Clinical findings in cows of seven farms with a frequent occurrence of
birth canal inflammations were matched against results of serological
and direct immunofluorescence tests for Chlamydia sp. infection. Norm
al clinical picture, weak to moderate and serious inflammations were f
ound in 16.1%, 46.7% and 37.2% of the 205 examined cows, respectively.
The results of micro CFT were negative in 32.7% and titres 1 : 5, 1 :
10, 1 : 20, and 1 : greater than or equal to 40 were found in 8.7%, 3
8.0%, 12.3%, and 8.3%, respectively. Direct immunofluorescence test of
cervical swabs, using the Progen Biotechnic GmbH set, was negative in
29.1% and clearly positive in 34.7% of the tested cows. The rest was
animals in which sporadic elementary bodies were seen. The significanc
e of the findings is discussed and the necessity to test Chlamydia inf
ections in herds affected by frequent and/or chronic inflammations of
genital organs is stressed. Evidence of the transmission of Chlamydia
infection by contaminated semen is presented.