BEEF and dairy cattle across the country are at risk of sudden death as a result of a number of unpredictable diseases according to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA).

That is the key message that was given to 30 beef and dairy farmers from across South East England who attended a meeting at the VLA Regional Laboratory in Winchester yesterday (April 9).

The meeting, which was sponsored by Schering-Plough Animal Health, warned of the dangers that infections such as pneumonia and clostridial disease can bring to livestock and informed farmers of the measures necessary to prevent future losses. The importance of ruling out anthrax as a possible cause was also emphasised.

Each year approximately one in eight beef or dairy animals die unexpectedly on farm, with the winter months posing the greatest risk, particularly to younger cattle and calves. However, sudden deaths can occur at any time of the year and as such it is essential that farmers work closely with their local vet and VLA veterinary investigation officer in order to prevent further loss of life.

David Harwood, from the VLA laboratory in Winchester, said: "Most sudden deaths in cattle are preventable if you take the appropriate preventative measures. Unfortunately, the causes of sudden deaths can often be unpredictable and commonly misunderstood. As such, many sudden deaths are mistakenly blamed on other causes such as poisoning or lightning strike.

"One of the most common causes of sudden deaths in cattle and calves is clostridial disease, which is capable of killing animals quickly and with few warning signs. The organisms which cause these diseases are widely distributed in the natural environment and can be found in the gut and tissues of many clinically normal animals."

Mr Harwood added: "These diseases are not necessarily brought in by recently purchased animals and could already be on many farms. They can be difficult to control unless proper preventative measures are put in place."

Paul Williams, livestock veterinary advisor for Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "There are at least 10 major clostridial bacteria that can cause sudden deaths in livestock. For much of the time, the bacteria remain dormant. However, when trigger factors such as injury, bruising and stress stimulate the bacteria to multiply, toxins are released in large quantities. The toxins then attack the muscles, gut and liver, leading to severe disease and ultimately death."

Mr Williams added: "The quick onset of these diseases means that intensive treatment using antibiotics is rarely effective. However, protection can be achieved by using a broad-spectrum vaccine to provide animals with the necessary antibodies to combat all strains of the lethal toxins. Vaccination is therefore the only viable control option and is vital for the protection of animals and profit margins."

Farmers who want to provide the best possible protection for their animals are therefore advised to adopt the following safety measures: *Any mature bovine animal that is found dead should be investigated as soon as possible; * Discuss the best course of action with their local vet, including a post mortem examination if necessary; * Good animal management and the use of a broad-spectrum vaccination can provide effective protection against many of the common causes of sudden death.