Beef Herd Abortion Case Marta Grinde Kelsi Hendrickson Chrissy Wendorf
History 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 & PI 3 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
Evidence 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
Explanation 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 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)
References /livestock/dairy/facts/bovinevi.htm /livestock/dairy/facts/bovinevi.htm tions/factsheet/AH_Dairy_06.pdf tions/factsheet/AH_Dairy_06.pdf