Beef Herd Abortion CaseBeef Herd Abortion Case

Marta GrindeKelsi HendricksonChrissy Wendorf

HistoryHistory 25 angus cows in NY – purchased at

auction Vaccinations:

Previous history unknown – cattle were purchased at auction

BVD, Lepto, 7-way Clostridia, MLV nasal for IBR & PI3 upon arrival at farm

Purchased new heifer 2 months later Vaccinations:

Previously had been vaccinated with IBR/BCD/BRSV/PI3, Blackleg, Lepto (5 strain), and Enterotoxemia C & D

EvidenceEvidence

5 later-term abortions 1 “stillborn,” 2 ataxic calves with cerebellar

hypoplasia and 2 early neonatal deaths (1 calf had lesions in mouth)

Abortions occurred 1-3 months after introduction of new heifer

Cows were “not acting right” Anorexia and diarrhea

Four months after purchase, heifer develops symptoms: High fever Diarrhea with blood Mouth sores death

ExplanationExplanation

BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea) Common symptoms:

Premature births, weak or stunted calves Damaged immune system (ex: higher

incidence of pneumonia) High fever and diarrhea Mucosal virus

Causes development of mouth sores, high fever and bloody diarrhea

Always carriers of BVD Most severe symptoms in pregnant cows

and heifers

Future SuggestionsFuture Suggestions

Do not purchase cattle without knowing farm and individual animal history

Test cattle of unknown status Vaccinate cattle as heifers

Modified live vaccines are more effective than killed (which is for use in pregnant animals)

ReferencesReferences

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/dairy/facts/bovinevi.htm

http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/AH_Dairy_06.pdf