Farm March Newsletter 2025

Dedicated farm line – 01626 357776

This newsletter is sent by e-mail to each vet practice but if you would like a copy sent to your individual e-mail account please contact us at dsfarm@axiomvetlab.co.uk and we can add you to our circulation list.

Ruminant abortion PCR package results so far…

We have results for the first fifty-two submissions from our new ruminant abortion PCR package, which can detect ten different causes. An agent has been detected in 65% of the small ruminant abortion cases (15/23 submissions, one submission had two agents present). For bovine submissions an agent has been detected in 31% of the 29 submissions tested to date. Both of these are an improvement on the usual diagnostic rates for abortions despite the fact that a number of abortions this year are likely to be due to Schmallenberg virus (which the package does not cover) and unfortunately in some areas bluetongue is also having a significant impact through causing abortions, infertility and dummy calves.
If there are concerns about Schmallenberg virus then submit foetal fluid for serology (usually test this first as significantly cheaper to do so) but if negative consider then testing for the virus, which requires a piece of umbilicus/placenta/brain/brainstem/spleen. Cases can be virus positive or antibody positive or sometimes both.
For the abortion PCR package (test code FABORT) submit:
Foetal stomach contents, liver & brain or
vaginal swab and ideally also a piece of cotyledon (without faecal contamination).

Protein deficits

We have detected evidence of low RDP intakes in a number of herds this winter where the history has been of youngstock or adult cattle that are failing to thrive. It is also a relatively common cause of ill thrift in bulls so it appears that some bulls are being underfed protein, particularly if they are still growing. This year it seems that some silages are lower in protein than had been thought to be the case. If RDP intakes are suboptimal after calving then milk yields and fertility can also be adversely affected. Low RDP intakes are detected through testing blood samples for urea, which can be done at a low cost of five samples for £24 (i.e. £4.80 per sample for five or more). We are not just looking for low blood urea results but suboptimal levels. However, if blood urea levels are low in late pregnancy then colostral quality (and potentially quantity) are likely to be adversely affected.

Diagnosing Winter Dysentery

We have two testing options for winter dysentery – paired coronavirus serology to check for rising antibody levels or PCR testing for the presence of virus using faecal samples. The vast majority of adult cattle have detectable antibodies (though immunity does not appear to be complete) therefore in order to demonstrate recent exposure to coronavirus it requires paired serology to check for rising antibody levels. Blood samples should be collected 2-4 weeks apart. Alternatively, for a quicker result, faeces can be tested for the virus using a PCR test. Virus tends to only be shed for a very short time following infection so it is important that new cases are sampled. Although the PCR test has not been validated for testing of pooled samples we seem to have had better success with detecting it in pooled rather than individual faecal samples. With it being a PCR test it is a sensitive test and by sampling multiple animals it increases the chance of detecting the virus. We would recommend no more than three faecal samples in a pool to reduce the risk of over dilution with negative samples, which could compromise sensitivity.

Animal Health & Welfare Pathway – worm egg counts now available

Please note that we are now participating in the worm egg counting part of the AHWP for sheep. However, we are unable to post out sampling kits. Consumables can be ordered from us in the usual way. WHEN SUBMITTING POST TREATMENT SAMPLES, PLEASE ENTER THE ACCESS (REPORT) NUMBER FOR THE PRE-TREATMENT SAMPLE RESULTS AS A PREVIOUS REFERENCE ON THE SUBMISSION FORM. We can then provide you with a % change in the strongyle egg count after treatment.
We are a UKAS accredited lab and provide ISO17025 accredited tests so we can carry out any of the follow up endemic disease testing for both cattle and sheep. The diseases and conditions to be sampled for sheep include: Border disease (BD), caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE), Johne’s disease, Maedi Visna (MV), toxoplasmosis, tick-borne fever, pulpy kidney, lamb dysentery, ewe nutrition status, lamb nutrition status & trace elements.

