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Ostuni A, Albarella S, Tassoni L, Pugliano M, D'Anza E, Crudele MA, Ciotola F, Beato MS, Iovane V, Cecchini Gualandi S, Frontoso R, De Vendel J, Peretti V, Bavoso A. Circulation of small ruminant lentivirus in endangered goat and sheep breeds of Southern Italy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33906. [PMID: 39027592 PMCID: PMC11255564 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33906] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of the FAO, Italy has one of the largest numbers of local small ruminant breeds among European countries. In Southern Italy, namely the Campania Region, Bagnolese and Laticauda sheep breeds and Cilentana goat breeds are considered endangered according to the DAD-IS. Conservation of endangered animal breeds is a goal of the European Union (EU). However, the role of infectious diseases as risk factors for endangered breeds has rarely been considered. Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) infect sheep and goats, causing slow-progressive, persistent, and debilitating diseases that can lead to animal death and productivity loss. In this study, we investigated the presence of SRLV in Bagnolese, Laticauda, and Cilentana breeds using a commercial ELISA in parallel with an in-house ELISA. The results of the two tests were in good agreement (Cohen Kappa 0.84, 95 % CI = 0.76-0.93). Discrepancies between the two tests were resolved using western blotting. In total, 430 samples were tested (248 Bagnolese, 125 Laticauda, and 57 Cilentana). The apparent prevalence rates were 12.5 %, 6.4 %, and 1.7 % in Bagnolese, Laticauda, and Cilentana, respectively. In the molecular analysis of 11 proviral partial sequences, subtypes B2 and A24 were identified in two Bagnolese herds. Owing to the beneficial role of sheep and goat breeding in marginal areas, it is important to screen the entire population and implement control/eradication of SRLV infections in conjunction with each conservation program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ostuni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’ Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Sara Albarella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Tassoni
- National Reference Laboratory for Ruminant retroviruses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126, Perugia, PG, Italy
| | - Mariagiulia Pugliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuele D'Anza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Crudele
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’ Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciotola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Beato
- National Reference Laboratory for Ruminant retroviruses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche (IZSUM), Via G. Salvemini 1, 06126, Perugia, PG, Italy
| | - Valentina Iovane
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Frontoso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
- OneHEco APS, 84047, Capaccio Paestum, SA, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Peretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alfonso Bavoso
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell’ Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
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Rømo G, Åkerstedt J, Nordstoga AB, Borge AJ, Wisløff H, Gjerset B, Klevar S, Valheim M, Mjømen IS, Schei-Berg E, Vatn S, Kampen AH. Investigation, management and control of a maedi outbreak in Norway in 2019-2020. Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:28. [PMID: 38965632 PMCID: PMC11225221 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00749-7] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visna-maedi is a notifiable disease in Norway, and eliminating the disease is a national goal. The import of sheep into Norway is very limited, and strict regulations apply to the movement of small ruminants between flocks and within defined geographical regions. Several outbreaks have occurred in the last 50 years, and the most recent before 2019 occurred in Trøndelag county in Central Norway in 2002. A national surveillance programme for small ruminant lentivirus infection exists since 2003. RESULTS In 2019, the national surveillance programme detected seropositive animals for small ruminant lentivirus in a sheep flock in Trøndelag. Based on the result of polymerase chain reaction analysis and histopathological findings, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority concluded the diagnosis of maedi. Further investigations detected maedi in eight additional sheep flocks in the same county. The flocks were placed under restrictions, and the authorities also imposed restrictions on 82 contact flocks. Sequencing of partial gag genes indicated that the virus in the current outbreak was related to the small ruminant lentivirus detected in the same area between 2002 and 2005. CONCLUSIONS The outbreak investigation shows the need for sensitive and specific diagnostic methods, and an improved and more targeted surveillance strategy. It also demonstrates the risk of disease spreading between flocks through animal movements, and highlights the importance of biosecurity and structured livestock trade. In addition to allowing livestock trade only from flocks documented free from maedi, it may be necessary to monitor sheep flocks over many years, when aiming to eliminate maedi from the Norwegian sheep population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grim Rømo
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway.
