Bovine streptothricosis and reproduction in Northern Nigeria: a case study.

A group of cows, which were naturally infected with streptothricosis, was observed for 17 months. The genitalia were examined per rectum, at least twice monthly to determine the ovarian activity. During the period of observation, 83.3% of the lightly affected cows were pregnant or had calves, while only 33.3% of the moderately/severely affected cows had calves. It is suggested that streptothricosis, like any other debilitating disease, affects reproductive performance, and in the case of severe, localized, perineal infection, the disease results in mechanical interference with mating.