Incorrectly submitted samples

Samples received into the lab that are incorrectly packaged require more time and equipment to process and in some instances present an unnecessary Health and Safety risk to our Lab staff. Examples of incorrectly packaged samples include:
Samples submitted in rubber gloves rather than the correct sample pots, e.g. faecal samples.
Non serum gel tubes for clotted blood samples (we would ask you to use serum gel tubes provided by Axiom Laboratories that substantially decrease sample processing time and reduce the need for additional plastic consumables as the analyser can test direct from these tubes).
Cases that contain multiple samples from different animals that are either unlabelled or that have been packaged out of the numerical sequence written on the accompanying submission form.
No list of animal IDs and tube numbers received with herd or flock screens. This list is essential for booking in samples in the office.
Where needles have been included in the packaging along with the samples.
Incorrectly sized or shaped, leaking, formalin containing tissue histology pots lacking absorbent packaging material
The submission of whole animals and foetuses as we do not have a PM room to handle these.
Continuing to submit incorrectly packaged samples affects our ability to get results to you quickly and efficiently while keeping our prices as low as possible.

The above list is only an example of scenarios, however where we experience additional time and cost in processing poorly submitted samples we reserve the right to charge an additional fee towards the admin time incurred e.g. for blood samples that fee would be 25p per tube.

Using detachable bar codes on herd screen submissions

Sending us a complete and accurate ID reference list with your herd/multiple animal submissions for checking and booking in your samples is an essential part of the procedure.
This is facilitated by using the detachable bar codes supplied on our preferred serum gel tubes. Simply record the animal ID on the Axiom submission form (or your own list/table) then remove the barcode strip from the tube and place it alongside the corresponding ID in order for us to associate each specific tube with the relevant animal. There is no need to write out the bar code numbers by hand on the list.
Please remember always to provide such a list and, when using a Field Kit for larger herd submissions, be sure to populate the polystyrene rack IN THE SAME ORDER AS YOUR ID LIST. This means that we will be able to check, process, and forward your samples to the relevant laboratory department for testing in a far more efficient manner, in turn allowing us to deliver your results in the shortest possible timeframe.

Would you like to send the Axiom farm vets photos of PMEs to allow us to assist with sample selection and diagnosis? Please send photos by WhatsApp to 07944 649222.

Please provide your name, practice, the farmer and farm names so that we can link the photos to the relevant submission and please also indicate which Axiom vet you discussed the case with. We may wish to use some of the photos in our newsletter so please indicate if you are not happy for this to be done. All cases are anonymised and credited to the submitting vet. Please note that this number is just for sharing photos. If you wish to discuss a case for which you do not have photos, please ring 01626 357776 as usual.

BVD Cymru accredited lab

We are an accredited lab for the Welsh BVD eradication programme. BVD antibody and antigen results will be uploaded if samples are submitted on a BVD Cymru form. As was the case with BVD Free England, there is a small charge for the uploading of the results of 50p per sample for BVD antibody testing and 25p for a BVD antigen test.
Please note that all fields on the BVD Cymru submission form must be completed (including the keeper’s phone number and email address) otherwise there is a block on the results uploading.

Discounted test rates for Johne’s disease & Neospora herd screens or regular batch testing

Our Johne’s & Neospora Monitoring programmes give farmers access to discounted test rates for whole herd or regular batch testing. There is no membership fee and no set rules to follow. Johne’s serology is from £4.25 per sample and Neospora serology costs from £5.90 per sample. It works out cheaper than testing through a CHECS cattle health scheme so is ideal for herds that are testing for disease control and management purposes. Advice is provided in the lab report and farmers can be e-mailed a copy if required. Our turnaround times are very fast– often same day but within three working days for both tests. Batch testing herds also get their results in a cumulative spreadsheet. Contact us for more information at dsfarm@axiomvetlab.co.uk or on 01626 357776.
In order to avoid any unnecessary confusion, please can we ask that submission forms are only sent in with the samples and not in advance of the samples. Thank you for your cooperation.

Did you know that you can email us any additional test requests for your submissions?

