Pathological classification of naturally occurring pneumonia in cattle (Bos indicus) and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Respiratory disease complex (RDC), commonly referred to as pneumonia, is a major cause of mortality in large ruminants. The present study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and pathological classification of pneumonia in fallen cattle and buffaloes. A total of 174 fallen bovines (86 cattle and 88 buffaloes) were examined at the Integrated Livestock Farm Complex and Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, DUVASU, Mathura, of which 120 cases with respiratory history or pulmonary lesions were subjected to histopathological examination. Mortality was predominantly higher in young animals and females, with seasonal variation observed between species. Histopathological evaluation revealed bronchopneumonia as the most common lesion (43.33%, 52/120), comprising suppurative (33.33%) and fibrinous (10.00%) forms, followed by interstitial pneumonia (34.16%, 41/120). Verminous pneumonia (9.17%), granulomatous pneumonia (0.84%) and miscellaneous pulmonary conditions including emphysema, atelectasis, pulmonary oedema, congestion and haemorrhage (12.50%) were also recorded. The findings indicate that bronchopneumonia and interstitial pneumonia constitute the major pathological forms of RDC in bovines and underline the importance of effective management and disease control strategies to reduce respiratory-related mortality.