Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) Nucleic Acid Test Kit (Lyophilized)

Symptoms 

• Mammary Gland Involvement:

• Mastitis: In lactating ewes, this is a primary symptom. The udder becomes swollen, hot, and painful. There is a significant change in milk quality, with the milk turning watery, containing clots or flakes, and a decrease in milk production. In severe cases, the udder may develop abscesses, which can rupture and lead to further complications.

• Agalactia: As the name implies, infected ewes may experience a complete or partial loss of milk production. This not only affects the growth and survival of the lambs but also has a major economic impact on dairy sheep farming.

• Arthritis and Lameness:

• Joint Inflammation: M. agalactiae can infect the joints, causing arthritis. The joints, especially those in the limbs such as the knee, hock, and fetlock joints, become swollen, tender, and stiff. The inflammation can cause damage to the joint cartilage and surrounding tissues over time.

• Lameness: Sheep with joint infections show obvious lameness. They have difficulty walking, may limp severely, and are reluctant to move or graze. Lameness can lead to reduced activity levels, weight loss, and a decline in overall physical condition.

• Ocular Symptoms:

• Conjunctivitis: Infected sheep often develop conjunctivitis. The eyes become red, swollen, and there is a discharge that can be clear or mucopurulent. In severe cases, corneal opacity may occur, which can potentially lead to vision impairment or blindness in extreme cases.

Clinical Applications 

• Early Detection and Isolation: The M. agalactiae nucleic acid detection reagent allows for the early and accurate identification of the pathogen. Even in the early, pre - symptomatic stages of infection, the reagent can detect the presence of the bacteria. This enables immediate isolation of infected sheep, preventing the spread of M. agalactiae within the flock. For example, in a sheep dairy farm, if a ewe shows a slight decrease in milk production, using this reagent can quickly determine if M. agalactiae is the cause.

• Herd - wide Screening and Monitoring: Regular screening of the entire sheep flock using the nucleic acid detection reagent is crucial for disease prevention and control. It helps in identifying both clinically - affected and subclinical carriers. Subclinical carriers, although not showing visible symptoms, can still transmit the bacteria to other sheep. By detecting these carriers, appropriate measures such as culling, isolation, or treatment can be implemented to protect the overall health of the flock.

• Differential Diagnosis: Since the symptoms of M. agalactiae infection can be similar to those of other diseases in sheep, like other mastitis - causing bacteria or other joint - infecting pathogens, the nucleic acid detection reagent plays a vital role in accurate differential diagnosis. Veterinarians can use it to distinguish M. agalactiae from other pathogens, ensuring that the correct treatment and management strategies are adopted.

• Quarantine and Trade - related Purposes: In the context of sheep trade, both domestic and international, the M. agalactiae nucleic acid detection reagent is used for quarantine purposes. It ensures that the sheep being transported or sold are free from the bacteria, preventing the spread of M. agalactiae across different regions. This is essential for maintaining the health of disease - free areas and safeguarding the sheep - raising industry from economic losses associated with M. agalactiae outbreaks.