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McPherson A, Tranter B, Phipps A, Laven R, House J, Zadoks RN, Rowe S. Etiology and epidemiology of digital dermatitis in Australian dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5924-5941. [PMID: 38331178 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24258] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an important cause of lameness in dairy cows worldwide. However, very little is known about this disease in Australian herds, which are predominantly managed on pasture. The primary objectives of this cross-sectional study were to describe the presence and prevalence of BDD in Australian dairy herds and to characterize the microbiota of healthy skin and M4 lesions of BDD-affected, pasture-managed cows. Cows from 71 dairy herds were examined at milking time to identify the presence of BDD lesions. True prevalence was estimated using Bayesian methods with informative priors for sensitivity and specificity. Biopsy samples (n = 60) were collected from cows with and without BDD lesions in 7 pasture-based herds. The microbiota in the superficial and deep strata of each tissue biopsy were characterized via sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial ribosomal RNA gene. Lesions were detected in 1,817 (11.5%) of 15,813 cows and in 68 of 71 (95.8%) herds. The median herd-level apparent and true prevalences of BDD were 8.5% and 18.1%, respectively, but prevalences varied considerably between farms. On farms with BDD, M4 lesions accounted for 70% to 100% of all lesions (interquartile range = 95.1%-100%, median = 100%); M2 lesions (i.e., large ulcerative lesions) were observed at low prevalence (<2.2%) in the few herds (7/71, 9.9%) where they were found. There was a significant difference in the composition of the microbiota between healthy skin and M4 lesions but not between superficial and deep tissue layers. Several gut- and effluent-associated bacterial taxa, including Lentimicrobium and Porphyromonas, which have previously been associated with BDD, were abundant in BDD lesions but not in control biopsies. Our study supports the idea that such taxa are involved in, although possibly not essential to, lesion development and persistence in pasture-managed cows in Australia. Our results also suggest that Dichelobacter may contribute to the disease process. We conclude that BDD is likely to occur in most Australian dairy farms, but that further studies are needed to identify its effect on cow welfare and productivity. Further investigation of the etiology of BDD in Australian dairy herds is also necessary to inform prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McPherson
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - Bill Tranter
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4810, Australia; Tableland Veterinary Service, Malanda, Queensland, 4885, Australia
| | - Ash Phipps
- Rochester Veterinary Practice, Rochester, Victoria, 3561, Australia
| | - Richard Laven
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
| | - John House
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - Ruth N Zadoks
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - Sam Rowe
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia.
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Anagnostopoulos A, Barden M, Griffiths BE, Bedford C, Winters M, Li B, Coffey M, Psifidi A, Banos G, Oikonomou G. Association between a genetic index for digital dermatitis resistance and the presence of digital dermatitis, heel horn erosion, and interdigital hyperplasia in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:4915-4925. [PMID: 38331180 PMCID: PMC11245669 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24136] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a polybacterial disease endemic to most UK dairy farms. It poses a major financial and welfare threat and is characterized by high incidence and recurrence rates. We aimed to investigate the association between the UK EBV for resistance to digital dermatitis, the digital dermatitis index (DDI), and the frequency of DD, heel horn erosion (HHE), and interdigital hyperplasia (IH) in a population of Holstein dairy cows. We enrolled and genotyped 2,352 cows from 4 farms in a prospective cohort study. Foot lesion records were recorded by veterinary surgeons for each animal at 4 time points during a production cycle, starting at approximately 2 mo before calving and ending in late lactation. Importantly, these records were not used in the calculation of the DDI. Lesion records were matched to the animal's own DDI (n = 2,101) and their sire's DDI (n = 1,812). Digital dermatitis index values in our study population ranged from -1.41 to +1.2 and were transformed to represent distance from the mean expressed in SD. The relationship between the DDI and the presence of DD was investigated using a logistic regression model, with farm, parity, and a farm-parity interaction fitted as covariates. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the relationship between HHE and DDI with farm fitted as a covariate. Finally, a univariable logistic regression model with DDI as explanatory variable was used to investigate the relationship between IH and DDI. The odds ratio of an animal being affected by DD was 0.69 for 1 SD increase in the animal's DDI (95% CI = 0.63-0.76). The odds of HHE and IH were 0.69 (95% CI = 0.62-0.76) and 0.58 (95% CI = 0.49-0.68) respectively for 1 SD increase in DDI. The adjusted probability of DD was 32% (95% CI = 27-36%) for cows with mean DDI value of 0, while it was 24% (95% CI = 20-29%) in cows with a DDI value of +1. Sire DDI breeding values were standardized in the same way and then binned into terciles creating an ordinal variable representing bulls of high, medium, and low genetic merit for DD resistance. The daughters of low genetic merit bulls were at 2.05 (95% CI = 1.60-2.64), 1.96 (95% CI = 1.53-2.50), and 2.85 (95% CI = 1.64-5.16) times greater odds of being affected by DD, HHE, and IH, respectively, compared with the daughters of high genetic merit bulls. The results of this study highlight the potential of digital dermatitis genetic indexes to aid herd management of DD, and suggest that breeding for resistance to DD, alongside environmental and management control practices, could reduce the prevalence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Anagnostopoulos
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - M Barden
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - B E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - C Bedford
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - M Winters
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Coventry, CV3 4PE, United Kingdom
| | - B Li
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - M Coffey
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - A Psifidi
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - G Banos
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - G Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
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Roche SM, Renaud DL, Saraceni J, Kelton DF, DeVries TJ. Invited review: Prevalence, risk factors, treatment, and barriers to best practice adoption for lameness and injuries in dairy cattle-A narrative review. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3347-3366. [PMID: 38101730 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23870] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lameness and leg injuries are both painful and prevalent across the dairy industry, and are a major welfare concern. There has been a considerable amount of research focused on investigating the risk factors associated with lameness and injuries and how they might be prevented and treated. The objectives of this narrative review were to summarize herd-level prevalence estimates, risk factors, strategies for prevention, control, and treatment of these conditions, and the barriers to best practice adoption for lameness and injuries on dairy farms. There is a relatively high within-herd prevalence of lameness on dairy farms globally, with a recent systematic review estimating the mean prevalence at 22.8%. Similarly, there is a relatively high prevalence of hock injuries, with within-herd estimates ranging from 12% to 81% of cows affected. Knee and neck injuries have been reported to be less common, with 6% to 43% and 1% to 33%, respectively. Numerous risk factors have been associated with the incidence of lameness, notably housing (e.g., access to pasture, bedding depth, bedding type, flooring type, stall design), management (e.g., stall cleanliness, frequency of trimming, holding times, stocking density), and cow-level (e.g., body condition, parity, injured hocks) factors. Risk factors associated with hock injuries can be similarly classified into housing (e.g., bedding type and depth, outdoor access, parlor type, stall design), management (e.g., bedding depth, cleanliness), and cow (e.g., parity, days in milk, lameness) factors. Key preventative approaches for lameness include routine preventative and corrective hoof trimming, improving hoof cushioning and traction through access to pasture or adding rubber flooring, deep-bedded stalls, sand bedding, ensuring appropriate stocking densities, reduced holding times, and the frequent use of routine footbaths. Very little research has been conducted on hock, knee, and neck injury prevention and recovery. Numerous researchers have concluded that both extrinsic (e.g., time, money, space) and intrinsic (e.g., farmer attitude, perception, priorities, and mindset) barriers exist to addressing lameness and injuries on dairy farms. There are many diverse stakeholders in lameness and injury management including the farmer, farm staff, veterinarian, hoof trimmer, nutritionist, and other advisors. Addressing dairy cattle lameness and injuries must, therefore, consider the people involved, as it is these people who are influencing and implementing on-farm decisions related to lameness prevention, treatment, and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1; ACER Consulting Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - D L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - J Saraceni
- ACER Consulting Ltd., Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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Åkerström F, Bergsten C, Nyman AK. Association between hoof trimming frequency in primiparous cows and hoof health and survival in second lactation. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00839-7. [PMID: 38825125 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Lameness, mostly resulting from claw lesions, causes major welfare problems in the dairy industry. One way to prevent claw lesions is hoof trimming, but the overall effect and the optimal hoof trimming frequency are unknown. In a retrospective cohort study, we investigated the association between hoof trimming frequency in primiparous cows and hoof health and culling in second lactation. We based our analysis on breed, calving and culling data in the period 2015-2018 for 30,613 primiparous cows in 202 Swedish dairy herds. Of the cows enrolled, 20% were not hoof-trimmed, 30% were trimmed once, 34% were trimmed twice, 13% were trimmed 3 times, and 2% were trimmed ≥ 4 times. We used multivariable mixed-effect logistic and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models to investigate the association between trimming frequency and 2 outcomes: hoof lesions at first trimming occasion within 90 d from second calving and culling in second lactation within 300 d after second calving. In general, cows trimmed 2 or 3 times during first lactation were at lower odds of having claw lesions compared with cows that were not trimmed (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.62-0.71 and 0.60, 95% CI = 0.55-0.66, respectively) or cows trimmed once (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.75-0.85 and OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.66-0.79, respectively), and this beneficial effect was observed for most types of claw lesions. Moreover, cows trimmed 2, 3, or ≥ 4 times were at lower odds of being culled compared with cows that were not trimmed (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.65-0.77, 0.68, 95% CI = 0.61-0.76 and 0.70, 95% CI = 0.54-0.90, respectively) or trimmed once (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.71-0.83, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.66-0.82 and OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59-0.97, respectively). In particular, 2 trimmings, compared with 1 or no trimming, lowered the relative risk-ratio of dying or being euthanized on-farm, or being culled due to claw and leg disorders. More than 1 hoof trimming in first lactation also reduced the relative-risk ratio of being culled for other reasons. In conclusion, 2 or 3 hoof trimmings during first lactation were generally beneficial for hoof health in early second lactation and survival in second lactation. These findings can help improve animal welfare and production by reducing claw lesions, and thereby lameness among dairy cows, which would increase the longevity of dairy cows and the sustainability of the dairy industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Åkerström
- Department of Biosystem and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-23053, Alnarp, Sweden; Department of Research and Development, Växa, Box 30204, SE-104 25, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - C Bergsten
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A-K Nyman
- Department of Research and Development, Växa, Box 30204, SE-104 25, Stockholm, Sweden
