Enzootic haematuria in Nepal.

Haematuria of cattle has been recognised in the Nepal hills for many years where it is of local economic importance. The aetiology has been thought to be babesiosis. The disease was investigated in East Nepal over a nine month period. Affected animals exhibited a chronic, intermittent haematuria and an associated polyuria and dysuria. The average age of onset of clinical signs was 7.3 years and duration 1.5 years. Investigation revealed that urine samples contained intact red blood cells, protein and white blood cells. Red blood cell counts, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were not significantly reduced compared to unaffected cattle. Histopathological examination of abnormal bladder tissue revealed epithelial proliferation and mononuclear infiltration and large, blood filled cavities in the lamina propria. Pteridium aquilinum, bracken fern, is common in this area. Blood smears were negative for Babesia spp. These findings conform to the classical description of enzootic haematuria. This is the first recorded occurrence for Nepal.