Death In Cattle Research Articles

Causes of death in beef cattle in southern Brazil.

We determined the prevalence of diseases and pathogens associated with mortality in beef cattle in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on pathology laboratory submissions. Postmortem examinations were conducted on 1,277 beef cattle that died between 2008 and 2018. Information regarding age, time of the year, breed, and regional location were analyzed statistically. Most cattle were from the surrounding region of Porto Alegre, and 78.7% of the analyzed cases had diagnostic value. The diagnostic category with most cases was infectious and/or parasitic diseases (60%), followed by toxic and toxicoinfectious (25%). Most cases occurred in the fall. Major disease conditions identified included hemoprotozoal infection (18.2%), rabies (8.2%), and plant intoxications by Senecio spp. (8.5%) and Pteridium arachnoideum (4.6%). Hemoprotozoal infection occurred at a higher frequency in young cattle, mainly in animals up to 1 y old. Intoxication by Senecio spp. was more frequent in cattle 2-3 y old.

A U.S. isolate of Theileria orientalis, Ikeda genotype, is transmitted to cattle by the invasive Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis

BackgroundTheileria orientalis is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes anemia, ill thrift, and death in cattle globally. The Ikeda strain of T.orientalis is more virulent than other strains, leading to severe clinical signs and death of up to 5% of affected animals. Within the Asia–Pacific region, where it affects 25% of Australian cattle, T.orientalis Ikeda has a significant economic impact on the cattle industry. In 2017, T.orientalis Ikeda was detected in a cattle herd in Albermarle County, Virginia, United States. Months earlier, the U.S. was alerted to the invasion of the Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, throughout the eastern U.S. Abundant H.longicornis ticks were identified on cattle in the T.orientalis-affected herd in VA, and a subset of ticks from the environment were PCR-positive for T.orientalis Ikeda. A strain of T.orientalis from a previous U.S. outbreak was not transmissible by H.longicornis; however, H.longicornis is the primary tick vector of T.orientalis Ikeda in other regions of the world. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine whether invasive H.longicornis ticks in the U.S. are competent vectors of T.orientalis Ikeda.MethodsNymphal H.longicornis ticks were fed on a splenectomized calf infected with the VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda strain. After molting, a subset of adult ticks from this cohort were dissected, and salivary glands assayed for T.orientalis Ikeda via qPCR. The remaining adult ticks from the group were allowed to feed on three calves. Calves were subsequently monitored for T.orientalis Ikeda infection via blood smear cytology and PCR.ResultsAfter acquisition feeding on a VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda-infected calf as nymphs, a subset of molted adult tick salivary glands tested positive by qPCR for T.orientalis Ikeda. Adult ticks from the same cohort successfully transmitted T.orientalis Ikeda to 3/3 naïve calves, each of which developed parasitemia reaching 0.4–0.9%.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that U.S. H.longicornis ticks are competent vectors of the VA-U.S.-T.orientalis Ikeda strain. This data provides important information for the U.S. cattle industry regarding the potential spread of this parasite and the necessity of enhanced surveillance and control measures.Graphical

Determinants of Feedlot Cattle Death Loss Rates

Death loss in feedlot cattle can have significant impacts on feedlot profitability. Not only does death loss result in foregone revenue, but the operation still incurs the costs to date associated with those animals. This study uses pen-level feedlot data from a private feed-lot in the Southern Great Plains. Both company- owned and customer retained ownership cattle are included in the data set. A Tobit model is used to analyze pen characteristics’ influence on death loss in feedlot cattle, including cattle characteristics, source characteristics, management characteristics, and treatment incidence. Results imply that several pen characteristics impact death loss and that cattle source, in terms of both cattle source geographic location and market source type, has a significant influence on death loss rate.