You may find this is a more efficient way of making requests than phoning the farm team, saving you time in your busy day. Our farm team also find it a more efficient way of dealing with your requests.
The email address for test requests is: DSFarm@axiomvetlab.co.uk

Interesting cases in January

Cattle
Abortions

Cases of Aspergillus fumigatus, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus licheniformis associated abortion were seen this month. These have been associated with the ingestion of mouldy feed and bedding, and B. licheniformis also with silage effluent.
At least three cases of abortion associated Salmonella Dublin were seen, including in a 900 cow Holstein herd in which ten abortions had occurred over seven days.
Several cases of foetal Neospora infection were diagnosed on foetal/placental tissue PCR and foetal fluid serology. Confirmation that neosporosis was the cause of abortion requires histopathology of foetal heart and ideally foetal brain. In one case, one of three beef heifers to abort over a two-day period in a herd, the animal had been previously seronegative for Neospora. False negatives may occur and this risk is highest in cows tested between calving and early gestation and in youngstock between 6 and 24 months of age. Foetal fluid from the aborted foetus from this heifer was positive for BVD antigen, consistent with in utero BVD infection (causing either transient or persistent viraemia), or the use of a live BVD vaccine during pregnancy. Further investigation of the herd’s BVD status was recommended. In another herd, 11 of 17 12-month-old Holstein heifers screened pre-breeding were seropositive for Neospora.

Respiratory disease

IBR, RSV and PI3 were all detected by PCR in a pool of three nasopharyngeal swabs in one group of six-month-old calves.
At least six further cases of IBR were diagnosed on PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs and lung tissue. One case also had supportive evidence on histopathology of the trachea, there being widespread mucosal ulceration with a diphtheritic and necrotic membrane replacing mucosal tissue.

RSV and PI3 were detected together by PCR on nasopharyngeal and lung swabs on at least another 12 occasions.
PI3 was detected on nasopharyngeal swabs on at least another 12 occasions, including a group of eight-week-old calves bought from market over a two to four week period, a large number of which had developed nasal discharge and scour.
RSV was detected by PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage samples and lung tissue/swabs on at least 58 further occasions. In one case, two calves died overnight in a herd with ongoing Mycoplasma and Coronavirus issues on farm and both calves had been on treatment for pneumonia. On PME of both calves, the lungs were diffusely diseased with almost no grossly normal tissue visible. As well as giving positive PCR results, histopathology of lung in both calves found evidence of a necrotising bronchiolitis with syncytial cells, consistent with RSV infection, and also of a secondary bacterial infection and, in one case, eosinophilic coagula suggestive of virulent Mycoplasma bovis infection.

As in previous months, coronavirus was detected by PCR alongside bacteria with and without other viruses on several occasions. The role of coronavirus in bovine respiratory disease in the UK remains somewhat unclear, being found also on swabs from healthy animals, but it may play a synergistic role with more recognised respiratory pathogens in the development of disease. In one case, a group of four to five-month-old British Blue cross calves in a dairy herd vaccinated intranasally two months earlier and overstocked due to TB restrictions, six calves died over a 48-hour period. On PME, bullae were found throughout the lungs and RSV was suspected. However, this was not detected, possibly because the cases were not sufficiently acute (some had mucopurulent as opposed to serous nasal discharge), and convalescent serology for RSV was advised. However, there was a high level of coronavirus detected on PCR (Ct 17).

