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Köchle B, Gosselin VB, Schnidrig GA, Becker J. Associations of the Swiss national reporting system's antimicrobial use data and management practices in dairy cows on tiestall farms. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5709-5721. [PMID: 38431249 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24329] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial use (AMU) in Switzerland is above target and requires reduction, especially in dairy cattle. Measuring AMU is pivotal to identifying starting points for AMU reduction, and so are studies investigating its potential drivers in dairy farms worldwide. However, although AMU in dairy farms is high, studies estimating AMU specifically in tiestall farms are scarce. Tiestalls are a common housing system and their prevalence among dairy farms accounts to approximatively 73%, 41%, and 40% in Canada, the United States, and Switzerland, respectively. The objectives of this cross-sectional, retrospective observational study were to estimate AMU using the newly established Swiss national reporting system for AMU in livestock and to identify associated factors on Swiss tiestall dairy farms. We calculated the treatment incidence (TI) by using the European Medicines Agency methodology and their defined daily dose (DDD) and defined course dose (DCD) standards. Data on factors potentially associated with AMU were obtained through personal interviews with farm managers on 221 farms. Retrospectively, during a 1-year period, data on a total of 7,619 treatments were extracted from the national database. Associations between management factors and TI were analyzed using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution. The mean (± SD) overall TI was 5.46 DDD/cow-year (± 4.10 DDD/cow-year). Intramammary treatment during lactation accounted for highest TI (3.24 ± 3.16 DDD/cow-year), whereas dry-cow therapy accounted for lowest TI (0.44 ± 0.49 DCD/cow-year). We found that 5 of the investigated management factors were significantly associated with TI. Organic production (estimate = -2.16; 95% CI = -3.62 to -0.70) and herd size (estimate = -0.81; 95% CI = -1.23 to -0.39) were negatively associated with TI. Specific cow breeds (Brown Swiss estimate = 1.56; 95% CI = 0.45-2.68) and Holstein Friesian (estimate = 1.42; 95% CI = 0.03-2.82; reference: other breeds) and the use of hygienic powders on the lying area (estimate = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.04-2.17) were positively associated with TI. Overall, the Swiss national reporting system is a valuable tool for AMU estimation. Several herd characteristics and management factors were associated with AMU in tiestall farms. Further studies focusing on factors associated with AMU and which are amenable to intervention will help improve stewardship programs and subsequently reduce AMU in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Köchle
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - V Bernier Gosselin
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G A Schnidrig
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3097 Liebefeld, Switzerland; Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Agency, FSVO, 3003 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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2
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Marcato F, van den Brand H, Hoorweg FA, Bruckmaier RM, Gross JJ, Schnabel SK, Wolthuis-Fillerup M, van Reenen K. Effects of transport age (14 versus 28 days of age) on blood total cholesterol, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations of veal calves. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:6104-6116. [PMID: 38580146 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24377] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The main aim of the current study was to find biomarkers of health in calves transported at different ages. The selected blood parameters were total cholesterol, insulin, and IGF-1, and the longitudinal study investigated whether or not these concentrations were different between calves that were transported from the dairy farm to the veal farm at 14 or 28 d of age. Relationships between these blood variables and health characteristics of veal calves were investigated. In a 34-wk study period, a total of 683 calves originating from 13 Dutch dairy farms were transported at an age of 14 or 28 d to 8 Dutch veal farms. Calves were blood sampled the first week after birth (mean and SD: 4.4 ± 2.1 d), 1 d before transport (mean and SD: 25.8 ± 7.3 d), and in wk 2 post-transport (mean and SD: 36.7 ± 12.2 d). In these samples, insulin, IGF-1, and total cholesterol were determined and analyzed with a linear mixed model (LMM). Individual medical treatments were recorded from birth until the day of transport at the dairy farm, and from the moment of arrival at the veal farm until slaughter, and analyzed as a binary response variable (calf treated or not) with a generalized LMM. Fecal (calf with or without loose or liquid manure) and navel (calves with or without swollen and inflamed navel) scores measured during a single visit in wk 2 post-transport were also analyzed as binary response variables, whereas carcass weights at slaughter age were analyzed with a LMM. Cholesterol, insulin, and IGF-1 were included as covariates in the previous models to test their relationships with the likelihood of calves being medically treated, fecal and navel scores, and carcass weights. One day before transport 28-d-old calves had higher blood cholesterol (Δ = 0.40 mmol/L) and IGF-1 (Δ = 53.6 ng/mL) concentrations, and evidence of higher insulin (Δ = 12.2 µU/mL) compared with 14-d-old calves. In wk 2 post-transport, 28-d-old calves had higher blood IGF-1 (Δ = 21.1 ng/mL), with evidence of higher insulin (Δ = 12.2 µU/mL) concentrations compared with 14-d-old calves. Cholesterol concentration measured 1 d before transport and in wk 2 post-transport had a positive relationship with carcass weight at slaughter (regression coefficients [β] = 4.8 and 7.7 kg/mmol per liter, respectively). Blood cholesterol concentration in wk 2 post-transport was negatively associated with the fecal score measured at the same sampling moment (β = -0.55/mmol/L), with the likelihood of a calf of being treated with antibiotics (β = -0.36/mmol/L) and other medicines (β = -0.45/mmol/L) at the veal farm. Blood IGF-1 concentration in wk 2 post-transport was negatively associated with the likelihood of a calf of being treated with antibiotics and other medicines (both β = -0.01/ng/mL) at the veal farm, and with fecal score recorded in wk 2 post-transport (β = -0.004/ng/mL). When looking at the blood indicators, it appeared that calves transported at 28 d of age were more developed compared with 14-d-old calves, thus transport at an older age might be more beneficial for the animals. It can be concluded that both blood cholesterol and IGF-1 concentrations seemed to be valuable biomarkers of health and energy availability in veal calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marcato
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - H van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - F A Hoorweg
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J J Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - S K Schnabel
- Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Wolthuis-Fillerup
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - K van Reenen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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3
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Zwygart S, Lutz B, Thomann B, Stucki D, Meylan M, Becker J. Evaluation of candidate data-based welfare indicators for veal calves in Switzerland. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1436719. [PMID: 39100759 PMCID: PMC11295006 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1436719] [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: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Welfare assessment protocols have been developed for dairy cows and veal calves during the past decades. One practical use of such protocols may be conducting welfare assessments by using routinely collected digital data (i.e., data-based assessment). This approach can allow for continuous monitoring of animal welfare in a large number of farms. It recognises changes in the animal welfare status over time and enables comparison between farms. Since no comprehensive data-based assessment for veal calves is currently available, the purposes of this review are (i) to provide an overview of single existing data-based indicators for veal calves and (ii) to work out the necessary requirements for data-based indicators to be used in a comprehensive welfare assessment for veal calves in Switzerland. We used the Welfare Quality Protocol® (WQ) for veal calves and the Terrestrial Animal Health Code from the World Organisation of Animal Health for guidance throughout this process. Subsequently, routinely collected data were evaluated as data sources for welfare assessment in Swiss veal operations. The four WQ principles reflecting animal welfare, i.e., 'good feeding', 'good housing', 'good health' and 'appropriate behaviour' were scarcely reflected in routinely available data. Animal health, as one element of animal welfare, could be partially assessed using data-based indicators through evaluation of mortality, treatments, and carcass traits. No data-based indicators reflecting feeding, housing and animal behaviour were available. Thus, it is not possible to assess welfare in its multidimensionality using routinely collected digital data in Swiss veal calves to date. A major underlying difficulty is to differentiate between veal calves and other youngstock using routine data, since an identifying category for veal calves is missing in official Swiss databases. In order to infer animal welfare from routine data, adaptations of data collection strategies and animal identification are required. Data-based welfare assessment could then be used to complement on-farm assessments efficiently and, e.g., to attribute financial incentives for specifically high welfare standards accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Zwygart
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Lutz
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Agroscope, Ettenhausen, Switzerland
| | - Beat Thomann
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Stucki
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Moser J, Kohler S, Hentgen J, Meylan M, Schüpbach-Regula G. Assessment of Ammonia Concentrations and Climatic Conditions in Calf Housing Using Stationary and Mobile Sensors. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2001. [PMID: 38998113 PMCID: PMC11240687 DOI: 10.3390/ani14132001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In calf fattening, housing climate conditions are essential for optimal performance and welfare. Validated methods to measure the long-term housing climate are lacking. The present study investigated climate parameters for 14 weeks in Swiss calf fattening housing with two different ammonia (NH3) sensors: six stationary sensors (Dräger Polytron 8100) were installed at animal level and four mobile sensors (Dräger x-AM 5100) were attached to the calves' heads. Temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were recorded by two stationary data loggers (testo 160 IAQ). Data were analyzed descriptively, and 4 h mean values of maximum NH3 concentrations of mobile and stationary sensors were compared using the Wilcoxon test for paired data. The 4 h mean values of temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentrations and the 4 h mean values of maximum NH3 concentrations of stationary and mobile sensors were analyzed by ANOVA in two linear models. The overall 4 h mean of maximum NH3 concentrations ranged between 5.9-9.4 ppm for measurements of stationary sensors and between 11.3-14.7 ppm for measurements of mobile sensors. The NH3 concentrations measured by mobile sensors showed significantly higher peak values and more fluctuations. Additionally, an interaction effect was observed between the NH3 concentrations measured by either sensor and CO2 concentrations (p < 0.01 (mobile sensors); p < 0.0001 (stationary sensors), temperature values (p < 0.0001 (both sensors)), and relative humidity (p < 0.0001 (both sensors)). The measurements of the implemented method showed that corresponding housing climate parameters fluctuated strongly, and NH3 reached high peak values. Validated measurement methods might allow for a detailed assessment of the housing climate in practice, and for further research on suitable management methods for housing climate optimization in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Moser
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, 3097 Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kohler
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Jérémy Hentgen
- School of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gertraud Schüpbach-Regula
- Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, 3097 Liebefeld, Switzerland
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Bortolami L, Barberio A, Schiavon E, Martignago F, Littamè E, Sturaro A, Gagliazzo L, De Lucia A, Ostanello F. Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolates from Intestinal Contents of Dairy and Veal Calves in the Veneto Region, Northeaster Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1429. [PMID: 38791647 PMCID: PMC11117218 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101429] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This surveillance study aimed to estimate the proportion of antimicrobial resistant strains and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of E. coli isolates detected from the intestinal contents of veal and dairy calves in the Veneto Region, Northeaster Italy. Additionally, we investigated the differences in AMR profiles between dairy and veal calves over the period 2017-2022. Overall 1150 E. coli isolates were tested from calves exhibiting enteric disease, with 868 from dairy and 282 from veal calves. The percentage of resistant isolates to nine antimicrobials was notably higher in veal calves compared to dairy calves, except for ampicillin. Throughout the study period, we observed a significant increase in the proportion of resistant isolates to florfenicol, gentamycin, paromomycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in dairy calves, while we did not detect any significant increase in the proportion of resistant isolates among veal calves. A substantial proportion (75.9%) of the isolated E. coli exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR). The proportion of multi-drug resistant isolates was significantly higher in veal calves (91.7%) compared to dairy calves (74.3%) all through the surveillance period (2017-2022), with no significant variation in MDR proportion among veal calves between 2017 and 2022 but a significant increase among dairy calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bortolami
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Antonio Barberio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Eliana Schiavon
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Federico Martignago
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Erica Littamè
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Anna Sturaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Gagliazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università, 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.S.); (F.M.); (E.L.); (A.S.); (L.G.)
