Bleeding calf syndrome

Bleeding calf syndrome

Bleeding calf syndrome, or bovine neonatal pancytopaenia (BNP) has now been identified in New Zealand.  It has already been identified in most European countries, and in Europe has been associated with the use of Pregsure BVD vaccine in the dam. It must be emphasised that this link is not causal, and that there are other risk factors at play. The exact cause of BNP is not known and is thought to be multi-factorial.

Affected calves present less than 4 weeks old with weakness, lethargy, bleeding from apparently intact skin and also from injection and ear-tagging sites, together with signs of bleeding from the nose and rectum. Bleeding may only be internal. Calves almost invariably die, and post mortem findings are distinctive, with extensive haemorrhage and bruising.

Any suspicious cases should be initially examined, and if possible post-mortemed, prior to reporting to the National Centre for Disease Investigation (0800 809 966). More details about the disease can be found on the VLA website http://vla.defra.gov.uk/science/sci_bcs.htm

While a causal relationship between Pregsure Bovine Virus Diarrhoea (BVD) vaccine and BNP has not been established, Pfizer has voluntarily suspended sales of Pregsure BVD and to recalled product from the market. If you hold any Pregsure BVD vaccine, please do not administer this product to your cattle, but contact Totally Vets to arrange return of the product and to obtain a refund.

Bovine Virus Diarrhoea virus costs the New Zealand dairy industry an estimated $120 million annually and remains a threat to New Zealand's dairy and beef cattle. An alternative vaccine is available. For further information, please contact Totally Vets.