Main Content
Michael Westendorf; Plant and Pest Advisory
A metabolic syndrome that sometimes affects ruminants, particularly cows on lush fall pastures is
Acute Bovine Pulmonary Emphysema (ABPE), sometimes referred to as “Fog Fever”. ABPE can occur in
ruminants, especially cattle, transitioning from dry summer pastures or poor quality forage in the
fall, to pastures that may be lush and fresh. Cows may develop signs of lung disease within a few
days to two weeks after the pasture change. Death may occur within several days after the
appearance of clinical signs. It is nearly always fatal.
This change can result in an undesirable toxin produced by rumen fermentation. Tryptophan is an
amino acid found in protein. It is converted to indoleacetic acid and then to 3- methylindole (3MI)
in the rumen. 3MI is absorbed into the blood, transferred to the lungs and in the lungs can cause
damage to lung cells. It can occur in a variety of forage types, especially when the rumen is not
properly adapted to the new forage. There is no effective treatment, producers should focus on
prevention.
It occurs in lush regrowth forage, and is usually seen in the fall. Preventative measures:
- Feed cattle good quality dry hay for a few days and then slowly introduce them to the lush
pastures by increasing grazing time over a 10-14 day period. - Delay grazing of lush pastures until after a hard frost.
- Cut lush fall pastures for hay prior to grazing.
- Graze prior to lush fall regrowth.
- Consider feeding an ionophore such as Rumensin® or Bovatec® before turning the cattle onto the
lush pastures. These compounds change the rumen fermentation of tryptophan and may decrease the
chances for ABPE or “Fog Fever”. Consult your veterinarian for advice if you anticipate using
either of these compounds to prevent ABPE.
Acute Bovine Pulmonary Edema and Emphysema in Beef Cattle: Causes and Prevention.
(Beef Cattle Handbook; D.C. Honeyfield and J.R. James R. Carlson).