[Studies of facilities with increased abortion rates in cattle]

Cases of abortions in cattle were investigated using several different laboratory procedures. The purpose was to collect information on an individual animal and on a herd basis that would allow a correct etiological diagnosis and also the institution of prophylactic measures. The cause of the abortion was diagnosed in 30% of the cases and in 16.3% of the herds. Due to the complexity of the problem, there is no routine diagnostic procedure that can universally be recommended and applied. There was no association between the number of tests performed or the number of herd mates included in the diagnostic work-up and the diagnostic success rate. In order to make a more efficient use of the diagnostic procedures, a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to abortion, on an individual animal basis and on a herd basis, is required.