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Ottardi M, Lechner I, Wang J, Schmitt S, Schneeberger M, Schmid RM, Stephan R, Meylan M. Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Swiss dairy herds and risk factors for a positive herd status and within-herd prevalence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409694. [PMID: 39005723 PMCID: PMC11242548 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409694] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic enteric disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Control of PTB is important given its negative economic consequences and the potential zoonotic role of MAP in Crohn's disease in humans. Methods To determine the seroprevalence of MAP in Swiss dairy herds and to identify risk factors associated with seropositive herd status and high within-herd seroprevalence, 10,063 serum samples collected from cattle over 12 months of age in 171 Swiss dairy farms were analyzed using a commercial ELISA test. Eight herds were excluded due to non-interpretable ELISA results. Risk factors associated with seropositive herd status and high within-herd seroprevalence were investigated with regression models using results from a questionnaire on management practices possibly associated with the introduction or spread of MAP in the remaining 163 herds. Univariable logistic regression was performed, carrying forward for multivariable regression analysis when p < 0.2. Results The calculated between-herd true seroprevalence was 3.6% (95% CI, 0.96-8.4%). Due to the low within-herd seroprevalence, it was not possible to calculate the true seroprevalence at animal level; the apparent within-herd seroprevalence ranged from 2.3 to 5.5% with a median of 3.6% in nine positive farms. Herd size (p = 0.037) and the common grazing of lactating cows with cows from other herds (p = 0.014) were associated with seropositive herd status, while heifers sharing alpine pasture with dairy cattle from other herds were associated with a decreased probability of the herd to test seropositive (p = 0.042). Reliable identification of significant risk factors associated with MAP spread and high seroprevalence of PTB within seropositive herds was not possible due to low observed seroprevalence within herds and low sensitivity of the ELISA test. Discussion These results highlight the limitation of serology for MAP diagnosis in small herds with low infection prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ottardi
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sarah Schmitt
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Schneeberger
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Musolino N, Rampacci E, Tolasi C, Beccati F, Passamonti F. Long-term outcomes of the Italian Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis control programme for dairy cattle. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e4044. [PMID: 38624266 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4044] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The considerable epidemiological and economic implications of paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), have placed importance on control efforts aimed at preventing MAP transmission. In this context, Italy issued national guidelines for the control and status certification of MAP in dairy cattle in 2013. METHODS We assessed the long-term outcomes of the Italian MAP control programme for 14 dairy farms located in northern Italy by retrospectively reviewing the results of yearly serological tests, presence of clinical cases, MAP faecal shedding in serologically positive animals, farm management and health ranking as indicators of herd health between 2014 and 2021. RESULTS A significantly higher number of serologically positive animals were observed between 2014 and 2016 than between 2017 and 2021, as well as an improving trend in the paratuberculosis health ranking for nine of the 14 farms. No clinical cases were reported. MAP shedding was detected in 9.4% of serologically positive animals. Discarding colostrum and prioritised culling of seropositive animals assisted by adoption of standardised serological testing were presumed to have a key role in MAP control, despite the reluctance of some farmers to address hygienic issues and improve the separation of calves from adult animals. LIMITATIONS The small number of farms included in this study and the fact that these were not randomly selected may limit the generalisability of the findings. CONCLUSIONS The Italian paratuberculosis control plan has provided measures to limit the uncontrolled spread of MAP infection within and between herds by promoting animal trading between farms certified as negative or low risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Musolino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rampacci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Beccati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Weber MF, Kelton D, Eisenberg SWF, Donat K. Progress in Paratuberculosis Control Programmes for Dairy Herds. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1127. [PMID: 38612366 PMCID: PMC11010894 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071127] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
While paratuberculosis control has been studied for over a century, knowledge gaps still exist regarding the uptake and efficacy of control programmes. This narrative review aims to summarise studies on control programmes presented at the IDF ParaTB Fora in 2021 and 2022 and the International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis in 2022. Studies were grouped by topic as follows: successful control, field studies, education and extension, voluntary and compulsory control programmes, and surveillance. Various Map control programmes resulted in a decreasing animal and herd level Map prevalence. Long-term stakeholder commitment, stable funding, involvement of herd veterinarians and incentives for farmers to participate were shown to be pivotal for long-term success. Control measures focused on vertical and calf-to-calf transmission may improve Map control in infected herds. Easy-to-capture visualisation of surveillance test results to inform participants on the progress of Map control in their herds was developed. The probability of freedom from disease and estimated within-herd prevalence were identified as good candidates for categorisation of herds to support low-risk trade of cattle. Results of the surveillance schemes may inform genetic selection for resistance to Map infection. In conclusion, successful paratuberculosis control is feasible at both the herd and country level provided that crucial prerequisites are met.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | | | - Karsten Donat
