Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (Vibriosis) PDF (41kb)

Introduction

Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis, previously called Vibriosis is a venereal disease of cattle caused by the bacterium Campylobacterfetus subspecies venerealis. Campylobacteriosis is a major infectious cause of infertility in cattle herds. This is seen as poor conception (sometimes below 50%), increased returns to service, reduced calving rates, permanent infertility (up to 11% of infected females) and sporadic abortions (5% to 20%) in cows and heifers.

Mode of transmission

This disease is spread by infected bulls during service or through poor instrumentation hygiene during an artificial insemination programme. A bull acquires the disease by mating with an infected cow. Once infected, a bull remains an asymptomatic carrier of the condition. Non-venereal transmission of campylobacteriosis is unlikely to occur.

Clinical signs

A feature of newly infected herds is the inability of the infected cows to maintain a pregnancy, even though the animals may have apparently initially conceived. This can be manifest as irregular extended oestrus intervals, early embryonic deaths, uterine infections and foetal maceration. A Campylobacter-induced infection, resulting in permanently obstructed fallopian tubes, is a c ause of permanent infertility. Many of the symptoms in infected cows may not be visible, or easily detected by farmers, and an infected bull does not show any clinical signs of the disease.

Epidemiological features

Campylobacteriosis produces only a localised infection in the uterus and Fallopian tubes. The infected animal does not show any signs of a systemic illness. An infected heifer/cow exhibits temporary infertility for a period of 3 to 5 months. Some cows can be carriers of the bacteria for up to two breeding seasons – it is these animals that serve as the reservoirs of bacteria that introduce the infection to uninfected bulls. The Campylobacter organism may reside in the vagina of the chronically infected cows.

Most animals will develop immunity after initial exposure and “self cure” after about 3 months. A small percentage will become permanently infertile, whilst some animals will abort between 5 and 7 months of gestation.

Infected bulls do not show any clinical signs of disease. The organisms reside in the crypts of the infected bull’s prepuce. A bull does not develop immunity to Campylobacteriosis, even after long term exposure. The shared use of bulls or rental bulls may be a particular means of introducing the disease into herds.

Incidence

In 2006 PIRSA surveyed 200 bulls from 121 South Australian properties located across the State with the support of T & R Pastoral Pty Ltd abattoirs and Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). Campylobacter was detected in 32.5% of the bulls, and 39% of originating properties. As a result of this survey it was suggested that approximately a third of SA cattle properties may be experiencing some reproductive losses due to this bacterium. The condition involves both beef and dairy properties and affects intensive, semi-intensive and extensive production systems.

Diagnosis

Samples collected from the sl aughter bulls were tested by a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. This diagnostic technique was perfected by the Department of Primary Industries ( Queensland) with the assistance of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) funding. The PCR technique is highly sensitive and a significant advance upon past diagnostic procedures. Care needs to be taken with the interpretation of positive Campylobacter PCR findings in the absence of herd infertility. as the presence of PCR positive cattle may not indicate the active presence of disease.

The TRICAMPER TM sampling device has been developed by DPI Queensland and can be used for the sampling of vaginal mucus of cows and heifers or the preputial smegma of bulls.

ELISA detection of Campylobacter antibodies can be carried out on the vaginal mucus of either animals that have aborted or in cases of infertility. Animals which have aborted can be sampled from 1 to 3 months after the abortion. For herds with infertility at least 10 animals should be sampled. The vaginal swab needs to be transported to the laboratory in a phosphate buffered saline containing 0.05% Tween 20 (PBST).

Prevention

Campylobacteriosis is a vaccine preventable disease, and may be diagnosed after a thorough investigation of the herd and breeding records. After campylobacteriosis is diagnosed in a cattle enterprise the adoption of a property-specific vaccination represents the best way forward. Some potential campylobacteriosis vaccination options are now discussed.

Management Program for a chronically infected herd

• Join heifers in a separate mob and use a maiden bull.
• Cull dry cows as some of these will be carriers of the Campylobacter organism.
• Immunise all heifers and bulls with Vibrio vaccine (Vibrovax TM) – this strategy protects animals in subsequent years.

VACCINE DOSERATES

Bulls

• All bulls should be given two 5ml doses 4 to 6 weeks apart. The second vaccination should be administered about 6 weeks before joining.
• Thereafter an annual dose of 5ml per year, 6 weeks before joining.

Heifers (less than 18 moths of age)

• All heifers should be given two 5ml doses 4 to 6 weeks apart. The second vaccination should be administered about 6 weeks before joining.
• Thereafter, an annual dose of 2ml per year, 6 weeks before joining or a single dose 5 ml dose every two years.

Cows (greater than 18 months of age)

As most of the older females have progressed through a self cure phase, adult female vaccination is of dubious value. However, to protect animals that may not have achieved immunity, the following regime could be followed:

• Initially cows should be given 5ml dose.
• Subsequently, vaccination could consist of an annual dose of 2ml, or a 5ml dose every second year.

Management program for a Campylobacter-free herd

Other information about Campylobacter vaccination

Site Reactions

Vibrovax TM contains an oily adjuvant and will produce some swelling at the vaccination site. Severe site reactions may occur and are usually associated with intradermal and intramuscular injections. Sterile abscesses may occur with these adverse injection reactions. Since site reactions may cause a temporary fever in some cattle, it is important to allow sufficient time for recovery and antibody development before the bull is required for mating.

Last update: January 2009

Agdex: 400/45

Author: Peter Nosworthy, Veterinary Officer, PIRSA

Disclaimer

Use of the information in this Fact Sheet is at your own risk.  The Department of Primary Industries and Resources and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein in terms of its suitability, correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise.  The entire risk of the implementation of the information which has been provided to you is assumed by you.  All liability or responsibility to any person using the information is expressly disclaimed by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources and its employees.