Mycoplasmas recovered from bovine genitalia, aborted foetuses and placentas in the Republic of South Africa.

A total of 917 Mycoplasma isolations were made from 4 092 specimens originating from 2 874 cattle in private herds and at AI stations. The percentages of isolations from the different sources were: cervico-vaginal mucus 14,6%, semen 43%, preputial wash 25%, foetuses 3,3% and placentas 15%. Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, the most common isolate, was recovered from 39% of males, 47% of females, 25% of foetuses and 11% of placentas. A wide spectrum of mycoplasmas was present, and varying combinations were common. The possible pathogenic significance of the isolates is discussed.