Pathology of Degnala disease in cattle and buffaloes.

Degnala disease, which is believed to be a mycotoxicosis, has clinical syndrome similar to chronic ergotism and is characterised by development of oedema, necrosis and gangrene of the legs, tail, ears, etc. The gross and histopathologic studies revealed thickening of the wall of blood vessels, associated with thrombus formation, and eosinophilic infiltration in the subcutaneous connective tissue of the affected parts of the body.

Fusarium equiseti associated mycotoxins as possible cause of Degnala disease.

In an attempt to find out the etiology of Degnala disease, occurring among buffaloes and zebu cattle in certain rice growing areas of India, preliminary field and laboratory investigations were conducted. On the basis of information so obtained, certain hypotheses (possible causes) were formulated and each of them was examined by instituting laboratory and experimental studies. These investigations suggested the possibility of the involvement of mycotoxins.