| | | | - Fabio Ostanello
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
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Bernier Gosselin V, Fernandez JE, Ollagnier C, Morel I, Siegenthaler R, Collaud A, Meylan M, Perreten V. Whole-genome sequencing-based antimicrobial resistance and shedding dynamics of Escherichia coli isolated from calves before and after antimicrobial group treatments. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0321423. [PMID: 38441467 PMCID: PMC10986552 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03214-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The fattening of calves is often associated with high antimicrobial use and the selection of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objective of this observational longitudinal study was to describe the AMR and strain dynamics, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), of fecal Escherichia coli in a cohort of 22 calves. All calves received antimicrobial group treatments on Day (D) 1 (oxytetracycline, intramuscularly) and on D4 through D12 (doxycycline, in-feed). Additionally, eight calves received individual parenteral treatments between D7 and D59, including florfenicol, amoxicillin, marbofloxacin, and gamithromycin. Rectal swabs were collected from all calves on D1 (prior to treatment), D2, D9, and D82. The swabs were spread onto Enterobacterales-selective agar, and three E. coli colonies per plate were subjected to WGS. Out of 264 isolates across all calves and sampling times, 80 unique strains were identified, a majority of which harbored genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines, streptomycin, and sulfonamides. The diversity of strains decreased during the in-feed antimicrobial group treatment of the calves. On D82, 90% of isolates were strains that were not isolated at previous sampling times, and the median number per strain of AMR determinants to tetracyclines, florfenicol, β-lactams, quinolones, or macrolides decreased compared to D9. Additionally, clonal dissemination of some strains represented the main transmission route of AMR determinants. In this study, WGS revealed important variations in strain diversity and genotypic AMR of fecal E. coli over time in calves subjected to group antimicrobial treatments. IMPORTANCE The continued emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants are serious global concerns. The dynamics of AMR spread and persistence in bacterial and animal host populations are complex and not solely driven by antimicrobial selection pressure. In calf fattening, both antimicrobial use and carriage prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are generally recognized as high. This study provides new insights into the short-term, within-farm dynamics and transmission of AMR determinants in Escherichia coli from the dominant fecal flora of calves subjected to antimicrobial group treatments during the rearing period. The diversity of E. coli strains decreased over time, although, in contrast to previous observations in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales, the predominance of a few clones was not observed. The spread of AMR determinants occurred through the dissemination of clonal strains among calves. The median number per strain of AMR determinants conferring resistance to selected antimicrobials decreased toward the end of the rearing period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier E. Fernandez
- Division of Molecular Bacterial Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Isabelle Morel
- Ruminant Nutrition and Emissions, Agroscope, Posieux, Switzerland
| | | | - Alexandra Collaud
- Division of Molecular Bacterial Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Division of Molecular Bacterial Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Donlon JD, McAloon CG, Hyde R, Aly S, Pardon B, Mee JF. A systematic review of the relationship between housing environmental factors and bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves - Part 1: Ammonia, air microbial count, particulate matter and endotoxins. Vet J 2023; 300-302:106031. [PMID: 37778652 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106031] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in calves across diverse management systems. Despite expert opinion often citing the influence of housing environment on the level of respiratory disease in calf groups, there have been few reviews of environmental factors that predispose to BRD. This systematic review was undertaken to identify the measurable environmental variables associated with respiratory disease in housed preweaned calves. To achieve this Pubmed, CAB Direct and Scopus databases were searched. To be considered for inclusion, publications had to be fully published in English, published before 24 November, 2022 and include at least one measurable/ manipulated environmental variable and a standardized method of BRD detection. Twelve publications were included in this review. These examined a wide range of risk factors including air microbial count (four publications), air particulate matter (one publication); air endotoxins (one publication) and air ammonia (four publications). From the included publications, a statistically significant relationship to BRD was identified in 2/4 examining air microbial count, 1/1 examining air particulate matter, 1/1 examining air endotoxins and 2/4 examining air ammonia. This review indicated a paucity of evidence from the peer-review literature demonstrating a significant association between the many investigated exposure factors and BRD occurrence. An optimal environment for housed calves could not be clearly identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Donlon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath C15 PW93, Ireland.
| | - C G McAloon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R Hyde
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, UK
| | - S Aly
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare 93274, USA; Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tulare 95616, USA
| | - B Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - J F Mee
- Moorepark Dairy Production Research Centre, Teagasc, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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8
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Merle R, Weise S, Gorisek L, Baer J, Robé C, Friese A, Jensen KC. The therapy frequency of antibiotics and phenotypical resistance of Escherichia coli in calf rearing sites in Germany. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1152246. [PMID: 37275609 PMCID: PMC10233112 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1152246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The association between antibiotic use and the occurrence of resistant bacteria is a global health problem and is subject to enormous efforts at national and international levels. Within the scope of the study "KAbMon", the resistance situation as well as the use of antibiotics in calf rearing farms in Germany was investigated. We hypothesized that the levels of resistance are associated with certain calf keeping farm types, such as pre-weaned calf farms, animal groups, and therapy frequency. Methods In total, 95 calf keeping farms were visited between October 2019 and April 2021. At each farm, up to three pooled fecal samples (10 freshly released feces each) were collected. One sample was taken in the youngest calf group, another in the oldest calf group, and one in the hospital box, if available. Escherichia coli was isolated from non-selective MacConkey agar. The therapy frequency reflects the average number of treatment days per calf in a half-year, while the resistance score is the sum of the relative minimum inhibitory concentration per substance over all 10 tested substances. Results The 1781 isolates from 178 samples showed high resistance rates against sulfamethoxazole (82%), tetracycline (49%), and ampicillin (40%). High resistance scores were mainly found in pre-weaned calf farms (purchasing calves from 2 weeks of life) and in the youngest animals. The therapy frequency showed an almost linear relationship with the resistance scores, and the age at purchase was negatively related to the resistance score. Discussion The high use of antimicrobials of young calves might be associated with a high risk for infectious diseases and might indicate that the current system of crowding 14-day-old calves from different farms in one group is not optimal. Further efforts are necessary to educate and motivate the calf keepers to ensure highest levels of hygiene and management as well as animal welfare conditions and to increase animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roswitha Merle
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susann Weise
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Gorisek
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jorinde Baer
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal and Environmental Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Caroline Robé
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal and Environmental Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Friese
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal and Environmental Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Charlotte Jensen
- Department Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortazar Schmidt C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MA, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Jensen MB, Waiblinger S, Candiani D, Lima E, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Winckler C. Welfare of calves. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07896. [PMID: 37009444 PMCID: PMC10050971 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion addresses a European Commission request on the welfare of calves as part of the Farm to Fork strategy. EFSA was asked to provide a description of common husbandry systems and related welfare consequences, as well as measures to prevent or mitigate the hazards leading to them. In addition, recommendations on three specific issues were requested: welfare of calves reared for white veal (space, group housing, requirements of iron and fibre); risk of limited cow–calf contact; and animal‐based measures (ABMs) to monitor on‐farm welfare in slaughterhouses. The methodology developed by EFSA to address similar requests was followed. Fifteen highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, with respiratory disorders, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, gastroenteric disorders and group stress being the most frequent across husbandry systems. Recommendations to improve the welfare of calves include increasing space allowance, keeping calves in stable groups from an early age, ensuring good colostrum management and increasing the amounts of milk fed to dairy calves. In addition, calves should be provided with deformable lying surfaces, water via an open surface and long‐cut roughage in racks. Regarding specific recommendations for veal systems, calves should be kept in small groups (2–7 animals) within the first week of life, provided with ~ 20 m2/calf and fed on average 1 kg neutral detergent fibre (NDF) per day, preferably using long‐cut hay. Recommendations on cow–calf contact include keeping the calf with the dam for a minimum of 1 day post‐partum. Longer contact should progressively be implemented, but research is needed to guide this implementation in practice. The ABMs body condition, carcass condemnations, abomasal lesions, lung lesions, carcass colour and bursa swelling may be collected in slaughterhouses to monitor on‐farm welfare but should be complemented with behavioural ABMs collected on farm.
