Bovine vibriosis

What is Bovine vibriosis (Campylobacteriosis)?

Vibriosis is one of the most significant, infectious venereal diseases of cattle in NSW and is a major cause of herd infertility and reproductive losses in breeding cattle.

Vibriosis (or BVC) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with Campylobacter fetus subsp. Venerealis. This bacteria can cause significant reproductive loss, particularly in the first year of infection. It is most often introduced by an infected bull, and in a clean herd it spreads rapidly, as the cows and heifers have no immunity.

When to watch for it

Vibriosis is most often introduced by an infected bull. In a clean herd, it spreads rapidly due to the lack of immunity in cows and heifers. 

The disease is particularly impactful in the first year of infection, making early detection and management critical during breeding seasons.

Clinical signs 

Identifying vibriosis can be difficult because of the absence of clinical signs. The disease often remains unrecognised in herds, causing continuing production losses.

Typical signs include:

• Early embryonic loss leading to low calving rates
• Prolonged calving periods due to delayed conception
• Mid to late-term abortions (occasionally)

Depending on the breeding program, some cows clear the infection and get in calf again later than expected, which can lead to subsequent management difficulties.

How to manage

Management of vibriosis begins with understanding its transmission and risk factors. Bulls are the primary carriers, and cows and heifers in a clean herd are highly susceptible.

To reduce risk:

• Maintain a complete history and up-to-date vaccination record of all bulls
• Avoid using bulls with unknown disease status
• Monitor reproductive performance for signs of reduced calving rates or extended calving periods
• Confirm disease presence by measuring antibodies in vaginal mucus of cows and heifers

How to treat 

There is no direct treatment for vibriosis once reproductive losses have occurred. Management focuses on prevention and herd-level control through vaccination and strategic breeding practices. If you suspect vibriosis due to changes in pregnancy or abortion rates, contact your district vet for advice.

How to prevent 

Vibriosis is best controlled by vaccination, which should be given 4 weeks before joining.

• Bulls do not show clinical signs but can be carriers. Annual vaccination helps prevent them from spreading the bacteria.
• Cows and heifers can also be vaccinated, especially when using bulls with unknown disease status.
• When purchasing bulls, ensure they have had two doses of vaccine prior to their first joining. Annual boosters are required pre-joining.

Other common cattle reproductive diseases and their prevention:

• Leptospirosis: Prevented using the 7-in-1 vaccine. Five components target clostridial species, and two target Leptospira species. These bacteria are found in the environment and can be spread by rodents and pigs.
• Pestivirus: Spread by persistently infected (PI) animals. These animals are infected in mid-gestation and shed the virus for life. Up to 90% of herds in Australia show evidence of past exposure. Vaccination with Pestigard® prior to joining is the easiest way to ensure immunity.

Make sure to follow manufacturer’s directions for vaccine dosage prior to joining, as incorrect administration can reduce effectiveness.

It is important to note that most cases of reproductive disease present similarly. If you’re seeing a change in pregnancy or abortion rates and are concerned, contact your district vet for advice.

Other reproductive diseases and prevention

Vibriosis is just one of several reproductive diseases that affect cattle fertility. Other common causes include leptospirosis (lepto) and bovine pestivirus. Vaccines are available for both.

Leptospirosis (Lepto)

Leptospirosis is easily prevented as it’s covered by the 7-in-1 vaccine.
The vaccine protects against five clostridial diseases plus two Leptospira species that cause illness in cattle and can spread through contaminated water, soil, or contact with wildlife such as rodents and pigs.

Bovine Pestivirus

Pestivirus can cause major reproductive losses and is found in most Australian herds.

It spreads through persistently infected (PI) animals, which are infected before birth and shed the virus for life.

Vaccinating with Pestigard® before joining is the easiest way to ensure cows and heifers are protected.