Campylobacter in Cattle: Reproductive Welfare and Zoonosis

Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis causes reproductive failure in cattle herds. This guide covers welfare impacts and control.

Key Facts

Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis causes venereal disease in cattle
Spread occurs at natural service — bulls are asymptomatic carriers
Infected cows show early embryonic death and return to service
Reproductive failure causes significant welfare impact and economic loss
AI (artificial insemination) eliminates the risk of natural service transmission
Vaccination of bulls and cows provides effective protection in breeding herds

Welfare Considerations and Management

Welfare-centred management of bovine venereal campylobacteriosis focuses on prevention and herd screening. AI programmes eliminate natural service transmission risk. In natural service herds, vaccination of bulls and cows provides strong protection. Testing of bulls before use identifies carriers. Infected herds recover reproductive performance with appropriate management. Antibiotic treatment of bulls can clear infection. The zoonotic risk from contact with infected material requires appropriate biosecurity.

What You Can Do

Use AI programmes to eliminate natural service campylobacter transmission risk
Vaccinate bulls and cows in natural service herds against campylobacter
Test bulls for campylobacter before introducing them to breeding herds
Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling reproductive material