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10
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Mahendran SA, Blackie N, Wathes DC, Booth RE. Comparison of environment quality measurements between 3 types of calf housing in the United Kingdom. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:2461-2474. [PMID: 36797181 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Preweaning calves are kept in a range of housing types that offer variable protection against the weather and provide differing internal environments. This cross-sectional observational study assessed the effect of housing type (shed, polytunnel, or hutches) on internal environmental parameters, using 2 blocks of 8-wk measurements from 10 commercial dairy farms in the south of England, covering both summer and winter periods. Continuous measurements for internal and external temperature and humidity were recorded by data logger placed within the calf housing and used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). Weekly point readings were also taken for temperature, humidity, light, air speed, ammonia level, and airborne particulate matter. Airborne bacterial levels were determined at wk 2, 5, and 8 by incubating air samples at 35°C for 24 h in aerobic conditions. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models. Housing type influenced THI significantly in both seasons. In summer, calves were exposed to heat stress conditions (THI ≥72) for 39, 31, and 14 of 46 d in polytunnel housing, hutches, and sheds, respectively. The maximum summer temperature (37.0°C) was recorded in both hutch and polytunnel housing, with sheds remaining consistently cooler (maximum 31.0°C). In winter, the lowest minimum internal temperature recorded was in hutches at -4.5°C, with both the sheds and polytunnel, but not hutches, providing a significant increase in temperature compared with the external environment. Hutches remained ≤ 10°C for 86% of the winter study period. Light levels were reduced in all housing types compared with the external environment. The particulate matter in air that is capable of reaching the lungs (particulate matter <10 μm) was highest in sheds, intermediate in hutches, and lowest in polytunnel housing (0.97 ± 3.75, 0.37 ± 0.44, and 0.20 ± 0.24 mg/m3, respectively). This was mirrored by airborne bacterial numbers, which were also highest in sheds (8,017 ± 2,141 cfu/m3), intermediate in hutches (6,870 ± 2,084 cfu/m3), and lowest in the polytunnel (3,357 ± 2,572 cfu/m3). Round, white, catalase-positive, and oxidase-negative colonies were most prevalent, likely indicating Staphylococcus species. This study demonstrated that UK calves are routinely exposed to either heat or cold stress, especially when housed in hutches or polytunnels. Sheds had the highest levels of particulate matter and airborne bacteria, both known contributory factors for respiratory disease. These findings demonstrate that all calf housing systems result in environmental compromises that could have long-term impacts on calf health and growth; therefore, further studies should identify husbandry and housing modifications to mitigate these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Mahendran
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola Blackie
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - D Claire Wathes
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
| | - Richard E Booth
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA United Kingdom
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11
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Antonis AFG, Swanenburg M, Wisselink HJ, Smid B, van Klink E, Hagenaars TJ. Respiratory pathogens in veal calves: Inventory of circulating pathogens. Vet Microbiol 2022; 274:109571. [PMID: 36115247 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
In the veal industry in The Netherlands, each year around 1.2 million "white" veal calves are produced on around 1100 farms. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes serious health issues in these calves, also resulting in high usage of antimicrobials. To reduce antimicrobial usage, a more targeted treatment regime is needed, for which it is necessary to identify the causative agent. This study aimed at determining associations between pathogens and clinical disease, between prevalence of pathogens and BRD outbreaks, and BRD and performance. A cohort study was conducted involving ten veal farms, in which calf respiratory health was evaluated for the first 12 weeks. Whenever there was an outbreak of BRD, as determined by the farm veterinary surgeon, samples were taken from diseased and control calves through broncho-alveolar lavage. From these samples a broad spectrum of micro-organisms were isolated. Performance data were also collected. A total of 23 outbreaks happened during the 12 week study period, mostly in the first six weeks. BRD associated pathogens found were: BHV1, BPI3V, BRSV, BVDV, Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Trueperella pyogenes, Histophilus somni, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovirhinis and Mycoplasma dispar. For most BRD associated pathogens, there was no clear association between presence or prevalence of the micro-organisms and clinical issues. Only T. pyogenes (7.4% in healthy, 14.6% in diseased calves, p 0.013), M. bovis (37.6% and 63.2% respectively, p 0.001) and BVDV (9.9% and 16.9% respectively, p 0.03) were found more often in diseased animals. BPI3V was found in a few early outbreaks, which might suggest involvement in early outbreaks. It appears to be difficult to associate specific pathogens to outbreaks at the species level. BRD is the major reason for treatment with antimicrobials. More specific knowledge about the association between pathogens and health/disease could help to reduce antimicrobial use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bregtje Smid
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Ed van Klink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.
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12
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Bonizzi S, Gislon G, Brasca M, Morandi S, Sandrucci A, Zucali M. Air Quality, Management Practices and Calf Health in Italian Dairy Cattle Farms. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172286. [PMID: 36078006 PMCID: PMC9454719 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Calf mortality is an important factor of economic loss in dairy operations. Among the factors which can affect calf health, air quality in calf housing has rarely been studied. In the present research, the relations among air quality in the calf pens, management practices, microclimatic conditions and calf health and mortality were studied in 25 Italian dairy cattle farms. Microbial air quality in the calf pens was found to be related to temperature and humidity, design and position of the pen, some management practices and calf health and mortality. Maintaining dry bedding and controlling microclimatic conditions in the calf pen can be useful practices to promote good air microbiological quality in the calf pen, improving calf health and reducing mortality. Abstract Among factors that can affect calf health, microbial quality of the pen air is poorly studied. In 25 Italian dairy farms, data concerning air quality in the calf pens, hygiene of pens and equipment, microclimatic conditions, calf health and management were collected during the winter season (January-March 2020 and December-March 2021). The average air Standard Plate Count (SPC) of 85 pens was 4.51 (SD = 0.52) log10 cfu/m3 whereas the average air ammonia concentration was 0.66 (SD = 0.53) ppm. Positive correlations were found between average Temperature Humidity Index (THI) in the pen and air SPC, night maximum THI and air SPC and between SPC and yeast, mould and ammonia concentration in the pen air. The concentrations of E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts in the pen air were higher and calf cough increased as the renewal interval of bedding material became longer. High bedding dry matter and low THI were associated with low air SPC, good calf health scores and low mortality. Maintaining low bedding humidity and controlling microclimatic conditions can contribute to enhancing air microbiological quality in the pen and reduce calf diseases and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Bonizzi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Gislon
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Brasca
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production ISPA, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Morandi
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Sciences of Food Production ISPA, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Sandrucci
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50316453
| | - Maddalena Zucali
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
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13
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Vinayamohan PG, Locke SR, Portillo-Gonzalez R, Renaud DL, Habing GG. Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Surplus Dairy Calf Production Systems. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1652. [PMID: 36014070 PMCID: PMC9413162 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Surplus calves, which consist predominately of male calves born on dairy farms, are an underrecognized source of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens. Current production systems for surplus calves have important risk factors for the dissemination of pathogens, including the high degree of commingling during auction and transportation and sometimes inadequate care early in life. These circumstances contribute to an increased risk of respiratory and other infectious diseases, resulting in higher antimicrobial use (AMU) and the development of AMR. Several studies have shown that surplus calves harbor AMR genes and pathogens that are resistant to critically important antimicrobials. This is a potential concern as the resistant pathogens and genes can be shared between animal, human and environmental microbiomes. Although knowledge of AMU and AMR has grown substantially in dairy and beef cattle systems, comparable studies in surplus calves have been mostly neglected in North America. Therefore, the overall goal of this narrative review is to summarize the existing literature regarding AMU and AMR in surplus dairy calf production, highlight the management practices contributing to the increased AMU and the resulting AMR, and discuss potential strategies and barriers for improved antimicrobial stewardship in surplus calf production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam G. Vinayamohan
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Samantha R. Locke
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Rafael Portillo-Gonzalez
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - David L. Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Gregory G. Habing
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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14
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Becker J, Perreten V, Schüpbach-Regula G, Stucki D, Steiner A, Meylan M. Associations of antimicrobial use with antimicrobial susceptibility at the calf level in bacteria isolated from the respiratory and digestive tracts of veal calves before slaughter. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2859-2866. [PMID: 35962594 PMCID: PMC9525080 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Antimicrobial drugs are frequently administered in veal calves, but investigations on associations with antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria are scarce and convey partly contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of antimicrobial use (AMU) during the fattening period with antimicrobial susceptibility shortly before slaughter. Methods Detailed treatment data of 1905 veal calves from 38 farms were collected prospectively during monthly farm visits for 1 year (n = 1864 treatments, n = 535 visits); 1582 Escherichia coli, 1059 Pasteurella multocida and 315 Mannheimia haemolytica were isolated from rectal and nasopharyngeal swabs collected before slaughter and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by microdilution. Associations of antimicrobial treatments with resistant isolates were investigated at the calf level. Results Associations of AMU with antimicrobial resistance were observed using generalized linear models. For E. coli, the odds of being resistant were increased with increased AMU (OR 1.36 when number of treatments >1, P = 0.066). Use of tetracyclines was associated with resistance to tetracycline (OR 1.86, P < 0.001) and use of penicillins was associated with resistance to ampicillin (OR 1.66, P = 0.014). No significant associations were observed for P. multocida (use of aminoglycosides: OR 3.66 for resistance to spectinomycin, P = 0.074). For M. haemolytica, the odds of being resistant were increased with increased AMU (OR 4.63, P < 0.001), and use of tetracyclines was associated with resistance to tetracycline (OR 6.49, P < 0.001). Conclusions Occurrence of resistant bacteria shortly before slaughter was associated with AMU in veal calves. Prudent and appropriate use may contribute to limit the selection of resistant bacteria on veal farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gertraud Schüpbach-Regula
