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Villa L, Allievi C, Di Cerbo AR, Zanzani SA, Sommariva F, Zanini L, Mortarino M, Manfredi MT. Neospora caninum antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle herds in Italy in relation to reproductive and productive parameters and spatial analysis. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107194. [PMID: 38521123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Among the available diagnostic techniques, antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM) represents a useful tool to estimate and monitor Neospora caninum herd prevalence. To evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum and the effect of parasite infection on herd performances, BTM samples collected from 586 dairy herds located in one of the largest dairy production areas in Italy (Lombardy) were analyzed by an indirect ELISA to detect anti-N. caninum specific antibodies. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were developed. A purely spatial analysis scanning for clusters with high or low rates for N. caninum using the Bernoulli model was performed. A maximum entropy approach was used to estimate the probability of distribution of the parasite based on occurrence records together with environmental variables. Overall, 180 herds resulted positive for N. caninum antibodies on bulk tank milk (P = 30.7 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was evidenced in the provinces of Milano, Cremona, Brescia, and Bergamo (P = 32-40 %); a lower risk was evidenced in Lodi, Pavia, and Mantova (P = 13-24 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was revealed for small-medium farms (101-300 animals) (O.R.=2.8) and for older animals with more than 4 years (O.R.=4.4). Regarding the effect of N. caninum infection on herd performances, the number of inseminations for conception was higher (> 3 inseminations), and the period from calving to conception was longer (> 150 days) for positive farms (O.R.=2.0 and O.R.=2.3, respectively); besides, lower head daily milk production (<20 kg and 21-25 kg) and mature equivalent milk yield (<11,000), and somatic cell counts higher than 300,000 cells/ml were observed for N. caninum positive herds (O.R.=0.4, O.R.=0.4 and O.R.=1.9 respectively). The geographical distribution of N. caninum positive farms with the highest level of probability covers the central sector of the Po Plain where a significant cluster for high risk of parasite infection was shown by spatial scan statistic and Maximum entropy ecological niche modelling. A further significant cluster of low risk occurred in the southern. The climatic and environmental variables with the highest training gain when used in isolation resulted altitude, land use/land cover, and other variables related to temperature and precipitation. Neosporosis is widely distributed in Italian dairy herds and an impact of the parasite on herd performances could be hypothesized. Even if the role of N. caninum in alterations of reproductive and productive parameters should be further explored, veterinarians and farmers should be aware of neosporosis, and control plans should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Carolina Allievi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Di Cerbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Flavio Sommariva
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
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Shaukat W, de Jong E, McCubbin KD, Biesheuvel MM, van der Meer FJUM, De Buck J, Lhermie G, Hall DC, Kalbfleisch KN, Kastelic JP, Orsel K, Barkema HW. Herd-level prevalence of bovine leukemia virus, Salmonella Dublin and Neospora caninum in Alberta, Canada, dairy herds using ELISA on bulk tank milk samples. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00849-X. [PMID: 38825106 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Endemic infectious diseases remain a major challenge for dairy producers worldwide. For effective disease control programs, up-to-date prevalence estimates are of utmost importance. The objective of this study was to estimate the herd-level prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV), Salmonella Dublin, and Neospora caninum in dairy herds in Alberta, Canada using a serial cross-sectional study design. Bulk tank milk samples from all Alberta dairy farms were collected 4 times, in December 2021 (n = 489), April 2022 (n = 487), July 2022 (n = 487), and October 2022 (n = 480), and tested for antibodies against BLV, S. Dublin, and N. caninum using ELISAs. Herd-level apparent prevalence was calculated as positive samples divided by total tested samples at each time point. A mixed effect modified Poisson regression model was employed to assess the association of prevalence with region, herd size, herd type, and type of milking system. Apparent prevalence of BLV was 89.4, 88.7, 86.9 and 86.9% in December, April, July, and October, respectively, whereas for S. Dublin apparent prevalence was 11.2, 6.6, 8.6, and 8.5%, and for N. caninum apparent prevalence was 18.2, 7.4, 7.8, and 15.0%. For BLV, S. Dublin and N. caninum, a total of 91.7, 15.6, and 28.1% of herds, respectively, were positive at least once, whereas 82.5, 3.6, and 3.0% of herds were ELISA-positive at all 4 times. Compared with the north region, central Alberta had a high prevalence (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.13) of BLV-antibody positive herds, whereas south Alberta had a high prevalence (PR = 2.56) of herds positive for S. Dublin antibodies. Furthermore, central (PR = 0.52) and south regions (PR = 0.46) had low prevalence of N. caninum-positive herds compared with the north. Hutterite colony herds were more frequently BLV-positive (PR = 1.13) but less frequently N. caninum-positive (PR = 0.47). Large herds (>7,200 L/day milk delivered ∼ > 250 cows) were 1.1 times more often BLV-positive, whereas small herds (≤3,600 L/day milk delivered ∼ ≤ 125 cows) were 3.2 times more often N. caninum-positive. For S. Dublin, Hutterite-colony herds were less frequently (PR = 0.07) positive than non-colony herds only in medium and large stratum but not in small stratum. Moreover, larger herds were more frequently (PR = 2.20) S. Dublin-positive than smaller herds only in non-colony stratum but not in colony stratum. Moreover, N. caninum prevalence was 1.6 times higher on farms with conventional milking systems compared with farms with an automated milking system. These results provide up-to-date