Cause

The Campylobacter organisms are short, curved rods that can unite into spiral forms. Originally classified as Vibrios this organism is now recognized as a separate genus. The etiology of this infection is similar to Trichomoniasis with the disease being spread by an infected bull. Older bulls are more likely to become infected (presence of preputial crypts) and are often asymptomatic.

In females, infection localizes in the reproductive tract causing endometritis and salpingitis. Cows develop immunity to the disease 5 months after infection and the immunity lasts about 1 year. Abortion is caused by the infection of the uterus that inhibits development of the fetus and results in prolonged and irregular estrous cycles. Since immunity is developed, subsequent breeding may result in pregnancy but with lengthened calving intervals.

Several pathogenic strains effect farm animals and are listed below

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Diagnosis

Identifying vibriosis is difficult because of the lack of symptoms. It may be undetected in a herd until the following calving season when calf loss due to abortion and lengthened calving season is detected. The disease is confirmed by measuring antibodies in vaginal mucus of females or preputial washes from bulls.

Treatment and Control

The easiest way to control vibriosis is to vacinate all animals prior to the breeding season. After the first year of vacinations bulls and replacement heifers should be vaccinated. In following years of normal calving rates, bulls should continue to be vaccinated. Replacement animals should be vaccinated before introduction in the breeding herd. AI breeding with commercially processed semen will prevent the spread of the disease.

Other References

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Extension

NSW Agriculture Agfacts

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