1. Beef Herd Abortion Case Marta Grinde Kelsi Hendrickson Chrissy Wendorf

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. References  http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english /livestock/dairy/facts/bovinevi.htm http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english /livestock/dairy/facts/bovinevi.htm  http://extension.usu.edu/files/publica tions/factsheet/AH_Dairy_06.pdf http://extension.usu.edu/files/publica tions/factsheet/AH_Dairy_06.pdf