Investigation of an anthrax outbreak in Makoni District, Zimbabwe

BackgroundAnthrax continues to be a disease of public health importance in Zimbabwe, with sporadic outbreaks reported annually in many parts of the country. A human anthrax outbreak occurred in wards 22 and 23 of Makoni District from mid-June 2013 to end of January 2014, following cattle deaths in the wards. Laboratory tests confirmed anthrax as the cause for the cattle deaths. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, distribution of cases (places, person and time) and risk factors for contracting the anthrax disease. We also assessed the environment, district preparedness and response, and outbreak prevention and control measures.MethodsWe conducted an outbreak investigation using a mixed-methods design. A 1:1 case-control study was used to assess risk factors for contracting anthrax. The controls were frequency matched to cases by sex. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Environmental assessment, district preparedness and response, and outbreak prevention and control measures were assessed using a checklist, observations, and key informant interviews. Multivariable unconditional logic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with contracting anthrax.ResultsWe interviewed 37 of the 64 cases, along with 37 controls. All the cases had cutaneous anthrax, with the hand being the most common site of the eschar (43%). Most of the cases (89%) were managed according to the national guidelines. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that meat sourced from other villages [vs butchery, OR = 15.21, 95% CI (2.32–99.81)], skinning [OR = 4.32, 95% CI (1.25–14.94)], and belonging to religions that permit eating meat from cattle killed due to unknown causes or butchered after unobserved death [OR = 6.12, 95% CI (1.28–29.37)] were associated with contracting anthrax. The poor availability of resources in the district caused a delayed response to the outbreak.ConclusionThe described anthrax outbreak was caused due to contact with infected cattle meat. Although the outbreak was eventually controlled through cattle vaccination and health education and awareness campaigns, the response of the district office was initially delayed and insufficient. The district should strengthen its emergency preparedness and response capacity, revive zoonotic committees, conduct awareness campaigns and improve surveillance, especially during outbreak seasons.

Hepatotoxicity in Cattle Associated with Salvia reflexa Diterpenes, including 7-Hydroxyrhyacophiline, a New Seco-Clerodane Diterpene.

A case of baled alfalfa hay contaminated with multiple weeds induced hepatotoxicity and death in cattle. The hepatotoxic compounds were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation using a mouse model and identified as salviarin, salvianduline D, rhyacophiline, and 7-hydroxyrhyacophiline. The structure of 7-hydroxyrhyacophiline has not been previously reported. All compounds were found to induce severe acute hepatic necrosis within 24-48 h after a single oral dosage (260-280 mg/kg). The identified diterpenes are known to be found among different Salvia species which led to finding dried plant parts of Salvia reflexa within bales of weedy hay and subsequently a population of S. reflexa was found along the field edges and irrigation ditch banks of the alfalfa hay field. It was thus determined that S. reflexa was responsible for the hepatotoxicity observed in cattle fed the contaminated hay.

Poisonous plants for ruminants in the dairy region of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT: A survey carried out in the dairy region of Pernambuco was conducted to determine the most important poisonous plants for ruminants in the region. A total of 95 farmers from 19 municipalities were interviewed and the grazing areas of ruminants were inspected. According to the survey, the most important poisonous plants for ruminants were Manihot esculenta, Palicourea aeneofusca, Brachiaria decumbens, Indigofera suffruticosa, Ricinus communis and Cestrum axillare. Less reported classes of poisonous plants included nephrotoxic plants and plants that cause abortions or congenic malformations. Psychotria hoffmannseggiana, Psychotria colorata and Psychotria capitata were reported by farmers as the cause of sudden death in cattle. These plants should be better investigated to evaluate their importance as the cause of cattle deaths.

Diet changes lead to ruminal acidosis and death in Scottish cattle and sheep.

Diet changes lead to ruminal acidosis and death in Scottish cattle and sheep.

Components of a risk assessment tool for prevention and control of bovine respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading natural cause of death in US beef and dairy cattle, causing the annual loss of more than 1 million animals and financial losses in excess of $700 million. The multiple etiologies of BRD and its complex web of risk factors necessitate a herd-specific intervention plan for its prevention and control on dairies. Hence, a risk assessment is an important tool that producers and veterinarians can utilize for a comprehensive assessment of the management and host factors that predispose calves to BRD. The current study identifies the steps taken to develop the first BRD risk assessment tool and its components, namely the BRD risk factor questionnaire, the BRD scoring system, and a herd-specific BRD control and prevention plan. The risk factor questionnaire was designed to inquire on aspects of calf-rearing including management practices that affect calf health generally, and BRD specifically. The risk scores associated with each risk factor investigated in the questionnaire were estimated based on data from two observational studies. Producers can also estimate the prevalence of BRD in their calf herds using a smart phone or tablet application that facilitates selection of a true random sample of calves for scoring using the California BRD scoring system. Based on the risk factors identified, producers and herd veterinarians can then decide the management changes needed to mitigate the calf herd's risk for BRD. A follow-up risk assessment after a duration of time sufficient for exposure of a new cohort of calves to the management changes introduced in response to the risk assessment is recommended to monitor the prevalence of BRD.

