Producer Guide: Infectious balanoposthitis of bulls
- Dr Enoch Bergman, Swans Veterinary Services
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dr Enoch Bergman, Swans Veterinary Services
Infectious Balanoposthitis (IBP) is a condition caused by a herpesvirus in cattle. It leads to ulcerative inflammation of the penis and prepuce of bulls and of the vulva of cows. Like all herpesviruses, infection is permanent, often becoming dormant and may later reactivate when animals are under stress. Virgin bulls can become infected during the joining process when working with other older bulls or merely by being in contact with infected cows.
The 2023-2025 ASHEEP & BEEF delivered Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project “Preventing Bull Preputial Breakdown by Vaccination”, in the Esperance region of WA, funded by Meat & Livestock Australia and facilitated by Swans Veterinary Services, demonstrated the value of vaccinating virgin bulls with commercial vaccines to reduce the incidence and severity of bovine herpesvirus infections.
The results of the PDS strongly support the use of either of two commercially available herpesvirus vaccines to reduce premature bull breakdown (meaning early loss of breeding ability in bulls due to severe preputial damage) associated with balanoposthitis in virgin bulls. While multiple factors likely impact the syndrome, including infectious, environmental and genetic contributors, many cases may be initiated by herpesvirus infection, leading to secondary infection, and further damage to the bull’s prepuce. Sometimes, severe swelling can prevent the bull from retracting his penis, causing further injury.
There are 3 keys to managing IBP successfully
1. Vaccination of virgin bulls before joining
2. Vigilant monitoring for early signs during joining
3. Prompt treatment and enforced sexual rest
Vaccination
The targeted vaccination of virgin bulls can be achieved using one or both of the following commercially available vaccines, either Rhinogard or Bovilis MH + IBR.
Rhinogard [Figure 2], produced by Zoetis, is a modified live vaccination administered intranasally requiring a single dose. The vaccine is available in either 50 or 10 dose packets which are reconstituted with either 100 or 20 mls of saline respectively. Administer 2 ml intranasally using the Zoetis-designed applicator.
Bovilis MH + IBR developed by Coopers [Figure 3], is a killed vaccine requiring two 2 ml doses to be delivered subcutaneously at least one month apart. It is available in 100 ml and 250 ml packs. No reconstitution of the vaccine is required.
Swans Veterinary Services recommends that studs vaccinate their sale bulls prior to sale, but also recommends that producers provide boosters to bulls purchased from studs already vaccinated. Producers should administer whichever vaccine they choose three to one weeks prior to joining.
Early Recognition
IBP often progresses rapidly, and can have catastrophic consequences. By remaining vigilant through joining, producers can remove affected bulls promptly, improving the chances for recovery for subsequent seasons.
Treatment and Sexual Rest
Sexual rest is critical for improving the likelihood of adequate recovery. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can further improve outcomes. Once infection and inflammation have subsided, your bull may need veterinary assessment to see if he will be able to function adequately next season. Using an Electroejaculator (a device used to assess reproductive function), a veterinarian can evaluate whether a bull is capable of achieving an erection and likely to still be able to serve a cow. In some more severe cases, surgical repair (via circumcision) may be necessary in order to restore service capability in subsequent seasons. In some severe cases, where return to service is unlikely, affected bulls unfit for transport may require veterinary treatment including surgery for salvage.
