Hemorrhagic septicemia in livestock: economic impacts on milk and meat production, epidemiology, diagnostic advances, and control strategies

Abstract:

Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) is a rapidly progressing, highly fatal bacterial disease that significantly constrains livestock productivity, particularly in cattle and buffalo across tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Pasteurella multocida, predominantly associated with capsular serotypes B:2 and E:2. HS outbreaks are characterized by acute septicemia, high mortality, and substantial economic losses in dairy and meat production systems. In endemic regions of South and Southeast Asia and Africa, HS significantly reduces milk yield, impairs growth performance, increases mortality of productive animals, and elevates costs associated with treatment and vaccination. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and global distribution of HS, with particular emphasis on its economic impact on livestock production systems. Advances in diagnostic technologies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular typing, and genome-based approaches, have improved disease detection and epidemiological surveillance. Concurrently, vaccine development has progressed from conventional bacterins to recombinant, subunit, and DNA-based platforms, offering improved prospects for long-term disease control. Despite these advancements, persistent challenges—including incomplete vaccination coverage, environmental stressors, and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant P. multocida strains—continue to limit effective disease management. Addressing these constraints requires integrated prevention strategies combining vaccination, biosecurity, and coordinated surveillance. Future research should focus on molecular epidemiology, vaccine innovation, and antimicrobial stewardship to reduce the global burden of HS and support sustainable livestock production in endemic regions. These efforts are essential for improving livestock productivity and ensuring sustainable milk and meat production systems in endemic regions.