- Thuringian Animal Diseases Fund, Victor-Goerttler-Straße 4, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Clinic for Reproduction and Neonatology of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 106, 35392 Gießen, Germany
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Morrison R, Rose DC. Factors that influence dairy farmers' decisions to implement Johne's Disease control practices: A systematic review. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106053. [PMID: 37865010 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106053] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Johne's Disease (JD) is an infectious ruminant disease that can cause economic loss for famers through reduced milk yields and infertility and has negative implications for animal welfare. JD is endemic in the dairy populations of many countries and there has been significant effort by governments and industry to try and control it. However, these efforts have had limited success. Many studies look at individual control programmes or the adoption of Johne's control measures; however a wider perspective on what drives farmer participation Johne's control does not currently exist. This study seeks to fill this gap by conducting a systematic review informed by the PRISMA statement. The results suggest that psychological factors such as participation fatigue, cognitive dissidence over animal welfare and not having first-hand experience of the disease act as barriers to Johne's control. To better promote Johne's control, this review emphasises that control programmes need to engage farmers, advisers, and supply chain actors in their design and delivery of control programmes to account for differing attitudes and levels of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Morrison
- School of Water, Energy and the Environment, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK.
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O'Connell LM, Coffey A, O'Mahony JM. Alternatives to antibiotics in veterinary medicine: considerations for the management of Johne's disease. Anim Health Res Rev 2023; 24:12-27. [PMID: 37475561 DOI: 10.1017/s146625232300004x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become a major health concern globally, with current predictions expecting deaths related to resistant infections to surpass those of cancer by 2050. Major efforts are being undertaken to develop derivative and novel alternatives to current antibiotic therapies in human medicine. What appears to be lacking however, are similar efforts into researching the application of those alternatives, such as (bacterio)phage therapy, in veterinary contexts. Agriculture is still undoubtedly the most prominent consumer of antibiotics, with up to 70% of annual antibiotic usage attributed to this sector, despite policies to reduce their use in food animals. This not only increases the risk of resistant infections spreading from farm to community but also the risk that animals may acquire species-specific infections that subvert treatment. While these diseases may not directly affect human welfare, they greatly affect the profit margin of industries reliant on livestock due to the cost of treatments and (more frequently) the losses associated with animal death. This means actively combatting animal infection not only benefits animal welfare but also global economies. In particular, targeting recurring or chronic conditions associated with certain livestock has the potential to greatly reduce financial losses. This can be achieved by developing novel diagnostics to quickly identify ill animals alongside the design of novel therapies. To explore this concept further, this review employs Johne's disease, a chronic gastroenteritis condition that affects ruminants, as a case study to exemplify the benefits of rapid diagnostics and effective treatment of chronic disease, with particular regard to the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M O'Connell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Jim M O'Mahony
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
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Scarpellini R, Giacometti F, Savini F, Arrigoni N, Garbarino CA, Carnevale G, Mondo E, Piva S. Bovine paratuberculosis: results of a control plan in 64 dairy farms in a 4-year period. Prev Vet Med 2023; 215:105923. [PMID: 37099999 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105923] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Paratuberculosis is considered one of the most economically devastating infectious diseases of domestic livestock, and the most effective control strategy is a combination of 'test-and-cull' and on-farm biosecurity measures. In Italy, a Voluntary National Control Plan (VNCP) and guidelines have been introduced to reduce the impact of the disease, and farmers can voluntarily enroll in the control plan. The main aims of this study were: i) the description of the trend over a 4-year period on total, within-herd (WH) and between herd (BH) apparent seroprevalences observed in 64 dairy herds members of a mutual company located in Italy after the introduction of a proposed "Customized Control Plan" (CCP); ii) the evaluation of its effectiveness in terms of percentage of participating farms that decided to join the VNCP. Analyses on serum samples were performed with Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) method and revealed a general decrease in both total, WH and BH apparent seroprevalence. Total average apparent seroprevalence decreased from 2.39% in 2017 to 1% in 2020. Negative herds raised from 51.9% in 2017 to 71.1% in 2020, while farms with WH apparent seroprevalence > 5% decreased from 17.3% in 2017 to 4.4% in 2020. BH apparent seroprevalence decreased from 51.2% in 2017 to 29.2% in 2020. Among the 52 out of 64 herds that accepted to continue the proposed CCP after the first year, 41 (78.8%) joined in 2020 the VNCP, that assessed the health ranking of the herds. The results provide evidence that a control plan based on a farm-specific strategy and a subsidized testing process can effectively reduce the impact of paratuberculosis in dairy herds, especially in convincing farmers to continue in paratuberculosis control by joining the VNCP, including them in a National context and increasing their awareness of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Scarpellini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna 40064, Italy.
