BRUCELLOSIS
Brucellosis of cattle, also known as "contagious abortion" and "Bangs disease", is caused by infection with the bacterium Brucella abortus, which can also cause a disease of humans known as "undulant fever". Brucellosis infection of cattle causes abortion or premature calving of recently infected animals, most often between the fifth and eight month of pregancy. Although federal and state regulations have helped to control this disease, there is still a threat. Infected cows frequently suffer from retained afterbirth, are difficult to get rebred and sometimes become sterile.
Brucellosis is spread from the vaginal discharge of an infected cow or from an aborted fetus. The organism has an affinity for the reproductive tract and abortions, retained placenta, weak calves and infertility frequently occur. Breeding bulls which are infected, can transmit the disease to cows at the time of service by infected semen. Milk produced front an infected cow may also harbor the organism. The infected milk creates a public health hazard as this is the organism that causes undulant fever in humans.
There is no treatment for Brucellosis. Prevention of Brucellosis is accomplished by official calfhood vaccination of heifer calves. Vaccination must be done by an accredited veterinarian at calf ages that vary from two to four months using standard dosage vaccine, or from 4 to 12 months using reduced dosage vaccine. Each calf must be identified as officially vaccinated in compliance with state and federal regulations. Quarantines are imposed on infected herds by state and federal authorities until the herd has been proven free of the disease.
To ask a question about a cattle disease, CLICK HERE and get an answer! Cattle Today Online is the cattleman's guide to the cattle business. Take your time and look around. You'll find the net's best cattle news, free livestock classified ads, free ranch listing, the latest USDA livestock market report, free ranch email, Baxter Black, thousands of links and a free newsletter just for ranchers.
These are a few of the topics being discussed on the Q&A Boards. Just click on the topic to read it. Why not join the discussion?
Cattle Today, Inc. makes no representations about the suitability or accuracy of any of the information contained in this site. All information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Any use of the content on this site is at the risk of the user. In no event shall Cattle Today, Inc. be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from loss arising out of or in connection with the use of any information available from this site. This information is not intended to be used as an alternative to consulting with a health care professional or other qualified professional. If you need advice on a cattle health problem please contact your local veterinarian.
Information contained in this article from one or more of the following:
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
South Carolina Extension Service
Nebraska Extension Service
Oklahoma State Cooperative Extension Service
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
University of Minnesota Extension Service