Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS)

Hemorrhagic Septicemia is a very dangerous bacterial disease that mainly affects buffaloes and cattle.
It is common in hot and humid countries such as Pakistan, India, and other Asian regions.

The disease spreads very quickly, and in severe cases an animal may die within 8–24 hours.

Buffalow Affected by HS

The causative bacterium is:

Causative Agent

Pasteurella multocida

Main dangerous serotypes:

  • B:2
  • E:2

Which Animals Are Affected?

Mostly:

  • Buffalo
  • Cattle

Sometimes:

  • Goats
  • Sheep
  • Camels
  • Deer
  • Yaks
  • Horses

Buffaloes usually develop more severe disease than cattle.

How Does HS Spread?

The disease spreads from infected or carrier animals to healthy animals.

Modes of Transmission

  • Nasal discharge
  • Saliva and mouth
  • secretions
  • Contaminated feed
  • Contaminated water
  • Close contact among animals
  • Rainy and humid weather

Factors That Increase the Disease

Stress plays a major role

Common stress factors:

  • Extreme heat
  • Humidity and rainy season
  • Long transportation
  • Poor nutrition
  • Heavy workload
  • Weak immunity
  • Other diseases
  • Foot-and-Mouth Disease
  • Blood parasite infections

Types of HS

1. Peracute HS

This is the most dangerous form.

Signs:

  • Sudden high fever
  • Severe breathing difficulty
  • Excessive salivation
  • Nasal discharge
  • Sudden collapse
  • Death within 8–24 hours

Sometimes the owner notices only sudden death.

2. Acute HS

This form may last 2–5 days.

Signs:

  • Fever of 104–106°F
  • Loss of appetite
    Weakness and dullness
  • Restlessness
  • Nasal discharge (watery first, then thick)
  • Watery eyes
  • Excess salivation
  • Swelling under the throat
  • Swelling of neck and brisket
  • Rapid breathing
  • Bluish discoloration
  • due to lack of oxygen
  • Sometimes diarrhea

3. Pneumonic Form

This form mainly affects the lungs.

Signs:

  • Coughing
  • Noisy breathing
  • Fast breathing
  • Fever
  • Nasal discharge

4. Septicemic Form

This is the most fatal form.

The bacteria enter the bloodstream and produce toxins (endotoxemia) throughout the body.

Signs:

  • Severe fever
  • Cold body
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Animal becomes
  • unable to stand
  • Sudden death

Characteristic Sign of HS

Most Important Sign:

Soft warm swelling under the jaw, throat, and neck region.This is one of the most typical signs of HS.

Diagnosis of HS

Veterinarians diagnose HS based on:

  • Sudden fever
  • Neck and throat swelling
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Outbreak history in the area

Laboratory Tests

  • Blood tests
  • Bacterial culture
  • PCR test

Diseases Similar to HS

HS can sometimes resemble:

  • Foot-and-Mouth Disease
  • Anthrax
  • Blackleg
  • Snakebite
  • Poisoning/toxicity

Treatment of HS

Early treatment is extremely important.If treatment starts very early, the animal may survive.

Commonly Used Antibiotics

  • Oxytetracycline
  • Penicillin
  • Gentamicin
  • Kanamycin
  • Enrofloxacin
  • Ceftiofur
  • Tilmicosin

Supportive Treatment

In severe cases:

  • IV fluids
  • Intravenous
  • antibiotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Fever control
  • Keep the animal in a cool and comfortable place

Prevention of HS

1. Vaccination Is the Most Important Protection

HS Vaccine

When Should Vaccination Be Done?

  • Before the rainy/monsoon season
  • Once or twice every year

2. Preventive Measures

Animals should:

  • Be protected from heat stress
  • Receive clean drinking water
  • Receive balanced nutrition
  • Sick animals should be isolated
  • Avoid overcrowding
  • Get proper rest after transportation

3. Farm Management

  • Maintain daily cleanliness
  • Avoid stagnant dirty water
  • Quarantine newly purchased animals
  • Properly dispose of dead animals

Why Does HS Cause Sudden Death?

Because the bacteria:

  • Spread rapidly in the blood
  • Release harmful toxins
  • Cause severe breathing problems
  • Lead to shock and organ failure

Season of HS

HS is more common during:

  • Rainy season
  • Humid weather
  • Extreme heat

Important Warning Signs

If an animal shows:

  • Sudden fever
  • Swelling of throat/neck
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Excessive salivation
  • Weakness or sitting down

Note

This content has been prepared after a detailed review of the clinical studies and research work conducted by Dr. Derek A. Mosier, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, as published on MSD Veterinary Manual (msdvetmanual.com). As a veterinary practitioner, I have carefully studied and interpreted his documented findings and experimental data to develop this information for educational and professional reference purposes.