Imagine you are bringing your cows in for milking and notice afterbirth hanging from a cow supposed to be seven months pregnant.
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Through closer inspection of the paddock, you find an aborted foetus.
At this point you are not sure whether it is the beginning of an abortion storm or just a one-off case.
I’m sure this scenario has happened to most of you at some time.
Historically, there was the possibility of multiple abortions due to brucellosis, which has now been eradicated from Australia.
A number of other diseases can lead to significant losses through late abortions such as leptospirosis, neospora and pestivirus.
In the case of an abortion outbreak, contact your veterinarian immediately.
A number of abortions are due to hormonal imbalances caused by stress and other factors and a diagnosis may not be readily reached.
It is important to rule out leptospirosis, neospora and pestivirus – reliable blood tests are available.
Store the aborted foetus and as much clean afterbirth as you can collect in a plastic bag on ice and in an esky for sampling and testing.
Australia has an obligation to demonstrate its freedom from brucellosis.
Your state government department may be able to assist in paying part of the laboratory fees.
Contact your veterinarian, DEDJTR veterinary or animal health officer.
Speak to your Local Land Services for more information in NSW.