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, 3097 Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Dimitri Stucki
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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15
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Xu HL, Li H, Bao RK, Tang YX, Elsherbeni AIA, Gharib HBA, Li JL. Transport Stress Induced Cardiac NO-NOS Disorder Is Mitigated by Activating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Antioxidant Defense Response in Newly Hatched Chicks. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:938826. [PMID: 35754548 PMCID: PMC9226774 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.938826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of the intensive poultry industry, the health problems of chickens caused by transportation have attracted more and more attention. Transport stress reduces performance, immune function, and meat quality in chicks, which has become one of the most important factors that endanger the development of the poultry industry. Currently, studies on the effects of transport stress have mainly focused on the performance of livestock and poultry to be slaughtered. However, the effects of transport stress on heart damage and oxidative stress in newborn chicks have not been reported. In this study, we selected newborn chicks as the object. This study was intended to explore the effects of transport stress on the heart damage of newly hatched chicks. The findings suggested that transport stress could cause oxidative stress in the hearts of newly hatched chicks by increasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and decreasing the contents of Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD), together with increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione S-transferase (GST)). Transport stress disrupted the balance between oxidation and antioxidant systems. The Nrf2 signaling pathway was activated by transport stress and triggered the transcription of antioxidant signaling. In short, transport stress-induced nitric oxide (NO)—nitric oxide synthases (NOS) system metabolic disorders and cardiac oxidative stress are mitigated by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) antioxidant defense response in newly hatched chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Liang Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Li
- Laboratory of Sport Physiology and Biochemistry, Harbin Sport University, Harbin, China
| | - Rong-Kun Bao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yi-Xi Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | | | | | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education, Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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16
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Cheng TY, Almeida BG, Pempek JA, Masterson MA, Habing GG. The use of common antimicrobial agents in US veal calves. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:359-369. [PMID: 35188339 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of antimicrobials in food animals and the selection of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens continue to be prominent concerns for human food safety and public health. To provide optimal stewardship programs, antimicrobial use in animal production operations must be quantified and standardized for benchmarking and creating goals, monitoring temporal trends, and identifying causes of emerging resistance. In the United States, quantified estimates of antimicrobial use are available in dairy and beef cattle, but these data have not been generated for veal calf herds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the treatment incidence (TI) of antimicrobials for eight US veal calf farms in one rearing cycle. Treatment incidences were compared between calculated doses defined by the labeled daily dose (LDD), animal-defined daily dose (ADD) from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guideline, and the used daily dose (UDD) from the farm treatment protocols. Among eight farms, veal calves received a mean of 34.40 LDD, 34.88 ADD, and 28.68 UDD of an antimicrobial per 100 days. The lower TI based on the UDD administration was a result of higher farm protocol dosing relative to the labeled and EMA daily doses. Higher quantities of antimicrobial administration were observed in the first three weeks (day 1-21) of rearing (Tukey-adjusted p < .05). This study is the first to quantitatively estimate the TI of antimicrobials on the US veal calf operations and serves as an important step toward the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Breanna G Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jessica A Pempek
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Margaret A Masterson
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gregory G Habing
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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17
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Becker J, Perreten V, Steiner A, Stucki D, Schüpbach-Regula G, Collaud A, Rossano A, Wüthrich D, Muff-Hausherr A, Meylan M. Antimicrobial susceptibility in E. coli and Pasteurellaceae at the beginning and at the end of the fattening process in veal calves: comparing ‘outdoor veal calf’ and conventional operations. Vet Microbiol 2022; 269:109419. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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18
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Sandelin A, Hälli O, Härtel H, Herva T, Kaartinen L, Tuunainen E, Rautala H, Soveri T, Simojoki H. Effect of Farm Management Practices on Morbidity and Antibiotic Usage on Calf Rearing Farms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020270. [PMID: 35203872 PMCID: PMC8868452 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has been recognized as one of the top health threats to human society. Abundant use of antibiotics in both humans and animals has led to ever-increasing antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In food production, decreasing morbidity in beef herds would be an effective way to reduce the use of antibiotics. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to determine overall morbidity on calf rearing farms and to identify associated risk factors. Data were collected by questionnaire, meat companies’ databases and the national cattle register for 28,228 calves transported to 87 calf rearing farms. All medications given to these calves were retrospectively followed for 180 days from calf arrival to the farm. In total, 34,532 parenteral antibiotic medications were administered to the 28,228 study calves (122.3%), and 17,180 calves (60.9%) were medicated with antibiotics at least once during the follow-up. Higher numbers of calves transported to the same farm and larger age variation in calves in the same arrival batch were both associated with increased morbidity. In contrast, higher arrival age of individual calves was associated with decreased morbidity. Our study identifies several factors to consider in decreasing morbidity and antibiotic usage on calf rearing farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atte Sandelin
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, FI-04920 Saarentaus, Finland; (O.H.); (H.R.); (T.S.); (H.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Outi Hälli
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, FI-04920 Saarentaus, Finland; (O.H.); (H.R.); (T.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Heidi Härtel
- HKScan Finland Ltd., Lemminkäisenkatu 48, FI-20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Tuomas Herva
- Atria Ltd., Atriantie 1, FI-60550 Nurmo, Finland;
| | - Liisa Kaartinen
- Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Erja Tuunainen
- Animal Health ETT, Huhtalantie 2, FI-60100 Seinäjoki, Finland;
| | - Helena Rautala
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, FI-04920 Saarentaus, Finland; (O.H.); (H.R.); (T.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Timo Soveri
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, FI-04920 Saarentaus, Finland; (O.H.); (H.R.); (T.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Heli Simojoki
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, FI-04920 Saarentaus, Finland; (O.H.); (H.R.); (T.S.); (H.S.)
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Koetilantie 5, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
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19
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The Role of Quarantine on Post-Mortem Performances of Charolaise Young Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040425. [PMID: 35203132 PMCID: PMC8868343 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosecurity is essential to prevent the spread of diseases in livestock animals such as the bovine respiratory disease which can lead to negative effects on growth performance, and carcass and meat quality, as well as to an increase of antimicrobial use. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the quarantine on post-mortem performances (hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, pH 60 min after slaughtering, carcass SEUROP conformation, and fat cover) of 576 Charolaise young bulls imported from France and fattened in specialized Italian farms. Approximately half of the animals followed a standard fattening procedure without initial quarantine upon arrival to Italy (NO-QUA) and the other half underwent a 30-day period of quarantine (QUA) since their arrival to the farm. Post-mortem performances and parenteral administration of antimicrobial use were recorded. NO-QUA animals had lower average daily gain and slaughter weight but scored higher for carcass SEUROP evaluation and pH than QUA animals (p < 0.05). NO-QUA received more than double the number of parenteral antimicrobial treatments than QUA animals for respiratory diseases (139 vs. 56). Overall, quarantine applied on-farm contributes to improve post-mortem performances while reducing antimicrobial use in beef production.
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20
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Santinello M, Diana A, De Marchi M, Scali F, Bertocchi L, Lorenzi V, Alborali GL, Penasa M. Promoting Judicious Antimicrobial Use in Beef Production: The Role of Quarantine. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12010116. [PMID: 35011224 PMCID: PMC8749823 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Judicious antimicrobial stewardship in livestock industry is needed to reduce the use of antimicrobials (AMU) and the associated risk of antimicrobial resistance. Biosecurity measures are acknowledged for their role against the spread of diseases and the importance in reducing AMU in different species. However, their effectiveness in beef production has been scarcely considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the quarantine strategy on AMU in beef cattle. A total of 1206 Charolaise animals in five farms were included in the trial. Roughly half of the animals followed the standard procedure of the fattening cycle (no-quarantine; NO-QUA group) and half followed a 30-day period of quarantine (QUA group) since their arrival. Performance and antimicrobial data were recorded and a treatment incidence 100 (TI100it) per animal was calculated. Penicillins was the most used class of antimicrobials. Differences between groups were significant for males only, with NO-QUA group having greater TI100it (3.76 vs. 3.24; p < 0.05) and lower body weight at slaughter (713.4 vs. 723.7 kg; p < 0.05) than QUA group. Results suggest that quarantine strategy can reduce AMU in males without compromising their performance, whereas further investigation is needed for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Santinello
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, VEN, Italy; (A.D.); (M.D.M.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-0112-9081
| | - Alessia Diana
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, VEN, Italy; (A.D.); (M.D.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Massimo De Marchi
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, VEN, Italy; (A.D.); (M.D.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Federico Scali
- Sector Diagnostic and Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, LOM, Italy; (F.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Luigi Bertocchi
- Italian National Reference Center for Animal Welfare (CReNBA), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, LOM, Italy; (L.B.); (V.L.)
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- Italian National Reference Center for Animal Welfare (CReNBA), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, LOM, Italy; (L.B.); (V.L.)
| | - Giovanni Loris Alborali
- Sector Diagnostic and Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna ‘Bruno Ubertini’ (IZSLER), 25124 Brescia, LOM, Italy; (F.S.); (G.L.A.)
| | - Mauro Penasa
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, VEN, Italy; (A.D.); (M.D.M.); (M.P.)
