Summary about Disease
Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) occurs when a newborn animal (typically livestock like calves, foals, lambs, and kids) does not receive an adequate amount of antibodies from its mother's colostrum (first milk). These antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG), are crucial for protecting the newborn from infections during its first few weeks of life, as their own immune system is not yet fully functional. FPT leaves the newborn highly susceptible to various diseases.
Symptoms
Newborn animals with FPT often show a range of signs, often subtle early on:
Increased susceptibility to infections: This is the primary outcome.
General weakness or lethargy: The animal may seem less active or energetic than normal.
Depressed appetite: Reluctance to nurse or take a bottle.
Diarrhea: Can be caused by various pathogens due to weakened immunity.
Respiratory problems: Pneumonia is a common complication.
Umbilical infections (navel ill): Inflammation or infection of the navel.
Joint infections: Septic arthritis (infected joints).
Septicemia: Blood poisoning, which can be rapidly fatal.
Poor growth: Failure to thrive compared to healthy contemporaries.
Causes
Several factors can lead to FPT:
Insufficient colostrum production by the mother: The mother may not produce enough colostrum or the colostrum may have low antibody concentration.
Premature lactation: The mother leaks colostrum before birth, reducing its availability.
Failure of the newborn to ingest sufficient colostrum: This can be due to weakness, difficulty suckling, or abandonment by the mother.
Delayed ingestion of colostrum: The newborn must receive colostrum within the first few hours of life to maximize antibody absorption. The gut's ability to absorb antibodies decreases rapidly after birth.
Poor colostrum quality: Factors like mastitis in the mother can reduce antibody levels in the colostrum.
Environmental factors: Unsanitary conditions can increase the risk of infection, making the consequences of FPT more severe.
Medicine Used
Treatment for FPT depends on the severity and presence of secondary infections.
Colostrum supplementation or transfusion: Commercially available colostrum replacers or plasma transfusions are used to provide antibodies directly.
Antibiotics: Used to treat secondary bacterial infections (pneumonia, septicemia, navel ill, joint infections). Selection of the appropriate antibiotic depends on the specific pathogen identified.
Supportive care: Includes fluids, electrolytes, nutritional support, and warmth.
Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce fever and inflammation.
Is Communicable
FPT itself is not communicable. It is a failure of immune transfer, not an infectious disease. However, the consequences of FPT (the secondary infections) may be communicable, depending on the pathogen involved. For example, if a calf with FPT develops diarrhea caused by *E. coli*, that *E. coli* can be transmitted to other calves.
Precautions
Preventing FPT involves several crucial steps:
Ensure adequate colostrum production and quality: Proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy and vaccination against common diseases can improve colostrum quality.
Ensure timely colostrum intake: Newborns should receive colostrum within the first 6-12 hours of life. Assist weak or orphaned newborns with feeding.
Monitor newborns closely: Observe for signs of weakness, lethargy, or illness.
Sanitation: Maintain a clean environment to minimize exposure to pathogens.
Colostrum banking: Collect and freeze excess colostrum for future use.
Testing colostrum quality: Use a colostrometer or Brix refractometer to assess antibody concentration in colostrum.
Vaccinate the mother: Maternal vaccination helps to increase antibody levels in the colostrum.
How long does an outbreak last?
FPT is not an "outbreak" in the traditional sense of a contagious disease. The duration of problems related to FPT depends on the individual animal, the severity of FPT, the specific infections acquired, and the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment. An animal successfully treated for FPT-related infections may recover in days to weeks. The increased risk of infection due to FPT lasts for the first few weeks to months of life, until the animal's own immune system matures. Problems with FPT are often noticed within the first few days to weeks of a young animal's life and can persist for an extended period if not addressed correctly.
How is it diagnosed?
FPT is diagnosed by measuring the level of IgG in the newborn's blood.
Blood sample: A blood sample is taken, typically 12-24 hours after birth.
Total Protein: Measuring total protein can be an indicator, but is less accurate than measuring IgG directly.
Serum IgG measurement: Tests like radial immunodiffusion (RID), ELISA, or turbidimetric immunoassays are used to quantify IgG levels. The specific cutoff values for defining FPT vary slightly depending on the species. A Brix refractometer can also be used to estimate serum protein levels, correlating with IgG.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary depending on the severity of FPT and the specific infections acquired, but a general guideline is:
First 12-24 hours: Often no obvious signs, although the animal may appear slightly weaker or less vigorous. Blood test for IgG should be done during this time.
Day 2-7: Increased risk of developing diarrhea, respiratory problems, umbilical infections. Lethargy and decreased appetite may become more apparent.
Week 2-4: Susceptibility to joint infections (septic arthritis) and septicemia increases. Failure to thrive becomes evident.
Beyond 4 weeks: The animal remains at higher risk of illness until its own immune system develops sufficiently.
Important Considerations
Early detection and intervention are crucial: The sooner FPT is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
Prevention is always better than cure: Implementing preventative measures is the most effective way to reduce the incidence of FPT.
Consult a veterinarian: It is essential to work with a veterinarian to develop a comprehensive FPT prevention and treatment plan tailored to the specific farm or animal population. The veterinarian can also help identify and treat secondary infections promptly and appropriately.
Colostrum management is key: Proper storage, thawing, and administration of colostrum are essential to preserve antibody activity. Frozen colostrum should be thawed slowly in warm water (not microwaved) to avoid damaging the antibodies.
Breed-specific considerations: Certain breeds may be more prone to FPT than others.
Cost-benefit Analysis: Weigh the costs of prevention and treatment versus the potential losses from FPT-related illness and death.