Cases of previous pneumotropic viral infection succeeded by bacterial infection and concurrent Mycoplasma infection diagnosed on histopathology included a six-month-old dairy cross calf in a pneumonia outbreak despite Bovalto Respi 4 vaccination. Approximately six calves had been affected and PME revealed chronic pneumonia in all lung lobes.
Cases of primary bacterial bronchopneumonia diagnosed on histopathology included a 13-month-old steer with four fifths of the lungs consolidated on PME and with Mycoplasma bovis, Histophilus somni, Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica found on PCR of lung.
Post-mortem tissues were received from a six-week-old Aberdeen Angus cross heifer calf, the fourth death in a week in one herd. Gross examination had found severe pleuritis and this and epicarditis were confirmed on histopathology. There was also evidence of interstitial pneumonia, which was part of the systemic inflammatory process. Mannheimia haemolytica was detected by PCR in lung and was likely to be the pathogen responsible. A similar case was seen in a pre-weaned Holstein Friesian dairy heifer, one of two calves to die suddenly with evidence of severe pleuropneumonia on PME. Again, Mannheimia haemolytica, detected on PCR of lung, was likely to have been implicated. Underlying risk factors can include failure of passive transfer, poor hygiene, stress due to moving, mixing or adverse weather conditions, trace element deficiencies and underlying disease.
Rising antibody levels consistent with active infection with Mycoplasma bovis were found in two out of four animals sampled in one herd and in the majority of post-weaned calves in a respiratory disease outbreak in a second herd; three of the latter group had also actively seroconverted to PI3. Lung histopathology consistent with virulent Mycoplasma bovis infection was seen in one of a group of autumn born calves vaccinated with Bovalto Respi 4 and imported Mycoplasma bovis vaccine and exhibiting severe pneumonia with mortality approaching 20%. It was also seen in one of two British Blue cross calves in a group in which 12 out of 40 calves had died and pulmonary microabscessation and consolidation were seen on PME; M. bovis was also detected on PCR of lung.
Lungworm was diagnosed on Baermann’s testing in one out of three faeces samples submitted from IBR vaccinated, mildly pyrexic, coughing cows.

Gastrointestinal disease

In November, a total of 524 submissions for Johne’s disease serology and faecal PCR testing from cattle were received, with 193 submissions, including a total of 403 individual samples, testing positive. Cases included two 16-month-old beef heifers and two beef bulls with ill thrift and/or scour.
Parasitic gastroenteritis was diagnosed in ill thrifty 12-month-old Saler calves with a strongyle egg count of 1450 epg in a pooled faces sample. Four of the five animals sampled also had low copper levels. Raised pepsinogen levels consistent with significant abomasal parasitism were reported in all three animals sampled in a group of ill thrifty beef finishers. The animals also had suboptimal urea levels suggesting a lack of rumen degradable protein in their diet or insufficient intake.
Cases of fasciolosis was diagnosed on both coproantigen ELISA and microscopy. In one herd, adult cattle and post weaned calves in a fluky field were treated with triclabendazole in November, but it was suspected that reinfection had occurred shortly afterwards, the animals being thin and showing signs of bottlejaw. One of two pooled faecal samples submitted was positive on coproantigen ELISA, consistent with the presence of late immature or adult fluke.
Necrotising and emphysematous abomasitis was diagnosed on histopathology of abomasum from a ten-day-old calf. The presence of Sarcina like bacteria has been associated with abomasal bloat and torsion before in young ruminants and in this case, there was evidence of rumenitis that was likely to reflect ‘rumen drinking’. Sarcina spp are gram-positive cocco-bacteria from the clostridia family that are naturally present in soil and are probably ingested with feedstuffs. They possess an exclusive carbohydrate fermentative metabolism, producing ethanol, acetaldehyde, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Theories of pathogenesis include the production of large amounts of carbon dioxide resulting in bloat and emphysema with production of ethanol and acetaldehyde resulting in mucosal necrosis. Overfeeding, adlib feeding and use of milk replacers with a high content of rapidly fermentable starches are risk factors that could be managed to reduce the risk of further cases. A review of management/feeding practices was advised.
Salmonella Mbandaka was isolated on at least four occasions from faeces samples from scouring cows and also scouring one-week-old calves, two of which had died.
Salmonella Dublin was isolated from scouring dairy calves on two farms. In one case, one to five-day-old Holstein calves had blood in the scour and ranged from pyrexic to hypothermic; in both calves sampled, Cryptosporidium was also detected.
Salmonella Montevideo was isolated on two occasions, one being in two out of six faeces samples from loose dairy cows with a 10% milk drop across the herd. This serotype has been associated with wild birds.
Salmonella Agona was isolated from a faeces sample from one of two calves scouring in a dairy herd and Cryptosporidium was also detected. This serotype has been associated with contaminated feeds.