information of the prevalence of these infections that will inform investigations of within-herd prevalence of these infections and help in devising evidence-based disease control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Shaukat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ellen de Jong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kayley D McCubbin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; One Health at UCalgary, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marit M Biesheuvel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Jeroen De Buck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Guillaume Lhermie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; The Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David C Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - John P Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; One Health at UCalgary, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Suanes A, Macchi MV, Fernández F, Salaberry X, Moreira C, Gil AD. Seroprevalence and herd-level associated factors of pathogenic Leptospira spp. circulating locally in dairy cattle in Uruguay. Prev Vet Med 2024; 223:106097. [PMID: 38160485 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide importance. In Uruguay, it is endemic in cattle and primarily affects people with occupational exposure to livestock. The aim of this study was to determine the national seroprevalence and associated factors of local pathogen Leptospires in dairy cattle. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Herds were stratified by size (1-50, 51-250, and > 250 cattle), and up to 60 dairy cows per herd were randomly selected. A total of 4269 serum samples from 101 dairy herds were analyzed by microscopic agglutination test (MAT). A two-stage sampling design was used to estimate population seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. In order to determine the factors associated with the disease, herds with at least 1 seropositive animal were considered as case herds. Seroprevalence of Leptospira was 27.80% with a 95% CI [21.06, 34.54] at the animal level and 86.92% with a 95% CI [80.00, 93.75] at the herd level. The serology confirms the predominance of serogroups Sejroe and Pomona in our herd with the presence of incidental leptospires infection, in smaller proportion, but with a wide distribution at farm level. The population size and purchasing replacement of cows on dairy farms were associated with infection at farm level. The serologic studies confirmed that exposure to Leptospira spp. is endemic in our herds, and the spreading over dairy herds. Although the movement of purchased females and the size of the herd were associated with the disease, more studies should be conducted, to better understand the epidemiology of the disease and to highlight the possible risks to public health, especially in rural workers, farmers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Suanes
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Ruta 8 km 17, CP 12100 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - María V Macchi
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Ruta 8 km 17, CP 12100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Federico Fernández
- Dirección de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Ruta 8 km 17, CP 12100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ximena Salaberry
- División de Laboratorios Veterinarios, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Ruta 8 km 17, CP 12100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cintya Moreira
- Dirección de Servicios Ganaderos, Ministerio de Ganadería, Agricultura y Pesca, Ruta 8 km 17, CP 12100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés D Gil
- Departamento de Bioestadística, Facultad de Veterinaria, Ruta 8 km 18, CP 12100 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Sohm C, Steiner J, Jöbstl J, Wittek T, Firth C, Steinparzer R, Desvars-Larrive A. A systematic review on leptospirosis in cattle: A European perspective. One Health 2023; 17:100608. [PMID: 37577054 PMCID: PMC10416059 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which is globally distributed and represents a classic One Health issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of the hosts, transmission paths, and risk factors of transmission. Bovine leptospirosis often results in economic losses through its severe impact on reproduction performance while it threatens human health at human-cattle-environment interfaces. However, a clear analysis of the disease characteristics in European cattle is currently lacking. The objective of this review was to summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology of bovine leptospirosis in Europe. We conducted a systematic literature review, screening four electronic databases, and filtered articles published between 2001 and 2021, in English, German, and French. Sixty-two articles were ultimately included in the review. The seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle was remarkably variable among studies, probably reflecting local variations but also heterogeneity in the study designs, laboratory methods, and sample sizes. Risk factors positively associated with the disease were diverse, related to local, environmental, and climatic parameters as well as farming practices. The most reported circulating Leptospira serogroups in European cattle were Sejroe (58.5%), Australis (41.5%), Grippotyphosa (41.5%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (37.7%), and Pomona (26.4%), which have also been associated with human infections worldwide. Abortion (58.6%) and fertility disorders (24.1%) were the most frequently reported signs of leptospirosis in European cattle and were generally associated with chronic infections. This work highlights several research gaps, including a lack of harmonisation in diagnostic methods, a lack of large-scale studies, and a lack of molecular investigations. Given that predictions regarding the climatic suitability for leptospirosis in Europe suggest an increase of leptospirosis risk it is important to raise awareness among stakeholders and motivate an integrated One Health approach to the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease in cattle and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sohm
- VetFarm, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Kremesberg 13, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Janina Steiner
