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Villa L, Allievi C, Di Cerbo AR, Zanzani SA, Sommariva F, Zanini L, Mortarino M, Manfredi MT. Neospora caninum antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle herds in Italy in relation to reproductive and productive parameters and spatial analysis. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107194. [PMID: 38521123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Among the available diagnostic techniques, antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM) represents a useful tool to estimate and monitor Neospora caninum herd prevalence. To evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum and the effect of parasite infection on herd performances, BTM samples collected from 586 dairy herds located in one of the largest dairy production areas in Italy (Lombardy) were analyzed by an indirect ELISA to detect anti-N. caninum specific antibodies. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were developed. A purely spatial analysis scanning for clusters with high or low rates for N. caninum using the Bernoulli model was performed. A maximum entropy approach was used to estimate the probability of distribution of the parasite based on occurrence records together with environmental variables. Overall, 180 herds resulted positive for N. caninum antibodies on bulk tank milk (P = 30.7 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was evidenced in the provinces of Milano, Cremona, Brescia, and Bergamo (P = 32-40 %); a lower risk was evidenced in Lodi, Pavia, and Mantova (P = 13-24 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was revealed for small-medium farms (101-300 animals) (O.R.=2.8) and for older animals with more than 4 years (O.R.=4.4). Regarding the effect of N. caninum infection on herd performances, the number of inseminations for conception was higher (> 3 inseminations), and the period from calving to conception was longer (> 150 days) for positive farms (O.R.=2.0 and O.R.=2.3, respectively); besides, lower head daily milk production (<20 kg and 21-25 kg) and mature equivalent milk yield (<11,000), and somatic cell counts higher than 300,000 cells/ml were observed for N. caninum positive herds (O.R.=0.4, O.R.=0.4 and O.R.=1.9 respectively). The geographical distribution of N. caninum positive farms with the highest level of probability covers the central sector of the Po Plain where a significant cluster for high risk of parasite infection was shown by spatial scan statistic and Maximum entropy ecological niche modelling. A further significant cluster of low risk occurred in the southern. The climatic and environmental variables with the highest training gain when used in isolation resulted altitude, land use/land cover, and other variables related to temperature and precipitation. Neosporosis is widely distributed in Italian dairy herds and an impact of the parasite on herd performances could be hypothesized. Even if the role of N. caninum in alterations of reproductive and productive parameters should be further explored, veterinarians and farmers should be aware of neosporosis, and control plans should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Carolina Allievi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Di Cerbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Flavio Sommariva
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
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Sohm C, Steiner J, Jöbstl J, Wittek T, Firth C, Steinparzer R, Desvars-Larrive A. A systematic review on leptospirosis in cattle: A European perspective. One Health 2023; 17:100608. [PMID: 37577054 PMCID: PMC10416059 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which is globally distributed and represents a classic One Health issue that demands a comprehensive understanding of the hosts, transmission paths, and risk factors of transmission. Bovine leptospirosis often results in economic losses through its severe impact on reproduction performance while it threatens human health at human-cattle-environment interfaces. However, a clear analysis of the disease characteristics in European cattle is currently lacking. The objective of this review was to summarise the current knowledge on the epidemiology of bovine leptospirosis in Europe. We conducted a systematic literature review, screening four electronic databases, and filtered articles published between 2001 and 2021, in English, German, and French. Sixty-two articles were ultimately included in the review. The seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle was remarkably variable among studies, probably reflecting local variations but also heterogeneity in the study designs, laboratory methods, and sample sizes. Risk factors positively associated with the disease were diverse, related to local, environmental, and climatic parameters as well as farming practices. The most reported circulating Leptospira serogroups in European cattle were Sejroe (58.5%), Australis (41.5%), Grippotyphosa (41.5%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (37.7%), and Pomona (26.4%), which have also been associated with human infections worldwide. Abortion (58.6%) and fertility disorders (24.1%) were the most frequently reported signs of leptospirosis in European cattle and were generally associated with chronic infections. This work highlights several research gaps, including a lack of harmonisation in diagnostic methods, a lack of large-scale studies, and a lack of molecular investigations. Given that predictions regarding the climatic suitability for leptospirosis in Europe suggest an increase of leptospirosis risk it is important to raise awareness among stakeholders and motivate an integrated One Health approach to the prevention and control of this zoonotic disease in cattle and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Sohm
