Congenital skeletal malformations in Holstein calves associated with putative manganese deficiency.

Holstein calves (n = 47) with a dwarf-like appearance, joint laxity, superior brachygnathism and domed foreheads were born to heifers on natural grazing on the same farm. Six calves, between one week and 3 months of age, were euthanased. Marginally low concentrations of manganese were found in the livers, while high strontium concentrations were confirmed in soil, plants and grass specimens from the pasture, as well as in the bone ash of the ribs of 2 calves. Microscopical lesions in growth plates included irregularly aligned and shorter columns of chondrocytes and a reduction in width of the zone of hypertrophy when compared to a normal calf. This syndrome closely resembled a previously described chondrodystrophy in neonatal calves, attributed to a maternal manganese deficiency. Seepage from sea water evaporation pans on an adjacent farm was believed to have resulted in leaching of manganese from the soil and to be the source of the high levels of strontium. The cause of the skeletal defects is believed to be maternal manganese deficiency, complicated by an unknown factor.

The diagnosis and treatment of bovine genital ureaplasmosis: a case study.

An outbreak of granular vulvitis and ulcerative posthitis in 24-month-old virgin Bonsmara heifers and bulls is reported. Ureaplasma was isolated locally from all the clinically infected cattle. There was marked clinical improvement within 3 d of the commencement of a 5 d course of tylosin administered intramuscularly at 10 mg kg-1. Ureaplasma could not be cultured from the external genitalia of either heifers or bulls following clinical recovery. Details of the Ureaplasma culture media are given.

Serological evidence of bovine leptospirosis in Malawi.

Two hundred and seventy-five serum samples from cattle in Malawi were tested as a pilot survey for Leptospira antibody titres. Fifty-nine (21.4%) of the animals were positive for leptospirosis, while 35 (12.7%) animals reacted inconclusively. Titres to L. hardjo and L. pomona serovars were the most prevalent. Results are also discussed with reference to the areas where samples were collected.

Serological evidence of Q fever in cattle in Malawi.

The serological prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in cattle in Malawi is unknown. Serum samples from 200 Malawian zebu cattle were tested for C. burnetii antibodies using the complement fixation test. The percentage of positive and suspicious titres was 1.5% and 5% respectively.