Vibriosis
Vibriosis is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the bacteria Campylobacter foetus subspecies venerealis. It is a cause of infertility and abortion. Each year in the district we see a few herds affected by vibriosis. This year there were two infected herds that suffered serious reproductive losses because of the disease.
Bulls are the main source of vibriosis. They spread the infection to cows at the time of service. Bulls themselves become infected by servicing infected cows.
Clinical Signs
In cows, infection leads to inflammation of the uterus which leads to early death of the embryo. Signs most commonly seen within infected herds include a high percentage of cows returning to oestrus at the end of joining, poor conception rates after the introduction of new bulls and a spread out calving pattern. The returns to oestrus may be delayed - 30-35 days or more.
A small proportion of infected cows will abort from 4-8 months into pregnancy.
Infected cows recover in 4-5 months and resist any further infection with vibriosis. Bulls don't develop this immunity.
Diagnosis
Vibriosis can be diagnosed by lab examination of preputial washings, vaginal mucus and, in the case of abortion, placental and foetal tissues.
Control
The disease can be eradicated from an infected herd by a vaccination program. Vaccination of every bull capable of serving a cow is a very effective and inexpensive way of preventing the disease.
Vaccination protocol:
- Two vaccinations 4 weeks apart, the second vaccination at least 6 weeks prior to the start of mating.
- Yearly booster.
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