Systemic and miscellaneous disease

A total of 396 submissions were received for BVD antigen testing in cattle in December, with 35 submissions, including a total of 53 individual samples, testing positive. Cases included a two-month-old beef heifer calf with pyrexia and diarrhoea containing mucus and blood, consistent with Mucosal Disease.
MCF was confirmed on PCR testing of heparin samples in two six-month-old calves on different farms. Clinical signs included ill thrift, blindness, corneal opacity, harsh lung sounds and pyrexia seen in one animal and blindness, uveitis, inflamed sclera, nasal discharge and pyrexia in the other. In the second case, the calf had been kept in the same shed as sheep.
The finding of a severe multifocally extensive chronic rhombencephalitis on histopathology of brain in an eight-month-old heifer calf supported the clinical suspicion of listeriosis, the calf having its tongue hanging out and leaning to the left before dying.
A 12-month-old Wagyu steer on a high concentrate ration had pitting oedema under the mandibles and brisket, and evidence of ascites. Serum and peritoneal fluid had very high creatinine levels consistent with urethral obstruction and subsequent urethral and/or bladder rupture. In another case, a nine-month-old bullock, one of three deaths in the group, had gone off its feed acutely and died. On PME, necrotic, inflamed tissue was found adjacent to one kidney, there was evidence of pyelonephritis and about 20 litres of peritoneal fluid with a specific gravity of 1.015 was present in the abdomen, the urea and creatinine levels of which were high and consistent with urine. Again, urethral and/or bladder rupture was suspected.
A large intrathoracic mass cranial to the heart in an animal that wasting and scouring prior to death was diagnosed as round cell tumour, most likely a thymic lymphoma on histopathology. These do not tend to be associated with Bovine Leukaemia Virus in young animals.

Systemic and miscellaneous disease

A total of 335 submissions were received for BVD antigen testing in cattle in December, with 39 submissions, including a total of 84 individual samples, testing positive. In one herd, around 15 animals within two groups of 15-month-old British Blue – Holstein youngstock had poor growth rates and five out of six animals tested were BVD viraemic.
Salmonella Dublin was isolated from the gall bladder of a three-week-old dairy calf with suspected salmonellosis that had evidence of pulmonary consolidation on PME.
A heavy growth of Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from pooled swabs from bilateral inflamed, stenotic ear canals in a four-month-old Aberdeen Angus calf. This is a recognized cause of otomycosis.
A mass was submitted for histopathology from a bulling heifer; it was removed from the vulva, was irregular in shape and growing in size. The animal had no other external masses but was in poorer condition than its pen mates. The mass was made up of spindle cells and, although a benign tumour such as a leiomyoma was a possibility, some of the features present, including bizarre mitoses and large nuclei, raised suspicion for a malignant tumour such as a leiomyosarcoma. Although these tumours tend to recur when incompletely removed, they don’t tend to metastasise to distant sites very often or very early in the course of disease. For this heifer, the prognosis was suspected to depend on the ability to successfully completely remove the mass, which can be difficult for these types of tumours at this site.
An Ayrshire dairy cow exhibiting nymphomaniac behavior was found to have a grapefruit-sized ovary with multiple cystic follicles. Unilateral ovariectomy was carried out and tissues were submitted for histopathology, which confirmed the clinical suspicion that it was a granulosa cell tumour.

