Experimental mastitogenicity of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae for rabbit mammary glands.

Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae of cow-udder origin was tested in rabbit mammary-glands for its mastitogenic capability. Establishment of mycoplasma organisms and presence of histopathological lesions in mammary glands were the parameters for describing mastitogenic potential. The reisolation of injected Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae organisms in the pure form from the infected glands along with the occurrence of histopathological changes were suggestive of mastitis during the entire 8-days period of observation. Rabbit mammary-gland is recommended as a potential in vivo experimental laboratory model to screen the mastitogenic potential of mycoplasmas of animal-udder origin.