Field studies: pseudomonas pneumonia of mink

Epizootics of pneumonia in mink caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated to characterize the serotype of organisms and to identify possible predisposing factors. Most epizootics were associated with P aeruginosa Fisher serotype 1, and a few were associated with 3 other serotypes. There were no predisposing factors identified that could be used to differentiate farms affected and those not affected with pseudomonas pneumonia. Cultural studies indicated that P aeruginosa was present in mink from affected and nonaffected herds. Organisms isolated included serotypes associated with naturally occurring disease. Serostudy results were similar among herds. A prospective field vaccination trial did not yield definitive results, since only slight losses occurred in both vaccinated and nonvaccinated mink. Significant levels of antibody were detected in mink 15 to 17 weeks after they were given a single dose of P aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide vaccine.