Infectious causes of infertility/abortion of cattle in Malawi

Abstract

A survey to demonstrate the presence or absence in Malawi of Vibriosis, Brucellosis, Trichomoniasis and Rift Valley Fever was carried out during 1974-1976. 4,876 serum samples were collected from Zebu cattle from 231 dip tanks throughout the country and 145 serum samples were taken from exotic cattle at 14 estates. Sheath washings were collected from 295 bulls representing indigenous Zebus and 54 bulls representing exotic cattle from all parts of Malawi. 245 vaginal mucus samples were taken from exotic breeds and 106 from Malawi Zebus. Vibriosis was found in 34 indigenous bulls and in 6 exotic bulls, 11,5 pct. and 11.1 pct. respectively. 33 vaginal mucus samples from exotic cattle of 13.4 of the samples examined were positive, corresponding to 53.8 pct. of the herds examined. From Malawi Zebus 16 vaginal samples or 15.1 pct. of the samples examined were positive. 5 of the Malawi Zebus tested for Brucellosis using S.A.T. contained a minimum of 100 IU/ml.