Which pathogen is associated with pruritus in a cow?

Which pathogen is associated with pruritus in a cow?

• A. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
• B. Foot and Mouth Disease
• C. Pseudorabies
• D. Listeria monocytogenes

Answer: (C)

Pruritus in cattle is a neurological irritation that is classically linked to pseudorabies infection. Pseudorabies, caused by Suid herpesvirus 1, can invade the nervous system and produce a severe neuropathic itch, so affected cows rub and chew at themselves or objects in an attempt to relieve the sensation. This itching is a characteristic feature in cattle with this disease, even though the virus is primarily associated with pigs. The other pathogens listed don’t typically cause this intense itching. Bovine viral diarrhea virus mainly affects reproductive and mucosal systems or causes systemic illness in some cases. Foot-and-mouth disease produces fever, vesicles on the mouth and feet, and lameness rather than itching. Listeria monocytogenes tends to cause abortion, septicemia, or encephalitis, with neurologic signs but not the marked pruritus seen with pseudorabies. So, the presence of intense pruritus in a cow aligns best with infection by pseudorabies.

Pruritus in cattle is a neurological irritation that is classically linked to pseudorabies infection. Pseudorabies, caused by Suid herpesvirus 1, can invade the nervous system and produce a severe neuropathic itch, so affected cows rub and chew at themselves or objects in an attempt to relieve the sensation. This itching is a characteristic feature in cattle with this disease, even though the virus is primarily associated with pigs.

The other pathogens listed don’t typically cause this intense itching. Bovine viral diarrhea virus mainly affects reproductive and mucosal systems or causes systemic illness in some cases. Foot-and-mouth disease produces fever, vesicles on the mouth and feet, and lameness rather than itching. Listeria monocytogenes tends to cause abortion, septicemia, or encephalitis, with neurologic signs but not the marked pruritus seen with pseudorabies.

So, the presence of intense pruritus in a cow aligns best with infection by pseudorabies.