Fusarium graminearum in a Papilloma Virus Infected Friesian Bull in Vom, Nigeria: Case Report

Abstract

A case of fusariosis in a papilloma virus-infected Friesian bull was described [Nigeria, date not given]. The bull's skin appeared reddish with an ulcerated centre which was covered by a black leathery scar. Discrete, multiple to diffuse, solitary, coalescing and necrotizing lesions were observed on the trunk and extremities. Irregularly raised, pedunculated cauliflower-like growths (warts) were obvious. These lesions were distributed on the head, neck, face, ears, mandibular regions, legs, scrotum, hump, shoulders, dorsum and lateral abdomen. Skin scrapings were positive for papilloma virus. The specimen was also subjected to mycological examination. Macroscopically, the isolated hyaline mould that produced white cottony colonies at the early stage and a rose-red diffusible pigment as they matured was suggestive of Fusarium graminearum [Gibberella zeae]. The bull died before treatment was started. It was concluded that infection with papilloma virus could have compromised the skin and provided an enabling condition for infection by F. graminearum.