- VetFarm, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Kremesberg 13, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Janina Steiner
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Jöbstl
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wittek
- University Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Clair Firth
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Steinparzer
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Robert Koch-Gasse 17, 2340 Mödling, Austria
| | - Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- VetFarm, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Kremesberg 13, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
- Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria
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Pedersen L, Houe H, Rattenborg E, Nielsen LR. Semi-Quantitative Biosecurity Assessment Framework Targeting Prevention of the Introduction and Establishment of Salmonella Dublin in Dairy Cattle Herds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2649. [PMID: 37627440 PMCID: PMC10451256 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162649] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing average herd size and complexity in farm structures call for a higher level of biosecurity. It can reduce the risk of introducing and establishing pathogens with multiple-pathway and indirect spread mechanisms, such as Salmonella Dublin, a pathogen with an increasing occurrence in dairy cattle farms across different countries and continents. Therefore, this study aimed to use existing knowledge to develop a framework with a supporting tool allowing for a time-efficient, yet comprehensive, assessment of biosecurity measures that can help prevent the introduction and establishment of S. Dublin in dairy herds. Based on the literature review, a seven-step biosecurity assessment framework was developed and evaluated in collaboration with biosecurity experts. The resulting framework includes a weighted semi-quantitative assessment method with a scoring guide in an electronic supporting tool for 12 biosecurity sections assessed through on-farm observations and farmer interviews. The framework and tool provide a novel approach to comprehensively assess the overall (mainly external) on-farm biosecurity level by a trained biosecurity assessor. They can be used for systematic data collection in epidemiological studies on risk factors for the introduction and establishment of S. Dublin in dairy farms. Preliminary interrater reliability testing indicated moderate reliability between assessors with varying biosecurity skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Pedersen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (H.H.); (L.R.N.)
- SEGES Innovation P/S, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Hans Houe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (H.H.); (L.R.N.)
| | | | - Liza Rosenbaum Nielsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark; (H.H.); (L.R.N.)
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Kennedy A, Hogan I, Froehlich R, McGettrick S, Sánchez-Miguel C, Casey M, Sheehan M. Irish farmers' interactions with regional veterinary laboratories- reasons, results, reactions: a survey. Ir Vet J 2022; 75:18. [PMID: 36167621 PMCID: PMC9513898 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-022-00225-6] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal health surveillance is important in ensuring optimal animal health and welfare. Monitoring of diagnostic submissions, including post-mortem examination of carcasses, at the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine laboratories, provides the basis for this type of passive surveillance in Ireland. The process requires engagement from veterinarians and farmers from all sectors of the agricultural spectrum. This study aims to identify the reasons why farmers engaged in dairy, beef, sheep, and mixed farming enterprises submit carcasses or not to the Regional Veterinary Laboratories. Results Surveys were distributed in hard copy format at Regional Veterinary Laboratories, and fifty Teagasc facilitated farmer discussion groups. There were 1179 responses collected in 54 locations. The top reasons participants submitted to the laboratories were 1) to guide treatment/ vaccination, 2) fear of a contagious disease, and 3) if their veterinarian advised them to. The top reasons for not submitting were 1) the vet making a diagnosis on the farm, 2) the distance from the laboratory, and 3) lack of time and labour. Implementation of vaccination protocols was the main change implemented based on results, followed by management changes and the use of different treatments, e.g., switching from antibiotic to parasite treatment. Sheep enterprises were more likely than dairy to choose distance and cost as a reason not to submit. Dairying enterprises were more likely than other enterprise types to submit if they feared a contagious or zoonotic disease. Conclusion Positively, this survey shows the desire of participants to submit to the laboratories to guide treatment and vaccination protocols, potentially indicating that positive engagement between stakeholders and the RVLs will help promote optimal animal health and promote responsible antimicrobial use. Results also show the critical role of veterinarians in continued disease surveillance on farms. Maintaining engagement with all farming sectors will be essential in promoting successful animal health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aideen Kennedy
- Kilkenny Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kilkenny, Ireland.
