DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS IN BOVINE HERDS WITH A INCREASED ABORTION RATE

Cases of abortions in cattle were investigated using several different laboratory procedures. The purpose was to collect information on an i ndividual animal and on a herd basis that would allow a correct etiolo gical diagnosis and also the institution of prophylactic measures. The cause of the abortion was diagnosed in 30% of the cases and in 16,3% of the herds. Due to the complexity of the problem, there is not routi ne diagnostic procedure that can universally be recommended and applie d. There was not association between the number of tests performed or the number of herd mates included in the diagnostic work-up and the di agnostic success rate. In order to make a more efficient use of the di agnostic procedures, a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to abortion, on an individual animal basis on a herd basis, is require d.