Disease A-Z for Cattle

Abortion

The more material that can be submitted to the laboratory the more likely a diagnosis will be made.

Acetonaemia (Ketosis)

Acetonaemia (ketosis) is a very distinct problem for Dairy cows. Commonly it is seen either in high producing cows or cows on a poor diet.

Acorn Toxicity

Ingestion of young bracken fronds can result in anorexia, bleeding from nasal passage and vagina, wasting and death.

Actinobacillosis (Wooden Tongue)

An outbreak of diphtheria in dairy calves is typically traced to unhygienic conditions with dirty feeding equipment.

Actinomycosis (Lumpy Jaw)

An outbreak of diphtheria in dairy calves is typically traced to unhygienic conditions with dirty feeding equipment.

Ammoniated Feeds

The most likely cause of the problem are imidazoles, which are by products of the reaction between ammonia and plant sugars.

Anoestrus (not seen bulling)

Cysts are large structures that persist on the ovary, preventing normal function.

Anthrax

Anthrax can affect all mammals. It can be so rapidly fatal that animals are simply found dead. It is a notifiable disease.

Antibacterial use in cattle

Antibiotics are vital medicines to treat bacterial infections in cattle and other livestock, but their use must be carefully monitored.

Antimicrobial Resistance

In terms of Antimicrobial resistance, people, animals and the environment are all linked.

Babesiosis (Red Water Fever)

The disease is spread between cattle by ticks. It causes destruction of red blood cells leading to fever, anaemia, and red urine.

Biosecurity

Good biosecurity prevents or reduces the risk of introducing new diseases onto your farm.

Bloat

Bloat occurs when the expulsion of gas from the rumen in eructation is prevented.

Bluetongue in Cattle and Sheep

Bluetongue is a notifiable viral disease spread by midges. Fever and stiffness are most common in sheep.

BVD

Most infected cattle are identified during routine TB testing, long before there are any external signs of disease.

Bracken poisoning

Ingestion of young bracken fronds can result in anorexia, bleeding from nasal passage and vagina, wasting and death.

BRSV (Bovine Respiratory Syncitial Virus)

Respiratory disease is best prevented by good management, appropriate building design and ventilation, and effective vaccination.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is infection with the bacteria Brucella abortus.

BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis)

CCN is a sporadic neurological condition of growing cattle associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

Bulls and Biosecurity

Buying a bull from disease-free accredited herds reduces the risk of introducing infections.

Calf Diphtheria

An outbreak of diphtheria in dairy calves is typically traced to unhygienic conditions with dirty feeding equipment.

Campylobacter Infection

Infection with Campylobacter fetus in cattle can cause sporadic abortion, abortion storms and impaired fertility. Many problems are caused by venereal disease associated with hire bulls. Cows become immune, but bulls can remain carriers, infecting purchased cows and heifers entering a herd. Prevention relies on good biosecurity.

Cancer Eye (Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma)

Some cancers of the oesophagus are seen sporadically in older beef cows that have grazed bracken-contaminated hill ground for several years.

Carbohydrate Overload

There is profuse diarrhoea with a sweet-sour odour and may contain whole grains. Cattle are weak and may experience difficulty rising.

Castration of calves

Castration of bull calves has significant advantages

Cattle Medicines

Poor health status and subclinical disease can be a major cause of financial losses on many beef and dairy farms. The impact of many diseases can be avoided or minimised by reducing exposure to disease pathogens (effective biosecurity) and implementing effective vaccination programmes. Vaccination programmes should be designed for the individual farm and included in the herd health plan.

CCN (Cerebrocortical Necrosis)

CCN is a sporadic neurological condition of growing cattle associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

Copper poisoning

Ingestion of high copper content in the ration over several weeks/months will result in a high liver copper content.

Chronic Suppurative Pneumonia

Affected animals cough frequently and have a purulent nasal discharge.

Clostridial disease

Clostridial diseases of cattle include black disease, blackleg, malignant oedema, tetanus and botulism.

Cobalt Deficiency (Pine)

Copper, cobalt and selenium/vitamin E, are considered the important trace elements of cattle impacting on performance.

Coccidiosis in calves

There is sudden onset of profuse foetid diarrhoea containing mucus and flecks of fresh blood with staining of the perineum and tail.

Cold Cow Syndrome

Colostrum Management

It is vital calves receive an adequate volume of good quality colostrum with two hours of life to reduce neonatal disease.

Complex Vertebral Malformation (CVM)

Body Condition Scoring

Body condition should be evaluated and recorded three times a year: at weaning, 60 days before calving, at calving.

Copper deficiency

Copper, cobalt and selenium/vitamin E, are considered the important trace elements of cattle impacting on performance.

