Health risks & diseases

Learn more about the risks that face your herd.

BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea)

BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) is a viral disease of cattle which is wide-spread in New Zealand.

Affecting both dairy and beef herds, it is estimated that about half of herds are “actively-infected” with BVD at any given time and the cost of BVD to the New Zealand cattle industry is around $150 million a year.

BVD can cause pregnancy loss, diarrhoea, milk drop, and reduced growth rates. It also suppresses the immune system, making animals more susceptible to other diseases, such as pneumonia and salmonella.

For more information on this disease watch the following videos.

Leptospirosis (Lepto)

Leptospirosis (Lepto) is an infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans (a zoonosis), and from animal to animal, through cuts or cracks in the skin or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth. Infection can occur in almost all warm-blooded mammals, including farm (sheep, cattle , deer and pigs), domestic (dogs) and feral animals (e.g. rats and mice).

Signs of Lepto include:

    In humans: Symptoms can range from minor flu-like symptoms to serious illness needing hospital admission, such as meningitis and kidney or lung failure. In some cases it may be fatal. Always seek medical attention immediately (within 24 hours) if there has been suspected exposure or if flu like symptoms develop. Ensure to tell the doctor that leptospirosis may be the cause of your symptoms as not all doctors may be familiar with the symptoms.

    In animals: The infection is often subclinical, meaning the infected animal does not appear unwell. The infection can also cause visible illness in animals, especially young animals.

    Common clinical signs associated with Leptospirosis in cows

    • Mastitis
    • A drop in milk production
    • Reproductive losses

    Common clinical signs associated with Leptospirosis in calves

    • Depression
    • High fever
    • Jaundice (yellow mucous membranes)
    • Blood in the urine

    Calf Scours

    Neonatal diarrhea is arguably one of the most common diseases of newborn calves worldwide. The consequences on animal welfare and those managing the calves can be devastating. The cost of mortality, poor growth and performance as well as treatment costs, all need to be considered. The infectious agents that cause neonatal calf diarrhoea are prevalent in New Zealand. In a recent survey 96% of farms in New Zealand had pathogens that can cause calf scours detected1.

    For more information on this disease and calf health in general watch the following videos:

    Bovilis is a leading brand for preventative animal health. Cattle farmers all over the world choose to protect their livestock from BVD, leptospirosis, pinkeye and calf scours with Bovilis vaccinations. By using Bovilis for prevention, farmers can protect their herd from production losses and disease.