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Jöbstl
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wittek
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clair Firth
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Steinparzer
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Robert Koch-Gasse 17, 2340 Mödling, Austria
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- VetFarm, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Kremesberg 13, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria
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Henderson K, Mason C, Brülisauer F, Williams P. Determining the prevalence of antibodies to Salmonella Dublin in dairy herds in Great Britain by quarterly bulk tank testing. Prev Vet Med 2022; 208:105776. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Crossley R, Bokkers E, Browne N, Sugrue K, Kennedy E, Engel B, Conneely M. Risk factors associated with the welfare of grazing dairy cows in spring-calving, hybrid pasture-based systems. Prev Vet Med 2022; 204:105640. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Cirone KM, Fiorani F, García CE, Armendano JI, Hecker YP, Miqueo E, Cantón GJ, Moore DP. Frequency of Neospora caninum-specific antibodies in bulk milk from dairy farms from Mar y Sierras Dairy Basin, Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100646. [PMID: 34879957 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of Neospora caninum based on the detection of specific antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) from dairy cattle farms in the Mar y Sierras Basin by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 98 BTM samples from 49 dairy farms were collected during autumn and spring of 2019. Additionally, 147 paired individual milk and serum samples were collected from two dairy farms to assess the prevalence within-herd by ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, serum samples). Additionally, 12 individual serum samples were also assessed to test the agreement between IFAT and ELISA (total serum samples 159). Noteworthy, 100 and 91.84% of 49 dairy farms were positive in the BTM in autumn and spring, respectively. For the within-herd individual samples, a good agreement between serum and milk results was obtained for ELISA and IFAT (0.86-0.90). This is the first study in Argentina in which milk samples were tested to determine the N. caninum infection status at herd and within-herd levels in dairy farms, providing a base for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Cirone
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - F Fiorani
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - C E García
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - J I Armendano
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, 7000 Tandil, Argentina
| | - Y P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - E Miqueo
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina.
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McCarthy MC, O'Grady L, McAloon CG, Mee JF. Longitudinal Prevalence of Antibodies to Endemic Pathogens in Bulk Tank Milk Samples From Dairy Herds Engaged or Not in Contract Heifer Rearing. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:785128. [PMID: 34901254 PMCID: PMC8661010 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.785128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the abolition of EU milk production quotas in 2015, Europe's dairy industries have undergone a period of rapid expansion with possible resultant increased inter-herd transmission of endemic pathogens. The aims of this study were (1) to establish the post-2015 prevalence of antibodies to selected endemic infectious diseases and (2) to determine if prevalences differed between herds where heifers were reared at home and those where heifers were sent out for contract-rearing. Three bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected annually between May and August of 2018-20 inclusively from 120 Irish dairy herds. Additionally, herd vaccination status was collected by questionnaire. Milk samples were tested using commercially available ELISAs for eight pathogens: bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHv-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), Mycoplasma bovis, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), Salmonella Dublin (S. Dublin), Leptospira Hardjo (L. Hardjo), and Neospora caninum (N. caninum). The true prevalence of each pathogen was calculated using a Rogan-Gladen estimator. The true prevalences (95% CI) of BTM antibodies in unvaccinated herds across the 3 years were as follows (i) BVDV: 57, 86, and 73% (95% CI: 40.7-65.9, 74-94, and 58-85) (n = 56, 56, and 48), (ii) BoHv-1: 47, 49, and 19% (95% CI: 26.3-69.7, 25-75, and 1-56) (n = 21, 20, and 11), (iii) L. Hardjo: 34, 59, and 73% (95% CI: 12.5-63, 33-82, and 33-99) (n = 15, 21, and 10), (iv) S. Dublin 32, 57, and 11% (95% CI: 12.21-68.1, 30.2-90.1, and 0) (n = 19, 22, and 13), (v) BRSV: 100% (95% CI: 99.5-100, 100, and 100) (n = 120, 109, and 91), (vi) MAP: 0% (95% CI: 0, 0, and 0) (n = 120, 109, and 91) (vii) N. caninum 0% (95% CI: 0, 0, and 0) (n = 120, 109, and 91) and (viii) M. bovis (ELISA) 53, 0.42, and 30% (95% CI: 3.95-6.84, 0, and 21-41) (n = 120, 109, and 91). M. bovis was detected by PCR in 0, 1, and 0% of herds in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. This study showed that expanding Irish dairy herds are endemically infected with several of the studied pathogens. No differences in herd prevalence of infectious agents were observed between farms with different heifer rearing strategies (contract-rearing vs. traditional rearing).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire McCarthy
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Dairy Production Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luke O'Grady
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Connor G. McAloon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John F. Mee
- Teagasc, Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Dairy Production Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
