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[[Image:Woodentongue1.gif|thumb|125px|<small><center>Fibrous Stroma - Cut Surface of actinobacillosis affected tongue (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]
[[Image:Woodentongue1.gif|thumb|125px|<small><center>Fibrous Stroma - Cut Surface of actinobacillosis affected tongue (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]
==Description==
An infectious disease caused by the gram-negative coccobacilli [[Actinobacillus lignieresii]]. Characterised by inflammation of the soft tissues of the head especially the [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] and [[Lymph Nodes - Anatomy & Physiology|pharangeal lymph nodes]] of cattle and sheep. The Causal agent is widespread in the environment and part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It gains access to the tongue via small abrasions. It can be a progressive disease of low virulence but high persistence so the animal may stop eating and eventually die if not treated.
An infectious disease caused by the gram-negative coccobacilli [[Actinobacillus lignieresii]]. Characterised by inflammation of the soft tissues of the head especially the [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] and [[Lymph Nodes - Anatomy & Physiology|pharangeal lymph nodes]] of cattle and sheep. The Causal agent is widespread in the environment and part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It gains access to the tongue via small abrasions. It can be a progressive disease of low virulence but high persistence so the animal may stop eating and eventually die if not treated.
==Signalment==
==Signalment==
Occurs in cattle and sheep of all ages but particularly seen in young beef breeds particularly sucklers on poor forage.
Occurs in cattle and sheep of all ages but particularly seen in young beef breeds especially sucklers on poor forage.
Occasionally generalised infections occur and the bacteria cmay affect soft tissue anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
Occasionally generalised infections occur and the bacteria cmay affect soft tissue anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract.
Additionally a cutaneous form of the disease has been reported where ulcers and nodules are present in the subcutaneous tissue containing yellow-green pus.
Additionally a cutaneous form of the disease has been reported where ulcers and nodules are present in the subcutaneous tissue containing yellow-green pus.
*If cut into [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]], substance of [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] changed to fibrous stroma with raised red nodules. (2-3mm across).
*If cut into [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]], substance of [[Oral Cavity - Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue]] changed to fibrous stroma with raised red nodules. (2-3mm across).
This lesion is a pyogenic granuloma with central '''sulphur body'''.
This type of lesion is caused by the host response to the pathogen, rather than directly a pathogen effect.
Small granulomatous lesions containing 'sulfa granules' of large numbers of gram-negative rods
==Treatment==
==Treatment==