Pneumonia was the cause of over 20% of cattle deaths between July and September of last year, the Regional Veterinary Laboratory (RVL) report for the third quarter of 2018 shows.

Some 492 cattle carcases were presented to the RVL for diagnosis in the third quarter of 2018.

The next leading causes of death in cattle were enteritis and blackleg.

Top 10 causes of cattle deaths

  • 1.Pneumonia.
  • 2.Enteritis.
  • 3.Blackleg.
  • 4.Cerebro Cortical Necrosis.
  • 5.Poisoning.
  • 6.Peritonitis.
  • 7.Parasitic Gastro-enteritis.
  • 8.TB.
  • 9.Botulism.
  • 10.Patasitic Bronchitis.
  • Calves

    The report also looked at the most common causes of death amongst calves aged between one and three months. In this age bracket 50 carcases were submitted.

    It found that respiratory diseases, alimentary tract disease and systemic disease were the main causes of death.