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Mazzotta E, Ceglie L, Giurisato I, Bellinati L, Lucchese L, Marchione S, Natale A. Persistence of Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar Hardjo in Refrigerated Raw Milk: A Transmission Risk of Leptospirosis to Humans. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030291. [PMID: 33802583 PMCID: PMC7998812 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo (LH) is an important infectious agent of reproduction pathologies and lactation decline in cattle, with a possible zoonotic role. To figure out the potential zoonotic risk for human raw-milk consumption, the present study aims at assessing the persistence and viability of LH in refrigerated raw milk over a 10-day period, which is set as the maximum time range for raw-milk domestic consumption. A negative sample of fresh raw milk was contaminated with an LH strain (2 × 108 Leptospires/mL) and analyzed by a rrs (16S) gene targeting real-time PCR (rPCR) protocol for LH DNA at days 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10. Seven aliquots of the same sampling time were inoculated into a semisolid EMJH media for bacterial culture. All aliquots tested positive in both rPCR and culture, which demonstrates that raw milk does not alter the detectability and viability of LH, respectively. The analytical sensitivity (LoD, limit of detection) determined for the rPCR (103 Leptospires/mL) was repeatable during the study, whereas it gradually decreased when it came to the bacterial culture. This study demonstrates that bovine raw milk might be a potential vehicle of infection by LH, even when storage conditions are strictly respected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Isabella Giurisato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Marchione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-808-4435
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Miyama T, Watanabe E, Ogata Y, Urushiyama Y, Kawahara N, Makita K. Herd-level risk factors associated with Leptospira Hardjo infection in dairy herds in the southern Tohoku, Japan. Prev Vet Med 2017; 149:15-20. [PMID: 29290296 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was designed to generate information on the herd level prevalence and the risk factors for Leptospira serovar Hardjo (L. Hardjo) in Yamagata, the southern Tohoku, Japan. Bulk tank milk samples from 109 dairy herds were used to test the herd level sero-prevalence of L. Hardjo using a commercial ELISA kit, which detects both L. interrogans serovar Hardjo and L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the sampled farms, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Spatial clustering of L. Hardjo at the herd level was examined using spatial scan statistics. Seventy-one herds were found to be positive for L. Hardjo, and the apparent herd prevalence was 65.1% (95% CI: 56.2-74.1%). The risk factors for sero-positivity were larger herd size (p=0.004) and cows with a history of staying in Hokkaido (p <0.001). The spatial scan statistic detected a most likely cluster (relative risk=1.87, log likelihood ratio=9.93, radius=13.70km, p<0.01) in the southern part of the study area where there are large herd sizes and farm density is high. This study revealed that L. Hardjo is prevalent throughout Yamagata, and large scale herd owners introducing cows from Hokkaido in particular should be aware of the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Miyama
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Division of Health and Environment Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan; Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Eiji Watanabe
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Ogata
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Urushiyama
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Naoya Kawahara
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Kohei Makita
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Division of Health and Environment Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan.
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11
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Velasova M, Damaso A, Prakashbabu BC, Gibbons J, Wheelhouse N, Longbottom D, Van Winden S, Green M, Guitian J. Herd-level prevalence of selected endemic infectious diseases of dairy cows in Great Britain. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9215-9233. [PMID: 28843682 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
To implement appropriate and effective disease control programs at the national level, up-to-date and unbiased information on disease frequency is needed. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of selected endemic infectious diseases in the population of dairy herds in Great Britain. Bulk milk tank (BMT) samples from 225 randomly selected dairy farms, stratified by region and herd size, were tested for antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type 1, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, Leptospira Hardjo, Salmonella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Fasciola hepatica, Neospora caninum, and Ostertagia ostertagi. Furthermore, the presence of BVDV, C. burnetii, and Chlamydia-like organisms was determined by PCR. The apparent herd prevalence was estimated as a weighted proportion of positive herds. The true prevalence was calculated when a test was used with known test characteristics for the cut-off value used. Among unvaccinated herds, the true prevalence of BMT antibodies against BVDV was estimated at 66% [95% confidence interval (CI): 56-77%], M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis 68% (95% CI: 59-77%), bovine herpesvirus type 1 62% (95% CI: 52-73%), Leptospira Hardjo 47% (95% CI: 34-60%), and Salmonella spp. 48% (95% CI: 39-56%). The apparent prevalence of BMT antibodies against C. burnetii was 80% (95% CI: 75-85%), F. hepatica 55% (95% CI: 48-62%), N. caninum 46% (95% CI: 38-54%), and O. ostertagi 95% (95% CI: 91-98%). The BVDV, C. burnetii, and Chlamydia-like antigens were detected in 5 (95% CI: 2-9%), 29 (95% CI: 21-36%), and 31% (95% CI: 24-38%) of herds, respectively. Our results show that dairy cows across GB are frequently exposed to the studied pathogens, which are endemic at high levels with some geographical variations. These prevalence estimates provide a much-needed basis to assess whether nationwide control programs for the studied pathogens are justified by their potential economic, environmental, and public health implications. Should surveillance and control programs be initiated, the estimates presented here are a baseline against which progress can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Velasova
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom.
