Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS)

What is haemorrhagic septicaemia?

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is a fast-moving and often fatal bacterial disease of buffaloes and cows. In many villages it is called galghotu. It is caused by certain types of the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. Buffaloes are more likely than cows to become seriously ill.

HS is seen most often in the rainy season, and when animals are stressed by hard work, poor feeding or long travel. Some healthy-looking animals carry the bacteria in their throat and can spread them to others when stressed. Sick animals can die within hours of the first signs, so many are found dead.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Sudden high fever and dullness
• Not eating or drinking
• Heavy drooling and a runny nose
• Hot, painful swelling of the throat, neck or brisket (lower chest)
• Difficult, noisy breathing
• Lying down and collapse

Which lab tests help

Because HS moves so fast, samples are often taken from an animal that is very sick or has just died. Your vet chooses the sample and takes it.

The Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (Pasteurella multocida) RT-PCR looks for the genetic material of Pasteurella multocida in blood, a nasal swab or tissue. The lab confirms what the PCR covers when you book. A Blood Culture & Sensitivity grows the bacteria from blood taken in a sterile way and shows which antibiotics may work.

A Blood Protozoa (Blood Parasite Smear) is a stained blood smear. It may show the bacteria, which can look like tiny safety pins, and it also helps rule out tick fever parasites, which can cause a similar sudden fever. The Tick Fever Panel for Cattle & Buffalo (Theileriosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis) checks for the main tick fevers in one booking.

A negative result does not always rule HS out, especially if the animal was given medicine before the sample was taken. A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the herd's signs, the season and the history.

When to see your vet

Call your vet at once if a buffalo or cow has a sudden high fever, a swollen throat or noisy breathing. Every hour matters. If several animals fall ill, also tell the animal husbandry department. Sudden death can also be caused by anthrax, which can infect people, so never cut open a dead animal yourself, wear gloves, wash your hands well and see a doctor if you feel unwell. Ask your vet about vaccination.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab in Shahpura, Bhopal provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. For HS, call the lab on +91 88175 01118 as soon as your vet suspects it, so it can confirm how samples should be packed and sent. From other districts, samples come through your local vet, by courier or by bus parcel. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.