Cattle | October 2026
Abortion storm probably related to acute stress In mid-May, the Veekijker contacted the veterinarian of a dairy farm with 160 dairy cows after five aborted foetuses had been submitted for post-mortem examination. The placentas of two of the five aborted foetuses were also submitted for investigation. Serological testing of the aborting cows and placentas detected no antibodies against Brucella, Leptospira Hardjo, IBR, Neospora or Salmonella B/D. Post-mortem examination of all five foetuses revealed subcutaneous oedema without any other abnormalities. The two placentas also showed no significant findings. Combined with the histopathological results, the findings were consistent with foetal asphyxia.
identified, an acute stress factor was considered the most likely explanation. Discussions with the farmer revealed several potentially stressful activities shortly before the abortions, including a veterinary visit, hoof trimming and slurry mixing. According to the farmer, the hoof-trimming session had caused considerable unrest and stress among the animals and may have been the decisive factor. No further abortions were observed afterwards. This case illustrates that stress can have a substantial impact on animal health and welfare, even when the consequences are not immediately visible.
As five abortions occurred within a very short period and no infectious cause could be
Heifer with severe skin lesions and pruritus The Veekijker was consulted about a heifer from addition, severe deficiencies of copper and a small-scale cattle farm presenting with severe selenium were identified. Histopathological skin lesions and marked pruritus. Despite examination of the skin revealed lesions treatment for, among other conditions, mange, consistent with a viral skin disease the clinical condition deteriorated rapidly. complicated by an extensive secondary Re-examination revealed extensive skin damage, bacterial infection. However, a viral cause severe lichenification and anorexia. Owing to could not be confirmed, as additional testing the poor prognosis, the animal was euthanised of skin tissue was negative for both and submitted for post-mortem examination. papillomaviruses and herpesviruses. Opportunistic bacteria were detected and The differential diagnosis included mange, septicaemia caused by Listeria monocytogenes bacterial skin infections, eosinophilic was confirmed. dermatitis, malignant catarrhal fever (MCF; ovine herpesvirus type 2), BVD, besnoitiosis and Despite extensive additional investigations, no parakeratosis resulting from zinc deficiency. The definitive cause for the severe skin lesions rare Pruritus-Pyrexia-Haemorrhagic Syndrome, could be identified. It is likely that multiple which may be associated with mycotoxins factors contributed to the condition, including (particularly citrinin) or bovine herpesvirus type severe trace element deficiencies, impaired 4, was also considered. immune function and secondary infections. The Veekijker advised evaluating the mineral supply Post-mortem examination revealed a small of the remaining animals on the farm and thymus and pale bone marrow, findings that may optimising it where necessary. be indicative of impaired immune function. In
Animal health monitoring Royal GD has been responsible for animal health monitoring in the Netherlands since 2002, in close collaboration with the veterinary sectors, the business community, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, veterinarians and farmers. The information used for the surveillance programme is gathered in various ways, whereby the initiative comes in part from vets and farmers, and partly from Royal GD. This information is fully interpreted to achieve the objectives of the surveillance programme – rapid identification of health issues on the one hand and monitoring trends and developments on the other. Together, we team up for animal health, in the interests of animals, their owners and society at large.
Dermatophilosis The Veekijker was contacted regarding skin problems in dairy cows on a robotic dairy farm operating across two locations. The first signs consisted of crust formation on the backs of several cows. The lesions extended in a characteristic linear pattern from the withers towards the rear across the back and flanks. The crusts could be removed easily, revealing red and sensitive skin underneath. No pruritus or fever was observed. Within a short period, the number of affected animals increased, and cases were reported not only at the first location but also at the second. In addition, a marked reduction in milk yield was observed, while feed intake remained unaffected. The differential diagnosis included
Figure 1. Cattle with dermatophilosis
dermatophilosis, dermatophytosis, mange, staphylococcal skin infections, besnoitiosis and photosensitisation in cattle. Based on the clinical presentation, particularly the characteristic linear crusting in the absence of pruritus or fever, dermatophilosis was considered the most likely diagnosis. Additional bacteriological testing was performed and confirmed the presence of Dermatophilus congolensis, the causative agent of dermatophilosis. Dermatophilosis is usually associated with warm and humid conditions, where damage to the skin facilitates bacterial invasion. A notable feature of this case was that the
outbreak occurred during a dry period. Skin lesions caused by flies and mosquitoes, combined with mechanical irritation from the cow brushes, may have contributed to the development of the outbreak. The Veekijker advised that the brushes should be inspected, thoroughly cleaned and replaced if necessary. In addition, affected animals were washed with chlorhexidine and extra attention was recommended for the control of flies and mosquitoes. The animals responded well to treatment and recovered satisfactorily.
