North West farmers warned of bovine infections through multidrug-resistant bacteria

The warning comes from Dr Tshipamba Mpinda Edoaurd of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He recently conducted a study to investigate the incidence of the bacteria campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter subsp. venerealis involved in bovine genital campylobacteriosis infections.

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis is associated with infertility, early embryonic death and abortion, while campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus is associated with sporadic abortion in cows and sheep.

The study was conducted in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District and entailed testing 258 sheath wash samples obtained from bulls in the Mamusa, Mulopo, Naledi and Tshwaing municipalities.

“During the investigation, two bacteria which are known to be the cause of bovine genital campylobacteriosis, as well as sporadic abortion in cattle and sheep, were detected,” Dr Edoaurd says.

“Furthermore, the detected bacteria were subjected to an antimicrobial test using the disc diffusion method and the results revealed that most of the isolated bacteria were multidrug-resistant. The resistance was mainly observed against tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ampicillin and nalidixic acid.”

He says the presence of these two bacterial subspecies may negatively affect the beef industry. Adding to the animal health challenges posed by these bacteria is their multidrug-resistant profile.

“This could also pose a risk for public health, as these microorganisms, especially campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, might be transferred to humans via the food chain. If that happens, campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus may cause a foodborne pathogen,” adds Dr Edoaurd.

“Farmers across the North West Province should apply sanitary measures and avoid the introduction of new bulls without sanitary control.”