| | - Federica Giacometti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna 40064, Italy
| | - Federica Savini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna 40064, Italy
| | - Norma Arrigoni
- National Reference Centre and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, "Bruno Ubertini", Piacenza, Italy
| | - Chiara Anna Garbarino
- National Reference Centre and WOAH Reference Laboratory for Paratuberculosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna, "Bruno Ubertini", Piacenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carnevale
- ASSO.LA.C Cooperative Company, Ciparsia district, Castrovillari (CS) 87012, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mondo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna 40064, Italy
| | - Silvia Piva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna 40064, Italy
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Association between calf rearing technology and farm-level paratuberculosis infection in Hungarian dairy farms. Prev Vet Med 2022; 207:105719. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zoche-Golob V, Pützschel R, Einax E, Donat K. Identification of different attitudes towards paratuberculosis control using cluster analysis applied on data from an anonymous survey among German cattle farmers. Ir Vet J 2021; 74:24. [PMID: 34526118 PMCID: PMC8444409 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-021-00204-3] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paratuberculosis is a common disease in ruminants, causing economic losses in livestock farming, and a relationship between the exposure to its causative agent Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, and Crohn’s disease in humans is discussed. Despite this, only a minority of cattle farmers have enroled in voluntary control programmes in most countries. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the farmer’s opinion on paratuberculosis and their motivations to participate in a control programme. The objective was to identify different groups among farmers regarding their motivation and thereby contribute to a better understanding of farmers’ attitudes towards paratuberculosis control. Results Two hundred twenty-five farmers responded to questionnaires that were distributed among cattle farmers in Saxony and Thuringia, federal states of Germany, together with boot-swab sampling sets for a free and anonymous herd-level paratuberculosis test. Among them, dairy herds and large herds were overrepresented. A hierarchical cluster analysis of the farmers’ answers resulted in four groups that we tagged as ‘informed sceptics’, ‘deniers’, ‘affected supporters’ and ‘free supporters’. In all groups, the majority considered paratuberculosis a threat to the public image of cattle farmers. Nearly all participants wanted to know the paratuberculosis herd status of purchased cattle. In contrast to the supporters, the informed sceptics and the deniers did not consider paratuberculosis a dangerous epizootic disease and would not welcome a mandatory control programme. The deniers and the affected supporters, but not the informed sceptics and the free supporters, assumed that their herd is affected by paratuberculosis. Unlike the deniers, all other groups would enrol in a control programme if the pathogen would have been found in their herd. Protecting future profitability and improving animal health were the two most important motivations to control paratuberculosis in all groups followed by aspects related to the marketing of breeding cattle. Most frequently, the costs and the assumed inaccuracy of diagnostics tests were mentioned as obstacles that hamper programme enrolment. Conclusions Significantly different attitudes of farmers regarding paratuberculosis control were identified. Therefore, tailored rather than uniform communication strategies are required to enhance participation in voluntary paratuberculosis control programmes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13620-021-00204-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Zoche-Golob
- Thuringian Animal Diseases Fund, Animal Health Service, Jena, Thuringia, Germany. .,Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Unit Epidemiology, Zoonoses and Antimicrobial Resistance, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany.
| | - René Pützschel
- Saxon Animal Disease Fund, Animal Health Service, Dresden, Saxony, Germany
| | - Esra Einax
- Thuringian Animal Diseases Fund, Animal Health Service, Jena, Thuringia, Germany
| | - Karsten Donat
- Thuringian Animal Diseases Fund, Animal Health Service, Jena, Thuringia, Germany.,Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology with Veterinary Ambulance, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Hesse, Germany
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