Since 1957, 28 cases of bovine ophthalmic disease have been observed in the mountainous district of Niigata Prefecture. This disease occurred over a period from September to December, when farmers were very busy in threshing and many dust particles flying in the air. It affected cattle, regardless of breed, age, or sex.
1) The chief clinical symptoms were hyperemia, swelling and hypertrophy of the conjunctivae, sclera, cornea, and nictitating membrane. Photophobia, lacrimation, and thickening of the scleral and corneal conjunctiva were seen. Swelling covered more than one-third of the eye. In the severest case necrosis and erosion were seen.
2) Moderate eosinophilla and mild neutrophilia were seen. Neither eggs, larvae, nor adult worm. were present in the eye.
3) Severe eosinophilia was found in the samear Colonies of Micrococcus and mycetoid were seen on agar.
4) Severe eosinophilic granulomas were found in all cases. Eosinophilic masses of club-shaped or chrysanthemum-like structures surrounded by giant cells and inflammatory edema were also observed.
5) In mild cases, washing of the eyes with 2% boric acid and application of antibiotics and sulfa drugs were effective. In severe and chronic cases, swellings had to be removed surgically. The cause of the disease was assumed to be of allergic origin, and moulds seemed to be the most possible factors.
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