Sheep and goats

Abortion, infertility and mastitis

Chlamydia abortus (EAE) abortion was identified in flocks by MZN (modified Ziehl -Neelson) staining of placental samples. In one case, 20 of 320 ewes had aborted or had weakly lambs and numerous sets of twins were born with one apparently normal and one dead lamb. The placental sample was negative on the MZN stain but tested positive for C. abortus by PCR. The MZN stain is not 100% sensitive and this case emphasises the importance of sending further samples or proceeding to PCR where EAE is still suspected and/or a diagnosis has not been reached.
Toxoplasma gondii was detected by PCR in cases of ovine abortion. In one case where 20 of 96 indoor ewes had aborted Campylobacter fetus and Toxoplasma gondii were detected in PCR testing of a pool of foetal spleen, brain and placenta.
Seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii was demonstrated in several flocks with poor scanning rates. One flock had a 5% barren rate and a number of twins were observed as being resorbed at scanning. Four of five tested ewes were seropositive to Toxoplasma gondii.
Campylobacter fetus was isolated from the foetal stomach contents of aborted lambs on numerous submissions this month. On one farm, there was a 10% rate of abortion with five ewes having aborted on the day of sampling.
Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from aborted lambs in two submissions this month.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated from the foetal stomach contents of an aborted lamb from a three-year-old cross breed ewe. Although more often associated with joint infections in sheep, E. rhusiopathiae has been previously isolated from a case of abortion in sheep and as it was a pure growth was considered to be a significant in this case.
Listeria monocytogenes was isolated in a pooled PCR of vaginal swabs from three gimmers and one ewe that all had aborted at 40-68 days gestation. The finding was considered to be significant in this abortion outbreak but as L. monocytogenes can be found in the intestinal tract of healthy animals, the possibility of contamination must also be considered when testing vaginal swabs. In another case, L. monocytogenes was isolated from the stomach contents of an aborted lamb, confirming listeriosis as the likely cause of abortion in that case.
Listeria ivanovii and Aspergillus fumigatus were isolated from one aborted sheep foetus. Both isolates are potentially significant in this case and it is possible that one of the isolates, most likely A. fumigatus, may have been acting opportunistically.
Salmonella 61:k:1,5,7 was isolated from the foetus of lowland ewe that aborted six weeks prior to the lambing date; there had been two other recent abortions in the flock.
Evidence of previous exposure to Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was detected in several flocks reporting issues with poor scanning results and higher than expected barren rates.
Schmallenberg virus was detected by PCR in foetal tissue in three lambs from two different farms. Both cases reported a history of several lambs being born with deformities.

Respiratory disease

Mannheimia haemolytica was cultured from lung tissue in nine-month-old lambs, of which eight of the group had died suddenly after being recently housed. Of the two lambs that underwent PME, both were found to have poor body condition and high worm burdens as well as gross lung lesions consistent with Mannheimia infection. Although the lambs were fully vaccinated, it was considered likely that the heavy parasite burdens and recent change of management could have contributed to the outbreak and possibly resulted in failure of vaccinal protection.

Gastrointestinal disease

In January, a total of 124 submissions for Johne’s disease serology and faecal PCR testing from sheep and goats were received, with 30 submissions, including a total of 38 individual samples, testing positive.
Listerial enteritis was thought to be the cause of death in a Suffolk ram that was one of four to have died in a flock of 120 sheep. At PME, there was evidence of abomasitis and typhilitis. There was a high strongyle egg count of 750epg. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated in selective cultures of faeces. Although the animals had been at pasture with supplementary hay, they had been given a bale of silage around seven days previously and this was thought to be the possible source of the infection.
Fascioliois was identified in flocks this month by faecal microscopy or the faecal coproantigen ELISA test. In one group of 220 Texel cross ewes, 40 were found to be barren or resorbing lambs at scanning and deaths had started to occur. A PME revealed a dark, enlarged and grossly abnormal liver. There was evidence of a severe, chronic liver fluke infection on histopathology, though severe autolysis prevented more detailed examination of the tissue. Another flock showed signs of poor body condition in 2-5-year-old ewes that were around two months in lamb. No scour was observed and there appeared to be mild anaemia on clinical examination. Fluke eggs were observed in a pooled faeces sample.

Salmonella 61:k:1,5,7 was cultured from faeces samples from adult Welsh Mountain ewes which were scouring and dying. At PME, there was marked abomasitis, haemorrhagic enteritis and colitis. Salmonella 61:k:1,5,7 (a variant of Salmonella enteritica ssp diarizonae) is considered host adapted to sheep and may be found in healthy animals as well as those with signs of salmonellosis.
Anthelmintic treatment failure and evidence of partial resistance to benzimidazoles was demonstrated in a group of Merino ewes that had a 71% reduction in strongyle egg counts following treatment with albendazole.