Data analysis Risk of introducing animal diseases through cattle imports The Netherlands imports between 700,000 and 800,000 cattle each year. This creates a risk of introducing animal diseases that are currently not present in the country. A risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the likelihood of introducing lumpy skin disease (LSD), bovine tuberculosis, bluetongue virus (BTV), epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) and besnoitiosis through cattle imports. The analysis showed that all five diseases carry a risk of introduction through imported cattle. France was identified as an important risk country for each of the diseases studied because all five diseases have occurred there and cattle are regularly imported from France. However, most French cattle exported to the Netherlands originate from western France (Figure 2). For LSD, outbreaks occurred mainly in the eastern and southern parts of France, meaning that relatively few cattle were imported from the affected areas. In the case of EHD, outbreaks did occur in western France, but import volumes declined as soon as outbreaks were detected in a particular département.
Figure 2.
Of the five diseases investigated, besnoitiosis was considered the disease most likely to be introduced through cattle imports. In addition to imports from France, imports from Spain and Italy were also identified as relevant routes for introduction. The significance of this risk is supported by the recent detection of antibodies against besnoitiosis in an imported animal in the Netherlands. Besides besnoitiosis, bovine tuberculosis was also associated with a considerable risk of introduction through imports. Imports from Ireland, Germany and Belgium were particularly important in this regard. For Germany and Belgium, the risk was mainly associated with occasional outbreaks reported in those countries during the past five years, combined with substantial numbers of imported cattle. The highest estimated risk of introduction originated from imports from Ireland. The majority of cattle imported from Ireland are young veal calves. These animals have had only a limited opportunity to become infected in their country of origin, meaning that the estimated risk of introduction may have been overestimated. In addition, these calves remain in the Netherlands for only a relatively short
Origin of cattle imported from France between 2021 and 2025. Darker colours indicate a higher proportion of imported cattle. Departments shown in grey are those in which no imported cattle were born.
period and are slaughtered at a young age. Consequently, the likelihood that a potential introduction would result in further spread within the Netherlands is considered limited. The introduction of an infected animal does not automatically result in disease transmission. This depends, among other factors, on the age of the animal, the type of farm on which it is kept, the duration of its stay in the Netherlands and, for certain diseases, the presence of insect vectors capable of transmitting infection. For cattle originating from countries where animal diseases occur that are not currently present in the Netherlands, it may be advisable to place animals in quarantine before introducing them into the resident herd and to carry out additional diagnostic testing. This recommendation is particularly relevant for adult animals destined for dairy farms or suckler cow farms, as these animals generally remain in the Netherlands for longer periods and therefore have more opportunity to spread a potential infection.
‘Shamonda-like’ virus In August, a ‘Shamonda-like’ virus was detected in cattle in the Netherlands showing diarrhoea, fever and reduced milk yield. Royal
GD continues to closely monitor developments surrounding this virus. The most up-to-date information, FAQs and background information
can be found on the Royal GD dossier page (language: Dutch): www.gddiergezondheid.nl/Shamonda-like-virus
Health of cattle in the Netherlands, second quarter of 2026 VETERINARY DISEASES
SITUATION IN THE NETHERLANDS
Category Monitoring results, (AHR) second quarter of 2026 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 of Animal Health Regulation (AHR) 2016/429 (category A disease) Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) Viral infection. A, D, E Infections never detected in the The Netherlands is officially disease-free. Netherlands. Outbreaks in France and Spain. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
Viral infection. A, D, E No infections detected in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has been officially diseaseOutbreak in Turkey has spread to Cyprus and free since 2001. Greece. Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 of Animal Health Regulation (AHR) 2016/429 (categories B to E) Bluetongue (BT) Viral infection. Bluetongue virus serotype 3 D, E No new infections detected in the outbreak in the Netherlands since September Netherlands. 2023. Also a few cases of BTV-12. D, E Campylobacter fetus spp. veneralis not Bovine genital Bacterium. detected. campylobacteriosis The Netherlands has been disease-free since 2009. Monitoring of AI and embryo stations and of animals for export. C, D, E Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Viral infection. The status* of 92.4 per cent of dairy farms Control measures required by the dairy is ‘BVD-free’ or ‘BVD unsuspected’. industry are compulsory for dairy farms but The status of 21.1 per cent of all non-dairy voluntary on beef cattle farms. farms is favourable (BVD-free or BVD not suspected). * BVDV status as determined using the ZuivelNL programme.