| | - Ian Hogan
- Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rebecca Froehlich
- Sligo Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Shane McGettrick
- Sligo Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Cosme Sánchez-Miguel
- Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Cork, Ireland
| | - Micheál Casey
- Regional Veterinary Laboratories Division, Backweston Campus, Department Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Celbridge, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Maresa Sheehan
- Kilkenny Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Kilkenny, Ireland
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Cirone KM, Fiorani F, García CE, Armendano JI, Hecker YP, Miqueo E, Cantón GJ, Moore DP. Frequency of Neospora caninum-specific antibodies in bulk milk from dairy farms from Mar y Sierras Dairy Basin, Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100646. [PMID: 34879957 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of Neospora caninum based on the detection of specific antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) from dairy cattle farms in the Mar y Sierras Basin by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 98 BTM samples from 49 dairy farms were collected during autumn and spring of 2019. Additionally, 147 paired individual milk and serum samples were collected from two dairy farms to assess the prevalence within-herd by ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT, serum samples). Additionally, 12 individual serum samples were also assessed to test the agreement between IFAT and ELISA (total serum samples 159). Noteworthy, 100 and 91.84% of 49 dairy farms were positive in the BTM in autumn and spring, respectively. For the within-herd individual samples, a good agreement between serum and milk results was obtained for ELISA and IFAT (0.86-0.90). This is the first study in Argentina in which milk samples were tested to determine the N. caninum infection status at herd and within-herd levels in dairy farms, providing a base for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Cirone
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - F Fiorani
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - C E García
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - J I Armendano
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, 7000 Tandil, Argentina
| | - Y P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - E Miqueo
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina.
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Yupiana Y, Wilson PR, Collins-Emerson JM, Weston JF, Benschop J, Vallée E, Heuer C. Vaccination practices for Leptospira spp. on New Zealand dairy farms. N Z Vet J 2021; 69:299-307. [PMID: 33977853 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2021.1928563] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To describe leptospiral vaccination practices in dairy herds in New Zealand and evaluate conformity with best practice guidelines issued by the New Zealand Veterinary Association using data from a questionnaire administered by participating veterinary practices. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 200 randomly selected dairy farms stratified by herd size and region throughout New Zealand was conducted from January to April 2016 to investigate leptospiral vaccination practices in dairy herds in New Zealand. Using a pre-tested questionnaire administered during a face-to-face interview, vaccination practice details such as vaccine types, time, and age of vaccination and whether vaccines were administered by veterinary or farm staff, were collected. RESULTS Leptospiral vaccination programmes had been implemented on 199/200 (99.5 (95% CI = 97.2-99.9)%) farms, and on 178 (89.4%) of those, programmes had been running for ≥5 years. Most farmers used bivalent vaccines containing antigens for leptospiral serovars Pomona and Hardjo (144/179 (80.4%) in calves, 112/167 (60.7%) in heifers, and 112/163 (68.7%) in cows), rather than trivalent vaccines which also include antigens for L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. In total, 123/200 (61.5%) of farmers purchased only vaccinated animals but 51/199 (25.6%) were unsure of the vaccination status of purchased cattle. Sixty-one percent (105/172) of farmers had other livestock on their farms and of them, 78/186 (42%) vaccinated some or all for Leptospira spp. Leptospiral vaccines were administered always or sometimes with other animal remedies on 30/190 (15.8%) and 91/190 (47.9%) of farms, respectively. Most farmers had not made changes to their vaccination programme in the previous 5 years. Timing of first vaccination of calves ranged from 2 weeks to 10 months of age, with 112/189 (59.3%) vaccinating by 4 months of age. Approximately half of the farms followed the best practice guideline for the timing of vaccinations for calves (high-risk farms; 67/162; 41.4%) heifers (72/165, 43.6%), and cows (171/184; 92.9%). CONCLUSIONS The results of this survey suggest that there is almost universal adoption of leptospiral vaccination for dairy cattle in New Zealand. However, there remain areas for improvement regarding the proportion of farmers following best practice guidelines and refinement of vaccination programmes, particularly with respect to timing of vaccination in calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yupiana