Concurrent occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. marginale in bovine peripheral blood samples from southwest of Iran

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. marginale are the most important tick-borne bacteria of veterinary and public health significance. Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes febrile disease in humans (human granulocytic-HGA) and animals. Anaplasma marginale is the aetiological agent of acute anaplasmosis, a bovine syndrome characterized by progressive hemolytic anemia associated with fever, weight loss, abortion, decreased milk production, and in some cases, death of the infected cattle. The present study was designed to investigate the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale in cattle from Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran. Samples were collected between March to August 2016. Farmed cattle were selected from the four geographic regions of Khuzestan province with the highest population of cattle herds: Behbahan; Dezful; Shushtar; and Ahvaz. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 200 cattle Species specification was accomplished by specific Nested PCR according to amplification of the 16SrRNA gene. To identify A. marginale, semi-nested PCR product was cut with restriction endonucleases Bst 1107 I. The prevalence of the A. marginale infection (21.5 %) was higher than that of A. phagocytophilum (7.5 %), which was found in a mixed infection with A. marginale. Overall, in the present study 7.5% of cattle were infected with both A. phagocytophilum and A. marginale. Despite the healthy appearance of infected cattle, they can transmit Anaplasma to ticks and are potential continuous sources for maintaining and disseminating the organisms to the human and animals’ population. More epidemiological studies are needed to determine the vectors and reservoir animals for the Anaplasma species and to clarify the pathogenicity of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum for humans and animals in Iran.

Rapid detection of asperphenamate in a hay batch associated with constipation and deaths in dairy cattle. The application of DART-HRMS to veterinary forensic toxicology

Direct analysis in real time (DART) coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied for the first time to veterinary forensic toxicology to investigate the presence of toxic compounds in hay after an episode of acute intoxication in a dairy cattle farm. In addition to gross field necropsy and histological examination, microbial cultures, and heavy metals analysis, the molecular fingerprinting of the suspected hay batch was investigated by DART-HRMS. DART-HRMS revealed a distinct signal of m/z 507.2289 in the hay batch thought to be associated with the digestive complications. A search on chemical structure databases matched the ion with asperphenamate, a toxin produced by Penicillium spp. and Aspergillus spp. Liquid Chromatography-HMRS analysis and electrospray-HRMS-MS/MS of the hay extracts further characterized the structure and confirmed the identification of the compound as asperphenamate. Asperphenamate is fungal metabolite which can have cytotoxic and antitumor activity in humans, and it is classified as acute toxicant and harmful if swallowed.

Chronic copper poisoning in beef cattle in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Copper is an essential micromineral in animal feed; however, when consumed in excess, it can cause liver necrosis, hemolytic crisis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and death in cattle. Although uncommon in this species, copper poisoning occurs as a result of exacerbated supplementation, deficiency of antagonist microminerals, or previous liver lesions. An outbreak of chronic copper poisoning is reported in semi-confined cattle after supplementation with 50 mg/Kg of dry matter copper. The cattle showed clinical signs characterized by anorexia, motor incoordination, loss of balance, jaundice, brownish or black urine, diarrhea and death, or were found dead, 10 to 302 days after consumption. Of the 35 cattle that died, 20 underwent necropsy, whose frequent findings were jaundice, enlarged liver with evident lobular pattern, black kidneys, and urinary bladder with brownish to blackish content. Microscopically, the liver showed vacuolar degeneration and/or zonal hepatocellular centrilobular or paracentral coagulative necrosis, in addition to cholestasis, mild periacinal fibrosis, apoptotic bodies, and mild to moderate mononuclear inflammation. Degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelium and intratubular hemoglobin cylinders were observed in the kidneys. Copper levels in the liver and kidneys ranged from 5,901.24 to 28,373.14 μmol/kg and from 303.72 to 14,021 μmol/kg, respectively. In conclusion, copper poisoning due to excessive nutritional supplementation is an important cause of jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and death in semi-confined cattle.

Peste des petits ruminants Virus Transmission Scaling and Husbandry Practices That Contribute to Increased Transmission Risk: An Investigation among Sheep, Goats, and Cattle in Northern Tanzania.

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes an infectious disease of high morbidity and mortality among sheep and goats which impacts millions of livestock keepers globally. PPRV transmission risk varies by production system, but a deeper understanding of how transmission scales in these systems and which husbandry practices impact risk is needed. To investigate transmission scaling and husbandry practice-associated risk, this study combined 395 household questionnaires with over 7115 cross-sectional serosurvey samples collected in Tanzania among agropastoral and pastoral households managing sheep, goats, or cattle (most managed all three, n = 284, 71.9%). Although self-reported compound-level herd size was significantly larger in pastoral than agropastoral households, the data show no evidence that household herd force of infection (FOI, per capita infection rate of susceptible hosts) increased with herd size. Seroprevalence and FOI patterns observed at the sub-village level showed significant spatial variation in FOI. Univariate analyses showed that household herd FOI was significantly higher when households reported seasonal grazing camp attendance, cattle or goat introduction to the compound, death, sale, or giving away of animals in the past 12 months, when cattle were grazed separately from sheep and goats, and when the household also managed dogs or donkeys. Multivariable analyses revealed that species, production system type, and goat or sheep introduction or seasonal grazing camp attendance, cattle or goat death or sales, or goats given away in the past 12 months significantly increased odds of seroconversion, whereas managing pigs or cattle attending seasonal grazing camps had significantly lower odds of seroconversion. Further research should investigate specific husbandry practices across production systems in other countries and in systems that include additional atypical host species to broaden understanding of PPRV transmission.

