Quantification of fertility impairments due to foot and mouth disease outbreaks in large scale dairy farms in Nakuru, Kenya

Abstract

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a contagious viral disease to which dairy cattle are highly susceptible. This study quantified the association of FMD outbreak with fertility impairments in large scale dairy farms with a history of FMD outbreaks in the recent past. 507 cows were recorded for the period of six weeks before, six weeks during and six weeks after foot and mouth disease outbreaks. Data were subjected to general linear model and means comparison. Results showed that abortion before foot and mouth disease outbreak was (0.19%), while during and after FMD was (2.77%, 0.99%). The retained placenta before FMD was significant (0.19%), but during the outbreak was (1.3%) and after the outbreak was (0.59%). The conception failure or the repeated insemination for the three periods: before, during and after foot and mouth disease outbreaks was (12.47%, 6.33%, and 4.95%).