Brucellosis
Enzootic bovine leukosis
Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)
Bacterium. Zoonosis. The Netherlands has been officially diseasefree since 1999. Monitoring via antibody testing of blood samples from aborting cows. Viral infection. The Netherlands has been officially diseasefree since 1999. Monitoring via antibody testing of blood samples from slaughtered cattle and bulk milk. Viral infection. Detected since 2022 in cattle in Europe (Spain, Italy, Portugal and France). Viral infection. Control measures required by the dairy industry are compulsory for dairy farms but voluntary on beef cattle farms.
B, D, E
No infections detected.
C, D, E
No infections detected.
D, E
No infections detected.
C, D, E
The status of 84.9 per cent of dairy farms is ‘IBR-free’ or ‘IBR unsuspected’. The status of 22.1 per cent of all non-dairy farms was favourable (IBR-free or IBR not suspected). * IBR status as determined using the ZuivelNL programme.
Anthrax
Bacterium. Zoonosis. Not detected in the Netherlands since 1994. Monitoring through blood smears from cattle that died suddenly.
D, E
No infections detected.
>>
VETERINARY DISEASES
SITUATION IN THE NETHERLANDS
Category Monitoring results, (AHR) first quarter of 2026 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/1882 of Animal Health Regulation (AHR) 2016/429 (Categories B to E) E Paratuberculosis Bacterium. 84.9 per cent of dairy farms have a Control measures required by the dairy favourable PPN/IPP status (nationwide industry are compulsory in the Netherlands for programmes) (A/6 or better).* dairy farms but voluntary on beef cattle farms. 14.0 per cent of all non-dairy farms have a favourable PPN/IPP status (A/6 or better). * Paratuberculosis status as determined using the GD programme
Rabies
Viral infection. Zoonosis. B, D, E No infections detected. The Netherlands has been officially diseasefree since 2012. B, D, E No infections detected. Bovine tuberculosis (TB) Bacterium. Zoonosis. The Netherlands has been officially diseasefree since 1999. Monitoring of slaughtered cattle. C, D, E Tritrichomonas foetus not detected. Trichomonas Protozoan. The Netherlands has been disease-free since 2009. Monitoring of AI and embryo stations and of animals for export. E No infections detected in aborted foetuses Q fever Bacterium. Zoonosis. submitted for necropsy. In the Netherlands, this is a different strain to the one found on goat farms with no established relationship to human illness. From the first quarter of 2023 onwards, this is once again part of the standard aborter pathology protocol. Article 3a.1 Notification of zoonoses and disease symptoms, ‘Rules for Animal Husbandry’ from the Dutch Animals Act Leptospirosis Bacterium. Zoonosis. The status of 98.2 per cent of dairy farms is Control measures required by the dairy ‘leptospirosis-free’.* industry are compulsory for dairy farms but The status of 28.9 per cent of all non-dairy voluntary on beef cattle farms. farms is ‘leptospirosis-free’. No new infections at dairy farms. * Leptospirosis status as determined using the GD programme
Listeriosis
Salmonellosis
Yersiniosis Regulation (EC) nr. 999/2001 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
Bacterium. Zoonosis. Infections have occasionally been detected in cattle. Bacterium. Zoonosis. Control measures required by the dairy industry are compulsory for dairy farms but voluntary on beef cattle farms. Bacterium. Zoonosis. Infections detected occasionally in cattle. Prion infection. The WAOH status for the Netherlands is ‘negligible risk’. Monitoring has not revealed any further cases of classical BSE since 2010 (88 cases overall from 1997 to 2009).
-
Six infections detected in cattle presented for necropsy.
-
The bulk milk results of 97.8 per cent of dairy farms are favourable (the national Qlip programme).
-
One Yersinia spp. infection detected.
-
No infections detected.
>>
Royal GD P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer The Netherlands
T. +31 (0)88 20 25 575 info@gdanimalhealth.com www.gdanimalhealth.com
VETERINARY DISEASES
SITUATION IN THE NETHERLANDS
Continued table
Category (AHR)
Monitoring results, second quarter of 2026
Other infectious diseases in cattle Malignant Catarrhal Fever Viral infection. (MCF) There are occasional cases in the Netherlands.
-
Two infections confirmed upon post-mortem examination.
Liver fluke
-
Infections were detected at nine farms and in four animals presented for post-mortem examination. One infection detected in aborted foetuses submitted for post-mortem examination.
Neosporosis
Tick-borne diseases: Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Parasite. Liver flukes are endemic in the Netherlands, particularly in wetland areas. Parasite. In the Netherlands, this is an important infectious cause of abortion in cows. Ticks infected with Babesia divergens, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Mycoplasma wenyonii can be found in the Netherlands. A PCR test is only available for Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
-
-
One sample submitted for examination. No infections detected.
GD3645/09-26