OENANTHE CROCATA (APIACEAE, APIOIDEAE), PLANTA TÓXICA NUEVA PARA LA FLORA ADVENTICIA DE ARGENTINA Y AMÉRICA

Martinez, S.; C. I. Calvino & G. Delucchi. 2012. Oenanthe crocata(Apiaceae, Apioideae), new toxic plant for the adventive flora of Argentina and America. Darwiniana50(1): 97-106.. The presence of Oenanthe crocata in Buenos Aires province adds a new species to the adventive flora of Argentina and America. This is a toxic plant native from Europe; its toxicity is due to the pre- sence, particularly in roots, of oenanthotoxin, a polyacetylenic alcohol. In its countries of origin, cases of poisoning and death of cattle and humans have been reported by the ingestion of the radical tuber- cles. The identification of the species was corroborated by comparing the nrDNA ITS region of the argentine material to all the nucleotide sequences available at GenBank, and by performing a maxi- mum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of Oenanthespecies. Moreover, Oenanthe divaricatais referred to the synonymy of O. crocata for the first time. This contribution describes and illustrates this new record, provides a distribution map and points the differential characters with other apioids that grow in Argentina.

Causes of death in feedlot beef cattle and their control: a brief review

ABSTRACT: This review reports the leading causes of death in feedlot beef cattle. It describes economic losses resulting from these deaths and suggests control alternatives. Diseases associated with the respiratory and digestive systems were the most frequently observed. In different geographical areas, the importance of each one might vary. Outbreaks of diseases such as botulism occur occasionally and can cause important economic losses. Cattle tick fever can cause significant losses in zones of enzootic tick instability. Technical assistance and sanitary and food management are critical for the best productivity in feedlot cattle.

DICTIOCAULOSE EM BOVINOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE LONDRINA, PR, BRASIL

A dictiocaulose é uma afecção respiratória causada por helmintos do gênero Dictyocaulus spp., considerada potencial causa de queda na produtividade e morte de bovinos no Brasil e em outros países do mundo. Este trabalho descreve o relato de infecção por Dictyocaulus viviparus e dictiocaulose em bovinos no município de Londrina, PR. A associação das condições ambientais, nutricionais e imunológicas, juntamente com controle parasitário inadequado favoreceu o desenvolvimento da doença, ressaltando a importância da afecção como diagnóstico diferencial de doenças respiratórias dos bovinos na Região Sul do Brasil.

Morphological and phytochemical analysis of leaves and stems of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa CAV.

This study aimed to carry out morphoanatomical, histochemical and phytochemical analysis of leaves and stems of Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Cav. (Malpighiaceae), a native plant responsible for abortion and sudden death in beef cattle. Plant specimens underwent anatomical study, in which leaves and stems were dried and ground with aqueous and ethanol extracts subjected to histochemical and phytochemical analysis. Anatomical observation of vegetative organs detected the presence of simple columnar cells in the adaxial epidermis, palisade mesophyll, parenchyma with a layer of cells and paracitic type stomata. Stem cross-sections presented circular section, single layer (uniseriate) epidermis with thick cuticle and Malpighi’s trichomes, the phelogen was in differentiation. The cortex showed angular collenchyma, parenchyma with exogenous channels and druse shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Phytochemical tests of aqueous and ethanol extracts of leaves and stems indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and cardiotonic heterosides. Potentially phytotoxic secondary metabolites evidenced in the leaves and stems, including saponins and cardiotonic heterosides were correlated with clinical signs observed in intoxicated animals.