| | - Angela Damaso
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Chengat Prakashbabu
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Gibbons
- AHDB Dairy, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2TL United Kingdom
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Van Winden
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Martin Green
- The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD United Kingdom
| | - Javier Guitian
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Science, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
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Sayers RG. Associations between exposure to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and milk production, reproductive performance, and mortality in Irish dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2016; 100:1340-1352. [PMID: 27939532 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
As cost-benefit analyses are required to prioritize and promote disease control and eradication programs within a jurisdiction, national data relating to disease-related production losses are particularly useful. The objectives of the current study were to use Irish bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) prevalence data in dairy herds, obtained by bulk milk sampling on 4 occasions over the 2009 lactation, to document associations between milk production, fertility performance, mortality, and BoHV-1 herd status. Bulk milk (n = 305) antibody ELISA was used to classify farms as positive or negative in terms of endemic BoHV-1. Cow-level (milk parameters only) and herd-level performance data were sourced from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation. Ordinary linear and negative binomial regressions were used to investigate associations between milk, fertility, and mortality performance and herd-level BoHV-1 results (both categorical and continuous variables). Only slight effects on the rates of carryover cows, nonpregnant cows, and total deaths were highlighted with increasing ELISA sample/positive (%) values (incidence rate ratio = 1.001). Multiparous cows in herds BoHV-1 bulk milk antibody positive recorded a reduction in milk yield per cow per year of 250.9 L in the multivariable linear model. Milk fat and protein yields were also affected by herd BoHV-1 status, again highlighting sub-optimal milk production in BoHV-1 bulk milk-positive herds. The current study has highlighted an economical method of investigating losses due to endemic infection using repeated bulk milk sampling over a single lactation. These data can contribute to analyzing the cost-benefit of applying BoHV-1 control strategies both on farm and at a national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ríona G Sayers
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland.
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13
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Stipetic K, Chang YC, Peters K, Salem A, Doiphode SH, McDonough PL, Chang YF, Sultan A, Mohammed HO. The risk of carriage of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in food animals in dynamic populations. Vet Med Sci 2016; 2:246-254. [PMID: 29067200 PMCID: PMC5645852 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes are foodborne pathogens of global importance. We assessed their risks and associated factors in a highly dynamic population of animals. Animal and environmental samples were collected from dairy cattle, sheep, camel and chickens at either the farms or the abattoirs. The pathogens were detected using a combination of bacterial enrichment culture and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data on putative risk factors were collect and analysed for their significance of association with these pathogens. Salmonella spp. were detected at higher proportions in sheep faeces and sheep carcasses in comparison to cattle faeces (odds ratio = 2.4 and 2.2, respectively). This pathogen was less common in milk or carcasses samples from cattle or chickens. Sheep and camel carcass samples were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. Faecal samples from cattle had the most diverse serovars of Salmonella enterica including S. Newport, S. Haifa, S. Kedougou, S. Kentucky, S. Mbandaka and S. Goettingen. Exotic serovars in sheep included S. Eastbourne, S. Chester and S. Kottnus. Serovars that were shed in camel faeces included S. Newport, S. Bovismorbificans and S. Infantis. In all sampled populations, detection of Salmonella spp. was more likely during warmer months than cold months. Listeria monocytogenes was not common in the targeted populations and was detected at a rate of 2.4%, mainly from sheep carcasses. The study highlights the role of food animals as reservoirs of pathogens across boundaries since all feed are imported in that population from different parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korana Stipetic
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY14853
| | - Yu-Chen Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY14853
| | - Kenlyn Peters
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY14853
| | - Ahmed Salem
- Department of Animal ResourcesMinistry of EnvironmentQatar
| | | | - Patrick L McDonough
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY14853
| | - Yung Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY14853
| | - Ali Sultan
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyWeill Cornell Medical College-QatarEducation CityDohaQatar
| | - Hussni O Mohammed
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCornell UniversityIthaca NY14853
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Questionnaire identifying management practices surrounding calving on spring-calving dairy farms and their associations with herd size and herd expansion. Animal 2016; 10:868-77. [PMID: 26857400 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731116000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthy calves are fundamental to any profitable dairy enterprise. Research to-date, has focused on year-round calving systems which experience many different challenges compared to spring-calving systems. The objective of the present study was to determine the on-farm dry cow, calving, and colostrum management practices of spring-calving dairy production systems, and quantify their associations with herd size and herd expansion status (i.e. expanding or not expanding). Information on these management practices was available from a survey of 262 Irish spring-calving dairy farmers, representative of the Irish national population. Herd expansion in the 2 years before, and the year that the survey was conducted was not associated with any of the management practices investigated. Fifty-three percent of respondents had an average calving season length of 10 to14 weeks with 35% of herds having a longer calving season. Previous research in cattle has documented that both colostrum source and feeding management are associated with the transmission of infectious disease from cow to calf. In the present study 60% of respondents fed calves colostrum from their own dam; however, 66% of those respondents allowed the calf to suckle the dam, 23% of survey respondents fed calves pooled colostrum. Larger herds were more likely (P<0.01) to use pooled colostrum supplies, while smaller herds were more likely (P<0.05) to allow the calf to suckle the dam. The majority (86%) of respondents had stored supplies of colostrum; average-sized herds had the greatest likelihood of storing colostrum (P<0.05), compared to other herd sizes; larger sized herds had a lesser likelihood (P<0.05) of storing colostrum in a freezer, compared to other herd sizes. Although freezing colostrum was the most common method used to store colostrum (54% of respondents), 17% of respondents stored colostrum at room temperature, 29% of which stored it at room temperature for greater than 4 days. The results from the present study indicate that a particular focus needs to be placed on calving and colostrum management because this study has highlighted a number of areas which are below international standards, and may have repercussions for calf health. Furthermore, management practices on larger farms could be improved and, as these represent the future of dairy farming, a focus needs to be placed on them. Expanding herds are not a particular concern as herd expansion, independent of herd size, does not seem to be associated with calving and colostrum management practices on Irish spring-calving dairy herds.
