Integrin alpha 6 homozygous splice-site mutation causes a new form of junctional epidermolysis bullosa in Charolais cattle.

Background: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of painful and life-threatening genetic disorders that are characterized by mechanically induced blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Congenital skin fragility resembling EB was recently reported in three Charolais calves born in two distinct herds from unaffected parents. Phenotypic and genetic analyses were carried out to describe this condition and its molecular etiology.

Cutaneous and systemic granulomatous disease associated with hairy vetch toxicosis in a French Holstein dairy herd.

This report describes an outbreak of hairy vetch toxicosis afflicting a herd of cattle with a fatal cutaneous and systemic granulomatous disease. It highlights how this condition remains poorly recognized by cattle production professionals in Europe and the need for communication about vetch-associated diseases.

Multiple congenital epitrichial sweat gland hamartomas in a piglet.

A case of multiple congenital epitrichial sweat gland hamartomas in a 2-day-old piglet is presented. The skin lesions were raised, ovoid to linear in configuration, alopecic, red-purple to pink, and cauliflower-like to cerebriform in appearance. Histological examination of skin specimens confirmed a diagnosis of epitrichial sweat gland hamartoma.

[Survey of foot and mouth disease in France].

The Foot and Mouth disease is considered a relatively mild disease in susceptible animals but it has a considerable economical impact in France and worldwide due to the huge economical losses that it generates. A system for the prevention of the disease was developed thirty years ago and has since been continuously improved. The current system for the prevention of FMD is based on training and information of all those involved in the surveillance of susceptible animals, over all the national territory, and on the control of imported animals and animal products.