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Bovine Update
The Washington State Veterinarian's office is
currently investigating an outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever in cattle in
this state. They have identified at least 15 head of cattle ranging in age from
4 months to 6 years that have died as a result of this disease. The cattle are
from a number of different locations in the state. The most likely source,
which the state is still investigating, is from close contact with young lambs
at the Puyallup Fair in September. Malignant Catarrhal Fever is a viral disease
which can be spread from sheep to cattle. Sheep and Wildebeest are reservoir
hosts for the disease. The reservoir host does not get sick from the disease.
Once cattle come in contact with sheep carrying the virus, it takes about 50
days to develop signs of the disease. The virus attacks the blood vessels in
multiple organs, so signs can be quite variable and may include sudden death,
high fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), eye and nasal discharges or seizures.
Cattle often develop cloudiness to both eyes and the muzzle and nostrils get
very encrusted with pus. The mouth and hooves can become involved so the
disease looks similar to other contagious foreign animal diseases. Malignant
Catarrhal Fever is different from those other diseases in that it is not
contagious from cow to cow so spread stops with the cattle which come in
contact with the affected sheep. There is no treatment for MCF so prevention is
key. Keep cattle separate from sheep and wildebeest. Cattle are relatively
resistant to the sheep form but are very susceptible to the wildebeest variety
of the virus. Luckily wildebeest are fairly rare in Whatcom County. If you see
any animals with similar symptoms please call to have a veterinarian examine
and test the animals for a specific diagnosis. Veterinarians role on the Dairy Farm

1. Preventative medicine
- A. Set up vaccination programs
- B. Monitor cow comfort
- C. Monitor mastitis
- D. Monitor nutrition
2. Reproductive medicine
- A. Post calving exams
- B. Pregnancy exams/fertility
- C. Dry up exams (the cow needs to have another
calf to produce the most milk.)
3. Sick cow medicine
- A. Work with herdsman to diagnose and treat
sick cows
- B. Surgeries
4. Emergency medicine
- A. Calving (difficult births)
- B. Injured (bleeding, hurt)
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