Clinical and bacteriological diagnosis of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in ruminants from herds in the state of Maranhão, Brazil

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Abstract

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis, caused mainly by Moraxella spp., is a common disease in ruminants such as cattle, goats and sheep, manifested by ocular signs such as conjunctival hyperemia, epiphora and corneal opacity, which can lead to blindness. Transmission occurs by direct contact, aerosols, fomites and mechanical vectors such as flies. This study aimed to diagnose and provide data on the occurrence of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in herds of Maranhão. A total of 5814 animals (4348 goats, 1426 sheep and 40 cattle) were evaluated, of which 16 presented clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis. The highest prevalence was observed in cattle (5 %, n=2), followed by sheep (0.56 %, n=8) and goats (0.13 %, n=6). Most of the affected goats were less than one year old (83.33 %), and among sheep, the Santa Ines breed was the most affected (62.5 %). Among cattle, both affected animals were females of the Holstein breed. The clinical signs observed were consistent between species, including corneal opacity, lacrimation and purulent discharge. Microbiological analysis confirmed Moraxella spp. in 7 samples (3 goats, 2 sheep, 2 cattle), confirming it as the probable cause. Five samples were contaminated and three showed no bacterial growth. The lack of biosecurity measures, such as vector control and quarantine, may have contributed to the spread of the disease. This study, the first of its kind in the region, highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and more effective diagnostic strategies in Maranhão, as well as the need for research to improve the clinical and epidemiological understanding of this disease.
Keywords: Moraxella spp.; veterinary ophthalmology; goats; sheep; cattle.

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References

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Published

2025-12-18

How to Cite

GONÇALVES, Lucilene Martins Trindade; BEZERRA, Ana Catarina Pinheiro Angelim; BARROSO, Beatriz Ferreira; SANTOS, Hamilton Pereira; PEREIRA, Helder de Moraes. Clinical and bacteriological diagnosis of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in ruminants from herds in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, Goiânia, v. 27, 2025. Disponível em: https://revistas.ufg.br/vet/article/view/81424. Acesso em: 12 jan. 2026.

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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VETERINARY MEDICINE

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