Abortion in Cows & Buffaloes

What is abortion in cows and buffaloes?

Abortion is the loss of a pregnancy before the calf is able to live. The calf may be born dead or too early to survive. One abortion in a large herd can happen by chance, but several close together point to a herd problem that needs looking into.

Infections are an important cause. Brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever, Neospora (a parasite spread through dog faeces), IBR and BVD can all cause abortion. Non-infectious causes include high fever from any illness, injury, heat stress, mouldy feed and poisons. Even with good samples and testing, the cause of many abortions is never found.

Brucellosis, leptospirosis and Q fever can pass to people, so wear gloves when handling the calf, afterbirth or discharge, wash your hands well and see a doctor if you feel unwell.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• A calf born dead or too early
• Vaginal discharge, or an afterbirth that is not passed
• Fever, dullness or a drop in milk before the abortion
• Weak calves that die soon after birth
• Several abortions in the herd close together

An abortion very early in pregnancy may only show up as a return to heat.

Which lab tests help

The most useful samples are the aborted calf and the afterbirth, kept cool and sent quickly as your vet advises, plus a blood sample from the mother. The Abortion Investigation Panel for Cattle & Buffalo typically looks for several common infectious causes; the exact tests are confirmed when you book.

Single tests can also be chosen. Brucellosis Test (RBPT / ELISA) checks for brucellosis antibodies, and Leptospira MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) is the reference antibody test for leptospirosis. Neospora caninum Antibody (ELISA) and Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever) Antibody ELISA look for Neospora and Q fever, while IBR (BoHV-1) Antibody ELISA and BVD Virus RT-PCR look for IBR and BVD. Histopathology / Biopsy of foetal tissue or afterbirth shows damage under a microscope.

A positive antibody test in the mother shows exposure, not always the cause of this abortion, so your vet may ask for a second blood sample a few weeks later. A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the herd's signs and history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly after any abortion, and the same day if the animal has a fever, a foul discharge or has not passed the afterbirth. Keep her apart from the herd until your vet advises, and do not let dogs or other animals eat the aborted material. If brucellosis is found, tell your veterinarian or the animal husbandry department. Ask your vet about vaccination or prevention for your herd.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal. Sample collection is free anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, your local vet can send samples, or they can come by courier or bus parcel; call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 first so the lab can coordinate. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.