SOME STUDIES ON BOVINE PAPILLOMA VIRUS INFECTION IN CATTLE WITH TRIALS OF ITS TREATMENT

Abstract

Wart-like skin eruptions were found on 172 cattle (124 Friesian and 48 native breed) in Sharkia and Ismailia governorates, Egypt. Lesions were found on the head, neck, dewlap, eyelids and occasionally legs as well as extensive generalization. The disease was more common and severe in Friesian than in native breed and in young cattle than in adults. In some cases eruptions were concurrent with other infectious skin diseases including ringworm or mange. The warts from infected animals were taken for virological and histopathological examinations. Virus was isolated on fetal bovine skin tissue culture and on embryonated chicken eggs. Histopathologically, hyperkeratosis and acanthosis were detected in the epidermis of warts. Virological and histopathological results showed infection with bovine papilloma virus, probably of type II. Spontaneous recovery occurred in mild cases. An autogenous vaccine gave good results. Solitary large sessile warts were removed surgically. For pedunculated, medium size and small solitary warts, cryosurgical treatment was highly beneficial.