VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1 (January to June 2026)

Pulmonary scoring and pathological classification of lesions in lung and associated lymph nodes in slaughtered water buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) in Northern Samar

The lungs and their associated lymph nodes, which jointly facilitate gas exchange and immune defense, are inherently vulnerable to respiratory problems, making pathological classification a reference point for disease incidence. In the province of Northern Samar, no data are available on the pathologic lesions affecting the lungs and associated lymph nodes in water buffaloes. The study was conducted in 280 water buffaloes of either sex and of different ages that were slaughtered at Catarman and San Roque slaughterhouses from June–September 2019. Pulmonary scoring revealed that most affected lungs had moderate lesions (Score 2; approximately 50% affected), predominantly mixed lesions. Gross and microscopic examination revealed pathologic lesions in the 105 (37.5%) water buffaloes. Grossly, mixed lesions characterized by the presence of two or more pulmonary pathological changes within the same lung were the most frequently observed lesion followed by adhesions and sequestrum while atelectasis and hydatid cyst lesions were observed least often indicating variable pathological processes. Histological examination showed that pneumonia was observed in 64 (22.86%), predominantly bronchopneumonia [42 animals (15%)] were the most commonly observed lesion. Older water buffaloes exhibited a higher lesion burden than younger animals and no significant differences were detected between sexes. A total of 197 lung-associated lymph nodes mainly bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes were characterized by enlargement, congestion, and hemorrhage, with lymphoid hyperplasia frequently observed histologically. These findings highlight the value of pulmonary scoring and lesion assessment in postmortem inspection in water buffaloes. They further emphasizes the diagnostic significance of lesion-based surveillance in detecting subclinical respiratory diseases to enhance animal health monitoring, guide veterinary interventions, inform public health strategies and support meat safety.