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Mycotic abortion in cattle
Abstract:
Placentas and foetuses from 1107 bovine abortions were examined and a fungal infection was diagnosed in 131 instances. Fungi seen in silver impregnated sections of tissues could be placed into 3 categories designated aspergillus, phycomycete and atypical. Culture indicated that the first 2 of these categories were due to Aspergillus sp and Mortierella wolfii respectively. The infections in the atypical category are probably also due to Aspergillus sp. Gross or microscopic examination or culture of the placenta were valuable diagnostically but examination of the foetus was seldom of value as infection in most instances did not involve foetal tissues. Questionnaires indicated that many M. wolfii abortions were associated with the feeding of poorly prepared or stored grass silage. As the majority of cattle are fed hay or silage, no association could be demonstrated between Aspergillus sp abortion and these feeds. Fertility following fungal abortion was apparently unimpaired.
Insights
Fungal infections caused 131 of 1107 bovine abortions, primarily from Aspergillus sp. and Mortierella wolfii (M. wolfii), often linked to silage.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Mycology
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- Bovine abortions pose significant economic challenges in cattle farming.
- Fungal infections are recognized as a cause of sporadic bovine abortion.
- Accurate diagnosis and identification of causative agents are crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of fungal infections causing bovine abortions.
- To identify the etiological agents responsible for these abortions.
- To explore potential associations between fungal abortion and animal husbandry practices.
Main Methods:
- Examination of placentas and fetuses from 1107 bovine abortions.
- Histopathological analysis of tissues using silver impregnation.
- Fungal culture for etiological identification.
- Questionnaires to assess feeding and management practices.
Main Results:
- Fungal infections were diagnosed in 131 (11.8%) cases.
- Identified fungi included Aspergillus sp. and Mortierella wolfii (M. wolfii).
- M. wolfii abortions were frequently linked to poorly stored grass silage.
- Placental examination (gross, microscopic, culture) was diagnostically valuable; fetal examination was rarely informative.
- No association was found between Aspergillus sp. abortions and hay or silage feeding.
Conclusions:
- Fungal infections, particularly by Aspergillus sp. and M. wolfii, are a notable cause of bovine abortion.
- Poorly prepared silage is a likely risk factor for M. wolfii abortions.
- Diagnostic efforts should focus on placental tissues.
- Fertility appears unaffected following fungal abortion.