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15
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Martinez-Ibeas AM, Power C, McClure J, Sayers RG. Prevalence of BoHV-1 seropositive and BVD virus positive bulls on Irish dairy farms and associations between bull purchase and herd status. Ir Vet J 2015; 68:28. [PMID: 26664696 PMCID: PMC4675028 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-015-0059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BVD and IBR are contagious viral diseases highly prevalent in Irish cattle. Despite their significant reproductive and economic impact very little is known about the BVD and IBR status of stock bulls (a bull used for breeding purposes). There are still a high proportion of dairy farms in Ireland that rely on the use of a bull for breeding cattle and ensuring the fertility of the bulls is of paramount importance for the efficiency of the farms. The prevalence of BoHV-1 and BVD in stock bulls in Irish dairy herds has never been investigated. The objectives of this study therefore were: (i) to provide descriptive, observational data on the use of stock bulls on Irish dairy farms; (ii) to investigate the BVD and BoHV1 status of a sub-set of stock bulls; (iii) to investigate factors associated with BVD and BoHV1 status of stock bulls and (iv) to investigate factors associated with dairy herd status for BVD and BoHV1, including any associations with the use of stock bull. A total of 529 blood samples from bulls involved in the dairy breeding process were analysed for BVD virus using RT-PCR, and BoHV-1 antibodies by ELISA test. A total of 305 different dairy herds took part in the study and the overall BVD and BoHV-1 herd status was determined by ELISA using four bulk tank milk samples over the 2009 lactation. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between the stock bulls and BVD and BoHV-1 herd and individual status. Results Of the 305 total participating farms, 235 farms (77 %) had at least one bull and 167 farms had purchased bulls. Two bulls (0.4 %) out of 529 tested were found positive for BVD virus and 87 (16.7 %) tested seropositive for BoHV-1. Some significant associations were identified between the purchase of bulls and both viral diseases. Purchased bulls were three times more likely to be seropositive for BoHV-1 than homebred bulls. In the same way, herds with purchased bulls were three times more likely to be classified as seropositive for BVD and four times more likely to have evidence of recent BoHV-1 circulation than farms where all the bulls were homebred. Conclusions The prevalence of BoHV-1 and BVD in stock bulls in Irish dairy herds has never been investigated. This study highlights the widespread use of stock bulls in Irish dairy herds, as well as the high rate of exchange of bulls between farms. Significant associations were found between the origin of the bull and their serological BoHV-1 status. In keeping with these results, bulls with higher number movements between farms were more likely to be seropositive for BoHV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Martinez-Ibeas
- Animal and Biosciences Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Clare Power
- Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, Co. Carlow, Ireland
| | | | - Riona G Sayers
- Animal and Biosciences Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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16
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Bloemhoff Y, Forbes A, Danaher M, Good B, Morgan E, Mulcahy G, Sekiya M, Sayers R. Determining the Prevalence and Seasonality of Fasciola hepatica in Pasture-based Dairy herds in Ireland using a Bulk Tank Milk ELISA. Ir Vet J 2015; 68:16. [PMID: 26157575 PMCID: PMC4495626 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-015-0042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fasciola hepatica is a helminth parasite of global importance in livestock, with major economic impact. However information on F. hepatica infections in Irish pasture-based dairy herds is limited. Therefore this study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence, seasonality and management factors associated with F. hepatica. A total of 319 Irish dairy herds were selected for this study. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected from 290 dairy farms on a quarter year basis, while from a further 29 dairy farms BTM samples were collected on a monthly basis to provide a more detailed pattern of F. hepatica exposure in Irish herds. BTM samples were analysed using a commercially available F. hepatica antibody detection ELISA. Furthermore, within-herd prevalence of F. hepatica was assessed in a subset of these 29 herds (n = 17); both individual serum samples and bulk tank milk samples were collected. RESULTS A within-herd prevalence of ≤ 50 % was found for herds with negative bulk tank milk samples. The mean prevalence of the 290 study herds was 75.4 % (Range 52 %-75.1 %), with the highest prevalence being observed in November (75.1 %). The seasonal pattern of F. hepatica shows elevated antibodies as the grazing season progressed, reaching a peak in January. A significant association was found between F. hepatica and age at first calving. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that F. hepatica is present in a large proportion of Irish dairy herds and provides a basis on which control practices, particularly in adult dairy cows, can be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yris Bloemhoff
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | | | - Martin Danaher
- Food Safety Department, Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Teagasc, Dublin 15, Republic of Ireland
| | - Barbara Good
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Athenry, Co, Galway, Republic of Ireland
| | - Eric Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG UK
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Mary Sekiya
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Ríona Sayers
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Republic of Ireland
