal. After entering the respiratory tract, Mycoplasma bovis can invade tissues and liberate toxins that can cause severe tissue damage. It can enter the bloodstream and spread to other tissues or body systems: joints, ears, eyes, and udders. Once in the joints and tendons it can cause arthritis/tenosynovitis. The conditions are progressive and can result in death.