Skin and eye disease

Psoroptes ovis mites were observed in two skin scrapes one of which was from a Texel tup with severe skin lesions that had died. In 11 other submissions sheep with clinical signs consistent with sheep scab tested positive for antibodies to Psoroptes ovis on serology.
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, was isolated from abscesses in two goats from different holdings confirming a diagnosis of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA)
Bacteriodes pyogenes was isolated from a foot lesion in a severely lame North Ronaldsay ram that had abscesses over the heel bulbs and discharging sinuses in the interdigital cleft that did not respond to parenteral amoxicillin and daily flushing. Although cultures of foot lesions are often unrewarding due to the level of contamination present, in this case the isolation of B. pyogenes was thought to be of likely significance.
Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed by histopathology of a biopsy of a skin lesion in a goat.
Trueperella pyogenes was isolated from an abscess on the thorax of a sheep and from discharging sinuses around the tail head of three old tups. In the latter case Mannheimia haemolytica was also isolated and was considered to be potentially significant.

Systemic and miscellaneous disease

Seroconversion to Maedi-visna was detected in numerous flocks including in a ewe with respiratory signs, sheep with ill thrift and signs of pneumonia and an Exmoor/Romney flock that had a high barren rate and thin ewes which did not improve with anthelmintic treatment and flukicide.
Streptococcus dysgalactiae was isolated in cultures of joint fluid from a cross breed neonatal lamb with joint ill.
An isolate of Escherichia coli that was resistant in-vitro to multiple antimicrobials was cultured from the intestinal contents of a lamb that was one of a number on the same farm to have died at 24-48 hours of age. The lambs did not present as cases of watery mouth, though there was a history of the use of oral spectinomycin and blanket treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in previous years. It was considered that the E.coli in this case may well be a commensal and not relevant in the deaths of the lambs but the finding did demonstrate the presence of multiple antimicrobial resistance in E.coli on the farm and awareness was raised of the risk of cross transfer of resistance to other bacteria.

Deficiencies and toxicities

Cases of cobalt deficiency were diagnosed in ewes, goats and alpacas, the most commonly reported presenting sign being ill thrift.
Low copper levels were reported in adult cattle, calves and an adult male reindeer with ill thrift, sheep with ill thrift and scour, and suckler cows and ewes with high barren rates.
Copper and cobalt deficiency were detected in red deer hinds with ill thrift and a 10% barren rate. A similar pattern had been seen the previous year and this had improved with the feeding of pre-calving cake. The hinds had not been bolussed.
Low or suboptimal urea levels, consistent with inadequate rumen degradable protein intake, were seen in a Holstein herd with suboptimal milk yield and fertility in cows and suboptimal condition score in heifers. It was also seen in 15-month-old Holstein-Friesian heifers with poor bulling activity and in Welsh Black finishers, Aberdeen Angus cross cows and a bull with ill thrift.
Selenium deficiency and low copper and urea levels were seen in one group of beef finishers with ill thrift.
Blood samples were taken from a group of 80 in calf heifers, approximately 15 of which were in very poor body condition. The heifers had been housed early in the autumn due to their poor condition and they had produced little or no milk after calving. All five animals sampled had low urea and albumin levels, consistent with inadequate rumen degradable and non degradable protein, and low copper levels. One was also seropositive for Johne’s disease.
A suckler herd experienced significant trace element deficiencies last year (iodine, copper and manganese). The farm was now using organic boluses and the animals were looking better but some cows were still thin and showing signs of pica. Further sampling found evidence of manganese deficiency in all five animals sampled and iron deficiency in two animals. Manganese deficiency was also seen in all six Simmental cross cows that had been bolused last spring following issues with dwarfism.
Low plasma inorganic iodine levels were seen in sheep and cattle, including ill thrifty animals and sheep with poor scanning results.
Hypocalcaemia was reported in recumbent dairy cows post calving and recumbent ewes pre-lambing.
Hypocalcaemia and hypophosphatemia were reported in recumbent cows and in a thin, 14-year-old male alpaca with an abducted hind limb gait and some proprioceptive defects.
Hypomagnesaemia was reported in beef and dairy cows, including a three-year-old recumbent Longhorn cow that was also strongly seropositive for liver fluke and had a raised pepsinogen consistent with abomasal parasitism.
Three ewes in a group of 15 sheep on a new ley were either recumbent or hyperaesthetic. The sheep had been lambed for two to three weeks and had access to lick buckets. All three had profound hypomagnesaemia, two had hypocalcaemia and two had ketosis.
Vitamin A deficiency was reported in two of a group of six to nine-month-old pygmy goats with hyperkeratosis around the eyes, nostrils, ears, back, tail head and udder. This had responded well to multivitamins but then recurred. Both animals sampled had low vitamin A levels and Bovicola biting lice were also found in a skin scrape and hair pluck from one animal.
Vitamin A and E deficiency were reported in Montbeliard calves in a herd that had lost 30 calves over a 12-month period, despite vaccinating for rotavirus and coronavirus. Deficiencies of both vitamins were also found in lethargic calves in a second herd.
Copper toxicity was diagnosed on tissue biochemistry in a ewe that had been bolused in August and was being fed hay and fodder beet. It was one of three ewes to be found dead and that had orange livers and black kidneys on PME.

