Epidermolysis bullosa in calves in the United Kingdom

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) was diagnosed in eight calves from four farms in the UK, involving Simmental and Holstein-Friesian breeds. The condition was characterized by multifocal erosion and ulceration of various oral and skin areas, along with alopecia and crusting on limbs and flanks. Histopathological analysis revealed separation of the epidermis from the dermis, forming clefts with fluid and blood cells, affecting both follicular and interfollicular skin areas. Ultrastructural examination showed vacuolar changes in basal keratinocytes. Genetic screening ruled out mutations in keratin genes bKRT5 and bKRT14 as the cause.