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Roelofs L, Frössling J, Rosander A, Bjerketorp J, Belaghi RA, Hansson I, Frosth S. Digital dermatitis in Swedish dairy herds assessed by ELISA targeting Treponema phagedenis in bulk tank milk. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:168. [PMID: 38698418 PMCID: PMC11064309 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04021-y] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious hoof infection affecting cattle worldwide. The disease causes lameness and a reduction in animal welfare, which ultimately leads to major decreases in milk production in dairy cattle. The disease is most likely of polymicrobial origin with Treponema phagedenis and other Treponema spp. playing a key role; however, the etiology is not fully understood. Diagnosis of the disease is based on visual assessment of the feet by trained hoof-trimmers and veterinarians, as a more reliable diagnostic method is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on bulk tank milk samples testing for the presence of T. phagedenis antibodies as a proxy to assess herd prevalence of DD in Swedish dairy cattle herds. RESULTS Bulk tank milk samples were collected in 2013 from 612 dairy herds spread across Sweden. A nationwide DD apparent prevalence of 11.9% (8.1-14.4% CI95%) was found, with the highest proportion of test-positive herds in the South Swedish regions (31.3%; 19.9-42.4% CI95%). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals an underestimation of DD prevalence based on test results compared to hoof trimming data, highlighting the critical need for a reliable and accurate diagnostic method. Such a method is essential for disease monitoring and the development of effective control strategies. The novelty of ELISA-based diagnostic methods for DD, coupled with the disease's polymicrobial origin, suggests an avenue for improvement. Developing an expanded ELISA, incorporating antigens from various bacterial species implicated in the disease, could enhance diagnostic accuracy. The significance of this study is underscored by the extensive analysis of a substantial sample size (612). Notably, this investigation stands as the largest assessment to date, evaluating the application of ELISA on bulk tank milk for DD diagnosis at the herd level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lex Roelofs
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
| | - Jenny Frössling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 234, Skara, 532 23, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Surveillance and Risk Assessment, Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA), Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden
| | - Anna Rosander
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Joakim Bjerketorp
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Reza Arabi Belaghi
- Department of Energy and Technology, Unit of Applied Statistics and Mathematics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7032, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hansson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Sara Frosth
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
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Holzhauer M, Kalsbeek S, Frankena K. Evaluation of selected risk factors for different stages of digital dermatitis in Dutch dairy cows. Vet J 2024; 304:106086. [PMID: 38417669 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106086] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful infectious disease in dairy cattle that causes ulcerative lesions of the skin just above the coronary band, mainly of the hind legs. Estimates for DD prevalence at cow level in the Netherlands range from 20% to 25%. In this study, risk factors for the various stages of DD were identified and quantified. The hind legs of 6766 cows on 88 farms were scored by trained interns, using the M-scoring system (M0-M4.1). Farms in this study were a convenience sample, based on the prevalence of DD as recorded at the latest herd trim, geographical location and willingness of the farmers to participate. A survey with questions about cow environment and herd management was conducted by the intern at the day of scoring. The data were collected between August 2017 and January 2018. DD was found on 38.6% of the scored legs; 49.8% of the cows had DD on at least one leg and M4 was the most frequent stage (20.9%). Not removing manure on a regular basis resulted in lower odds for M2, M4 and M4.1 compared to cleaning by automatic scrapers ten times a day or more (odds ratio [OR]= 0.16, 0.49 and 0.18, respectively). The odds for M2 and M4 lesions were higher in cows aged 3-5 years than in first-calved cows (OR> 1.5 and > 1.7, respectively). Rubber flooring in the passageways resulted in lower odds for both M1 and M2 (OR, 0.06 and 0.32, respectively). Prophylactic use of footbaths treatment with an alternative active compound resulted in significant higher odds for M4 lesions than formalin and a combination of formalin and copper sulphate (OR= 1.69 and 2.04 respectively). The odds for an M4.1 lesion were lower in cows from smaller herds (n = 50-100) compared to large herds (n >100; OR= 0.67).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Holzhauer
- GD Animal Health, Deventer, PO Box 9, Deventer 7400 AA, the Netherlands.
| | - S Kalsbeek
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, Wageningen 6700 AH, the Netherlands
| | - K Frankena
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, Wageningen 6700 AH, the Netherlands
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Fürmann A, Syring C, Becker J, Sarbach A, Weber J, Welham Ruiters M, Steiner A. Prevalence of Painful Lesions of the Digits and Risk Factors Associated with Digital Dermatitis, Ulcers and White Line Disease on Swiss Cattle Farms. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:153. [PMID: 38200884 PMCID: PMC10778466 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010153] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The first aim of this study was to calculate the prevalence of painful lesions of the digits ("alarm" lesions; ALs) in Swiss dairy herds and cow-calf operations over a three-year study period. The following ALs were included in the calculation: the M2 stage of digital dermatitis (DD M2), ulcers (U), white line fissures (WLF) of moderate and high severity, white line abscesses (WLA), interdigital phlegmon (IP) and swelling of the coronet and/or bulb (SW). Between February 2020 and February 2023, digit disorders were electronically recorded during routine trimmings by 40 specially trained hoof trimmers on Swiss cattle farms participating in the national claw health programme. The data set used consisted of over 35,000 observations from almost 25,000 cows from 702 herds. While at the herd-level, the predominant AL documented in 2022 was U with 50.3% followed by WLF with 38.1%, at the cow-level, in 2022, it was DD M2 with 5.4% followed by U with 3.7%. During the study period, within-herd prevalences of ALs ranged from 0.0% to a maximum of 66.1% in 2020. The second aim of this study was to determine herd- and cow-level risk factors associated with digital dermatitis (DD), U and white line disease (WL) in dairy cows using data from 2022. While for DD, analysed herd-level factors appeared to have a greater effect on the probability of its occurrence, the presence of U and WL was mainly associated with the analysed cow-level factors. The risk for DD increased with a higher herd trimming frequency. Herds kept in tie stalls had a lower risk for DD and WL and a higher risk for U compared to herds kept in loose housing systems. Herds with predominantly Holstein Friesian cows as well as Holstein Friesian cows had a higher risk for the occurrence of DD compared to herds and cows of other breeds. With increasing parity, cows had a higher risk of developing U and WL, whereas for DD, parity was negatively associated with prevalence. Cows trimmed during the grazing period had a higher risk of U and WL than cows trimmed during the housing period. These findings may contribute to improve management measures affecting the health of the digits in farms with structures similar to those evaluated in the current study, such as small herds with frequent access to pasture. Further research is warranted to demonstrate how measures addressing the current results combined with those of individual herd risk assessments might contribute to an improvement in the health of the digits in the respective dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fürmann
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.S.); (J.B.); (A.S.); (J.W.); (M.W.R.); (A.S.)
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Magana J, Gavojdian D, Menahem Y, Lazebnik T, Zamansky A, Adams-Progar A. Machine learning approaches to predict and detect early-onset of digital dermatitis in dairy cows using sensor data. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1295430. [PMID: 38105776 PMCID: PMC10722090 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1295430] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to employ machine learning algorithms based on sensor behavior data for (1) early-onset detection of digital dermatitis (DD) and (2) DD prediction in dairy cows. Our machine learning model, which was based on the Tree-Based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOT) automatic machine learning method, for DD detection on day 0 of the appearance of the clinical signs has reached an accuracy of 79% on the test set, while the model for the prediction of DD 2 days prior to the appearance of the first clinical signs, which was a combination of K-means and TPOT, has reached an accuracy of 64%. The proposed machine learning models have the potential to help achieve a real-time automated tool for monitoring and diagnosing DD in lactating dairy cows based on sensor data in conventional dairy barn environments. Our results suggest that alterations in behavioral patterns can be used as inputs in an early warning system for herd management in order to detect variances in the health and wellbeing of individual cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Magana
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Dinu Gavojdian
- Cattle Production Systems Laboratory, Research and Development Institute for Bovine, Balotesti, Romania
| | - Yakir Menahem
- Department of Computer Science, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
| | - Teddy Lazebnik
- Department of Mathematics, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Zamansky
- Tech4Animals Laboratory, Information Systems Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amber Adams-Progar
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Holzhauer M, Mars J, Holstege M, van der Heijden H. An In-House ELISA for Treponema Antibodies in Bulk Milk as Part of a Monitoring Tool for Claw Health in Dairy Herds. Vet Sci 2023; 10:571. [PMID: 37756093 PMCID: PMC10537149 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090571] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a painful inflammation at the coronary band of the claws, a major cause of lameness in cattle and associated with infections with several Treponema spp. Clinical inspection of the feet is the best way to diagnose DD, but this is laborious and stressful for cattle. A simple diagnostic tool was developed to monitor DD prevalence at the herd level. An antibody ELISA based on antigens from four different Treponema spp. has been developed and validated in two field studies. In one study, bulk milk and individual milk samples of seven dairy herds, of which clinical claw scores were obtained, were tested. In the second study, bulk milk was tested from 110 herds of which clinical scores were obtained. A weak correlation between clinical scores of cows and the ELISA results in individual milk samples was observed. The ELISA response in bulk milk was higher in herds with higher mean clinical scores. Using the ELISA results in bulk milk, herds with a low or high proportion of cattle with DD lesions could be distinguished. This ELISA is useful to obtain insight into the DD status at the herd level, and is nowadays being used in a claw health monitoring program for dairy cattle in the Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menno Holzhauer
- Bovine Health Department, Royal GD Animal Health, P.O. Box 9 7400 AA Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Jet Mars
- R&D Department, Laboratory, Royal GD Animal Health, P.O. Box 9 7400 AA Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Holstege
- Epidemiology and Statistics Department, Royal GD Animal Health, P.O. Box 9 7400 AA Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Harold van der Heijden
- R&D Department, Laboratory, Royal GD Animal Health, P.O. Box 9 7400 AA Deventer, The Netherlands
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The Value of Current Ante Mortem Meat Inspection and Food Chain Information of Dairy Cows in Relation to Post Mortem Findings and the Protection of Public Health: A Case for a More Risk-Based Meat Inspection. Foods 2023; 12:foods12030616. [PMID: 36766146 PMCID: PMC9914314 DOI: 10.3390/foods12030616] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the contribution of the ante mortem (AM) inspection and the food chain information (FCI) to ensuring meat safety and public health was investigated, by evaluating the slaughterhouse findings of 223,600 slaughtered dairy cows in the Netherlands. The outcome of this study was that the ante mortem (AM) and post mortem (PM) inspections have a substantial overlap, and that with regard to food safety and public health in over 99% of cases the PM could even be omitted on the basis of the AM. In this study, the data provided by the dairy farmers on the current FCI forms contributed little to nothing with regard to the outcomes of AM and PM inspection. It is concluded that current meat inspection procedures need an update and a more risk-based approach needs to be adopted. Regarding this, the AM inspection of dairy cattle should remain, because it plays an important role in ensuring food safety (e.g., by preventing contamination of the slaughter line by excessively dirty animals, or animals with abscesses), monitoring animal welfare and in detecting some important notifiable diseases. The PM inspection, however, could in many cases be omitted, provided there is a strict AM inspection complemented by a vastly improved (automated) way of obtaining reliable FCI.
