Which organism is associated with pruritus in cattle?

• A. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
• B. Pseudorabies
• C. Foot and Mouth Disease
• D. Listeria monocytogenes

Answer: (B)

Pruritus in cattle is classically linked to infection with Pseudorabies virus (Aujeszky’s disease). This virus, while primarily a swine pathogen, can infect cattle and cause an intense itch that makes the animals rub, scratch, or rub against objects—often with rapid progression and severe discomfort. The other organisms listed produce different clinical pictures: Bovine viral diarrhea virus tends to cause reproductive issues and mucosal or systemic disease, Foot-and-mouth disease causes vesicular lesions on mucous membranes and feet, and Listeria monocytogenes leads to encephalitis or abortion rather than marked itching. Thus, the organism most closely associated with pruritus in cattle is Pseudorabies virus.