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Rell J, Home R, Bähler C, Oehen B, Vaarst M, Wunsch N, Kaske M, Walkenhorst M. Motivations for Swiss veal farmers to adopt calf health management strategies that enable reduction in antibiotic use. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/an20690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Factors associated with antimicrobial use in pig and veal calf farms in the Netherlands: A multi-method longitudinal data analysis. Prev Vet Med 2021; 199:105563. [PMID: 34954420 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Minimizing antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock is needed to control antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In the Netherlands, the livestock sector reduced AMU by almost 70 % since 2009, but this reduction stagnated in recent years. With only therapeutic AMU allowed, it is clear that besides socio-economic and behavioral factors, also the farm technical characteristics influence the conditions under which farmers need AMU. These characteristics pertain to farm management, including biosecurity, vaccination schemes, nutrition, micro-climate and husbandry practices. Identifying farm-related risk factors for AMU is needed to control AMR in a sustainable and pragmatic way. This need, often concerns the overall contribution of seemingly related (rather than individualized) factors. Here, risk factors for AMU in pig and calf farms were determined using two approaches: a typical risk factor analysis based on generalized estimating equations (GEEs) or hierarchical mixed-effects models and a multiblock partial least-squares regression analysis. These methods were applied to longitudinal data from two previous studies, i.e. a panel study and an intervention study involving 36 multiplier pig farms and 51 veal calf farms in the Netherlands, respectively. The multiblock analysis allowed us to quantify the importance of each factor and their respective block (i.e. farm management domain). For pigs, factors related to internal biosecurity had the highest impact on AMU, while for calves, these were mainly related to micro-climate. Structural characteristics, such as farm size and production type, followed in importance for both sectors. While both methods provided similar outcomes, the multiblock approach provided further insights by grouping and comparing factors believed to be inter-related.
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Arcangioli MA, Lurier T, Hauray K, Tardy F. Large-size fattening calves' lots fed with automatic milk feeders may have an increased risk for Mycoplasma bovis infection spread and for antibiotic use. Animal 2021; 15:100397. [PMID: 34844188 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease is the leading user of antibiotics (AB) in calf production. Mycoplasma (M.) bovis could lead to greater use of AB as it is a persistent and AB resistant causative agent for respiratory diseases. Two cross-sectional studies were set up to assess the effects of lot size and feeding system on M. bovis infection and the effects of M. bovis seroconversion, lot size and feeding system on AB use in calves' feedlots. Twenty-six lots in 22 fattening farms were monitored for 41-81 days, from all-in entry of calves until three consecutive weeks without using any collective antibiotics. M. bovis spread was estimated by measuring seroconversion at entry and at the end of study period in 10-15 calves randomly sampled in each lot. All AB treatments used in the meanwhile were recorded. The lots were selected according to feeding system, i.e. individual bucket (n = 7) vs. automated milk feeder (AMF, n = 19), and lot size (30-519 calves), less than 50 calves (n = 9) vs. more than 50 calves (n = 17). Statistical analysis was performed using multivariable generalised linear models with fattening farms as random effect. M. bovis spread increased with lot size (odds ratio (OR) 2.9[1.4; 5.8] per two-fold increase in lot size). This proportion of seroconverted calves was lower in bucket-fed lots compared to lots fed with the AMF using a shared nipple (OR = 0.03[0.003; 0.41]). The main risk factor for AB use was the lot size, with an increase of 1.5[0.94; 1.98] treatments per two-fold increase in lot size. For same size lots, the use of bucket can decrease AB consumption by up to 1.03[-2.18; 0.14] treatments per calf compared to AMF. Analysis of the association between seroconversion to M. bovis and AB use was inconclusive. We found that bucket feeding in small-size lots, i.e. up to a maximum of 50 calves in the same space, limits seroconversion to M. bovis and enables lower use of AB in veal calf production.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-A Arcangioli
- UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile, France; UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, Anses, Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France.
| | - T Lurier
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France; Université de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France; Université de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, USC 1233 UR RS2GP, 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile, France
| | - K Hauray
- Clinique Vétérinaire du Clair Matin, 01000 Bourg-en-Bresse, France
| | - F Tardy
- UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, Anses, Université de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France; UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile, France
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Goetz HM, Winder CB, Costa JHC, Creutzinger KC, Uyama T, Kelton DF, Dunn J, Renaud DL. Characterizing the literature surrounding transportation of young dairy calves: A scoping review. J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1555-1572. [PMID: 34802745 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Transportation is a stressful event for cattle, as it may involve various handling practices, commingling, deprivation of food and water, and fluctuating temperatures. Calves are particularly susceptible to these stressors because their physiological and immune systems are still developing. There has been no formal synthesis of the scientific literature evaluating the effect of transportation on young dairy calf health and performance; the aim of this scoping review is to describe and characterize this body of work. We targeted both descriptive and analytic studies examining transport of calves, including listing how the effect of transport has been evaluated. Eight databases were searched for relevant articles with eligible studies being primary research articles investigating transportation of calves of either sex who were younger than 60 d of age or weighed less than 100 kg. Two reviewers independently screened the title and abstracts of 6,859 articles with 361 potentially relevant articles screened at full text. Of these, 46 were relevant and had data extracted. Articles reporting study location were conducted in the United States (n = 5), Australia (n = 3), Japan (n = 3), and New Zealand (n = 3). Common transport-related variables evaluated included time in transit (n = 13), distance of transportation (n = 8), vehicle-related factors (n = 8), and age at time of transportation (n = 4). Outcome measures varied greatly, including blood parameters (n = 28), health assessments (n = 20), weight (n = 17), behavioral metrics (n = 14), mortality (n = 7), feed intake following transportation (n = 4), salivary cortisol concentrations (n = 3), morbidity (n = 3), and isolation of Salmonella Dublin in fecal samples (n = 2). Outcome parameters were measured during transport or ranged from immediately after to one year following transportation. As the transport-related risk factors and outcomes measured assessed varied widely between studies, future quantitative synthesis (e.g., meta-analysis) in this area may be limited. Several knowledge gaps were identified, including methods to prepare calves for transportation, such as improving nutrition, administering medication, or transporting calves at an older age or weight. Further research could also focus on consistent and clear reporting of key items related to study conduct and analysis, as well as the development of a core outcome set for calf transport studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Goetz
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - C B Winder
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - J H C Costa
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40508
| | - K C Creutzinger
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - T Uyama
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - J Dunn
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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Becker J, Meylan M. Comparison of Antimicrobial Treatment Incidence Quantification Based on Detailed Field Data on Animal Level with the Standardized Methodology of the European Medicines Agency in Veal Calves, Switzerland, 2016-2018. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070832. [PMID: 34356752 PMCID: PMC8300676 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise quantification of antimicrobial treatment incidence (TI) is crucial for benchmarking. Two widespread methods for treatment incidence quantification were compared for agreement. Field data were obtained from 38 veal farms from 2016 to 2018 (1905 calves, 1864 treatments). Calculation of TIswiss for calves was based on detailed treatment records using pharmacokinetic values from the Swiss Veterinary Medicines Compendium. The method published by the European Medicines Agency was used to calculate TI in defined daily doses (TIDDD). For each calf and treatment, TIswiss and TIDDD were calculated on level of the antimicrobial class, drug, application route, and farm. The quotient (Q) of TIswiss and TIDDD was calculated. Divergence in results between the two methods of ≤25% was arbitrarily set as good agreement. The agreement between TIswiss and TIDDD was mostly good. On class level, good agreement was observed for treatments representing 71.5% of the TIDDD, and 74.5% of the total TIDDD on drug level. Poor agreement was mainly observed for tylosin and sulfadimidine. The agreement was better for parenteral than for oral treatments (81.6% vs. 72.3%). For practically orientated calculation on farm level, good agreement was observed (77.5% of the TIDDD). The TIDDD method showed mostly good agreement, especially for parenteral treatments.
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Studer E, Schönecker L, Meylan M, Stucki D, Dijkman R, Holwerda M, Glaus A, Becker J. Prevalence of BRD-Related Viral Pathogens in the Upper Respiratory Tract of Swiss Veal Calves. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1940. [PMID: 34209718 PMCID: PMC8300226 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevention of bovine respiratory disease is important, as it may lead to impaired welfare, economic losses, and considerable antimicrobial use, which can be associated with antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of respiratory viruses and to identify risk factors for their occurrence. A convenience sample of 764 deep nasopharyngeal swab samples from veal calves was screened by PCR for bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI3V), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), influenza D virus (IDV), and influenza C virus (ICV). The following prevalence rates were observed: BRSV, 2.1%; BPI3V, 3.3%; BCoV, 53.5%; IDV, 4.1%; ICV, 0%. Logistic mixed regression models were built for BCoV to explore associations with calf management and housing. Positive swab samples were more frequent in younger calves than older calves (>100 days; p < 0.001). The probability of detecting BCoV increased with increasing group size in young calves. Findings from this study suggested that young calves should be fattened in small groups to limit the risk of occurrence of BCoV, although an extended spectrum of risk factors for viral associated respiratory disorders such as nutritional aspects should be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Studer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.S.); (L.S.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Lutz Schönecker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.S.); (L.S.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.S.); (L.S.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Dimitri Stucki
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.S.); (L.S.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Ronald Dijkman
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (R.D.); (M.H.); (A.G.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse 51, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melle Holwerda
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (R.D.); (M.H.); (A.G.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse 51, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Science, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Glaus
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; (R.D.); (M.H.); (A.G.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.S.); (L.S.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
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Effect of farm and animal-level factors on youngstock mortality and growth on calf rearing farms. Prev Vet Med 2021; 193:105416. [PMID: 34216908 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Both calf mortality and daily weight gain have a crucial impact on profitability of calf rearing farms. In addition, high calf mortality rates represent an animal welfare problem. Mortality rates on calf rearing farms have been reported in several studies in different countries, but scant data regarding daily weight gain of the calves are available. The objectives of this observational retrospective study were to determine the average mortality and daily weight gain of calves and youngstock on Finnish calf rearing farms and to identify factors associated with these production parameters. National cattle register and national herd health register databases together with meat companies' databases were used to collect weight, age, breed, medication, and origin farm data for 28 228 calves transported to the 87 calf rearing farms between 1 January and 1 October 2016. A telephone questionnaire was completed by selected farms to collect management and farm-specific data. Calves were retrospectively followed for maximum 180 days since arrival to the farm. Average arrival age of the calves were 24 days (SD 14). Average calf mortality on Finnish calf rearing farms was 4.5 %. Mortality was 5.3 % on fattening farms buying milk calves, 4.6 % on specialized calf rearing farms, and 2.5 % on fattening farms buying weaned calves. Size of the calf rearing farms varied, being smallest on fattening farms for weaned calves and largest on specialized calf rearing farms. Average daily gain of the study calves was 1.074 kg/day (SD 0.166). Multilevel mixed effects logistic and linear regression models, where herd and calf batch were used as random effects, were generated to study calf level mortality and daily gain, respectively. Activities preventing transmission of pathogens between arrival batches and different age groups of animals, including application of the all in/all out principle and proper washing and disinfection of compartments for milk feeding calves between arrival batches, were associated with lower mortality and increased daily gain. In addition, higher arrival age was associated with lower mortality during the rearing period and relatively higher arrival age of the calf, compared to other calf in a same arrival batch, was associated with higher daily gain. By contrast, increased number of individual medications during the rearing period was associated with both increased mortality and decreased daily gain. There was no significant difference in mortality between farm types. Current study highlights several factors that can be affected in future to further develop the beef production chain.