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Weber J, Becker J, Syring C, Ruiters MW, Locher I, Bayer M, Schüpbach-Regula G, Steiner A. Farm-level risk factors for digital dermatitis in dairy cows in mountainous regions. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:1341-1350. [PMID: 36526455 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Reduction of risk factors for bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is crucial in current disease control. However, risk factors that might arise especially in mountainous regions are unknown until now, and an adapted BDD control program is consequently missing. The objective of this observational case-control study was to identify farm-level risk factors for BDD in dairy herds in mountainous regions. To investigate predictors for the occurrence of BDD, 100 farms were visited and information about herd characteristics and management practices, potentially relevant explanatory variables for either introduction or establishment of BDD, were gathered by completing a questionnaire with the farmer or herd manager. Within-herd prevalences of BDD assessed during 3 routine claw trimmings with an interval of 6 mo before the survey were used to define cases (BDD within-herd prevalence of ≥26% during each claw trimming) and controls (no BDD cases in each of the 3 routine claw trimmings before the survey). Data were analyzed using 2 separate binomial generalized linear models according to either establishment or introduction of BDD. After prescreening, 15 of 23 explanatory variables were included in the final analysis, which showed 3 variables related to introduction and establishment, each being significantly associated with the occurrence of BDD within a farm. Results of model 1 (i.e., aspects related to BDD introduction) revealed that access to mountain pastures during the summer season (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.12, 0.04-0.35), participation in dairy shows (0.32, 0.11-0.94), and the number of new animals introduced into the farm during the last 2 yr (1.28, 1.12-1.52) were significantly associated with the occurrence of BDD. Model 2 (i.e., aspects related to BDD establishment) showed that cows kept in freestalls were at higher risk for BDD compared with those kept in tiestalls (20.65, 1.59-649.37). Furthermore, number of days between diagnosis and treatment of a BDD lesion (10.31, 3.55-81.21) and the amount of concentrate feeding (median 5 kg) per cow and day (7.72, 2.46-6.47) were positively associated with BDD occurrence. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide a set of risk factors that are associated with BDD status within herds in mountainous regions. These results may help in development of adapted control programs for BDD in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Weber
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Jens Becker
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Syring
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Welham Ruiters
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Iwan Locher
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Bayer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Alsaaod M, Schmid RM, Zwahlen N, Soto S, Wildi N, Seuberlich T, Steiner A. First description of interdigital hyperplasia associated with contagious ovine digital dermatitis in two sheep. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1028880. [PMID: 36686194 PMCID: PMC9849560 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1028880] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interdigital hyperplasia (IH) is a fold of fibrous tissue protruding into the interdigital space that rarely occurs in sheep. Interdigital hyperplasia secondary infected with bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) treponemes has been reported in cattle in the course of the increasing spread of classical BDD lesions. In this report, we describe proliferative/ulcerative interdigital lesions associated with contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) treponemes and clinically scored as (IH+CODD), occurring in both hind limbs of a ram and the left hindlimb of a ewe. Both cases exhibited epidermal hyperplasia, parakeratosis and focal-extensive areas of epidermal necrosis with numerous infiltrating neutrophils. Treponema PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were positive for Treponema phylotype 1 (PT1). In addition, Dichelobacter (D.) nodosus and Porphyromonas (P.) levii were detected in the biopsy by PCR. In three slaughter sheep, without claw lesions, which were kept together with both affected sheep, Treponema spp. were detected neither with PCR nor FISH; the PCRs for D. nodosus and P. levii were also negative. Complete clinical healing occurred in the ewe within 6 weeks after three local applications of a chlortetracycline spray in 2 weeks intervals. This report is the first description of IH+CODD in sheep as demonstrated by a combination of histopathological and molecular analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robin Michael Schmid
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Zwahlen
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sara Soto
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Wildi
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Torsten Seuberlich
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Pirkkalainen H, Döpfer D, Soveri T, Kujala-Wirth M. Comparison of ozonated water and acidified copper sulphate in prevention of digital dermatitis in dairy cows. Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:41. [PMID: 36539792 PMCID: PMC9764538 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00657-8] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most significant infectious hoof disorder of cattle in Europe. Hoof baths are one of the most common control methods. Copper sulphate and formalin are commonly used in hoof baths, but their use is problematic in many European countries for health, environmental and safety reasons. Ozonated water and acidified copper sulphate were tested as prevention of DD in a 5-month study. Data were derived from 302 hind feet of Holstein and Estonian Red cows (no. of cows = 151) from a commercial dairy farm in Estonia. Altogether 168 hind feet were included in the acidified copper sulphate group and 134 feet in the ozonated water group. Hoof bathing was carried out three days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) for two months and then two days a week (Mon, Wed) for three and a half months, in both groups. Ozonated water was sprayed on to the digital skin of hind feet of cows twice a day on treatment days, while the cows were eating. The copper sulphate bath consisted of copper sulphate (2%) mixed with an organic acid compound to acidify and ionize the solution. Cows walked through acidified copper sulphate solution twice a day on treatment days as they were exiting the milking parlor. DD negative and DD positive test results in both groups were compared and statistically tested for differences. The copper sulphate solution was more effective than ozonated water at preventing acute DD lesions. A random maximum likelihood model demonstrated that the odds ratio for DD in the ozonated water group was six times higher compared with DD in the acidified copper sulphate group. Most of the cows that were initially without any DD lesions (M0 + no other severe hoof lesion), remained lesion-free in both groups (copper sulphate group 97% and ozonated water group 88%). Despite trial design deficiencies, the findings indicate that acidified copper sulphate was a more effective solution in preventing DD than ozonated water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hertta Pirkkalainen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Dörte Döpfer
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, 53706 USA
| | - Timo Soveri
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Minna Kujala-Wirth
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Department of Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
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14
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Alsaaod M, Weber J, Jensen T, Brandt S, Gurtner C, Devaux D, Studer E, Steiner A. “Non-healing” claw horn lesions in dairy cows: Clinical, histopathological and molecular biological characterization of four cases. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1041215. [PMID: 36337205 PMCID: PMC9627347 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1041215] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) contributes to a higher occurrence of secondary infections of exposed corium with Treponema spp. in bovine claws. “Non-healing” claw horn lesions (NHL) clinically resemble BDD lesions. They are severe, cause chronic lameness, and may persist for several months. They poorly respond to standard treatments of BDD and represent a serious welfare issue. In this study, four cases of NHL were classified clinically either as BDD-associated axial horn fissures (BDD-HFA; n = 3) or BDD-associated sole ulcer (BDD-SU; n = 1). In all four cases, pronounced multifocal keratinolysis of the stratum corneum, ulceration, and severe chronic lymphoplasmacytic perivascular to interstitial dermatitis were observed. All lesional samples tested positive for Treponema spp., Fusobacterium (F.) necrophorum, and Porphyromonas (P.) levii by PCRs. BDD-HFA lesions contained Treponema pedis as revealed by genetic identities of 93, 99, and 100%. Treponemes in the BDD-SU lesion were 94% homologous to Treponema phylotype PT3. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed extensive epidermal infiltration by treponemes that made up > 90% of the total bacterial population in all four lesions. FISH also tested positive for P. levii and negative for F. necrophorum in all four cases, whilst only one BDD-HFA contained Dichelobacter nodosus. Our data point to BDD-associated treponemes and P. levii constituting potential etiological agents in the development of “non-healing” claw horn lesions in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Maher Alsaaod
| | - Jim Weber
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tim Jensen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Section for Pathobiological Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sabine Brandt
- Research Group Oncology, Equine Clinic of Surgery, Department of Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Corinne Gurtner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Devaux
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eveline Studer
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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15
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Browne N, Hudson CD, Crossley RE, Sugrue K, Huxley JN, Conneely M. Hoof lesions in partly housed pasture-based dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:9038-9053. [PMID: 36175241 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lameness is a symptom of a painful disorder affecting the limbs, which impacts dairy cow welfare and productivity. Lameness is primarily caused by hoof lesions. The prevalence of different lesion types can differ depending on environmental conditions and farm management practices. The aims of this observational study were to establish the cow-level and herd-level lesion prevalence during both housing and grazing periods in a partly housed, pasture-based system, establish the prevalence of lesions always associated with pain ("alarm" lesion), identify the lesions associated with a higher lameness score, determine relationships between lesions, and identify risk factors for digital dermatitis. On 98 farms during the grazing period and on 74 of the same farms during the housing period, every cow was lameness scored (0-3 lameness scoring scale), and the hind hooves of lame cows (score 2 and 3) were examined (maximum 20 cows per visit) and the prevalence of each lesion type recorded. To gather data on potential predictors for the risk factor analysis, a questionnaire with the farmer was conducted on lameness management practices and infrastructure measurements were taken at each visit. Cow-level data were also collected (e.g., parity, breed, milk yield, and so on). Noninfectious lesions were found to be more prevalent than infectious lesions in this system type. The most prevalent lesion types during both grazing and housing periods were white line separation, sole hemorrhages and overgrown claws; all remaining lesions had a cow-level prevalence of less than 15%. The cow-level prevalence of alarm lesions was 19% during the grazing period and 25% during the housing period; the most prevalent alarm lesion was sole ulcers during both periods. We found significantly more foreign bodies within the hoof sole (grazing = 14%, housing = 7%) and overgrown claws (grazing = 71%, housing = 55%) during the grazing period compared with the housing period. Cows with foul of the foot, sole ulcer, white line abscess, toe necrosis or an amputated claw had higher odds of being more severely lame, compared with mildly lame. The strongest correlation between lesions were between toe necrosis and digital dermatitis (r = 0.40), overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.33), and interdigital hyperplasia and digital dermatitis (r = 0.31) at herd level. At the cow level, the strongest correlation was between overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.27), and digital dermatitis and heel erosion (r = 0.22). The farmers' perception of the presence of digital dermatitis (and lameness) was significantly correlated with the actual presence of digital dermatitis recorded. Additional risk factors for the presence of digital dermatitis were cow track and verge width near the collecting yard, and stone presence on the cow tracks. Results from this study help further our understanding of the causes of lameness in partly housed, pasture-based dairy cows, and can be used to guide prevention and treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Browne
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD.
