Cattle Diseases
Lumpy Jaw and Wooden Tongue
Del Chapman, Biosecurity Unit, DPI&F
Lumpy Jaw and Wooden Tongue are infectious diseases which are commonly referred to as Actino. Both diseases have the potential to be fatal, but can be successfully treated. The disease can occur in all species but is most commonly seen in cattle.
Causes
Lumpy Jaw or Actinomycosis is caused by a bacteria called Actinomyces bovis, while Wooden Tongue or Actinobacillosis is caused by Actinobacillus lignieresi .
The organism generally enters the body through cuts and abrasions in the mouth. It is thought that the eruption of teeth plays an important part in this regard. Although not generally considered economically important the disease has the potential to spread within a herd from affected animals via flies. It is for this reason that cattle with suppurating lesions are not allowed at saleyards. Also they are likely to be condemned following ante-mortem inspection at abattoirs.
Signs of Lumpy Jaw
Lumpy jaw can occur in bony and soft tissues, but is predominantly seen in the bones of the upper and lower jaw.
The first symptom noted is usually swelling as the bone becomes enlarged and honeycombed and fills with pus. In most cases, but not always, the swelling will breakout, the discharge being very thick and sticky.
Signs of Wooden Tongue
Wooden tongue is seen mainly in soft tissues, but can occur in bony tissue on rare occasions. It is characterised mainly by inflammation of the tongue, which will become hard, swollen and painful.
Nodules and ulcers are often observed.
The onset of the disease is usually quite rapid , The animal drools from the mouth and often is unable to eat or drink causing rapid loss of condition.
An atypical type of Actinobacillosis can occur with ulcer-like skin lesions over various parts of the body. Also nasal Actinobacillosis may cause nasal discharge and difficulty in breathing.
Diagnosis
In most cases, diagnosis of both diseases can be made by close inspection of the animal. Laboratory conformation is by examination of microscopic smears or culturing the organism.
Treatment
If the animal is not particularly valuable, consider sending it to the meatworks in the early stages of the disease. A 'Suspect Permit' must accompany the animal and any lesions must be unbroken.
Otherwise, veterinary advice should be sought. Drugs are available to treat both conditions, for example, iodine and antibiotic preparations. The response to treatment is generally quite successful.
Further information
For further information contact the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or visit the DPI&F web site.
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought. The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should ensure that they make appropriate inquiries to determine whether new information is available on the particular subject matter.
Last updated 09 June 2005
