Control strategies for bovine dermatophilosis with particular reference to Nigeria

Abstract

Dermatophilosis is an economically important disease prevalent in Nigeria. It is a skin disease that affects mainly cattle, sheep and horses, but also goats, dogs and cats, many wild mammals, reptiles and, occasionally, humans. The disease is caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis, which is a member of the order Actinomycetales with a great potential for causing severe economic losses in cattle. In recent time, there have been cases of ineffective treatment to this disease in Nigeria. The various control strategies for Dermatophilosis are discussed in this paper. Recommendations for control of Dermatophilosis in Nigeria on short term include ecto-parasite control by regular use of insecticide/acaricide in dips with added 0.03% copper sulphate or 1% solution of alum (potassium aluminium sulphate) spray. Infected animals should be isolated and treated with effective antibiotics or culled, while use of barb wire in the construction of cattle paddocks should be discouraged. Adequate nutrition should be provided for the animals all year round. Long term measures include gradual genetic upgrading of susceptible breeds with fairly resistant ones such as N’dama, Muturu and Keteku.