At over 24%, the main cause of death of cattle between October and December of 2018 was pneumonia, according to the latest Regional Veterinary Laboratory (RVL) report.

The top 10 individual causes of cattle mortality are as follows:

1. Pneumonia = 24%.

2. Enteritis = 6%.

3. Parasitic gastro-enteritis = 5%.

4. Bacteraemia/septicaemia = 4%.

5. Peritonitis = 3%.

6. Blackleg = 3%.

7. Poisoning = 3%.

8. Gastro-enteritis = 2%.

9. Abomasal ulcer/perf/peritonitis = 2%.

10. Pneumonia and septicaemia = 1%.

Q4 of 2018 saw favourable weather conditions for farmers with October being considerably dry and milder conditions experienced throughout December.

Regional Veterinary Laboratories examined some 7,252 diagnostic samples, while 512 carcasses and 639 foetuses were submitted for testing during the quarter.

Fewer abortions

Data shows that while the number of diagnostic samples submitted increased from 2017, the number of foetal cases decreased significantly. The dry ground conditions leading into winter last year are thought to have reduced both the viability and spread of abortion causing agents.

There was an increase in the proportion of cattle in which parasitic gastroenteritis was diagnosed during this quarter. According to the report this is “associated with the return of normal levels of rainfall following the long dry spell experienced last summer. Worm eggs appear to have remained dormant on pasture during the drought and hatched in large numbers within a very short period.”

Don't miss our Focus supplement on animal health in this week's Irish Farmers Journal.

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