VetInsight Pakistan

Introduction Brucellosis , which is otherwise known as contagious abortion or Bang's disease , is a major bacterial disease in bovines and other domestic animals, which is most commonly caused by Brucella abortus [1] [3]. Key clinical indicators of Brucellosis in dairy cattle." Etiology and Transmission Bovine brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by members of the genus Brucella , with Brucella abortus being the most common species infecting bovines [1] [15]. Transmission Routes: •Ingestion:  The most common route of transmission is through the ingestion of bacteria from aborted fetuses, fetal membranes, uterine discharges, and amniotic fluids of infected animals [3]. Such bacteria are ingested from contaminated food, water, and pastures as well [2]. •Direct Contact:  Even healthy bovines can get infected with this disease through direct contact with already infected bovines and their discharges [2]. •Indirect Contact: Brucella bacteria can persist in the environmen...

Introduction Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as "Three-Day Sickness" or "Hadda" in local farming communities, is an acute febrile viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes. The disease is distinguished by its sudden onset and spontaneous recovery in 72 hours. However, despite its short duration, economic loss in terms of reduced milk production and temporary lameness is devastating for dairy farmers. Etiology and Transmission The virus: Bovine Ephemeral Fever is caused by an Arthropod-borne Rhabdovirus , also known as Ephemerovirus . Vector Transmission The disease is not transmitted directly from animal to animal. The virus is transmitted by biting insects, mainly mosquitoes and Culicoides (midges). Seasonality The disease is highly seasonal, with peak incidence during the monsoon or post-rainy season when insect populations are at their peak. Clinical Signs Identifying the 3-Day Cycle The clinical signs of Bovine Ephemeral Fever often follow a distinct ...

Introduction Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), one of the most economically devastating viral cattle diseases in the world, is caused by the BVDV Pestivirus . BVD does not just cause diarrhea; it attacks the immune system, respiratory system, and reproductive health of the cattle. For dairy farmers in Pakistan , BVD is the cause of abortion storms and stunted growth in calves. The Two Genotypes The BVDV has two main genotypes: - BVDV-1:  The most common BVDV worldwide. - BVDV-2:  The more severe and hemorrhagic forms of BVD The Concept of Persistently Infected (PI) Animals This is the most important part of BVD management. - If the cow is infected during the gestational period of 40-120 days. - The cow’s immune system recognizes the BVDV as ‘self’ and does not produce antibodies. - The calf is born PI and sheds billions of BVDV particles. - The whole herd is infected with the BVDV, and the PI animal looks perfectly healthy Clinical Signs Reproductive:  Early embryo death, ab...