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Ministry of Agriculture, Jakarta Sealatan, Indonesia
| | - P R Wilson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J M Collins-Emerson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J F Weston
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J Benschop
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - E Vallée
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - C Heuer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Mazzotta E, Ceglie L, Giurisato I, Bellinati L, Lucchese L, Marchione S, Natale A. Persistence of Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar Hardjo in Refrigerated Raw Milk: A Transmission Risk of Leptospirosis to Humans. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030291. [PMID: 33802583 PMCID: PMC7998812 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo (LH) is an important infectious agent of reproduction pathologies and lactation decline in cattle, with a possible zoonotic role. To figure out the potential zoonotic risk for human raw-milk consumption, the present study aims at assessing the persistence and viability of LH in refrigerated raw milk over a 10-day period, which is set as the maximum time range for raw-milk domestic consumption. A negative sample of fresh raw milk was contaminated with an LH strain (2 × 108 Leptospires/mL) and analyzed by a rrs (16S) gene targeting real-time PCR (rPCR) protocol for LH DNA at days 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10. Seven aliquots of the same sampling time were inoculated into a semisolid EMJH media for bacterial culture. All aliquots tested positive in both rPCR and culture, which demonstrates that raw milk does not alter the detectability and viability of LH, respectively. The analytical sensitivity (LoD, limit of detection) determined for the rPCR (103 Leptospires/mL) was repeatable during the study, whereas it gradually decreased when it came to the bacterial culture. This study demonstrates that bovine raw milk might be a potential vehicle of infection by LH, even when storage conditions are strictly respected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazzotta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health (MAPS), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Isabella Giurisato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Laura Bellinati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Marchione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (E.M.); (L.C.); (I.G.); (L.B.); (L.L.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-808-4435
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Villaamil FJ, Arnaiz I, Allepuz A, Molins M, Lazaro M, Benavides B, Moya SJ, Fabrega JC, Yus E, Dieguez FJ. A survey of biosecurity measures and serological status for bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 on dairy cattle farms in north-west and north-east Spain. Vet Rec Open 2020; 7:e000399. [PMID: 32995015 PMCID: PMC7497555 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2020-000399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biosecurity is a key measure to reduce and prevent the introduction of diseases to farms and minimise spread of diseases within a herd. The aim of the study was to characterise the current application of biosecurity measures on dairy cattle farms in Spain along with their bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis status. METHODS Data on biosecurity measures for 124 dairy herds were collected using a questionnaire. The sanitary status of these farms for bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis was also assessed using antibody ELISA. Data were analysed using multiple correspondence analysis and a two-step cluster analysis. RESULTS Three main clusters of farms were identified: clusters 1 and 2 included herds of small and intermediate sizes. These, particularly cluster 1, showed the most deficiencies in the control of vehicles and visitors. However, laboratory tests were always performed on purchased animals. Cluster 3 had the largest herd sizes, with somewhat better biosecurity control of vehicles and visitors. However, farms in this cluster also purchased the most animals, sometimes without testing, and hired external workers more often. CONCLUSION The study indicated that, in the study population, there are serious shortcomings in the application of biosecurity measures on dairy farms, exposing them to disease transmission. This survey also highlights regional and herd size-related differences in the implementation of biosecurity. Collecting data is an important first step to identification of specific weaknesses in different farm typologies, and an adequate follow-up is needed to ensure that measures are implemented correctly on farms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignacio Arnaiz
- Serology, Animal Health and Production Laboratory of Galicia, Lugo, Spain
| | - Alberto Allepuz
- Department of Helath ans Animal Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Miquel Molins