Camelids

Gastrointestinal disease

Gastrointestinal impaction and hepatic lipidosis was identified as the cause of illness in a two- year-old alpaca which was euthanased following the death of two others in the herd. Histopathology of liver tissue showed diffuse, moderate to marked vacuolar hepatopathy (lipidosis) with moderate cholangiolar hyperplasia and biliary stasis. Histopathological examination of the small intestine revealed evidence of chronic enteropathy. Endoparasitism was suggested as a possible cause of the intestinal changes. Hepatic lipidosis is a common metabolic disorder of South American camelids. Females are more predisposed to this problem than males with the majority of cases occurring during pregnancy and lactation although other stressors such as endoparasitism, feed restriction and adverse environmental conditions are thought to be significant risk factors. Most affected animals are between 6 and 10 years of age and present with anorexia and recent weight loss. Underlying causes (e.g. infectious agents, toxins and mineral deficiencies) are infrequently identified as predisposing factors. Evaluation of feeding practices and herd management is advised to avoid further cases.
A female alpaca that had soft faeces and was showing signs of abdominal discomfort had a strongyle egg count in faeces of 950epg confirming parasitic gastroenteritis.
A faecal sample was submitted from a three-year-old male alpaca two weeks following ivermectin treatment. The faecal egg count prior to treatment was 1450epg and following treatment was 900epg, consistent with treatment failure and raising the possibility of anthelmintic resistance to ivermectin in this case.

Systemic and miscellaneous disease

Two alpacas from the same herd tested positive for Mycoplasma haemolamae in the PCR test.

Other Species

A male Kune Kune pig was found to have a high titre of 1/5120 to erysipelas on the SAT serology test. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is carried asymptomatically by around 50% of pigs but can cause death and disease, including lameness, in clinically affected animals.
Swine dysentery was diagnosed in eight-week-old weaner pigs that had rapidly lost condition over a few days and were all scouring. One of a group of 14 had died. Samples tested positive by PCR for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae.
A faecal sample from an adult reindeer tested positive in the fluke coproantigen ELISA confirming fascioliasis.
Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from the faeces of three male grey seal pups with abnormal faeces. The same Salmonella serotype had been detected in other seals at the same site.
A severe fibrinous epicarditis and marked valvular vegetative endocarditis was identified by histopathology of heart from a growing pig that had appeared lethargic and possibly dyspnoeic shortly before death. The more common causes of fibrinous epicarditis in the pig are Streptococcus suis and Glaeserrella (Haemophilus) parasuis. Both organisms can be associated with vegetative endocarditis and polyserositis. The large numbers of Gram-positive cocci in the valve in this case strongly supported involvement of Streptococcus suis. Vegetative endocarditis is usually part of a septic process and other organs may be affected (e.g. joints, meninges, lungs, kidneys).