A case of bovine ehrlichiosis in the Rhone-Alpes region

In September 2001, four cows in a dairy herd in the Rhone department presented with similar symptoms including hyperthermia of more than 40degreesC, rapid decrease in milk production, and a dry tracheobronchitis. One of the four also had swelling of the fetlocks. These symptoms were considered with other conditions seen in the heard during the previous few months. These included several cases of babesiosis, indicating the presence of a tick biotope, and an outbreak of coughing of nonparasitic origin during the summer. Although direct examination of blood smears proved negative, a diagnosis of ehrlichiosis was established. The animals recuperated following treatment with oxytetracycline and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The diagnosis of ehrlichiosis was confirmed a posteriori a month later when seroconversion was seen in the animals.