Vibriosis of cattle

Summary

Bovine vibriosis (also known as 'bovine venereal campylobacteriosis', or BVC), is one of the most important infectious venereal diseases of cattle in Australia. The disease is a major cause of infertility and abortion. The condition is widespread in New South Wales, with the latest investigations, conducted from 1992-94, revealing that 46% of beef herds with infertility had vibriosis.

As reproductive efficiency is one of the most important economic factors in beef enterprises, calf losses due to vibriosis can mean the difference between success and failure. This risk, however, can be eliminated by regular vaccination of bulls against the disease. This Primefact discusses:

• causes of bovine vibriosis
• economic loss
• recognising vibriosis
• control
• prevention
• eradication.