Veterinarians are still searching for answers to what caused three cattle herds in Alberta’s Peace River district to develop basketball-sized swelling on their bodies.
Darren Ludbrook of the West County Animal Clinic said they hoped an autopsy from a cow that was euthanized because parts of its body were badly swollen would give clues about what caused the edemas.
“Unfortunately the cow we put down, the autopsy didn’t contribute any new information,” said Ludbrook.
In August, three herds of cattle developed edema or swelling on their briskets, bellies and joints. Originally the cattle producers thought there was some connection between the ilness and the nearby Beaverlodge River, where at least two of the herds watered.
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Tests of the water by Alberta Environment have shown nothing unusual that would poison the animals.
Ludbrook said he and a provincial veterinarian have taken blood samples from some of the animals to store for future tests.
Until he has more clues to narrow the problem, testing the blood for possible causes becomes too expensive.
“There are still far too many possibilities to do any blanket testing,” said Ludbrook, who plans to pregnancy test some of the cattle to see if they have aborted.
Gerald Ollis, Alberta’s chief provincial veterinarian, said his department is not treating the sickness as a widespread problem that may put other cattle in danger.
“We think it’s isolated at this point,” said Ollis.
Even during the worst of the swelling, the animals continued to eat and drink, he said.
“Even at the height of it these cattle were not sick,” said Ollis. Veterinary officials are waiting for more data.
