Rhéa Mycoplasma bovis + Pasteurella multocida

In cattle and livestock, several respiratory diseases can seriously affect animal health and productivity.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a major viral agent of respiratory disease in cattle, particularly in young animals. Highly contagious, it is transmitted through direct contact, aerosols or contaminated equipment. It causes fever, severe coughing, respiratory distress, loss of appetite and general weakness. In severe cases, BRSV can lead to severe pneumonia and high mortality, particularly in intensive farming or in the event of co-infections.

Mycoplasma bovis, a bacterium without a cell wall, is a common opportunistic pathogen in cattle herds. It is transmitted through the respiratory tract or via contaminated milk. Mycoplasma bovis is responsible for chronic respiratory diseases, pneumonia, ear infections and arthritis, which can lead to long-term lameness. The infection is often persistent and difficult to treat due to the bacterium’s natural resistance to many antibiotics.

Bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BHV-4) is a virus associated with various diseases in cattle, although its exact role is sometimes difficult to isolate. It may be involved in metritis, abortions and respiratory problems when it occurs in co-infection with other agents of the bovine respiratory complex. Like other herpesviruses, it is capable of establishing a latent infection and reactivating during periods of stress.

Finally, Pasteurella multocida is a bacterium frequently found in infectious pneumonia. Transmitted through the respiratory tract, it often takes advantage of a previously weakened respiratory system, particularly caused by viruses such as BRSV or BHV-4. It causes high fever, coughing, nasal discharge, respiratory distress and can progress to acute fibrinous pneumonia.

These four pathogens, which are often present simultaneously in herds, play a major role in bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Their impact is particularly marked in high-density farms or during periods of stress (transport, mixing of animals, adverse weather conditions). Control relies on good prevention: biosecurity, stress management, vaccination when available, early detection and appropriate treatment in case of infection.

The Rhéa Mycoplasma bovis + Pasteurella multocidatest is a new-generation molecular test that enables the detection of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in nasal swabs from cattle, sheep and goats in a simple, reliable and rapid manner, allowing infected animals to be isolated and treated even before the first clinical signs appear.

Unlike conventional PCR reactions, Rhéa® tests are performed in just a few steps on a portable, easy-to-use reading system. Results can therefore be obtained in less than 40 minutes, either at the clinic or in the field.