Bovine Campylobacteriosis: Reproductive Welfare in Cattle

Key Facts

• Caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis, transmitted by infected bulls at natural mating
• Infected cows suffer repeated early embryonic deaths, appearing to be infertile or have extended calving intervals
• Bulls are asymptomatic carriers but transmit infection to all cows they serve
• Vaccination of cows before breeding provides strong protection and rapidly clears herd infection
• AI (artificial insemination) programs using clean semen avoid the disease entirely

Welfare Considerations

Campylobacteriosis causes considerable welfare impact through repeated pregnancy failure. Cows undergo conception, early development, and then embryonic death repeatedly, with associated physiological and potentially hormonal stress. Extended calving intervals mean calves are born later in the season, missing optimal grazing conditions and exposing neonates to poorer weather. Herd productivity losses are severe. The disease is entirely preventable through vaccination or AI use, making outbreaks a reflection of preventable management failures.

What You Can Do

• Test bulls for campylobacteriosis before purchasing or introducing to a clean herd
• Vaccinate cows against campylobacteriosis before the breeding season in affected herds
• Consider transitioning to AI for disease-free reproductive management
• Record extended calving intervals or repeated returns to service as indicators for investigation
• Consult your vet if herd conception rates fall unexpectedly — BGC is a common but often missed cause