| | - C D Hudson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - R E Crossley
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302; Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 6700 AH
| | - K Sugrue
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
| | - J N Huxley
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442
| | - M Conneely
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland, P61 P302
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16
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Ahlén L, Holmøy IH, Nødtvedt A, Sogstad ÅM, Fjeldaas T. A case-control study regarding factors associated with digital dermatitis in Norwegian dairy herds. Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:19. [PMID: 35964105 PMCID: PMC9375421 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious bovine foot disease causing painful lesions, lameness, and reduced animal welfare. Previous studies indicate a complex aetiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare DD negative and DD positive herds to identify factors associated with DD in Norwegian dairy herds by analysing data obtained in a questionnaire and data recorded in the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System (NDHRS). The questionnaire was e-mailed to the owners of all 380 herds recorded with DD in 2019 and to 1530 randomly selected herds with no recordings of DD. Altogether 559 dairy herds were included in the final study population, of which 113 was classified as DD positive (≥ one cow recorded with DD in NDHRS) and 446 as DD negative. When stratified by housing system, the ratio between DD positive and negative herds was 108/281 in free stalls and 5/165 in tie stalls. Multilevel logistic regression was used to model the association between potential risk factors and variables related to the detection and diagnosis of DD, and the outcome in the free-stall population. Geographical area (county) was included in the model as a random effect. Results In the final study population 108/113 (96%) of the DD positive herds were housed in free stalls versus 5/113 (4%) in tie stalls. The free-stall herds’ DD status was associated with purchase of cattle during the last 5 years (baseline: 0 animals, OR = 2.30 for category 12–27 animals, OR = 4.34 for 28–52 animals, and OR = 5.39 for ≥ 53 animals). The DD status was also associated with claw trimming frequency (Baseline: 1 < 2/year, OR = 0.41 for category < 1/year, and OR = 4.09 for ≥ 3/year), whether the claw trimming was done by a certified professional trimmer or not (baseline: ≤ 90% of the cows, OR = 3.98 for category ≥ 90% of the cows), cleaning of feet in the chute before trimming (baseline: no cleaning, OR = 1.98 for category cleaning), and alley flooring (baseline: slatted floor, OR = 2.36 for category solid floor). Conclusions Digital dermatitis was far more frequent in Norwegian dairy herds housed in free stalls versus those housed in tie stalls. In the free-stall herds purchase of cattle, increasing trimming frequency, use of certified professional trimmer, cleaning of the feet in the chute, and solid flooring in the alleys were associated with increased odds of recorded DD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13028-022-00635-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Ahlén
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.
| | - Ingrid Hunter Holmøy
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Ane Nødtvedt
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Terje Fjeldaas
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
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Comparison of Low- and High-Cost Infrared Thermal Imaging Devices for the Detection of Lameness in Dairy Cattle. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080414. [PMID: 36006329 PMCID: PMC9413687 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080414] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lameness has high economic and welfare cost to the U.K. dairy industry; accurate and early detection of lameness minimises this cost. Thermal imaging devices can be used as a method of detecting lameness; however, these devices are typically high-cost and fragile, limiting their usefulness in a farm setting. This study looked at the effectiveness of low-cost thermal imaging devices when used as lameness detection aids, by comparing one to a research-specification thermal imaging device. Thermal images were taken of cattle feet, and each cow was assessed for lameness. Both devices tested were able to determine whether the cattle were lame; however, the research-specification device performed marginally better at this function. This minimal difference in effectiveness between these devices suggests that low-cost thermal imaging devices could be used as a lameness detection aid; increased use of these devices by farmers may increase lameness detection rates and benefit animal welfare. Abstract Lameness has a high economic cost to the U.K. dairy industry; accurate and early detection of lameness minimises this cost. Infrared thermal imaging (IRT) devices have shown promising results for use as a lameness detection aid in cattle when used in research settings; these devices are typically high-cost, limiting their adoption. This study analysed the effectiveness of low-cost IRT devices (LCDs) as lameness detection aids, by comparing both maximum environmentally adjusted temperature values and hindfeet temperature difference collected by an LCD to the mobility score of the cow; this test was repeated for data collected by a research-specification device. Data collection occurred during routine milking of 83 cattle; each cow’s mobility was scored afterwards. Significant differences were found between lame and sound cows with the LCD, upon analysis of both methods. There was no significant difference between the data captured by differing devices. The maximum sensitivity and specificity values for the LCD were calculated as 66.95 and 64.53, respectively, compared with 70.34 and 70.94, respectively, for the research-specification device; optimum threshold values for these were equivalent for both devices, suggesting IRT lameness identification is not device-dependent. It was concluded that a minimal difference in effectiveness between tested devices suggests that LCDs could be used as a lameness detection aid; consequently, there is potential for widespread adoption as on-farm detection aids.
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Wynands EM, Caixeta LS, Cramer G. Using a target trial approach to evaluate the role of hyperketonemia in sole ulcer and white line hoof lesion development. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6164-6174. [PMID: 35599034 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21694] [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: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This observational cohort study enrolled cows from 7 freestall dairy herds in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The objective was to estimate the causal role of hyperketonemia on new sole ulcer and white line hoof lesions (SUWL). Multiparous cows were enrolled at the time of their precalving hoof trim, at the end of their previous lactation. Enrolled cows were hoof trimmed twice: precalving between 90 to 21 d before calving (n = 2,037), and postcalving between 21 to 150 d after calving (n = 1,408). We trained 7 commercial hoof trimmers, employed by the farms, in lesion identification to standardize lesion recording. Hoof trimmers conducted therapeutic trimming as well as diagnosing and treating lesions. After parturition, cows between 3 and 16 d in milk were tested once weekly for hyperketonemia using a hand-held ketone meter. Farm staff and research personnel conducted the β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) testing. Cows were classified as hyperketonemic (HYK+) if they had a blood BHB ≥1.2 mmol/L or hyperketonemia-negative (HYK-) if blood BHB <1.2 mmol/L. At the precalving hoof trim, 15.6% of cows trimmed had a lesion and 1.9% of cows had a SUWL; thus, cows with a SUWL were excluded from further analysis (n = 38). At the postcalving hoof trim, 25.8% of cows trimmed had a hoof lesion, and 3.6% of cows had a SUWL. The most prevalent lesions at the pre- and postcalving hoof trims were digital dermatitis and corkscrew lesions. The incidence of hyperketonemia among cows was 21.1% (421/1,999) and the incidence on farms ranged from 5.7 to 29.1%. After excluding cows due to being hoof trimmed outside our designated window, the multilevel logistic regression model for the odds of SUWL at the postcalving hoof trim included 1,209 cows (HYK+ = 257/1,209; SUWL = 42/1,209). The odds of having SUWL in HYK+ was 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.29, 1.49) times the odds of that for HYK- cows. For cows diagnosed with a lesion (digital dermatitis, corkscrew, toe, foot rot, or other lesion) at their precalving hoof trim (n = 199), the odds of having SUWL for HYK+ cows were 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.05, 3.92) times the odds of that for HYK- cows. The wide range of compatible causal estimates suggest that hyperketonemia likely has a limited role in the development of SUWL in cows with or without a hoof lesion precalving. Future research should investigate other transition period factors such as inflammation or structural changes to the foot that may have a causative role in the development of SUWL.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Wynands
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - L S Caixeta
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - G Cramer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
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19
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Oehm AW, Merle R, Tautenhahn A, Jensen KC, Mueller KE, Feist M, Zablotski Y. Identifying cow - level factors and farm characteristics associated with locomotion scores in dairy cows using cumulative link mixed models. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263294. [PMID: 35089972 PMCID: PMC8797239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness is a tremendous problem in intensively managed dairy herds all over the world. It has been associated with considerable adverse effects on animal welfare and economic viability. The majority of studies have evaluated factors associated with gait disturbance by categorising cows into lame and non-lame. This procedure yet entails a loss of information and precision. In the present study, we extend the binomial response to five categories acknowledging the ordered categorical nature of locomotion assessments, which conserves a higher level of information. A cumulative link mixed modelling approach was used to identify factors associated with increasing locomotion scores. The analysis revealed that a low body condition, elevated somatic cell count, more severe hock lesions, increasing parity, absence of pasture access, and poor udder cleanliness were relevant variables associated with higher locomotion scores. Furthermore, distinct differences in the locomotion scores assigned were identified in regard to breed, observer, and season. Using locomotion scores rather than a dichotomised response variable uncovers more refined relationships between gait disturbances and associated factors. This will help to understand the intricate nature of gait disturbances in dairy cows more deeply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas W. Oehm
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annegret Tautenhahn
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - K. Charlotte Jensen
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin-Elisabeth Mueller
- Clinic for Ruminants and Swine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melanie Feist
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität Munich, Oberschleissheim, Germany
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20
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Edwardes F, van der Voort M, Halasa T, Holzhauer M, Hogeveen H. Simulating the mechanics behind sub-optimal mobility and the associated economic losses in dairy production. Prev Vet Med 2021; 199:105551. [PMID: 34999442 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105551] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hoof disorders and sub-optimal mobility (SOM) are economically important health issues in dairy farming. Although the dynamics of hoof disorders have an important effect on cow mobility, they have not been considered in previous simulation models that estimate the economic loss of SOM. Furthermore, these models do not consider the varying severities of SOM. The objective of this study was to develop a novel bio-economic simulation model to simulate the dynamics of 8 hoof disorders: digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital hyperplasia (HYP), interdigital dermatitis/heel-horn erosion (IDHE), interdigital phlegmon (IP), overgrown hoof (OH), sole haemorrhage (SH), sole ulcer (SU) and white-line disease (WLD), their role in SOM, and estimate the economic loss of SOM in a herd of 125 dairy cows. A Reed-Frost model was used for DD and a Greenwood model for the other 7 hoof disorders. Economic analysis was conducted per mobility score according to a 5-point mobility scoring method (1 = perfect mobility; 5 = severely impaired mobility) by comparing a scenario with SOM and one without SOM. Parameters used in the model were based on literature and expert opinion and deemed credible during model validation rounds. Results showed that the mean cumulative incidence for maximum mobility scores 2-5 SOM episodes were respectively 34, 16, 7 and <1 episodes per 100 cows per pasture period and 39, 19, 8, <1 episodes per 100 cows per housing period. The mean total annual economic loss due to SOM resulting from the hoof disorders under study was €15,342: €122 per cow per year. The economic analysis uncovered direct economic losses that could be directly linked to SOM episodes and indirect economic losses that could not be directly linked to SOM episodes but arose due to the presence of SOM. The mean total annual direct economic loss for maximum mobility score 2-5 SOM episodes was €1129, €3098, €4354 and €480, respectively. The mean total annual indirect economic loss varied considerably between the 5th and 95th percentiles: €-6174 and €19,499, and had a mean of €6281. This loss was composed of additional indirect culling due to SOM (∼65%) and changes in the overall herd milk production (∼35%) because of additional younger replacement heifers entering the herd due to increased culling rates. The bio-economic model presented novel results with respect to indirect economic losses arising due to SOM. The results can be used to stimulate farmer awareness and promote better SOM management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Edwardes
- Business Economics Group, Wageningnen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mariska van der Voort
- Business Economics Group, Wageningnen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tariq Halasa
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Institute of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Menno Holzhauer
- GD Animal Health, P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Hogeveen
- Business Economics Group, Wageningnen University and Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands
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21
