For infectious abortions, the interval between infection of the dam and abortion can be weeks, according to Animal Health Ireland (AHI).

Therefore, it states that by the time she aborts, it may not be possible to still detect the infecting organism.

Although the diagnostic rate of infectious diseases in cases of abortion is low (33%), AHI states that this does not mean that only one third of abortions have an infectious cause.

It is recommended by AHI in all cases to submit samples from the abortion to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory.

In addition, it states that one cannot predict when an abortion 'storm' has started so this may be the first of many.

We are now in the peak abortion season for spring calving herds (October - December) so it advises extra vigilance is required.

If a cow aborts or gives birth prematurely this should always be assumed to have an infectious cause and be managed accordingly: