Systematic Veterinary Virology

LESIONS

• The carcass of the affected animal is usually emaciated, the hindquarters soiled with soft/watery faeces. The eyes and nose contain dried-up discharges. The following changes are also seen:
• Mouth: Dirty-white, false membranes and erosions are seen on the gums, soft and hard palates, tongue, cheeks and oesophagus.
• Lips: Appear Swollen with erosions and scabs or nodules
• Nasal cavity: Congested (reddened) lining with clear or creamy yellow exudates and erosions
• Lungs: Dark red or purple areas which are firm to the touch, are mainly seen in the anterior and cardiac lobes. Pleuritis and hydrothorax are also observed
• Lymph nodes (associated with the lungs and the intestines): Appear soft and swollen.
• Abomasum: Congested (reddened) lining with haemorrhages
• Small intestines:  Congested (reddened) lining with haemorrhages and erosions are noticed.
• Large intestines (caecum, colon and rectum): Small red haemorrhages along the folds of the lining that join together and appear darker or green/black in stale carcasses (Zebra striping).