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de Jong E, Frankena K, Orsel K. Risk factors for digital dermatitis in free-stall-housed, Canadian dairy cattle. Vet Rec Open 2021; 8:e19. [PMID: 34377496 PMCID: PMC8330421 DOI: 10.1002/vro2.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A comprehensive analysis of the relation between digital dermatitis (DD) and cow and herd characteristics in Canadian dairies is currently lacking. METHODS A multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed using 12,260 cow records from 62 dairy farms to assess association between 27 cow and herd-level variables, and presence of DD. RESULTS The odds for a cow to have at least 1 DD lesion were higher in first-parity cows and those in later lactation (≥45 days in milk). Housing cows on a concrete base was associated with higher odds (OR 2.24) for DD when bedding was added once a week or less. Bedding the concrete base more frequently reduced odds for DD. Wood shavings or other bedding types were more positively associated with DD (OR 2.31 and 1.87, respectively) compared to sawdust. Also, the odds of DD were lower on farms with a scraping manure frequency of every 2 h compared to less frequent scraping (OR 0.54). CONCLUSION Nine risk factors for DD were identified and quantified, with stall base, bedding type, and manure scraping frequency associated with lower odds of DD. DD prevalence could be reduced by implementing management practices for first-parity cows, as they had higher odds of DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen de Jong
- Department of Production Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Klaas Frankena
- Adaptation Physiology GroupWageningen Institute of Animal SciencesWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Karin Orsel
- Department of Production Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
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22
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Afonso JS, Oikonomou G, Carter S, Clough HE, Griffiths BE, Rushton J. Diagnosis of Bovine Digital Dermatitis: Exploring the Usefulness of Indirect ELISA. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:728691. [PMID: 34790712 PMCID: PMC8591176 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.728691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The precision by which animal diseases are diagnosed affects our ability to make informed decisions with regards to animal health management, from a clinical and economic perspective. Lameness is a major health condition in dairy cattle. The underlying causes of lameness include bovine digital dermatitis (BDD), which is reported as one of the main causes of infectious lameness in dairy cattle. Presently, the gold standard for BDD diagnosis in dairy cattle is visual inspection of lifted hooves-a labour intensive and subjective method. Research has suggested that Treponema spp. are the main pathogens associated with the establishment of BDD. We explored the potential of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a diagnostic serological tool in the identification of cows at different stages of BDD. Additionally, we evaluated the predictive power of this diagnostic tool on the future occurrence of BDD lesions. A total of 232 cows from three farms were used in the study. Serum samples and hoof health data were collected at three time points: ~ 30 days pre-calving, around calving, and approximately 30 days post-calving. The mean absorbance from the ELISA test was compared across different clinical presentations of BDD as assessed by visual inspection of the hooves according to the M-stage classification system. A transition model was developed to estimate the probability of lesion occurrence in time t + 1 based on the spectrophotometer (absorbance) reading in time t. The mean absorbance reading for both IgG1 and IgG2 anti-Treponema antibodies was associated with disease presence-apart from M4.1 lesions, animals with no lesions had a lower mean when compared to animals with lesions regardless of the score. Additionally, the mean absorbance reading of animals with active lesions was higher when compared to animals with no lesions. However, the anti-Treponema antibody assays failed to identify disease presence in a consistent manner. Moreover, indirect ELISA readings were not a predictor of the future occurrence of BDD lesions. In conclusion, although the levels anti-Treponema antibodies were associated with disease presence, the ELISA test failed to detect disease unequivocally and had no predictive value in the future occurrence of BDD lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Sucena Afonso
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Carter
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Helen E Clough
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany E Griffiths
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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23
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Capion N, Raundal P, Foldager L, Thomsen PT. Status of claw recordings and claw health in Danish dairy cattle from 2013 to 2017. Vet J 2021; 277:105749. [PMID: 34537342 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105749] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Since 2009, Danish claw trimmers have been able to record claw health digitally during trimming. The records are owned by the farmer and can be used locally in the herd and on a large scale by breeding organisations to improve claw health. The objective of this study was to describe data on claw recording routines and describe the prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital hyperplasia (IH), sole ulcer (SU) and white line abscess (WLA) recorded by claw trimmers (TrimmerID) at trimming. More than 5.18 million records of cows with claw recordings and 2.75 million records of claw trimming with 2.4 million concurrent claw diseases from 62 TrimmerIDs from 705,803 animals from 1635 herds over a 5-year period from 2013 to 2017 were included in the dataset. Data on cow level was used for the descriptive statistics. The data was restricted to, and grouped by, heifers from 12 months of age, first, second and third or older parity cows from the breeds Holstein, Danish Red Dairy, Jersey and crossbreds. The number of recorded trimmings per TrimmerID per year varied from 132 to 48,040 with a mean of 9556 and increased during the period studied. The overall prevalence across breed and parity groups of DD, IH, SU and WLA was 21%, 6%, 7% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of the lesions remained quite constant during the 5-year period. DD was recorded in 95% of the herds in 2017. The prevalence of IH, SU and WLA increased with increasing parity. Digital recording of claw lesions may be a good indicator of claw health. However, the recording routines and quality of the recordings must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Capion
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Agrovej 8, DK2630 Taastrup, Denmark.
| | - P Raundal
- SEGES, Agro Food Park 15, DK8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - L Foldager
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK8830 Tjele, Denmark; Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - P T Thomsen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK8830 Tjele, Denmark
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24
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Caddey B, De Buck J. Meta-Analysis of Bovine Digital Dermatitis Microbiota Reveals Distinct Microbial Community Structures Associated With Lesions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:685861. [PMID: 34336713 PMCID: PMC8322762 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.685861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a significant cause of infectious lameness and economic losses in cattle production across the world. There is a lack of a consensus across different 16S metagenomic studies on DD-associated bacteria that may be potential pathogens of the disease. The goal of this meta-analysis was to identify a consistent group of DD-associated bacteria in individual DD lesions across studies, regardless of experimental design choices including sample collection and preparation, hypervariable region sequenced, and sequencing platform. A total of 6 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Raw sequences and metadata were identified on the NCBI sequence read archive and European nucleotide archive. Bacterial community structures were investigated between normal skin and DD skin samples. Random forest models were generated to classify DD status based on microbial composition, and to identify taxa that best differentiate DD status. Among all samples, members of Treponema, Mycoplasma, Porphyromonas, and Fusobacterium were consistently identified in the majority of DD lesions, and were the best genera at differentiating DD lesions from normal skin. Individual study and 16S hypervariable region sequenced had significant influence on final DD lesion microbial composition (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that members of Treponema, Mycoplasma, Porphyromonas, and/or Fusobacterium may have significant roles in DD pathogenesis, and should be studied further in respect to elucidating DD etiopathogenic mechanisms and developing more effective treatment and mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Caddey
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeroen De Buck
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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25
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Holmøy IH, Ahlén L, Frössling J, Sølverød L, Holzhauer M, Nødtvedt A, Fjeldaas T. Evaluation of test characteristics of 2 ELISA tests applied to bulk tank milk and claw-trimming records for herd-level diagnosis of bovine digital dermatitis using latent class analysis. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:10111-10120. [PMID: 34127267 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19804] [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: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious claw disease with a negative effect on animal welfare and production. Treponema spp. is the main causative agent, and infected animals produce specific antibodies. Our aim was to estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of 2 ELISA research tests, Medicago's ELISA test and GD Animal Health's in-house ELISA test, for detection of DD-associated Treponema antibodies in bulk tank milk. We used bulk tank milk samples from 154 Norwegian dairy cattle herds, 96 from an expected high-prevalence region and 58 from a low-prevalence region. Both tests were evaluated separately against herd-level (aggregated) claw-trimming records extracted from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System using latent class models in a Bayesian analysis. Cutoff values were selected using an explorative approach, and both noninformative priors for all parameters and informative β priors for distribution of Se and Sp of claw trimming were explored. The estimated (median) true herd-level prevalence of digital dermatitis varied between 24 and 30% in the high-prevalence region and between 3 and 6% in the low-prevalence region. For Medicago's ELISA test, an Se (95% posterior credible interval) of 0.57 (0.32; 0.94) could be achieved without compromising Sp, and for GD Animal Health's in-house ELISA test, an Se of 0.60 (0.37; 0.92) was achieved. Our study showed that both ELISA tests can detect antibodies against DD-associated Treponema spp. in bulk tank milk. However, neither of the 2 ELISA tests produced satisfactory sensitivity without compromising specificity. Based on these results, inspection at claw trimming in a chute is necessary for surveillance and control of DD at the herd level in Norway, although these ELISA tests of bulk tank milk might be a useful supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid H Holmøy
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, N-0102 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lina Ahlén
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, N-0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jenny Frössling
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 234, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | | | - Menno Holzhauer
- GD Animal Health, PO Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands
| | - Ane Nødtvedt
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, N-0102 Oslo, Norway
| | - Terje Fjeldaas
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 369 Sentrum, N-0102 Oslo, Norway
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26
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Pirkkalainen H, Riihimäki A, Simojoki H, Soveri T, Rajala-Schultz PJ, Hintikka T, Pelkonen S, Kontturi M, Kujala-Wirth M. Prevalence of digital dermatitis using mirror scoring in Finnish freestall dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:9173-9184. [PMID: 34024607 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is a severe bacterial hoof disease found worldwide. The disease can be classified into 5 different stages, denoted as M1 to M4 and M4.1, by clinical examination. The main objective of this study was to estimate prevalence of DD lesions in Finnish freestall dairy cattle population through hind feet inspection of standing cows with a mirror. Another aim was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of mirror scoring on standing cows in a pen or in a milking parlor without washing the feet. Three veterinarians visited 81 randomly selected herds across the country. During the herd visits, hind feet of standing cows (n = 7,010) were scored with a mirror without washing the feet, either when the cows were standing in a pen (n = 4,992) or in the milking parlor (n = 2018). In total, 128 cows (111 from pen and 17 from milking parlor) including 256 feet were chosen with cross-sectional sampling and scored in a trimming chute. Animal-level sensitivity for scoring M2 lesions with a mirror was 55% and specificity was 97%; for all active DD lesions (M1, M2, or M4.1), sensitivity was 36% and specificity was 96%. Sensitivity for scoring any DD lesions was 90% and specificity was 82%. The bias-corrected sensitivity and specificity for scoring any DD lesions were 79% and 92%, respectively. The bias-corrected sensitivity and specificity for scoring M2 DD lesions were 10% and 100%. We found M2 lesions in 12.1% of the study herds, and true herd-level prevalence was the same. Altogether, 33.3% (true prevalence 28.4%) of the herds had either M1, M2, or M4.1 DD lesions. However, only 0.7% (true prevalence 5.4%) of cows in total had active M2 lesions. The within-herd prevalence of M2 lesions (in herds where at least 1 cow had a M2 lesion) was 5.7% and varied between 0.4% and 18.8%. Herds with active DD lesions also had more any DD lesions than herds without active DD lesions. The herd-level prevalence was higher than previously thought, with only 1 herd without any DD lesions. However, the animal-level prevalence of active DD lesions was relatively low. Farmers and veterinarians need to be informed of the disease and possible control measures. Because of the low within-herd prevalence, the control of the disease might be easier than in countries where DD is widespread. Further studies are needed to identify factors associated with DD prevalence in Finnish dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hertta Pirkkalainen
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland.
| | - Aino Riihimäki
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland.
| | - Heli Simojoki
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland; Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, PL 27, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Soveri
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Päivi J Rajala-Schultz
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
| | - Tuomas Hintikka
- Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Miia Kontturi
- Finnish Food Authority, Mustialankatu 3, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Kujala-Wirth
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 Saarentaus, Finland
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27
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Khemgaew R, Omachi M, Takesada T, Vetchapitak T, Sato H, Taniguchi T, Misawa N. Transcellular penetration of Treponema phagedenis isolated from papillomatous digital dermatitis in polarized normal human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:889-897. [PMID: 33853987 PMCID: PMC8267188 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0034] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is a polymicrobial infection causing lameness in
dairy cattle. Culture-independent analysis has shown that Treponema
phagedenis is present consistently and predominantly in the lesions. However,
the pathogenesis of PDD, especially the tissue penetration pathway, has not been examined.
In the present study, we investigated whether T. phagedenis strains
isolated from PDD produce proteolytic enzyme (s) for disruption of the epithelial cell
barrier and have the ability to translocate in polarized normal human epidermal
keratinocytes (NHEK) in vitro. Ten strains of T.
phagedenis isolated from lesions did not show proteolytic activity on modified
skim milk agar, although a human strain of T. denticola used as a control
showed such activity. The integrity of tight junctions was monitored by measurement of
transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). The TER values after inoculation of the
T. phagedenis strains examined did not change during the experimental
period; however, apical to basolateral translocation of T. phagedenis was
confirmed after 24 hr by microscopy and Treponema-specific PCR. We
further confirmed that translocation of T. phagedenis was accelerated by
co-inoculation with live T. denticola, but not with heat-killed
organisms. Furthermore, tight junction ZO-1 protein was not lost intensity after
inoculation with T. phagedenis and the organism was observed in NHEK
cells using a florescence microscope. These results suggest that T.
phagedenis strains may translocate via a transcellular route in
vitro and that the invasion is accelerated by other bacteria, such as
T. denticola, producing proteolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rathanon Khemgaew
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara-Kiyotakecho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Mari Omachi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Tomoe Takesada
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Torrung Vetchapitak
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Radiology, Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Takako Taniguchi
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Naoaki Misawa
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 5200 Kihara-Kiyotakecho, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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28
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Staton GJ, Clegg SR, Ainsworth S, Armstrong S, Carter SD, Radford AD, Darby A, Wastling J, Hall N, Evans NJ. Dissecting the molecular diversity and commonality of bovine and human treponemes identifies key survival and adhesion mechanisms. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009464. [PMID: 33780514 PMCID: PMC8049484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the first complete genomes of three cultivable treponeme species from bovine digital dermatitis (DD) skin lesions, two comparative human treponemes, considered indistinguishable from bovine DD species, and a bovine gastrointestinal (GI) treponeme isolate. Key genomic differences between bovine and human treponemes implicate microbial mechanisms that enhance knowledge of how DD, a severe disease of ruminants, has emerged into a prolific, worldwide disease. Bovine DD treponemes have additional oxidative stress genes compared to nearest human-isolated relatives, suggesting better oxidative stress tolerance, and potentially explaining how bovine strains can colonize skin surfaces. Comparison of both bovine DD and GI treponemes as well as bovine pathogenic and human non-pathogenic saprophyte Treponema phagedenis strains indicates genes encoding a five-enzyme biosynthetic pathway for production of 2,3-diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy-d-mannuronic acid, a rare di-N-acetylated mannuronic acid sugar, as important for pathogenesis. Bovine T. phagedenis strains further differed from human strains by having unique genetic clusters including components of a type IV secretion system and a phosphate utilisation system including phoU, a gene associated with osmotic stress survival. Proteomic analyses confirmed bovine derived T. phagedenis exhibits expression of PhoU but not the putative secretion system, whilst the novel mannuronic acid pathway was expressed in near entirety across the DD treponemes. Analysis of osmotic stress response in water identified a difference between bovine and human T. phagedenis with bovine strains exhibiting enhanced survival. This novel mechanism could enable a selective advantage, allowing environmental persistence and transmission of bovine T. phagedenis. Finally, we investigated putative outer membrane protein (OMP) ortholog families across the DD treponemes and identified several families as multi-specific adhesins capable of binding extra cellular matrix (ECM) components. One bovine pathogen specific adhesin ortholog family showed considerable serodiagnostic potential with the Treponema medium representative demonstrating considerable disease specificity (91.6%). This work has shed light on treponeme host adaptation and has identified candidate molecules for future diagnostics, vaccination and therapeutic intervention. Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a severe infectious disease causing cattle lameness, which is now endemic in many countries across the world. This lameness results from inflamed lesions between the heel bulbs and is very painful resulting in poor animal welfare and substantially reduced production. There remains no single cure for DD and whilst topical antibiotic treatment enables some healing, lesions frequently reappear. Current evidence implicates bacteria known as Treponema in the pathogenesis of DD. Here we characterise the genomes of several bovine DD treponeme species as well as related bacteria from humans and the bovine gastrointestinal tract. Comparative analyses demonstrate that production of a novel mannuronic acid sugar is a key feature of bovine pathogens and several survival mechanisms were identified which likely enable the bovine pathogens to inhabit the skin surface and be transmitted within the farm environment. Studies investigating putative outer membrane proteins which are potential vaccine candidates identified that the majority have a role in host attachment, with one family of proteins exhibiting particular promise as serodiagnostic antigens. This increased understanding of the considered causal pathogens of bovine DD, together with the genomic and proteomic resources produced by this study should underpin future diagnostic, vaccination and therapeutics studies to combat this severe disease of ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth J. Staton
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Simon R. Clegg
- School of Life Sciences, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Armstrong
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart D. Carter
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Alan D. Radford
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Darby
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Wastling
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Hall
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nicholas J. Evans
- Department of Infection Biology & Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Hulst AD, de Jong MCM, Bijma P. Why genetic selection to reduce the prevalence of infectious diseases is way more promising than currently believed. Genetics 2021; 217:6137839. [PMID: 33734349 PMCID: PMC8049556 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic selection for improved disease resistance is an important part of strategies to combat infectious diseases in agriculture. Quantitative genetic analyses of binary disease status, however, indicate low heritability for most diseases, which restricts the rate of genetic reduction in disease prevalence. Moreover, the common liability threshold model suggests that eradication of an infectious disease via genetic selection is impossible because the observed-scale heritability goes to zero when the prevalence approaches zero. From infectious disease epidemiology, however, we know that eradication of infectious diseases is possible, both in theory and practice, because of positive feedback mechanisms leading to the phenomenon known as herd immunity. The common quantitative genetic models, however, ignore these feedback mechanisms. Here, we integrate quantitative genetic analysis of binary disease status with epidemiological models of transmission, aiming to identify the potential response to selection for reducing the prevalence of endemic infectious diseases. The results show that typical heritability values of binary disease status correspond to a very substantial genetic variation in disease susceptibility among individuals. Moreover, our results show that eradication of infectious diseases by genetic selection is possible in principle. These findings strongly disagree with predictions based on common quantitative genetic models, which ignore the positive feedback effects that occur when reducing the transmission of infectious diseases. Those feedback effects are a specific kind of Indirect Genetic Effects; they contribute substantially to the response to selection and the development of herd immunity (i.e., an effective reproduction ratio less than one).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andries D Hulst
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Animal Breeding and Genomics Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mart C M de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Piter Bijma
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Tracking Reservoirs of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in a Complex Microbial Community Using Metagenomic Hi-C: The Case of Bovine Digital Dermatitis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020221. [PMID: 33672258 PMCID: PMC7926801 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious infectious cause of lameness in cattle with unknown definitive etiologies. Many of the bacterial species detected in metagenomic analyses of DD lesions are difficult to culture, and their antimicrobial resistance status is largely unknown. Recently, a novel proximity ligation-guided metagenomic approach (Hi-C ProxiMeta) has been used to identify bacterial reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) directly from microbial communities, without the need to culture individual bacteria. The objective of this study was to track tetracycline resistance determinants in bacteria involved in DD pathogenesis using Hi-C. A pooled sample of macerated tissues from clinical DD lesions was used for this purpose. Metagenome deconvolution using ProxiMeta resulted in the creation of 40 metagenome-assembled genomes with ≥80% complete genomes, classified into five phyla. Further, 1959 tetracycline resistance genes and ARGs conferring resistance to aminoglycoside, beta-lactams, sulfonamide, phenicol, lincosamide, and erythromycin were identified along with their bacterial hosts. In conclusion, the widespread distribution of genes conferring resistance against tetracycline and other antimicrobials in bacteria of DD lesions is reported for the first time. Use of proximity ligation to identify microorganisms hosting specific ARGs holds promise for tracking ARGs transmission in complex microbial communities.