Copper poisoning

Brassica plants and fertilisers are potential sources of nitrate.

Coronavirus scour in calves

Diarrhoea or calf scour can be a major cause of poor growth and calf mortality in many dairy herds.

Cryptosporidiosis in calves

Diarrhoea or calf scour can be a major cause of poor growth and calf mortality in many dairy herds.

Digital Dermatitis

Cows affected with digital dermatitis are easily spotted - they appear to walk on their toes and shake their feet while stood.

Disbudding Calves

Horned cattle are a major management problem on farm, causing significant risks for both handlers and other stock.

Displaced Abomasums

Displaced abomasum is most common within a month of calving. Cows have reduced feed intake, especially of concentrates.

Downer Cow

Downer cows are those unable to rise for 24 hours for no obvious reason. The initial cause may be due to trauma, toxic, or metabolic disease.

EBL (Enzootic Bovine Leucosis)

Some cancers of the oesophagus are seen sporadically in older beef cows that have grazed bracken-contaminated hill ground for several years.

Ectoparasites in cattle

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Endometritis (whites)

This infection can range from mild chronic infection to life-threatening disease, depending on the bacteria involved.

Enterotoxigenic E.coli scour in calves

Diarrhoea or calf scour can be a major cause of poor growth and calf mortality in many dairy herds.

Eye disease in cattle

This bulletin outlines several eye problems that can affect cattle

Flies

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Foot and Mouth Disease

Foul in the Foot

Foul-in-the-foot is an infection found between the digits. It affects the tissues under the skin in this area.

Grass Staggers (Hypomagnesaemia)

Milk fever, also known as hypocalcaemia or periparturient paresis is a common but preventable condition at calving.

Head fly

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Heart Conditions

‘Wire disease’ is a sporadic problem in cows following ingestion of sharp objects.

IBR

IBR is a highly contagious and infectious viral disease that affects cattle of all ages.

Johne's disease

The main signs in cattle are progressive weight loss and chronic diarrhoea. Diagnosis and control are difficult.

Joint Ill in Calves

The most commonly affected joints are the fetlock, carpal, hock and stifle with hot and painful swellings.

Ketosis (Acetonaemia)

Acetonaemia (ketosis) is a very distinct problem for Dairy cows. Commonly it is seen either in high producing cows or cows on a poor diet.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a common infection in dairy and beef herds causing infertility, abortion and poor milk yield.

Lice

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Listeriosis in Cattle

CCN is a sporadic neurological condition of growing cattle associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

Liver fluke in cattle

Liver fluke disease in cattle is usually seen in winter. High risk fluke pastures are often grazed by beef cows and growing dairy heifers.

Long Bone Deformity in Calves

Occasionally pregnant cattle overwintered on silage give birth to deformed calves with a characteristic short, bow-legged appearance. The cause is unknown but a toxin present in the silage is the most likely reason

Lumpy Jaw (Actinomycosis)

An outbreak of diphtheria in dairy calves is typically traced to unhygienic conditions with dirty feeding equipment.

Lumpy Skin Disease

Lungworm (Husk)

Cattle severely affected by lungworm may be reluctant to move, hold their head down, neck extended and cough frequently.

Lymphatic and other Tumours in Cattle

Some cancers of the oesophagus are seen sporadically in older beef cows that have grazed bracken-contaminated hill ground for several years.

Malignant Catarrhal Fever

Affected cattle are profoundly depressed with a high fever and copious mucopurulent nasal discharge.

Heat Stress

Animals exhibiting signs of heat stress become lethargic and inactive and often stand with heads bowed panting to increase heat loss.

Medicine Usage

All medicines purchased or administered on farm should be recorded either in a medicines book or electronically.

Meningitis

CCN is a sporadic neurological condition of growing cattle associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

Midges

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Milk Fever (Hypocalcaemia)

Milk fever, also known as hypocalcaemia or periparturient paresis is a common but preventable condition at calving.

Mites

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Molybdenum Toxicity

Calf Diphtheria

An outbreak of diphtheria in dairy calves is typically traced to unhygienic conditions with dirty feeding equipment.

Mucosal Disease

Most infected cattle are identified during routine TB testing, long before there are any external signs of disease.

Joint Ill in Calves

The most commonly affected joints are the fetlock, carpal, hock and stifle with hot and painful swellings.

Necrotic Enteritis

Neosporosis

Neosporosis probably causes over 10% of all abortions in UK cattle. Keep cattle food and water away from dogs and foxes.

Nervous Diseases in Cattle

CCN is a sporadic neurological condition of growing cattle associated with a deficiency of vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

New Forest Disease (Pink Eye/IBK)

This bulletin outlines several eye problems that can affect cattle

Not seen bulling (Anoestrus)

Cysts are large structures that persist on the ovary, preventing normal function.

