Factors in the pathogenesis of buffalo fly-associated lesions

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

10:54 AM – 11:06 AM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 221 C

Presenting Author(s)

PJ

Peter J. James

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

Co-Author(s)

NN

Noman Naseem

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
AR

Ali Raza

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
MK

Muhammad Kamran

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
RA

Rachel Allavena

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
CC

Constantin Constantinoiu

James Cook University
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
MM

Michael McGowan

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
CT

Conny Turni

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
AT

Ala Tabor

University of Queensland
St Lucia, Queensland, Australia

Skin lesions associated with infestations of buffalo flies (Haematobia irritans exigua) are a major health and welfare issue in Australia’s northern cattle industries. They are most commonly manifested as dermatitis or ulcerated areas near the eyes and on the neck, abdomen and flanks of cattle. Up to 95% of cattle are affected in some herds. In this study factors involved in the pathogenesis of these lesions were investigated. The results suggest that differences in the immune response of cattle to BF antigens are a major factor underlying variation in cattle susceptibility to lesion development and the presence of Stephanofilaria and bacterial infection, transmitted during BF feeding, may act to increase the severity of lesion pathology. Better knowledge of the causal factors involved in lesion pathogenesis may assist the development of optimal strategies for preventing or treating BF lesions.