ABSTRACT
The first observations on abortion in cattle and sheep due to Campylobacter fetus were reported in 1913 by J. McFadyean and S. Stockman. Bulls most commonly become infected by serving infected female animals but contact infection from infected bedding is also possible. This contact infection is the basic reason why up to 50% or more of the bulls in an artificial insemination center may be affected. Campylobacter, whether in the prepuce or the vagina, is in a milieu containing large numbers of other organisms. The form of genital infection is much less spectacular as it arises from an accidental dissemination of Campylobacter present in the gut or gallbladder. Following natural infection, female animals produce local antibodies and they are present in the vaginal mucus from 6 weeks up to 7 months. The technique also allows an antibovine globulin test to be carried out, whereby the possible presence of "incomplete" antibody may be demonstrated and the sensitivity of the test increased.
