Mycoplasmas recovered from bovine genitalia, aborted foetuses and placentas in the Republic of South Africa

Abstract

A total of 917 Mycoplasma isolations were made from 4 092 specimens originating from 2 874 cattle in private herds and at AI stations. The percentages of isolations from the different sources were: cervico-vaginal mucus 14,6 %, semen 43 %, preputial wash 25 %, foetuses 3,3% and placentas 15 %. Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, the most common isolate, was recovered from 39% of males, 47% of females, 25 % of foetuses and 11 % of placentas. A wide spectrum of mycoplasmas was present, and varying combinations were common. The possible pathogenic significance of the isolates is discussed.