| | - Johan Åkerstedt
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Anne Bang Nordstoga
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Anniken Jerre Borge
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Helene Wisløff
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Britt Gjerset
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Siv Klevar
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Mette Valheim
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Elizabeth Stephansens vei 1, Ås, 1433, Norway
| | - Irene Skei Mjømen
- Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Stensberggata 25/27, Oslo, 0170, Norway
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Gaffuri A, Barsi F, Magni E, Bergagna S, Dellamaria D, Ricchi M, De Paolis L, Galletti G, Arrigoni N, Lorenzi V, Fusi F, Prosperi A, Garbarino C. Paratuberculosis, Animal Welfare and Biosecurity: A Survey in 33 Northern Italy Dairy Goat Farms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2346. [PMID: 37508122 PMCID: PMC10376716 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Paratuberculosis is a notable infectious disease of ruminants. Goats appear to be particularly susceptible. The survey aimed to investigate the spread of paratuberculosis in Italian goat farming and evaluate whether the presence of the disease could be influenced by welfare and biosecurity deficiencies. A serological survey for paratuberculosis in 33 dairy farms in northern Italy was conducted. Contextually, animal welfare and biosecurity were assessed, using a standardized protocol of 36 welfare indicators and 15 biosecurity indicators which assigns to each farm a welfare and biosecurity score from 0 (any application) to 100% (full application). An overall result of less than 60% was considered insufficient. Nineteen farms (58%) tested positive for paratuberculosis, with a mean intra-herd seroprevalence of 7.4%. Total welfare ranged from 39.56 to 90.7% (mean 68.64%). Biosecurity scores ranged from 10.04 to 90.01% (mean 57.57%). Eight farms (24%) showed poor welfare conditions (welfare score < 60%) and 19 (58%) an unsatisfactory biosecurity condition (biosecurity score < 60%). With respect to the explorative character of the study, an indicative association between seven welfare and biosecurity indicators and paratuberculosis seropositivity was identified. The presence of paratuberculosis in northern Italy dairy goat farms was confirmed. The welfare and biosecurity assessment protocol proved to be an accurate tool, capable of identifying critical points for managing health, welfare and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gaffuri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Filippo Barsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Edoardo Magni
- Official Veterinary Service, ATS Montagna, 23100 Sondrio, Italy
| | - Stefania Bergagna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Debora Dellamaria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020 Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Ricchi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Livia De Paolis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Galletti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Norma Arrigoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lorenzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Animal Welfare, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Prosperi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Garbarino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 25124 Brescia, Italy
- Italian National Reference Centre for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", 29027 Piacenza, Italy
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Occurrence of CAE and CLA in Swedish Dairy Goats and Comparison of Serum and Milk as Sampling Material. DAIRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy3010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) and caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) are two infectious diseases affecting goat welfare and production throughout the world. There are no current data regarding their prevalence in Sweden, and the aim of this pilot study was therefore to estimate the occurrence in Swedish milk-producing goats, but also to assess the agreement between milk and sera as sample material for diagnosis and to investigate the association between the somatic cell count (SCC) in bulk milk and the occurrence of CAE and CLA. Serum, individual milk, and bulk-tank milk samples were collected from 214 dairy goats in 10 herds. All samples were analysed by ELISA to detect antibodies for CAE and CLA, and 14.6% of the goats were seropositive for CAE, whereas 19.3% of the goats were seropositive for CLA. The agreement between individual milk and serum samples was over 90% for both diseases and individual milk samples can therefore be considered as an alternative material for analysis in a future eradication programme. Based on the limited number of samples, there was also a significant correlation between bulk-milk test results and within-herd seroprevalence for both CAE and CLA. The SCC in bulk-milk samples was measured using a DeLaval cell counter. The medium SCC was 639,000 cells/mL and no association between SCC and CAE or CLA could be found. The results indicate that CAE and CLA are two common diseases in Swedish goat herds, but further studies based on a larger number of herds are needed to draw conclusions about the national prevalence. The results also indicate that milk can be used as a more cost-effective sampling media for diagnosing CAE and CLA compared to serology, which is the standard procedure today. Hopefully, the results can support the establishment of a successful programme to control the diseases, with the ambition to eradicate CAE and CLA in Sweden.
