Cold Cow Syndrome

Cold Cow Syndrome is a herd disease problem, reported only from the United Kingdom since the early 1980s. Ir is an unusual disease of unknown cause, which usually occurs in early spring in lactating cows freshly turned out onto lush ryegrass pastures[1].

It has been seen in most areas of the UK. The syndrome can affect up to 80% of a group of cows. The most likely cause is the intake of very high levels (27% to 43%) of soluble carbohydrates, but other suggestions include that mycotoxins such as zearalenone, a potent estrogenic compound, might be involved. There does not appear to be any link with weather conditions.

Signs and symptoms of Cold Cow Syndrome include [a] weakness, the cow appears drunk, wobbling and falling over; [b] hypothermia, the cow feels cold to the touch, but body temperature is normal; [c] profuse non-smelling diarrhoea and [d] sudden dramatic milk drop (up to 100% in affected cows). Some have perineal edema, some collapse. Cows unable to stand will require nursing care.

There is no specific treatment, except that affected herds should be housed for at least 24 hours before they are moved to a new pasture. The milk production will quickly return to normal.

The problem may occur on the same pasture each year, thus avoiding the use of that pasture in early spring may be helpful.

Until the cause of the diseases is better understood then further preventative measures are not possible.

[1] Constablre et al: Veterinary Medicine: A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goats - 2017