Ostertagiosis

Cattle severely affected by lungworm may be reluctant to move, hold their head down, neck extended and cough frequently.

Out-Wintering Cattle

To successfully out-winter cattle their welfare and environmental conditions must be carefully considered. The key need is shelter.

Ovarian cysts

Cysts are large structures that persist on the ovary, preventing normal function.

Pain Management

Skilled stockmen can identify pain by the facial expression of their cows.

Peri-Weaning Diarrhoea

Lungworm

Cattle severely affected by lungworm may be reluctant to move, hold their head down, neck extended and cough frequently.

Photosensitization

The affected skin may ooze serum. During the later stages, the affected skin becomes dry and parchment-like and sloughs off.

Bracken Poisoning

Ingestion of young bracken fronds can result in anorexia, bleeding from nasal passage and vagina, wasting and death.

Pneumonia

Respiratory disease is best prevented by good management, appropriate building design and ventilation, and effective vaccination.

Poisoning in Cattle Non-Plant

Brassica plants and fertilisers are potential sources of nitrate.

PPH Syndrome

Pseudocowpox

Q fever in Cattle

Infection in cattle is usually subclinical but can cause anorexia and late abortion, including large abortion outbreaks

Babesiosis

The disease is spread between cattle by ticks. It causes destruction of red blood cells leading to fever, anaemia, and red urine.

Respiratory disease in cattle

Affected animals cough frequently and have a purulent nasal discharge.

Retained foetal membranes

This infection can range from mild chronic infection to life-threatening disease, depending on the bacteria involved.

Ringworm

The affected skin may ooze serum. During the later stages, the affected skin becomes dry and parchment-like and sloughs off.

Rotavirus Scour

Diarrhoea or calf scour can be a major cause of poor growth and calf mortality in many dairy herds.

Safe Cattle Handling

Proper handling facilities are important for the welfare of the animals and the safety of everybody associated with them.

Salmonellosis

Salmonella can cause a wide range of clinical signs in cattle including diarrhoea, joint infections, pneumonia, abortion and sudden death.

SARA (Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis)

SARA occurs when rapidly fermenting foods produce too much acid in the rumen, altering digestion.

Schmallenberg Virus (SBV)

Schmallenberg Virus is similar to some other animal disease pathogens, which are transmitted by biting midges.

Selenium and Vitamin E deficiency

Copper, cobalt and selenium/vitamin E, are considered the important trace elements of cattle impacting on performance.

Silage Eye (Bovine Iritis)

This bulletin outlines several eye problems that can affect cattle

Flies

Flies are thought to be responsible for the transmission of bacteria causing summer mastitis and 'pink eye'

Photosensitisation

The affected skin may ooze serum. During the later stages, the affected skin becomes dry and parchment-like and sloughs off.

Sole Ulceration

Compared with the best UK farms that never experience sole ulcers, the annual cost to the average farm is approximately £2000 per 100 cows

Summer Mastitis in Cattle

The affected quarter is swollen, hard, painful and hot, with a grossly enlarged teat. Uudder secretion is thick and clotted.

Superfoul

According to NADIS data foul-in-the-foot has caused a high percentage of lameness in youngstock this winter.

Teat Condition Scoring

Regular teat condition scoring should be considered as important a management tool as regular mobility or body condition scoring.

The Healthy Cow

This bulletin provides some information on the clinical parameters of the normal cow.

Thrombosis of Vena Cava

Thrombosis of the vena cava is a rare disease in cattle, where a blockage or clot occurs in the major blood vessel running into the heart.

Ticks

Ectoparasites can transmit diseases, cause significant production losses and severe welfare concerns in cattle.

Trace Element Deficiency

Copper, cobalt and selenium/vitamin E, are considered the important trace elements of cattle impacting on performance.

Traumatic Reticulitis (Wire)

‘Wire disease’ is a sporadic problem in cows following ingestion of sharp objects.

Tumours in cattle

Some cancers of the oesophagus are seen sporadically in older beef cows that have grazed bracken-contaminated hill ground for several years.

Viral Pneumonia in Cattle

Respiratory infections carry a huge financial burden to UK farmers. There are multiple viral causes of pneumonia which we will discuss.

Warts (Papillomatosis)

Some cancers of the oesophagus are seen sporadically in older beef cows that have grazed bracken-contaminated hill ground for several years.

White Line lesions

White line disease is a common cause of lameness. It is a weak part of the hoof where the wall meets the sole.

Winter Dysentery

Winter dysentery is an extremely infectious disease and affects all ages of cattle.

Wooden Tongue (Actinobacillosis)

An outbreak of diphtheria in dairy calves is typically traced to unhygienic conditions with dirty feeding equipment.