In Kagoshima Prefecture, a total of 100 cattle died suddenly or were condemned after taking a recumbent position and suffering from pyrexia, anorexia, and nervous symptoms over a period from January, 1979, to May, 1982. Most of them were of the indigenous Japanese Black breed in the process of fattening, showed clinical manifestations at 7-12 months of age, and died or were condemned within a day or within 3 months after introduction into the farm.
Pathologically, thromboembolic meningoencephalomyelitis was characteristic. In addition, blood vascular degeneration, thrombosis, and formation of pyogenic foci were noticed in organs all over the body. A diagnosis of
Haemophilus somnus infection was made in all the cattle affected.
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