1/12/2026: 

In recent months, the Veekijker has received various reports of black manure from cows, with no clear cause. Whereas there were just two reports in the second quarter, the number rose to ten in the third. The commonest cause of black manure is ulcers in the abomasum. Additionally, bleeding in the small intestine, jejunal haemorrhagic syndrome, pica (abnormal eating or licking behaviour) or administration of specific supplements or medication have been noted. Known risk factors for developing ulcers in the abomasum are inappropriate diet and stress (heat stress in particular). Just one or a few animals per farm were affected. In some cases, the black manure was temporary, but in others it led to mortality. The animals did not have fever, at most they had mildly elevated temperatures (< 39.5°C). To gain a better understanding of these reports, two farm visits were conducted. In addition, one cow was sent in for necropsy: the pathologist’s diagnosis was haemorrhaging from an abomasal ulcer. Read the article

Topics highlights report cattle November 2025

• Health of imported calves versus age on arrival
• Increased number of lungworm diagnoses and related enquiries
• Nitrate poisoning
• Health of cattle in the Netherlands, third quarter of 2025

 

Monitoring and surveillance