Background: Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and its
glycerine-tolerant variant Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biovars intermedius. The disease can be economically
important when present in cattle herds, causing poor reproductive performance, embryo mortality and abortion.
Sensitive and specific diagnostic tests are required in the diagnosis of infection and to inform and monitor disease
control. Current tests include bacterial culture and fluorescent antibody testing of preputial sheath washings and an
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and an agglutination test on vaginal mucus, although the predictive values of
these tests can be inadequate in field investigations.