- Animal Health Service, Animal Health Laboratory of Catalonia, Lleida, Spain
| | - Mercedes Lazaro
- Dairy Interprofessional Laboratory of Catalonia, Cabrils, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bibiana Benavides
- Animal Health Department, Universidad de Nariño, San Juan de Pasto, Colombia
| | - Sebastián J Moya
- Department of Helath ans Animal Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Jordi Casal Fabrega
- Sanidad y Anatomia Animal, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Epidemiologia, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), UAB, IRTA, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduardo Yus
- Institute of Food Analysis and Research, Santiago de Compostela University, Lugo, Spain
| | - Francisco J Dieguez
- Animal Production, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Galicia, Spain
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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with shedding of pathogenic Leptospira species in urine at animal and herd levels. In total, 200 dairy farms were randomly selected from the DairyNZ database. Urine samples were taken from 20 lactating, clinically normal cows in each herd between January and April 2016 and tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using gyrB as the target gene. Overall, 26.5% of 200 farms had at least one PCR positive cow and 2.4% of 4000 cows were shedding Leptospira in the urine. Using a questionnaire, information about risk factors at cow and farm level was collected via face-to-face interviews with farm owners and managers. Animals on all but one farm had been vaccinated against Hardjo and Pomona and cows on 54 of 200 (27%) farms had also been vaccinated against Copenhageni in at least one age group (calves, heifers and cows). Associations found to be statistically significant in univariate analysis (at P < 0.2) were assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Factors associated with shedding included cattle age (Odds ratio (OR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.95), keeping sheep (OR 5.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–21.25) or dogs (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.97) and managing milking cows in a single as opposed to multiple groups (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20–0.99). We conclude that younger cattle were more likely to be shedding Leptospira than older cattle and that the presence of sheep and dogs was associated with an increased risk of shedding in cows. Larger herds were at higher risk of having Leptospira shedders. However, none of the environmental risk factors that were assessed (e.g. access to standing water, drinking-water source), or wildlife abundance on-farm, or pasture were associated with shedding, possibly due to low statistical power, given the low overall shedding rate.
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Miyama T, Watanabe E, Ogata Y, Urushiyama Y, Kawahara N, Makita K. Herd-level risk factors associated with Leptospira Hardjo infection in dairy herds in the southern Tohoku, Japan. Prev Vet Med 2017; 149:15-20. [PMID: 29290296 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was designed to generate information on the herd level prevalence and the risk factors for Leptospira serovar Hardjo (L. Hardjo) in Yamagata, the southern Tohoku, Japan. Bulk tank milk samples from 109 dairy herds were used to test the herd level sero-prevalence of L. Hardjo using a commercial ELISA kit, which detects both L. interrogans serovar Hardjo and L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the sampled farms, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. Spatial clustering of L. Hardjo at the herd level was examined using spatial scan statistics. Seventy-one herds were found to be positive for L. Hardjo, and the apparent herd prevalence was 65.1% (95% CI: 56.2-74.1%). The risk factors for sero-positivity were larger herd size (p=0.004) and cows with a history of staying in Hokkaido (p <0.001). The spatial scan statistic detected a most likely cluster (relative risk=1.87, log likelihood ratio=9.93, radius=13.70km, p<0.01) in the southern part of the study area where there are large herd sizes and farm density is high. This study revealed that L. Hardjo is prevalent throughout Yamagata, and large scale herd owners introducing cows from Hokkaido in particular should be aware of the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Miyama
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Division of Health and Environment Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan; Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Eiji Watanabe
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Ogata
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshiro Urushiyama
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Naoya Kawahara
- Yamagata Prefecture Agricultural Mutual Aid Association, 1333 Koseki, Tendo, Yamagata, 994-8511, Japan
| | - Kohei Makita
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Division of Health and Environment Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Bunkyodai Midorimachi, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan.
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