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Prevalence of exposure to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) in Irish dairy herds. Res Vet Sci 2015; 100:21-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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18
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Sayers RG, Sayers GP, Graham DA, Arkins S. Impact of three inactivated bovine viral diarrhoea virus vaccines on bulk milk p80 (NS3) ELISA test results in dairy herds. Vet J 2015; 205:56-61. [PMID: 25986132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is endemic in many countries and vaccines are used as a component of control and eradication strategies. Surveillance programmes to detect exposure to BVDV often incorporate the use of bulk milk (BM) testing for antibodies against BVDV p80 (NS3), but vaccination can interfere with these results. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether BVDV vaccines would confound BM testing for specific antibodies in a nationally representative group of commercial dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland. A total of 256 commercial dairy herds were included in the statistical analysis. Quarterly BM or serum samples from selected weanling heifers (unvaccinated homeborn youngstock) were assessed by ELISA for antibodies against the BVDV p80 subunit and whole virus. Wilcoxon rank-sum and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to examine differences among groups vaccinated with one of three commercially available inactivated BVDV vaccines. Two of the three vaccines showed evidence of interference with ELISA testing of BM samples. ROC analysis highlighted that one vaccine did not reduce the discriminatory power of the BVDV p80 ELISA for identification of herds with evidence of recent BVDV circulation, when compared with unvaccinated herds; thus, administration of this vaccine would allow uncomplicated interpretation of BM ELISA test results in vaccinated seropositive herds. Seasonal differences in BM antibody results were identified, suggesting that the latter half of lactation is the most suitable time for sampling dairy herds containing predominantly spring calving cows. The results of the present study are likely to prove useful in countries allowing vaccination during or following BVDV eradication, where BM testing is required as part of the surveillance strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ríona G Sayers
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gearóid P Sayers
- Epsilion Ltd., 'Dun Baoi', Derryquay, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland
| | - David A Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Ireland
| | - Sean Arkins
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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O' Doherty E, Sayers R, O' Grady L, Shalloo L. Effect of exposure to Neospora caninum, Salmonella, and Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo on the economic performance of Irish dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:2789-800. [PMID: 25704967 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to quantify the effects of exposure to Salmonella, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo (L. hardjo) on dairy farm profitability and to simulate the effect of vaccination for Salmonella and L. hardjo on dairy farm profitability. The production effects associated with exposure to each of these pathogens in study herds were defined under 3 categories: (1) milk production effects, (2) reproduction effects (including culling), and (3) mortality effects. The production effects associated with exposure to Salmonella, N. caninum, and L. hardjo were incorporated into the Moorepark Dairy Systems Model. In the analysis, herds negative for exposure to Salmonella, N. caninum, and L. hardjo were assumed baseline herds, with all results presented relative to this base. In simulations examining the effect of vaccination for Salmonella and L. hardjo on farm profitability, vaccinated herds (vaccination costs included) were considered as baseline herds and results were presented relative to this base. Total annual profits in unvaccinated herds were reduced by €77.31, €94.71, and €112.11 per cow at milk prices of €0.24, €0.29, and €0.34/L, respectively, as a result of exposure to Salmonella. In the current study, herds positive for exposure to Salmonella recorded a 316-kg reduction in milk yield, whereas no association was detected between exposure to N. caninum or L. hardjo and milk production. Exposure to both N. caninum and L. hardjo was associated with compromised reproductive performance. Herds positive for exposure to N. caninum and Salmonella had greater rates of adult cow mortality and calf mortality, respectively. Vaccination for both Salmonella and L. hardjo was associated with improved performance in study herds. Exposure to N. caninum resulted in a reduction in annual farm profits of €11.55, €12, and €12.44 per cow at each milk price, whereas exposure to L. hardjo resulted in a reduction in annual farm profits of €13.83, €13.78, and €13.72 per cow at each milk price. Herds that tested positive for exposure to Salmonella and L. hardjo were compared with herds vaccinated for the respective pathogens. Herds vaccinated for Salmonella generated €67.09, €84.48, and €101.89 per cow more profit at each milk price compared with herds positive for exposure. Similarly, herds vaccinated for L. hardjo generated €9.74, €9.69, and €9.63 per cow more profit compared with unvaccinated exposed herds. However, herds that tested negative for exposure to Salmonella and L. hardjo generated additional profits of €10.22 and €4.09 per cow, respectively, compared with vaccinated baseline herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O' Doherty
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland; School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R Sayers
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - L O' Grady
- School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - L Shalloo
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland.
