The important economic and other implications associated with an incidence of between 3 and 30% of pueperal disease in cattle are strongly emphasized. To understand the problem the physiology of the puerperium is first reviewed. Possible pathology associated with the puerperium is discussed and the aetiological factors, symptomatology observed in the genital tract and the general symptoms are discussed. Possible ways by which puerperal disease may be prevented are briefly mentioned and possible treatments for various puerperal syndromes are subsequently suggested.