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van Leenen K, Jouret J, Demeyer P, Vermeir P, Leenknecht D, Van Driessche L, De Cremer L, Masmeijer C, Boyen F, Deprez P, Cox E, Devriendt B, Pardon B. Particulate matter and airborne endotoxin concentration in calf barns and their association with lung consolidation, inflammation, and infection. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:5932-5947. [PMID: 33612235 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural operations are important sources of organic dust containing particulate matter (PM) and endotoxins, which have possible negative health consequences for both humans and animals. Dust concentrations and composition in calf barns, as well as the potential health effects for these animals, are scarcely documented. The objective of this study was to measure PM fractions and endotoxin concentrations in calf barns and study their associations with lung consolidation, respiratory tract inflammation, and infection in group-housed calves. In this cross-sectional study, samples from 24 dairy farms and 23 beef farms were collected in Belgium from January to April 2017. PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 (defined as particulate matter passing through a size-selective inlet with a 50% efficiency cut-off at a 1.0-μm, 2.5-μm, and 10-μm aerodynamic diameter, respectively) were sampled during a 24-h period using a Grimm aerosol spectrometer (Grimm Aerosol Technik Ainring GmbH & Co. KG). Endotoxin concentration was measured in the PM10 fraction. Thoracic ultrasonography was performed and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid was collected for cytology and bacteriology. Average PM concentrations were 16.3 µg/m3 (standard deviation, SD: 17.1; range: 0.20-771), 25.0 µg/m3 (SD: 25.3; range: 0.50-144.9), and 70.3 µg/m3 (SD: 54.5; range: 1.6-251.2) for PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. Mean endotoxin in the PM10 fraction was 4.2 endotoxin units (EU)/µg (SD: 5.50; range: 0.03-30.3). Concentrations in air were 205.7 EU/m3 (SD: 197.5; range: 2.32-901.0). Lung consolidations with a depth of ≥1, ≥3, and ≥6 cm were present in 43.1% (146/339), 27.4% (93/339), and 15.3% (52/339) of the calves, respectively. Exposure to fine (PM1.0) PM fractions was associated with increased odds of lung consolidations of ≥1 cm (odds ratio, OR: 3.3; confidence interval (CI): 1.5-7.1), ≥3 cm (OR: 2.8; CI: 1.2-7.1), and ≥6 cm (OR: 12.3; CI: 1.2-125.0). The odds of having lung consolidations of ≥1 cm (OR: 13.9; CI: 3.4-58.8) and ≥3 cm (OR: 6.7; 1.7-27.0) were higher when endotoxin concentrations in the dust mass exceeded 8.5 EU/µg. Broncho-alveolar lavage fluid neutrophil percentage was positively associated with PM10 concentration, and epithelial cell percentage was negatively associated with this fraction. Concentration of PM2.5 was positively associated with epithelial cell percentage and isolation of Pasteurella multocida. Although concentrations of fine dust are lower in calf barns than in poultry and pig housings, in this study they were associated with pneumonia in calves. Dust control strategies for reducing fine dust fractions in calf barns may benefit human and animal respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- K van Leenen
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - J Jouret
- Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene, Tramstraat 59, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - P Demeyer
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 115 Bus1, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P Vermeir
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Leenknecht
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Van Driessche
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L De Cremer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C Masmeijer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - F Boyen
- Laboratory for Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P Deprez
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - E Cox
- Laboratory for Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - B Devriendt
- Laboratory for Immunology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - B Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Gerber M, Dürr S, Bodmer M. Reducing Antimicrobial Use by Implementing Evidence-Based, Management-Related Prevention Strategies in Dairy Cows in Switzerland. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:611682. [PMID: 33537355 PMCID: PMC7847904 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.611682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU) on dairy farms that implemented evidence-based management strategies. The study not only examined whether these strategies led to a reduction in AMU in practice, but also examined the influence of the level of their implementation on AMU. For data analysis, practice software recordings of the farm veterinarians were used. The AMU data of 50 farms with prevention strategies applied (intervention group, IG) over 3 years (2017–2019) and of 74 farms without prevention strategies (control group, CG) over 2 years (2018–2019) were analyzed. Project participation was supported with 500 Swiss francs (~545 USD) per farmer per year. The AMU was compared between the IG and CG using the treatment incidence. In December 2017/January 2018, the farmers of the IG had chosen at least one of the proposed 17 prevention strategies from one of three sectors, i.e., udder health, uterine health and/or replacement calf health. The prevention strategies, were developed in a standard operating procedure protocol and were discussed in detail with the farmers before the implementation. Forty-eight farms chose at least one udder strategy, 10 farms at least one uterine strategy and 37 farms at least one calf strategy. By choosing an udder health strategy or a uterine health strategy, the corresponding systemically administered AMU could be significantly reduced (p < 0.04) in the IG compared with the CG. In addition, udder strategies that were well-implemented led to a significant reduction (p = 0.05) of intramammary “highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIA)” (quinolones, cephalosporins 3rd and higher generation, macrolides and ketolides, glycopeptides, and polymyxins). The level of implementation was significantly lower in 2019 compared to 2018 (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test). No significant reduction in AMU could be achieved for the calf sector. A reduction of AMU in dairy farms is possible by implementing evidence-based management-related prevention strategies. The level of implementation has only an influence on the consumption of HPCIA. The reduction of AMU in practice by means of evidence-based measures requires supportive human resources instead of financial support, because financial support for farmers seems not to motivate them sufficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gerber
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Salome Dürr
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michèle Bodmer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
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Selecting sorting centres to avoid long distance transport of weaned beef calves. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1289. [PMID: 33446743 PMCID: PMC7809358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79844-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The transport of weaned calves from cow–calf producers to fatteners is a general concern for the young bull industry due to its documented negative impact on the welfare, health and performance of the animals. These transfers are often managed by intermediaries who transport weaned calves to sorting centres, where they are grouped into batches before being sent to fattening units. In this study, we present an algorithm to limiting these transfer distances by appropriately selecting the sorting centre through which they must go. We tested the effectiveness of this algorithm on historical data from a French beef producer organization managing 136,892 transfers using 13 sorting centres. The results show a decrease in the transfer distances compared to the historical record, especially for the calves travelling over long distances (− 76 km, i.e. 18% on average for the 33% longest transfers). Moreover, the distribution of calves between the sorting centres proposed by the algorithm reveals differences in their efficiency in minimizing transfer distances. In addition to its usefulness as a management tool for the daily transport of cattle, this algorithm provides prospects for improving the management of the sorting centres themselves.