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Prevalence and seasonality of bulk milk antibodies against Dictyocaulus viviparus and Ostertagia ostertagi in Irish pasture-based dairy herds. Vet Parasitol 2015; 209:108-16. [PMID: 25709092 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Infections with Dictyocaulus viviparus and Ostertagia ostertagi nematode parasites are of importance to bovine health and production in temperate areas across the world. Losses due to these parasites in dairy herds can be considerable due to decreased milk productivity and fertility. However, information on current epidemiological patterns in Irish dairy herds is limited. Bulk milk samples were collected from a total of 319 dairy farms across the Republic of Ireland. The D. viviparus samples were tested with an ELISA based on recombinant major sperm protein, while the O. ostertagi samples were tested with an ELISA based on crude saline extract, whole worm O. ostertagi antigen. Management data were collected from the farms using a questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to find significant associations between the presence of antibodies against D. viviparus and O. ostertagi and management factors. The overall prevalence of D. viviparus infection was 62.8%, while over 98% of herds had antibodies to O. ostertagi at the specified cut-off. Both D. viviparus and O. ostertagi antibodies were highest in November, which could be explained by the accumulated uptake of larvae through the grazing season. In herds of farmers that dosed their in-calf heifers with anthelmintics were significantly more likely to be positive for antibodies against D. viviparus infection. This study highlights that both D. viviparus and O. ostertagi infections are widespread in dairy herds in Ireland throughout the grazing season.
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Kennedy AE, O'Doherty EF, Byrne N, O'Mahony J, Kennedy EM, Sayers RG. A survey of management practices on Irish dairy farms with emphasis on risk factors for Johne's disease transmission. Ir Vet J 2014; 67:27. [PMID: 25610611 PMCID: PMC4300563 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-014-0027-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Johne's disease (JD) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis affecting ruminants. A number of farm management practices are associated with increased risk of JD transmission. The aim of the current study was to document JD-related management practices currently employed on Irish dairy farms. Survey questions focused on calving area (CA), calf and manure management. Independent variables (region, calving-season, enterprise type, herd size and biosecurity status) were used to examine influences on JD associated dependent variables (survey questions). Additionally general biosecurity practices were also examined. RESULTS Results showed management practices implemented by Irish dairy farmers pose a high risk of JD transmission. Of the farmers surveyed, 97% used the CA for more than one calving, 73.5% and 87.8% pooled colostrum and milk respectively, 33.7% never cleaned the CA between calving's, and 56.6% used the CA for isolating sick cows. Survey results also highlighted that larger herds were more likely to engage in high risk practices for JD transmission, such as pooling colostrum (OR 4.8) and overcrowding the CA (OR 7.8). Larger herds were also less likely than smaller herds to clean the CA (OR 0.28), a practice also considered of risk in the transmission of JD. CONCLUSION Many management practices associated with risk of JD transmission were commonly applied on Irish dairy farms. Larger herds were more likely to engage in high risk practices for JD transmission. Control programmes should incorporate educational tools outlining the pathogenesis and transmission of JD to highlight the risks associated with implementing certain management practices with regard to JD transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aideen E Kennedy
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland ; Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugene F O'Doherty
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Noel Byrne
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Jim O'Mahony
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cork Institute of Technology, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - E M Kennedy
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Riona G Sayers
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Bloemhoff Y, Danaher M, Andrew Forbes, Morgan E, Mulcahy G, Power C, Sayers R. Parasite control practices on pasture-based dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland. Vet Parasitol 2014; 204:352-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Management practices as risk factors for the presence of bulk milk antibodies to Salmonella, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in Irish dairy herds. Animal 2014; 8:1010-9. [PMID: 24661904 DOI: 10.1017/s175173111400055x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A survey of management practices in 309 Irish dairy herds was used to identify risk factors for the presence of antibodies to Salmonella, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in extensively managed unvaccinated dairy herds. A previous study documented a herd-level seroprevalence in bulk milk of 49%, 19% and 86% for Salmonella, Neospora caninum and leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo, respectively in the unvaccinated proportion of these 309 herds in 2009. Association analyses in the present study were carried out using multiple logistic regression models. Herds where cattle were purchased or introduced had a greater likelihood of being positive to leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo (P<0.01) and Salmonella (P<0.01). Larger herds had a greater likelihood of recording a positive bulk milk antibody result to leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo (P<0.05). Herds that practiced year round calving were more likely to be positive to Neospora caninum (P<0.05) compared to herds with a spring-calving season, with no difference in risk between herds that practiced split calving compared to herds that practiced spring calving. No association was found between presence of dogs on farms and prevalence of Neospora caninum possibly due to limited access of dogs to infected materials including afterbirths. The information from this study will assist in the design of suitable control programmes for the diseases under investigation in pasture-based livestock systems.
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