Sheep & Goat Respiratory Pathogen Hits Cattle – Vet Guide 2025 🐄🩺

Welcome! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 update, we dive deep into Bibersteinia trehalosi—a bacterium once known for sheep, goats, and deer outbreaks—that’s now emerging in cattle herds. I’ll guide you through its biology, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and management. Plus, discover how Ask A Vet services can support your livestock health strategies.

1. What Is Bibersteinia trehalosi? 🧬

B. trehalosi is a Gram-negative bacterium in the Pasteurellaceae family. Historically affecting sheep/goats, it's gaining ground in cattle respiratory cases—dairy calves, adults, and beef herds. Now a worrying concern across North America and globally. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Biology & Pathogenicity

• Related to Mannheimia haemolytica, a classic bovine respiratory pathogen. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Can ferment trehalose; non-motile and facultatively anaerobic. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Detected in severe pneumonia/septicemia cases in calves and adult cattle worldwide. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Sometimes misidentified as M. haemolytica, leading to suboptimal antibiotic choices. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

2. Why It Matters in 2025

Recent studies (e.g. South Korea, Iowa State challenges) confirm cattle susceptibility—with risk of fast-onset, high-mortality outbreaks even in unstressed animals. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

One study shows it's not always primary—sometimes opportunistic, but field cases show deadly potential when combined with other pathogens. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

3. Clinical Signs to Watch For

Clinical signs vary, but key red flags include:

• Sudden death—animals found dead with full rumens. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• High fever: 106–108 °F (41–42 °C), yet cattle may appear deceptively alert. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Rapid herd escalation: 1 ➝ 3 ➝ 10+ cases; up to ~10% mortality. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• May strike heavier, unstressed animals—affecting adults, dairy & feedlot cattle. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

4. How It Differs from Other BRDC Pathogens

B. trehalosi presents some unusual traits:

5. Diagnosing B. trehalosi

Correct diagnosis is essential:

1. Necropsy of fatal cases ASAP—culture lung/lymph nodes. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2. Use labs distinguishing B. trehalosi from M. haemolytica.
3. PCR diagnostics targeting leukotoxin (lktA) genes may help. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
4. Culture-independent tools (metagenomics) emerging but not yet widespread. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

6. Treating the Disease

Time is of the essence! Swift antibiotic therapy is critical:

• Cephalosporins (e.g., ceftiofur) are the only reliably effective class. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Other antibiotics (macrolides, tetracyclines) often ineffective—misdiagnosis is dangerous. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Severely affected cattle may require immediate culling for welfare. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

7. Prevention & Herd Management

Prevention strategies align with BRD best practices—adapted to this pathogen:

• Vaccination: One-Shot® or similar toxoid vaccines (e.g., Mannheimia-based) may offer cross-protection. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Preconditioning & low stress: Wean gently, avoid mixing, improve ventilation. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Metaphylaxis: Use targeted ceftiofur at high-risk times. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Biosecurity: Separate sheep/goats from cattle pens to reduce cross‑species outbreaks.
• Herd monitoring: Track temperatures and act quickly to isolate suspected cases.

8. Herd-Level Action Plan

1. Train staff to spot sudden deaths or fever spikes.
2. Call Ask A Vet instantly for necropsy & veterinary diagnostics—on‑site guidance available via the Ask A Vet app.
3. Sample fast: Collect lung/tissue within hours of death.
4. Begin cephalosporins immediately if B. trehalosi is suspected—don’t wait for lab results.
5. Vaccinate autumn-born calves with relevant toxoids, ideally pre-weaning.
6. Adjust herd practices: Improve airflow, reduce stress, keep species separate.
7. Record outcomes: Mortality rates, weight loss, treatment responses—track to measure impact.

9. Stay Informed & Connect with Ask A Vet

Livestock health challenges like this demand expert support. Ask A Vet offers:

• 🐾 Immediate tele‑vet access for necropsy, diagnostics, treatment advice
• 📱 App-based guides: dosing calculators, antibiotic withdrawal reminders, case logging
• 📚 Continuous updates on emerging livestock diseases and pathogen trends

10. Key 2025 Takeaways

• B. trehalosi is now a real threat in cattle: sudden, rapid onset in heavy, otherwise healthy animals
• Accurate diagnosis is vital: reliant on proper lab testing
• Cephalosporins are the go‑to treatment; others may fail
• Preventive care matters: biosecurity, vaccination, stress reduction
• Ask A Vet can help: fast, expert intervention saves animals and money

Conclusion

In 2025, Bibersteinia trehalosi is no longer just an ovine threat—it’s impacting cattle herds too. Its peracute nature, diagnostic challenges, and limited antibiotic options make this a serious concern. With awareness, swift action, and expert guidance via Ask A Vet, producers can stay ahead and protect animal welfare and profitability.

For tailored support—reach out to Ask A Vet through our website AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today. Let’s safeguard your herd together! 🐄❤️