Repurposing the open access malaria box reveals compounds with activity against Tritrichomonas foetus trophozoites

The protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus causes early embryonic death in cattle which results in severe economic loss. In the United States, there are no drugs are approved for treatment of this pathogen. In this study, we evaluated in vitro anti-protozoal effects of compounds from an open access chemical library against T. foetus trophozoites. An initial high-throughput screen identified 16 compounds of interest. Further investigation revealed 12 compounds that inhibited parasite growth and 4 compounds with lethal effects. For lethal compounds, dose-response curves were constructed and the LD50 was calculated for laboratory and field strains of T. foetus. Our experiments revealed chemical scaffolds that were parasiticidal in the micromolar range, and these scaffolds provide a starting point for drug discovery efforts. Further investigation is still needed to investigate suitability of these scaffolds and related compounds in food animals. Importantly, open access chemical libraries can be useful for identifying compounds with activity against protozoan pathogens of veterinary importance.

Findings in cattle consigned to Victorian knackeries between 2009 and 2018.

To describe the causes of death or culling in cattle in Victoria, Australia, through surveillance at knackeries. Data were collected from 2797 adult cattle consigned to four Victorian knackeries over a 10-year period (2009-2018, inclusive). Cattle were sampled either at the point of collection or at a knackery. A single best-fit diagnosis was assigned to each case to describe the cause of loss. Sampled cattle were predominantly female dairy cattle originating from the three main dairying regions in Victoria. The most commonly diagnosed conditions were calving paralysis (6.8%), followed by mastitis (6.4%), hypocalcaemia (6.4%) and dystocia (5.9%). "Unknown" accounted for 24.2% of the cattle examined. This study provides a unique insight into the causes of death and culling in cattle consigned to Victorian knackeries. The periparturient period was identified as a high risk period for knackery consignment in adult female cattle.

Impact study on model livestock community development programme in some selected areas of Bangladesh

With a view to increase the productivity of existing backyard livestock and poultry production systems and thereby to improve the socio-economic status of the rural people, BLRI in collaboration with the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) initiated the study since April 2010. The specific objectives of the study were to disseminate the livestock technologies for increasing productivity through training and demonstration and to assess the impact of technological interventions on livestock productivity, socioeconomic improvement and changing livelihood status of rural farm families. The study was implemented initially at Kadamtoli under Belkuchi Upazila under Serajganj district and Chakpara and Bichamara villages under Naikhongchari Upazila under Banderban district which was later extended to Talukhabu village of Gongachara Upazila under Rangpur district. Through this project, technological support was provided to a total of 321, 218 and 780 farm households in Belkuchi, Naikhongchari and Gangachara upazila, respectively. In order to conduct the impact study, 90 farmers taking 30 from each Upazila were selected through simple random sampling technique. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ comparison was followed for assessing the impact. The t-statistic was applied to test the significance of relevant parameters. It was revealed that technological intervention has resulted to increase in livestock and poultry population and increase in productivity of milk (19-40%), duck and chicken eggs (22-36%) both horizontally and vertically. There was no occurrence of death of cattle, goat and poultry birds. Farmer’s overall income was boosted up which has contributed to possession of new household assets and addition of the already available assets. The consumption of all food items was increased as well. It was recommended that the programme may be replicated to other locations with new interventions.
 Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 20(1-2): 88-100, Jan-Dec 2013

Causes of death of beef cattle raised in feedlots

ABSTRACT: The causes of death of cattle kept in pre-export feedlots (PEFs) and in feedlot for finishing for slaughter are described. Two studies were conducted: a retrospective study of mortality cases in feedlots from 2000 to 2017 registered at the “Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico” of the “Faculdade de Veterinária” of the “Universidade Federal de Pelotas”; and a prospective study from January 2018 to August 2019, following up 22 feedlots for finishing and six PEFs for the export of live cattle. From January 2000 to August 2019 samples of 150 cases of diseases that affected feedlot cattle were received from 22 feedlots for finishing and 115 of the six PEFs followed. Mortality considering all diagnosed diseases was significantly higher in feedlots for finishing (p<0.05), than in PEFs for the export of live cattle, of 1% and 0.12%, respectively. Diseases of the digestive system were the most important causes, of death in feedlots regardless of its purpose. Acidosis presented the highest mortality rates both in feedlot for finishing (3.33%) as in PEFs for export (0.95%). In all cases the disease occurred due to failure in the adaptation of animals to the ingestion of concentrated foods. Bovine tick fever and pneumonia presented mortality rates of 0.13% and 0.09%, respectively in PEFs. In the feedlot for finishing seneciosis was the second cause of death due to cattle coming from areas with high infestation by the plant. In the present study, it was possible to identify the main diseases that occur in cattle feedlots for finishing or for the export of live animals in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul. These diseases are known in other systems of cattle breeding and can be prevented or controlled through management, chemoprophylaxis or vaccination, minimizing losses due to mortality.