Abortion

What are the two types of Neospora-related abortion timing in cows?

Sporadic and late term.

What systemic signs might suggest IBR in cows experiencing abortion?

Pyrexia, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis.

Which two infectious agents can lead to lower conception rates in cows?

Brucella and Leptospirosis.

What should you examine in clinical investigations after an abortion?

Affected cows, aborted materials, and collect samples for lab testing.

Which sample should be sent for culture to check for Brucella and Salmonella?

Placenta, including more than one cotyledon.

What is the significance of testing foetal liver/spleen in abortion cases?

It is used for PCR testing for Neospora and BVD.

What is the purpose of collecting a blood sample from the tail vein of a dam?

To perform serology for Neospora and ELISA testing for Brucella.

What immediate action should be taken when abortion cases are identified?

Isolate cases and animals with diarrhea to decrease spread.

What action should be taken if Brucella is suspected in an abortion case?

Notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

What long-term control measure should be implemented regarding vaccinations?

Establish a vaccination programme for BVD, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis.

What management strategy can help prevent the intake of dog faeces that transmit Neospora?

Maintain a closed herd.

Which bacterial disease associated with abortion is considered notifiable?

Brucella abortus.

What is a major zoonotic risk that needs to be explained to farmers during management of abortion cases?

All bacterial infections and Aspergillosis.

What are the signs associated with IBR in pregnant cows?

Pyrexia, nasal discharge, milk drop, conjunctivitis.

What are two non-infectious causes of abortion in cows?

Genetics and nutritional issues.

How can BVD be controlled on a farm?

By double fencing, tagging and testing calves, and regular bulk milk screening.

What test can be performed on foetal fluid to detect BVD antibodies?

ELISA.

What should be done if there is any history of abortion on the farm or with a specific cow?

Investigate for potential infectious causes.

Which organism is responsible for listeriosis that can cause abortion in cattle?

Listeria.

What are specific viral causes of abortion in cattle?

BVD and IBR.

What is the primary action to take when there is an outbreak of abortion on a farm?

Implement good hygiene and biosecurity practices.

What protozoan parasite is known to cause late-term abortions in cattle?

Neospora.

Which type of abortion is characterized by sporadic cases occurring in cattle?

Neospora-related abortion.

What type of tests can be performed on aborted foetal stomach contents?

Gram smear or culture for Salmonella and other bacteria.

What is one key management strategy to reduce the spread of infections?

Isolate affected animals.

Which zoonotic disease can cause severe abortion issues in cattle and presents a risk to humans?

Brucella.

How can the risk of Salmonella infection be reduced on a farm?

Through vaccination and good herd management practices.

What is the impact of nutrition on abortion risks in cattle?

Poor nutrition can contribute to non-infectious causes of abortion.

What farming practice can help prevent the introduction of new infections?

Maintaining a closed herd.

Which fungal disease linked to abortions is also a zoonotic risk?

Aspergillosis.

What should be included in a vaccination strategy to prevent abortion in cattle?

Vaccines against BVD, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis.

When investigating fetal death, what could the presence of gas in the abdominal cavity indicate?

Possible bacterial infection.