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Schönecker L, Schnyder P, Schüpbach-Regula G, Meylan M, Overesch G. Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of opportunistic pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease isolated from nasopharyngeal swabs of veal calves in Switzerland. Prev Vet Med 2020; 185:105182. [PMID: 33152661 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The composition of the bacterial flora in the calf nasopharynx might influence the risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The aims of the present study were, firstly, to investigate the prevalence of bacteria potentially involved in BRD in the nasopharynx of veal calves and to identify associated risk factors for their presence, and, secondly, to provide data on antimicrobial resistance levels in these bacteria. Deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from veal calves on 12 Swiss farms over a period of one year by non-random, but systematic sampling for isolation of Pasteurellaceae and Mycoplasma (M.) bovis and dispar. Associations of potential risk factors with occurrence of these bacteria were tested in multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses, based on information gained from extensive questionnaires completed with the farmers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for Pasteurellaceae by broth microdilution method to obtain minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Pasteurellaceae, including Pasteurella (P.) multocida, Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica, Bisgaard Taxon 39 and Histophilus (H.) somni, were almost twice as prevalent as M. bovis and dispar in this study. Continuous stocking was a risk factor for the presence of Pasteurellaceae, especially when calves originated from more than six suppliers. In young calves (≤ 91 days), feeding of California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive milk was an additional risk factor for the presence of Pasteurellaceae whereas transport of calves by farmers and livestock traders (as opposed to transport only by farmers) increased the risk in older calves (> 91 days). Risk factors for the presence of M. bovis/dispar were higher number of calves per drinking nipple in young calves, and no access to an outside pen and feeding of CMT positive milk in older calves, respectively. While further research will have to investigate the observed associations in more detail, this suggests that management can play an important role in the prevalence of nasopharyngeal bacteria with a potential subsequent involvement in BRD. Antimicrobial resistance differed between the three bacterial species tested in this study and was highest to oxytetracycline and spectinomycin in P. multocida, oxytetracycline and penicillin in M. haemolytica, and ampicillin and penicillin in H. somni. Only two European VetCAST breakpoints (for florfenicol in P. multocida and M. haemolytica) have been published to date, matching the MIC distribution of the present isolate populations well, in contrast to certain commonly applied American Clinical and Laboratory Institute interpretive criteria. This highlights the potential for further refinement of clinical breakpoints in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Schönecker
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - P Schnyder
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Schüpbach-Regula
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 161, CH-3097 Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Overesch
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Welfare Assessment in Calves Fattened According to the "Outdoor Veal Calf" Concept and in Conventional Veal Fattening Operations in Switzerland. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101810. [PMID: 33027959 PMCID: PMC7599509 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Antimicrobial use in humans and animals leads to the selection of resistant bacteria, a serious threat to human and animal health, as such bacteria can lead to treatment failure and death. With the “outdoor veal calf” concept, a novel calf fattening system was developed that allows for reducing antimicrobial use by 80% through improvements in management and housing, such as health check before purchase, short transport, vaccination, quarantine in individual hutches, and fattening in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch for shelter. In that system, veal calves spend their entire lives outdoors in the fresh air. In our study, we wanted to make sure that the observed reduction in antimicrobial treatments was not achieved at the cost of animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left without treatment in order to obtain better figures for treatment reduction. Our results show that calves in the “outdoor veal calf” system had fewer signs of respiratory and digestive diseases than control calves and that their lungs had fewer lesions of pneumonia than controls after slaughter. Thus, not only was antimicrobial use drastically reduced, but calf health was really improved in the new “outdoor veal calf” system. Abstract The “outdoor veal calf” system was developed to encounter the demand for a veal fattening system that allows for reducing antimicrobial use without impairing animal welfare. Management improvements including direct purchase, short transportation, vaccination, three-week quarantine in individual hutches, and open-air housing in small groups in a roofed, straw-bedded paddock with a group hutch were implemented in a prospective intervention study (1905 calves, 19 intervention and 19 control farms, over one year): antimicrobial use was five times lower in "outdoor veal" farms compared to control farms (p < 0.001), but it was crucial to ensure that antimicrobial treatment reduction was not associated with decreased animal welfare, i.e., that sick animals were not left untreated. Welfare was assessed monthly on the farms, and organs of 339 calves were examined after slaughter. Cough and nasal discharge were observed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less often in intervention than in control farms, mortality (3.1% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.020) and lung lesion prevalence (26% vs. 46%, p < 0.001) were lower; no group difference was seen in abomasal lesion prevalence (65% vs. 72%). Thus, besides reduced antimicrobial use, calf health and welfare were improved in "outdoor veal calf" farms in comparison to traditional operations.
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Mitrenga S, Popp J, Becker A, Hartmann M, Ertugrul H, Sartison D, Deutsch S, Meemken D, Kreienbrock L, Hille K. Veterinary drug administration in German veal calves: An exploratory study on retrospective data. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105131. [PMID: 32932164 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to characterise the usage of antibiotic and non-antibiotic drugs with a withdrawal period in German veal calves in more detail. In Germany, the documentation of the usage of veterinary medicinal products in food producing animals is mandatory. In the German monitoring system antibiotic use in calves under the age of eight months is recorded irrespective of the production type and only some basic measures (50 % and 75 % percentiles of the entire distributions of the treatment frequencies) are published regularly. Within this study 57 farms were included contributing data of 169 veal calf groups with a total of 91,196 individual calves. To assess the drug use the treatment frequency (TF) was calculated. Most treatments were applied in the first weeks after arrival at the farm against respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, accounting for 65.2 % and 28.6 % of the TF, respectively. Antibiotics account for 91 % of the TF. The antibiotics used most frequently were tetracyclines (35.6 %), beta-lactams (21.9 %), macrolides (12.7 %), sulphonamides (6.0 %) and trimethoprimes (5.3 %). Tetracyclines and polypeptides were administered as group treatments in more than half of the recorded applications. The number of antibiotic group treatments decreased considerably from the first to the second half of the fattening period. Logistic regression analyses revealed no statistically significant association between TF and groups size or mortality. Nevertheless, the results indicate a negative associated between TF and mortality. Concerning non-antibiotics mainly iron compounds, arylpropionic acids, mucolytics and avermectines were applied, accounting for about 5 % of the total TF. The present study provides basic data on antibiotic and non-antibiotic use in German veal calf production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Mitrenga
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University for Veterinary Medicine, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna Popp
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University for Veterinary Medicine, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - André Becker
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University for Veterinary Medicine, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Hartmann
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-CC for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hatice Ertugrul
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-CC for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Sartison
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-CC for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Deutsch
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-CC for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany; Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Diana Meemken
- Institute of Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67 and 69, D-14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-CC for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Katja Hille
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO-CC for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 2, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
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Nociceptive Threshold of Calves and Goat Kids Undergoing Injection of Clove Oil or Isoeugenol for Disbudding. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071228. [PMID: 32698304 PMCID: PMC7401653 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hot-iron disbudding in calves and goat kids is a widespread husbandry procedure involving pain and, especially in goats, the risk of brain damage. The injection of clove oil under the horn bud is a potential alternative disbudding method. Clove oil, with its active substance eugenol, is cytotoxic but has anaesthetic effects, and the injection of clove oil, or the pure substance isoeugenol, under the horn bud to stop horn growth may have potential welfare benefits compared to hot-iron disbudding. We compared the injection of clove oil with the injection of isoeugenol under the horn bud with respect to pain sensitivity in this area in the first 24 h after injection. Compared to before injection, the pain sensitivity of goats kids was higher 24 h after injection of clove oil and up to at least 6 h after isoeugenol injection, while, in calves, pain sensitivity was highest after 9 h. Future studies should compare the welfare effects of isoeugenol injection with hot-iron disbudding. Abstract In this preliminary study, we compared changes in mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) of calves and goat kids injected with clove oil or isoeugenol under the horn bud as a potential, more welfare-friendly alternative to hot-iron disbudding. Twenty male calves and goat kids were randomly allocated to clove oil (n = 10 per species) or isoeugenol (n = 10 per species) injection under the horn buds. MNT was measured via a pressure algometer in calves and kids at several locations around the horn buds at several time points before and up to 24 h after injection. In kids, von Frey filaments were used additionally at the same time points. In calves, linear mixed models revealed an effect on MNT of time point (p = 0.010) and side (p = 0.007), but not of injection (p = 0.298), nor of the interaction ‘injection*time point’, MNT waslowest 9 h post-injection. In goats, there was an effect of injection depending on time point (interaction injection*time point, p = 0.03) with MNT being lowest 24 h post-injection for clove oil, while MNT was similar to pre-injection in isoeugenol. In both species, variation in the individual response post-injection was very high. Our results suggest that clove oil and isoeugenol induced hypersensitivity, which was higher for clove oil, in goat kids, but they also suggest a transient anaesthetic effect in some animals and locations.
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van Leenen K, Jouret J, Demeyer P, Van Driessche L, De Cremer L, Masmeijer C, Boyen F, Deprez P, Pardon B. Associations of barn air quality parameters with ultrasonographic lung lesions, airway inflammation and infection in group-housed calves. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105056. [PMID: 32540718 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Barn climate is believed to play a major role in the bovine respiratory disease complex. However, the exact air quality parameters associated with (sub)clinical pneumonia or airway inflammation in calves are currently unknown. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess associations of air quality parameters with clinical signs, lung consolidation, pulmonary inflammation and infection in group-housed calves. In total, 60 beef and dairy farms were visited from January to April 2017 and 428 calves sampled. Measured air quality parameters included continuous 24-h measurements of ammonia concentration, relative humidity and temperature and punctual measurements of air velocity, ammonia, CO2 and bacterial air load. Calf sampling consisted of clinical examination, thoracic ultrasonography and broncho-alveolar lavage sampling for bacteriological and cytological analysis of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALf). Average air temperature was 14.2 °C (standard deviation (SD) 4.4, range 5.5-23.9) and relative humidity 68.8 % (SD 8.9, range 52.2-91.6). Average ammonia concentration was 1.7 ppm (SD 0.9, range 0-10.0). Lung consolidations of ≥1 cm, ≥3 cm and ≥6 cm in depth were present in 41.1 % (176/428), 27.1 % (116/428) and 16.1 % (69/428) of the calves, respectively. Average pen temperature was positively associated with consolidations of ≥1 cm (P = 0.005), ≥3 cm (P = 0.002) and ≥6 cm (P < 0.01). Ammonia exposure, in hours>4 ppm, was associated with lung consolidation ≥1 cm (odds ratio (OR) = 1.73; confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-3.07; P = 0.04). Ammonia concentration was positively associated with BALf epithelial cell percentage (P = 0.01). Air velocity >0.8 m/s was associated with increased odds of lung consolidation of ≥3 cm (OR = 6.8; CI = 1.2-38.5; P = 0.04) and ≥6 cm (OR = 15.9; CI = 1.2-200.0; P = 0.03). The prevalence of lung consolidations ≥1 cm was higher in the draught (81.8 %; P = 0.0092) and warm, dry and ammonia accumulation clusters (54.2 %; P = 0.02) compared to the presumably normal cluster (31.6 %). In addition, in the warm, dry and ammonia cluster the prevalence of lung consolidations ≥3 cm (38.1 %; P = 0.04) and ≥6 cm (31.4 %; P = 0.01) in depth were higher compared to the presumably normal climate cluster (18.2 % and 9.1 %, respectively). Of all frequently measured indoor air quality parameters, only average temperature, ammonia concentration and air velocity were associated with pneumonia and might therefore be preferable for cost-effective evaluation of calf barn climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina van Leenen