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Health and Welfare Survey of 30 Dairy Goat Farms in the Midwestern United States. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072007. [PMID: 34359135 PMCID: PMC8300403 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There appears to be a rapid expansion of dairy goat farming in the United States and the information available to producers on health, welfare, and production applicable to those in the Midwestern US is limited. This study intended to survey 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US to provide insight into husbandry practices pertaining to health, welfare, and production, and to identify areas of future research. Pain relief for disbudding and castration, education and training programs, early kid management, and hoof trimming were identified as potential areas of future research. This study provided insight into the husbandry practices carried out on 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US and areas of research to improve health and welfare. Abstract Dairy goat production in the Midwestern United States is increasing at a rapid rate and information on dairy goat husbandry practices applicable for producers in this region is limited. The objective of this study was to survey 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US to provide insight into husbandry practices pertaining to health, welfare, and production, and to identify areas of future research. A questionnaire was developed and comprised 163 questions that were organized into categories including information on the producer (e.g., farming experience), staff, and goats (e.g., herd size, breed), housing, feeding and nutrition, milking practices and production, kid management, husbandry practices (e.g., disbudding, castration, hoof trimming), and health. Areas of future research that can improve goat health, production and welfare include pain relief for husbandry practices such as disbudding and castration, early kid management during birth to prevent illness/disease or mortality (e.g., warm and dry areas for kid rearing), eradication programs for common contagious diseases, training programs and education for claw trimming, disbudding, and udder health. In conclusion, this study provided insight into the husbandry practices carried out on 30 dairy goat farms in the Midwestern US and areas of research to improve health and welfare.
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The Assessment of Housing Conditions, Management, Animal-Based Measure of Dairy Goats’ Welfare and Its Association with Productive and Reproductive Traits. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9110893. [PMID: 31683827 PMCID: PMC6912760 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Small ruminant production systems are generally perceived by consumers to be associated with a high standard of welfare, notably in relation to aspects of traditional breeding. However, their performances have reached the same levels of the dairy cow sector, with similar negative externalities. We aimed to evaluate the welfare of dairy goats of 32 farms located in Northwestern Italy by the application of an on-farm assessment protocol. The farms were classified as ‘intensive’ or ‘semi-intensive’ according to the access to pasture. Overall, we observed an adequate level of animal wellbeing both in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge on goat breeding characteristics, and to the fact that veterinarians and farmers understood the importance of welfare protection to achieve a better health, although some challenges remain, such as the farmers’ approach toward animals. The importance of the farmer’s role is highlighted by the positive association between the milk yield and the presence of the owner on the farm. Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare of dairy goats of 32 farms located in Northwestern Italy, applying an on-farm assessment protocol, centered on animal-, resources- and management-based measures. The farms were classified as ‘intensive’ or ‘semi-intensive’ according to access to pasture. During each on-farm visit, a checklist was compiled, based on specific scores for housing and management conditions, and animals’ nutritional status, health, and behavior. Finally, the possible association between welfare measures and productive and reproductive traits was assessed. Overall, we observed an adequate level of animal wellbeing both in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge on goat breeding characteristics, and to the fact that veterinarians and farmers understood the importance of welfare protection to achieve a better health. Higher milk production was associated to some management practices (presence of the owner on the farm, high frequency of bedding change), and to seasonal breeding (which was mainly performed in the intensive farming). Moreover, it was associated to a quantity of urea in the milk comprised between 33 and 44 mg/dL. In intensive farms, the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis was significantly higher compared to non-intensive farms. The semi-intensive breeding system positively influences the animals’ behavior.
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Azevedo DAAD, Santos VWSD, Sousa ALMD, Peixoto RM, Pinheiro RR, Andrioli A, Teixeira MFDS. Small ruminant lentiviruses: economic and productive losses, consequences of the disease. ARQUIVOS DO INSTITUTO BIOLÓGICO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657000552016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Small ruminant lentiviruses, caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, and Maedi-Visna virus cause diseases that result in significant productive losses, mostly in dairy animals. These viruses belong to the Retroviridae family, Lentivirus genus, and constitute a heterogeneous group, which may generate implications for the diagnosis and control of small ruminant lentiviruses. Losses caused by them are associated with reproductive failure, short productive life, and decreased milk production by the infected animals. In addition, these viruses may reduce milk quality, affecting the production of dairy products such as cheese. Small ruminant lentiviruses lead to indirect losses, decreasing herd value and forcing the development of epidemiological trade barriers for animal germplasm. Control of small ruminant lentiviruses is important to promote optimal milk production and to reduce costs with medicine and technical assistance. This control may vary in caprine and ovine populations of each country, according to seroprevalence, variety of breeds, and peculiarities of the practiced management.
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Can E, Vieira A, Battini M, Mattiello S, Stilwell G. On-farm welfare assessment of dairy goat farms using animal-based indicators: the example of 30 commercial farms in Portugal. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2016.1208267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Can
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A. Vieira
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for Management Studies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M. Battini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S. Mattiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - G. Stilwell
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Lab, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
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Editorial: Pigs crying, silent fish and other stories about animal welfare assessment. Animal 2016; 10:292-3. [PMID: 26776496 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731115002682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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