Studies on the carrier status of Pasteurella multocida in healthy cattle and Buffalo in district Faisalabad

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal swabs from healthy cattle (n = 100) and buffalo (n = 100) were collected and inoculated on the selective media for Pasteurella multocida i.e., Casein Sucrose Yeast agar supplemented with blood and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Isolated organisms were identified on the basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Three samples from the buffalo were found positive for the growth of Pasteurella multocida while none of the samples from cattle gave positive results. Colonies of the positive samples were grayish, translucent with entire edges, approximately 1mm in diameter. All the isolates fermented sugars like glucose, sucrose and maltose while lactose was not fermented; furthermore isolates were positive for catalase, indole production and hydrogen sulphide tests and negative for voges proskeurs, methyl red and gelatin liquefaction tests. Isolates proved themselves pathogenic by killing rabbits within hours when inoculated experimentally. © 2007 Academic Journals Inc.