Degnala in Water Buffaloes: A Review on a Neglected Disease
Instituto de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Pará, Castanhal 68740-970, PA, Brazil
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Animals 2024, 14(16), 2292; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14162292
Submission received: 15 July 2024
/
Revised: 4 August 2024
/
Accepted: 5 August 2024
/
Published: 6 August 2024
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Buffalo Welfare, Strategies to Improve Health, Behavior, Productivity, and Food Quality and Safety)
Simple Summary
Degnala is a neglected disease affecting water buffaloes, characterized by dermatological and systemic symptoms that significantly impact animal health and productivity. Caused primarily by mycotoxins produced by fungi in damp, poorly stored feed, Degnala manifests through symptoms such as skin lesions, lameness, and weight loss, leading to severe economic losses in affected regions. Despite its prevalence in certain areas, Degnala remains underreported and understudied, partly due to inadequate diagnostic facilities and a lack of awareness among veterinarians and farmers. This review aims to shed light on Degnala, its etiology, clinical manifestations, and the challenges faced in its diagnosis and management. Furthermore, this review discusses the current understanding of the disease, highlighting research gaps and the need for improved diagnostic methods. It also emphasizes the importance of proper feed management and storage practices to prevent mycotoxin contamination. By bringing attention to this neglected disease, this review calls for increased research efforts, better diagnostic protocols, and enhanced awareness to mitigate the impact of Degnala on buffalo health and productivity. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving animal welfare and supporting the livelihoods of farmers who rely on buffaloes for milk, meat, and draught power.
Abstract
Degnala is one of the primary mycotoxicoses affecting buffaloes, with Fusarium spp. as the main causative agent. This disease is strongly associated with the feeding of rice straw to buffaloes and is considered endemic to regions where rice is cultivated. Cases are concentrated in winter when conditions favor fungal growth in inadequately stored straw. Degnala is characterized by necrosis and gangrene of the extremities, including the tail, lower limbs, ears, tongue, muzzle, and teats. The pelvic limbs are more affected than the thoracic limbs. A tortuous appearance of the tail is very common, and cracks or corneal loss of the hooves may occur, exposing the blades and even the bones. There is no diagnostic method for identifying the disease in animals other than clinical and epidemiological criteria, combined with fungal culture samples. There is no treatment that neutralizes the effects of the toxins; the current treatment is palliative and supportive, consisting of pentasulfate solution, anti-Degnala liquid, 2% nitroglycerin ointment, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary infections. Additionally, the management of drying and proper storage of straw is essential for controlling this disease.
