Clinical and Laboratory Picture in Calves in Rearing with Incidence Bluetongue

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze clinical and laboratory findings in calves after birth and on the fifth day of age in the farm with the occurrence of bluetongue disease. Presence of a disease has been confirmed in heifers that were imported to Slovakia from France. In August 2008 a total of 132 heifers were imported to Slovakia. Based on serological examinations, presence of antibodies reactive to the virus was proved. In 5 heifers without the presence of virus reactive antibodies, virus was diagnosed. Of 120 calves born, 13 were virologically positive. 10 calves born in the farm were included in the survey. 2 of them were virologically positive, born to serologically negative dams. In 8 control calves born in the same time no antibodies were detected after birth. During clinical examination no clinical signs typical for bluetongue disease were observed. Laboratory examination in the monitoring period showed increase in hepatic profile parameters in virologically positive calves. In virologically negative calves we have detected increased hepatic profile parameters on the 1st day of life. On the 5th day in this group some of the parameters decreased to the physiological levels. Alterations in the selected biochemical parameters that we have detected in virologically positive and negative animals were likely not influenced by infection with bluetongue.