Animal Reproduction (AR)
https://animal-reproduction.org/article/doi/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2025-0064
Animal Reproduction (AR)
REVIEW ARTICLE

Infectious causes of pregnancy loss in cattle: a review of loss intensity and major reproductive pathogens involved

Rodrigo de Morais; Giovanna Meireles Borges; Moyses dos Santos Miranda; Luiz Francisco Machado Pfeifer; Rinaldo Batista Viana; Bruno Moura Monteiro

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2025-0064 Anim Reprod, vol.23, n2, e20250064, 2026
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Abstract

Pregnancy losses represent one of the main economic problems in cattle farming, where up to half of these losses can be associated with infectious diseases. Early identification of risk factors is essential to prevent reproductive and improve productivity in both beef and dairy systems. However, there are still a few studies in literature that relate etiological agents and the moment of gestation in which these reproductive failures occur. Embryonic and fetal losses vary widely across studies due to differences in diagnostic methods, herd management, pathogen exposure, and environmental conditions. This review summarizes the current scientific evidence on the intensity of pregnancy loss in cattle caused by infectious agents, relating to the most affected gestational stages and the most relevant pathogens. The main etiological agents identified were Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), Leptospira spp. and Campylobacter fetus. These infections compromise the reproductive efficiency of herds, causing infertility, embryonic mortality and abortions. Neospora caninum was the main agent associated with pregnancy losses, with abortions reported between the third and ninth months of gestation. BVDV was the second most frequently associated agent. Most pregnancy losses occurred between the second and third thirds of gestation, which makes early diagnosis of reproductive failures and the adoption of effective preventive measures difficult. The intensity and frequency of losses varied according to the agent involved, the geographic region and the type of production system. The findings of this review reinforce the need for continuous reproductive monitoring, especially with the use of pregnancy diagnostics at the end of the breeding season, in addition to the implementation of efficient biosecurity programs on properties.

Keywords

abortion, embryonic mortality, reproductive disease, reproductive failure, distribution of losses

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Submitted date:
05/18/2025

Accepted date:
01/14/2026

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