Bovine Neonatal Pancytopaenia (also known as Bleeding Calf Syndrome) – an update
This article updates a previous NFU online article which was published in February 2010, on Bleeding Calf Syndrome, a new and emerging disease of young calves.
A basic description of this new and emerging disease can be found in that previous article by clicking in the 'Related Article' box on the right.
What is Bleeding Calf Syndrome?
Bleeding Calf Syndrome is an emerging novel bleeding disorder of young calves and only affects animals of 0-4 weeks old. It usually affects only one or two calves per farm each year, although some farms have experienced higher numbers.
The current scientific name for Bleeding Calf Syndrome is Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia (BNP). It has also been known as Idiopathic Haemorrhagic Diathesis (IHD) and Blood Sweating Disease.
Bleeding Calf Syndrome has been identified in a number of European countries including the UK. It was first reported in Germany.
How many cases have there been in the UK?
During 2009, 57 calves on 42 farms were diagnosed with the condition in England and Wales. 41 calves on 32 farms were diagnosed in Scotland.
During the first 4 months of 2010, 18 calves on 15 farms have been diagnosed with the condition in England and Wales. 42 calves on 32 farms have been diagnosed in Scotland. A further 19 calves on 17 farms were under investigation.
What causes it?
The cause of Bleeding Calf Syndrome has not yet been identified. A number of theories concerning the cause of this disease are being considered and investigated further. A considerable amount of work has been carried out looking for an infectious cause, particularly a virus and so far this has not revealed any evidence of an infectious cause. The pattern that the disease shows is not what you would expect with an infectious agent.
The evidence from post-mortem examinations and tests done on affected calves indicates that something is destroying the white blood cells and the bone marrow cells which produce them. Some of these white cells are essential for blood clotting and it is this which produces the typical symptoms.
Because their immune system is damaged, affected calves may also get easily infected with any germs from the environment, or other calves.
So far the evidence points to something being absorbed from the dams’ colostrum which is in turn attacking the young calves’ white blood cells and bone marrow cells. This is most likely to be an antibody and this mechanism is being studied further.
Is there a link to vaccine use in the dams?
In Germany one particular BVD vaccine has been suggested as being associated with the disease; however the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, which monitors the quality, safety and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the UK have carefully considered this and advised that there is currently no conclusive evidence in the UK of a causal link between any UK authorised veterinary medicine and Bleeding Calf Syndrome.
Vaccines are a very effective way of preventing cattle diseases and their safety and efficacy have been demonstrated over many years of use in the field.
The appearance of this disease should not dissuade farmers from continuing their current vaccination programmes.
What should farmers do if they see the symptoms in their herd?
Farmers should consult their own vet who can access a free investigation service (including a post mortem) currently being offered by the VLA where Bleeding Calf Syndrome is suspected.
Information on this update has been provided by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency. Further information on this disease can also be found on the VLA Website. Click here to go to the VLA Bleeding Calf Syndrome page.
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