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Jonathan Jouret
- Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene, Tramstraat 59, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Peter Demeyer
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Burgemeester van Gansberghelaan 115 Bus1, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Driessche
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lieze De Cremer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Christien Masmeijer
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Boyen
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Piet Deprez
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bart Pardon
- Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Sandelin A, Härtel H, Seppä-Lassila L, Kaartinen L, Rautala H, Soveri T, Simojoki H. Field trial to evaluate the effect of an intranasal respiratory vaccine protocol on bovine respiratory disease incidence and growth in a commercial calf rearing unit. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:73. [PMID: 32131825 PMCID: PMC7055024 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02294-7] [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: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be great challenge in calf rearing units. The urgent need to decrease the use of antibiotics and increase animal welfare in beef production has forced us to introduce new preventive methods. Vaccinations could contribute to the solution, but the high incidence of BRD already at an early age has made it difficult to introduce suitable vaccination programs. Challenge studies have shown promising results in 3–14 day old calves vaccinated with intranasal BRD vaccine, but very few field trials are available to assess the efficacy of the intranasal vaccines in field conditions. We evaluated the effect of one dose of commercial intranasal vaccination on calf mortality, daily gain, and treatment incidence for BRD in one calf rearing unit. In total, 497 calves (mean age 19 days) were included in our study, 247 of which were vaccinated at the time of arrival to the unit and 250 served as negative controls (unvaccinated). Vaccinated and unvaccinated calves were situated in separate compartments until weaning. Daily gain, treatment incidence, and mortality were recorded until the calves were transported to the finishing unit, which averaged 154.5 days from arrival. Results Average daily gain over the complete study period was 1151.9 g/day (SD 137.9) for the vaccinated calves and 1139.5 g/day (SD 135.9) for the unvaccinated calves. Intranasal vaccination combined with older arrival age (17 days or older) resulted in a higher daily gain (47.8 g/day) compared with unvaccinated calves (coef. 0.0478, p = 0.003). This association was not recorded in calves that were younger than 17 days upon arrival. Intranasal vaccination was not significantly associated either with mortality (OR 0.976, p = 0.968) or treatment incidence for BRD (OR 1.341, p = 0.120). In total, six vaccinated calves (2.43%) and six unvaccinated calves (2.40%) died during the study period. Conclusions Vaccinating arriving calves with intranasal vaccine in the calf rearing unit did not decrease the mortality or treatment incidence for BRD, but it significantly improved the weight gain in calves transported to the unit at the age of 17 days or older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atte Sandelin
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Heidi Härtel
- HKScan Finland Oy, 50, 20521, Turku, PL, Finland
| | - Leena Seppä-Lassila
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Kaartinen
- Finnish Food Authority Ruokavirasto, Mustialankatu 3, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helena Rautala
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Soveri
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heli Simojoki
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Helsinki, Finland
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Becker J, Schüpbach-Regula G, Steiner A, Perreten V, Wüthrich D, Hausherr A, Meylan M. Effects of the novel concept 'outdoor veal calf' on antimicrobial use, mortality and weight gain in Switzerland. Prev Vet Med 2020; 176:104907. [PMID: 32066024 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the intervention study 'outdoor veal calf' was to evaluate a novel concept for calf fattening which aimed at reducing antimicrobial use without compromising animal health. Management practices such as commingling of calves from multiple birth farms, crowding, and suboptimal barn climate are responsible for high antimicrobial use and mortality in the veal calf population. The risk of selecting bacteria resistant to antimicrobials and of economic losses is accordingly elevated. The 'outdoor veal calf' concept, implemented in nineteen intervention farms (IF), is based on three main measures: 1. purchased calves are transported directly from neighboring birth farms to the fattening facility instead of commingling calves in livestock dealer trucks; 2. each calf is vaccinated against pneumonia after arrival and completes a three-week quarantine in an individual hutch; and 3. the calves spend the rest of the fattening period in outdoor hutches in groups not exceeding 10 calves. The covered and bedded paddock and the group hutches provide shelter from cold weather and direct sunshine, constant access to fresh air is warranted. Nineteen conventional calf fattening operations of similar size served as controls (CF). Every farm was visited once a month for a one-year period, and data regarding animal health, treatments, and production parameters were collected. Treatment intensity was assessed by use of the defined daily dose method (TIDDD in days per animal year), and calf mortality and daily weight gain were recorded in both farm groups. Mean TIDDD was 5.3-fold lower in IF compared to CF (5.9 ± 6.5 vs. 31.5 ± 27.4 days per animal year; p < 0.001). Mortality was 2.1-fold lower in IF than in CF (3.1% ± 2.3 vs. 6.3 % ± 4.9; p = 0.020). Average daily gain did not differ between groups (1.29 ± 0.17 kg/day in IF vs. 1.35 ± 0.16 kg/day in CF; p = 0.244). A drastic reduction in antimicrobial use and mortality was achieved in the novel 'outdoor veal calf' system without compromising animal health. The principles of risk reduction used in designing the system can be used to improve management and animal health, decrease the need for antimicrobial treatments and thus selection pressure on bacteria in veal operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Schüpbach-Regula
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - V Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Wüthrich
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - A Hausherr
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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Mertenat D, Cero MD, Vogl CR, Ivemeyer S, Meier B, Maeschli A, Hamburger M, Walkenhorst M. Ethnoveterinary knowledge of farmers in bilingual regions of Switzerland - is there potential to extend veterinary options to reduce antimicrobial use? JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 246:112184. [PMID: 31465817 PMCID: PMC7185669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In the pre-antibiotic era, a broad spectrum of medicinal plants was used to treat livestock. This knowledge was neglected in European veterinary medicine for decades but kept alive by farmers. Emergence of multidrug resistant bacterial strains requires a severely restricted use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. We conducted a survey on the ethnoveterinary knowledge of farmers in the bilingual (French and German speaking) Western region of Switzerland, namely the cantons of Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Jura, and in the French speaking part of the canton of Bern. AIM OF THE STUDY To find out whether differences exist in plants used by farmers in French speaking and bilingual regions of Switzerland as compared to our earlier studies conducted in Switzerland. Additional focus was on plants that are used in diseases which commonly are treated with antimicrobials, on plants used in skin afflictions, and on plants used in animal species such as horses, for which the range of veterinary medicinal products is limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted in 2015 semistructured interviews with 62 dialog partners, mainly cattle keeping farmers but also 18 horse keeping farmers. Of these, 41 were native French (FNS) and 21 native German speakers (GNS). Detailed information about homemade herbal remedies (plant species, plant part, manufacturing process) and the corresponding use reports (target animal species, category of use, route of administration, dosage, source of knowledge, frequency of use, last time of use and farmers satisfaction) were collected. RESULTS A total of 345 homemade remedies were reported, of which 240 contained only one plant species (Homemade Single Species Herbal Remedy Reports; HSHR). A total of 289 use reports (UR) were mentioned for the 240 HSHR, and they comprised 77 plant species belonging to 41 botanical families. Of these, 35 plant species were solely reported from FNS, 20 from GNS, and 22 from both. Taking into account earlier ethnoveterinary studies conducted in Switzerland only 10 (FNS) and 6 (GNS) plant species connected with 7% of FNS and GNS UR respectively were "unique" to the respective language group. The majority of the UR (219) was for treatment of cattle, while 38 UR were intended to treat horses. The most UR were for treatment of gastrointestinal and skin diseases. The most frequently mentioned plants were Linum usitatissimum L., Coffea L., Matricaria chamomilla L., Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, and Quercus robur L. for gastrointestinal diseases, and Calendula officinalis L., Hypericum perforatum L. and Sanicula europaea L. for skin afflictions. CONCLUSION No clear differences were found between the medicinal plants used by French native speakers and German native speakers. Several of the reported plants seem to be justified to widen the spectrum of veterinary therapeutic options in gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders in cattle and horses, and to reduce, at least to a certain degree, the need for antibiotic treatments. Our findings may help to strengthen the role of medicinal plants in veterinary research and practice, and to consider them as a further measure in official strategies for lowering the use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doréane Mertenat
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Dal Cero
- University of Zurich, Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christan R Vogl
- Division of Organic Farming, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Ivemeyer
- Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry Section, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany
| | - Beat Meier
- Unit of Phytopharmacy and Natural Product Research, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Ariane Maeschli
- Department of Livestock Science, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Ackerstrasse 113, Postfach, CH-5070, Frick, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hamburger
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Walkenhorst
- Department of Livestock Science, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Ackerstrasse 113, Postfach, CH-5070, Frick, Switzerland.
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Schönecker L, Schnyder P, Overesch G, Schüpbach-Regula G, Meylan M. Associations between antimicrobial treatment modalities and antimicrobial susceptibility in Pasteurellaceae and E. coli isolated from veal calves under field conditions. Vet Microbiol 2019; 236:108363. [PMID: 31500731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial consumption, with bovine respiratory disease as main indication, is higher in the veal calf industry compared to other livestock production branches. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible associations between antimicrobial drug use and resistance in Pasteurellaceae and indicator Escherichia (E.) coli from veal calves under field conditions in a prospective trial. Over a period of one year, nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 2587 animals on 12 and 43 farms, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 346 Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica, 1162 Pasteurella (P.) multocida and 2138 E. coli. Drug use was quantified as treatment incidence for each farm based on the used daily dose methodology (TIUDD), separately for group and individual treatments, and for antimicrobial classes. In multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses, risk factors could be identified for reduced susceptibility to certain antimicrobial classes. Group treatment was generally associated with higher rates of not susceptible (NS) M. haemolytica and P. multocida and non-wildtype (non-WT) E. coli. Individual treatment was associated with less NS and non-WT isolates. Age and entry protocol were important confounders with younger animals showing higher rates of NS and non-WT strains. The present findings suggest that, under field conditions, targeted individual treatment of calves can reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance compared to oral group treatment. For the different microorganisms, risk factors for resistance were partially different. This demonstrates that indicator organisms like E. coli do not necessarily reflect the associations observed in respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Schönecker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - P Schnyder
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Overesch
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Schüpbach-Regula
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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