Spatial distribution and incidence of bovine neonatal pancytopenia in Bavaria, Germany

[Persistent form of bovine viral diarrhea]

The review provides an analysis of literature data on the persistent form of Bovine Viral diarrhea/Mucosal disease (BVD) and is focused on virus and host factors, including those related to immune response, that contribute the persistence of the virus. BVD is a cattle disease widespread throughout the world that causes significant economic damage to dairy and beef cattle. The disease is characterized by a variety of clinical signs, including damage to the digestive and respiratory organs, abortions, stillbirths and other failures of reproductive functions.

Three cases of alloimmune mediated pancytopenia in calves resembling bovine neonatal pancytopenia

Background

Between 2007 and 2011 several thousands of calves died from bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP), a bleeding syndrome triggered by vaccine induced alloantibodies from the dams. Following withdrawal of the involved bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDv) vaccine, the incidence of this condition rapidly decreased, with no reported cases in the last 5 years. Here, we report a recent immune-mediated pancytopenia in three calves from two different suckler herds, clinically indistinguishable from BNP.

Case presentation

Three Belgian Blue suckler calves from two different farms, aged around two weeks, showed multiple bleedings disseminated on the skin and petechiae and ecchymoses on the mucosae. Blood examination confirmed anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. BVDv infection was excluded. Despite blood transfusion and cortisone therapy, all three animals died. Necropsy and histology confirmed bone marrow depletion. Binding of IgG from the dams on leukocytes of the calves was demonstrated by flow cytometry. Two calves, originating from the same farm, received colostrum from the same dam. None of the calves were given colostrum replacers or colostrum supplements. No link with the BNP causing BVDv vaccine could be evidenced. However, dams had been vaccinated against bovine herpesvirus 1, parainfluenza-3 virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus and bluetongue virus serotype 8.

Conclusions

Alloimmune mediated pancytopenia was evidenced in three animals, clinically and pathologically indistinguishable from BNP. Whether this disease is again vaccine mediated remains to be determined.