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Hut PR, Hostens MM, Beijaard MJ, van Eerdenburg FJCM, Hulsen JHJL, Hooijer GA, Stassen EN, Nielen M. Associations between body condition score, locomotion score, and sensor-based time budgets of dairy cattle during the dry period and early lactation. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:4746-4763. [PMID: 33589250 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lameness, one of the most important disorders in the dairy industry, is related to postpartum diseases and has an effect on dairy cow welfare, leading to changes in cows' daily behavioral variables. This study quantified the effect of lameness on the daily time budget of dairy cows in the transition period. In total, 784 multiparous dairy cows from 8 commercial Dutch dairy farms were visually scored on their locomotion (score of 1-5) and body condition (score of 1-5). Each cow was scored in the early and late dry period as well as in wk 4 and 8 postpartum. Cows with locomotion scores 1 and 2 were grouped together as nonlame, cows with score 3 were considered moderately lame, and cows with scores 4 and 5 were grouped together as severely lame. Cows were equipped with 2 types of sensors that measured behavioral parameters. The leg sensor provided number of steps, number of stand-ups (moving from lying to standing), lying time, number of lying bouts, and lying bout length. The neck sensor provided eating time, number of eating bouts, eating bout length, rumination time, number of rumination bouts, and rumination bout length. Sensor data for each behavioral parameter were averaged between 2 d before and 2 d after locomotion scoring. The percentage of nonlame cows decreased from 63% in the early dry period to 46% at 8 wk in lactation; this decrease was more severe for cows with higher parity. Cows that calved in autumn had the highest odds for lameness. Body condition score loss of >0.75 point in early lactation was associated with lameness in wk 4 postpartum. Moderately lame cows had a reduction of daily eating time of around 20 min, whereas severely lame cows had a reduction of almost 40 min. Similarly, moderately and severely lame dry cows showed a reduction of 200 steps/d, and severely lame cows in lactation showed a reduction of 600 steps/d. Daily lying time increased by 26 min and lying bout length increased by 8 min in severely lame cows compared with nonlame cows. These results indicate a high prevalence of lameness on Dutch dairy farms, with an increase in higher locomotion scores from the dry period into early lactation. Time budgets for multiparous dairy cows differed between the dry period and the lactating period, with a higher locomotion score (increased lameness) having an effect on cows' complete behavioral profile. Body condition score loss in early lactation was associated with poor locomotion postpartum, whereas lameness resulted in less eating time in the dry period and early lactation, creating a harmful cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Hut
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - M M Hostens
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - M J Beijaard
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F J C M van Eerdenburg
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J H J L Hulsen
- Vetvice/Cowsignals, 4614 PC Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands
| | - G A Hooijer
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - E N Stassen
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Nielen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, PO Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Aubineau T, Relun A, Gentin B, Guatteo R. Short communication: Informative value of an ELISA applied to bulk tank milk to assess within-herd prevalence of digital dermatitis in dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:963-968. [PMID: 33162093 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18673] [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: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess whether an antibody ELISA applied to bulk tank milk (BTM) could be used to accurately estimate within-herd prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD). The ELISA was designed for the detection of antibodies against Treponema phagedenis-like strain V1 (PrrA antigen). The hind feet of all lactating cows from 40 commercial French dairy herds with a history of DD were scored by an observer in the milking parlor, using the 4 M-stage system. After milking, a BTM sample was collected and tested for anti-Treponema phagedenis-like antibodies using the antibody ELISA. Within-herd DD prevalence at the cow level was determined using 2 different approaches: (1) having DD lesion on at least 1 hind foot (Prev; prevalence of affected cows), and (2) having an M1 or M2 lesion on at least 1 hind foot (PrevA; prevalence of cows affected by DD in an active stage). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine both optimal within-herd DD prevalence and BTM sample to positive (S/P) ratio cut-off values. Two optimal cut-off values were identified. Herds with an S/P ratio of BTM ≤0.2 had a Prev ≤10% (sensitivity = 0.97, specificity = 1), whereas herds with an S/P ratio of BTM >0.38 had a Prev >40% (sensitivity = 0.94, specificity = 0.86). In the same way but with a slightly lower specificity, an S/P ratio >0.38 corresponds also to a PrevA >18% (sensitivity = 0.92, specificity = 0.70). The BTM antibody ELISA shows great promise for screening purposes during DD management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Relun
- BIOEPAR, INRAE, Oniris, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - B Gentin
- BIOSELLAL, 69000, Dardilly, France
| | - R Guatteo
- BIOEPAR, INRAE, Oniris, 44307, Nantes, France
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Omontese BO, Bisinotto RS, Cramer G. Evaluating the association between early-lactation lying behavior and hoof lesion development in lactating Jersey cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10494-10505. [PMID: 32981735 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives were to evaluate the association between behavior and hoof lesions (HL) in lactating dairy cows. Jersey cows without any visible HL on all 4 legs were enrolled at 20 ± 3 d in milk (DIM), examined for body condition score (BCS), and had an automatic activity monitor (AfiTag II, AfiMilk, Afikim, Israel) attached to their right hind leg. At 120 ± 3 DIM, activity monitors were removed and cows were re-examined for HL and BCS. Cows were classified according to HL status as either healthy or with HL at d 120. Because sole hemorrhage (SH) accounted for over 80% of HL on d 120, SH was reclassified according to the number of feet affected. Daily activity data (daily lying duration, lying bouts, lying bout duration, and number of steps) of 344 cows collected between d 20 and d 120 were analyzed using restricted maximum likelihood linear mixed models with an autoregressive covariance structure. Separate models were built to include specific activities, HL status at d 120, DIM, interaction between lesion status at d 120 and DIM, parity, season of calving, and BCS change from d 20 to d 120 as fixed effects. Cow was included in all models as random effect. Incidence of HL at d 120 was 58.4% (n = 201 out of 344). Compared with healthy cows, cows with HL at d 120 had reduced daily lying duration (-0.53 h; 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.28 h) in the early postpartum period. We found no evidence for a difference in number of lying bouts (0.41; 95% CI: -0.76 to 1.59;), lying bout duration (-3.04 min; 95% CI: -6.6 to 0.49), and number of steps (62.14; 95% CI: -89.62 to 213.91) between cows that remained healthy and those that developed HL. Compared with healthy cows, cows that developed SH in 1 or more feet had reduced daily lying duration in the early postpartum period. Irrespective of lesion status at d 120, daily lying duration and lying bout duration increased from d 20 to d 120, whereas lying bout number and number of steps decreased from d 20 to d 120. We concluded that cows that developed HL had a reduced daily lying duration in the early postpartum period. Therefore, reduced daily lying duration should be considered a risk factor for HL development in lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O Omontese
- Department of Food and Animal Sciences, Alabama A&M University, Normal 35762; Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - R S Bisinotto
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
| | - G Cramer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
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Gillespie AV, Carter SD, Blowey RW, Staton GJ, Evans NJ. Removal of bovine digital dermatitis-associated treponemes from hoof knives after foot-trimming: a disinfection field study. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:330. [PMID: 32917195 PMCID: PMC7488572 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an infectious foot disease found commonly in dairy herds. Foot-trimming is an important husbandry procedure for reducing the ensuing lameness; however, epidemiological, and microbiological studies have identified this as a risk activity for transmitting BDD. Three disinfectants have previously been identified in laboratory work as effective for removing viable BDD-associated Treponema spp., from hoof knife blades. The present study enrolled 133 dairy cattle with BDD lesions, and swabbed hoof knife blades before and after foot-trimming, and after knife disinfection with one of three disinfectants (1:100 FAM30®, 2% Virkon® and 2% sodium hypochlorite) to assess their efficacy under field conditions. Results Detection of BDD treponeme phylogroup DNA was undertaken by direct PCR of swabs, and viable treponemes were detected by PCR of swab cultures after 6 weeks’ incubation. Where hoof knives did not contact the lesion, BDD-associated treponemes were detected after foot-trimming in 12/22 (54.5%) cases by direct PCR and 1/22 (4.5%) cases by PCR of cultured organisms. Where contact was made with the lesion, 111/111 (100%) samples taken after trimming were positive by direct PCR and 47/118 (39.8%) were positive by culture PCR. Viable organisms were identified in cultures from lesion stages M2, M3, M4 and M4.1. No viable organisms were detected after disinfection of hoof knives. Conclusions Hoof knives post-trimming were frequently contaminated with BDD-associated treponeme DNA. Viable organisms were identified in cultures whether contact had been made between hoof knife and lesion or not, although contact clearly increased the frequency of detection of viable organisms. The three disinfectants tested were effective for removing viable organisms. The disinfection protocol used in this study should therefore be considered reliable for adoption as standard industry practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Gillespie
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK.
| | - S D Carter
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - R W Blowey
- Wood Veterinary Group, 125 Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL2 4NB, UK
| | - G J Staton
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - N J Evans
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
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Sadiq MB, Ramanoon SZ, Mansor R, Syed-Hussain SS, Shaik Mossadeq WM. Claw Trimming as a Lameness Management Practice and the Association with Welfare and Production in Dairy Cows. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1515. [PMID: 32867064 PMCID: PMC7552284 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness resulting from claw lesions remains a pressing welfare issue in dairy cows. Claw trimming (CT) is a common practice for prevention and management of clinically lame cows. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated various claw trimming (CT) methods, their application in lameness management, and associations with the welfare and production of dairy cows. The papers included in this review fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: published in peer review journal or book chapter within the last 20 years (1999-2019), written in English, and focused on the application of CT for lameness management and the association with either welfare or production variables. Databases used included Google scholar, Web of Science and PubMed. A total of 748 records were assessed and 61 papers were eligible for inclusion and the main objectives and results were used to categorize the results under six topics: CT techniques, association between CT and claw overgrowth/specific claw lesions, timing and frequency of CT, association between CT and behavioral variables, association between CT and physiological parameters, and association between CT and production. The literature findings showed the existence of various CT methods with the common types including the Dutch Five-step, White Line, White Line Atlas, and Kansas techniques. There is data paucity on the efficacy of these techniques in lameness management; however, the slight procedural difference yields varying sole thicknesses and presentations which may influence their prophylactic use. Results regarding the impact of CT on welfare and production were discussed in relation to potential short and long-term benefits. Depending on the lesion type and severity level, CT may induce immediate painful sensation, stress, changes in lying down activities and reduction in milk yield, but the positive impacts were more evident at later stages of lactation following improvement in locomotion score. The majority of the reviewed studies were lacking a detailed description of CT techniques and claw health of the studied animals; thus, reducing the strength of demonstrating CT-related benefits. However, electronic recording of claw health data during every CT visit provides the basis for monitoring hoof health and could assist in curtailing some of these challenges. To elucidate CT-related benefits, certain areas requiring further research were highlighted such as ascertaining the appropriate timing for preventive CT and identifying cows that will benefit more from such intervention during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Babatunde Sadiq
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (M.B.S.); (R.M.)
- Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (M.B.S.); (R.M.)
- Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Rozaihan Mansor
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (M.B.S.); (R.M.)
- Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Sharifah Salmah Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Wan Mastura Shaik Mossadeq
- Centre of Excellence (Ruminant), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Malaysia
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Yang DA, Laven RA, Müller KR, Gates MC. Modelling the transmission dynamics of bovine digital dermatitis in New Zealand pastoral dairy production systems. Vet Res 2020; 51:16. [PMID: 32085804 PMCID: PMC7035636 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine digital dermatitis (DD) is an important infectious cause of cattle lameness worldwide that has become increasingly prevalent in New Zealand pastoral dairy herds. In this study, a simplified DD scoring system after considering both M and Iowa DD scoring systems was applied to explore the transmission dynamics of DD in a typical spring-calving pastoral New Zealand dairy herd. The modified model only included three compartments: normal skin, early stage lesions and advanced lesions. Lesions regressing after treatment were excluded as DD lesions are rarely treated in New Zealand. Furthermore, sub-classes within each lesion class were not defined due to the lack of variability in DD lesion presentations within New Zealand. The model was validated based on longitudinal field data from three dairy herds in the Waikato region during one lactation season (2017–18). The model suggested that in infected dairy herds, although DD prevalence will tend to increase year-on-year it is likely to remain relatively low (< 18%) even after 10 years of within-herd transmission. It is likely that the low transmission rate during the late lactation (model assumption) results in more cases resolving than developing during this period and therefore results in the low prevalence of infectious cattle at the start of each subsequent lactation. Cattle with advanced lesions had a stronger influence on the establishment and maintenance of DD than cattle with early stage lesions highlighting the importance of targeting these animals for intervention. On-going monitoring of DD is highly recommended to assess the long-term progression of the disease in affected dairy herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aaron Yang
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand.
| | - Richard A Laven
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand
| | - Kristina R Müller
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand
| | - M Carolyn Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand
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Omontese BO, Bellet-Elias R, Molinero A, Catandi GD, Casagrande R, Rodriguez Z, Bisinotto RS, Cramer G. Association between hoof lesions and fertility in lactating Jersey cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:3401-3413. [PMID: 32057429 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between hoof lesions and fertility in dairy cows. Lactating Jersey cows (n = 1,639) were enrolled at 20 ± 3 d in milk (D20), examined and treated for presence of hoof lesions (HL), and evaluated for body condition score (BCS). Afterward, they were managed according to standard farm procedures, including estrus detection and presynchronization and a 5 d Cosynch-72 protocol for cows that failed to show estrus. Ovaries were scanned at 27 and 41 ± 3 d in milk, and cows with a corpus luteum greater than 20 mm on at least 1 exam were considered cyclic. At 120 ± 3 d in milk (D120), cows were re-examined for HL and BCS. Cows were classified at D20 according to HL status as healthy (n = 1,197) or having HL (n = 429), and according to HL category as healthy (n = 1,197) or having a sole hemorrhage (n = 280), noninfectious HL (sole ulcer, toe ulcer, or white line disease; n = 113), or infectious HL (digital dermatitis and foot rot; n = 36). Cows with HL at D20 had reduced odds of being cyclic (38.3 vs. 51.9%) and a longer interval from calving to first service (58 vs. 51 d) compared with healthy cows. Cows with infectious HL at D20 had reduced odds of pregnancy to first service (16.7 vs. 38.3%) compared with healthy cows. Cows with sole hemorrhage at D20 were more likely to lose pregnancies between d 32 and 64 after the first service postpartum compared with healthy cows (10.5 vs. 5.2%). Cows with sole hemorrhage at D20 had a smaller hazard of pregnancy (67.9 vs. 75.5%) at 150 d in milk and more days open (88 vs. 77d) compared with healthy cows. To assess the relationship between the development of HL and fertility, cows were classified as healthy (no HL at D20 and D120; n = 308), cured (any HL at D20 and no HL at D120; n = 72), new HL (no HL at D20 and any HL at D120; n = 597), and chronic (any HL at D20 and D120; n = 226). Sole hemorrhage accounted for 93% of new HL. The proportions of cows with HL at D20 and D120 were 26.9 and 68.4%, respectively. We found no evidence for a difference in pregnancy hazard at 150 d in milk between cows that remained healthy (n = 308) and cows that developed new HL (n = 597). Hoof lesions at D20, but not new HL, were associated with decreased odds of cyclicity, longer interval from calving to first service postpartum, and reduced pregnancy hazard in Jersey cows. The effect of an HL diagnosis in early lactation and management to reduce chronic HL in dairy cows warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O Omontese
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - R Bellet-Elias
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - A Molinero
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - G D Catandi
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - R Casagrande
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - Z Rodriguez
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108
| | - R S Bisinotto
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
| | - G Cramer
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108.
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Biemans F, de Jong MCM, Bijma P. Genetic parameters and genomic breeding values for digital dermatitis in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle: host susceptibility, infectivity and the basic reproduction ratio. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:67. [PMID: 31747869 PMCID: PMC6865030 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For infectious diseases, the probability that an animal gets infected depends on its own susceptibility, and on the number of infectious herd mates and their infectivity. Together with the duration of the infectious period, susceptibility and infectivity determine the basic reproduction ratio of the disease (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0). \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 is the average number of secondary cases caused by a typical infectious individual in an otherwise uninfected population. An infectious disease dies out when \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 is lower than 1. Thus, breeding strategies that aim at reducing disease prevalence should focus on reducing \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0, preferably to a value lower than 1. In animal breeding, however, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 has received little attention. Here, we estimate the additive genetic variance in host susceptibility, host infectivity, and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 for the endemic claw disease digital dermatitis (DD) in Holstein Friesian dairy cattle, and estimate genomic breeding values (GEBV) for these traits. We recorded DD disease status of both hind claws of 1513 cows from 12 Dutch dairy farms, every 2 weeks, 11 times. The genotype data consisted of 75,904 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 1401 of the cows. We modelled the probability that a cow got infected between recordings, and compared four generalized linear mixed models. All models included a genetic effect for susceptibility; Models 2 and 4 also included a genetic effect for infectivity, while Models 1 and 2 included a farm*period interaction. We corrected for variation in exposure to infectious herd mates via an offset. Results GEBV for \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 from the model that included genetic effects for susceptibility only had an accuracy of ~ 0.39 based on cross-validation between farms, which is very high given the limited amount of data and the complexity of the trait. Models with a genetic effect for infectivity showed a larger bias, but also a slightly higher accuracy of GEBV. Additive genetic standard deviation for \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 was large, i.e. ~ 1.17, while the mean \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 was 2.36. Conclusions GEBV for \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 showed substantial variation. The mean \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$ R_{0} $$\end{document}R0 was only about one genetic standard deviation greater than 1. These results suggest that lowering DD prevalence by selective breeding is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floor Biemans
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mart C M de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Piter Bijma
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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40
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Renault V, Lomba M, Delooz L, Ribbens S, Humblet MF, Saegerman C. Pilot study assessing the possible benefits of a higher level of implementation of biosecurity measures on farm productivity and health status in Belgian cattle farms. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 67:769-777. [PMID: 31648411 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few years, the interest of decision-makers and control agencies in biosecurity (BS), aiming at preventing and controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, has considerably increased. Nevertheless, previous studies highlighted a low implementation level of biosecurity measures (BSM), especially in cattle farms; different reasons were identified such as perceived costs, utility, importance, increased workload and lack of knowledge. In order to convince cattle farmers to adopt BSM, it is necessary to gather more information and evidence on their cost-effectiveness and their importance or utility in terms of disease prevention and control. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the farm or farmers' profile correlated with the implementation level of BSM and if there was a positive correlation between the BSM implementation and the farm production and health parameters. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted in 100 Belgian farms as part of a stratified and randomized survey. The Regional Animal Health Services provided the farm health status and production data. A general BS score and five sub-scores related to the five BS compartments (bio-exclusion, bio-compartmentation, bio-containment, bio-prevention and bio-preservation) were calculated for each farm based on the implementation level of different BSM grouped in 16 domains. The study highlighted a significant and negative correlation between the mortality rates in adult cattle (over 24 months of age) and young calves (aged 0-7 days) and different BS compartment scores. The study also demonstrated that the farms having a higher general BS score were indeed more likely to have a BVD-free status. These evidence-based findings are encouraging as they demonstrate the benefits of implementing BSM and could promote their adoption by farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Renault
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health (FARAH) Centre, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marc Lomba
- Regional Association of Animal Health and Identification (ARSIA), Ciney, Belgium
| | - Laurent Delooz
- Regional Association of Animal Health and Identification (ARSIA), Ciney, Belgium
| | | | - Marie-France Humblet
- Department of Occupational Protection and Hygiene, Biosafety and Biosecurity Unit, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal Health (FARAH) Centre, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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41
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Sánchez-Molano E, Bay V, Smith RF, Oikonomou G, Banos G. Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Lameness Associated Phenotypes in Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cattle. Front Genet 2019; 10:926. [PMID: 31636655 PMCID: PMC6787292 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lameness represents a significant challenge for the dairy cattle industry, resulting in economic losses and reduced animal health and welfare. The existence of underlying genomic variation for lameness associated traits has the potential to improve selection strategies by using genomic markers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions and potential candidate genes associated with lameness traits. Lameness related lesions and digital cushion thickness were studied using records collected by our research team, farm records, and a combination of both. Genome-wide analyses were performed to identify significant genomic effects, and a combination of single SNP association analysis and regional heritability mapping was used to identify associated genomic regions. Significant genomic effects were identified for several lameness related traits: Two genomic regions were identified on chromosome 3 associated with digital dermatitis and interdigital hyperplasia, one genomic region on chromosome 23 associated with interdigital hyperplasia, and one genomic region on chromosome 2 associated with sole haemorrhage. Candidate genes in those regions are mainly related to immune response and fibroblast proliferation. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) identified in this study could enlighten the understanding of lameness pathogenesis, providing an opportunity to improve health and welfare in dairy cattle with the addition of these regions into selection programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Sánchez-Molano
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Veysel Bay
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Bandirma Sheep Research Institute, The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Robert F Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Oikonomou
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Banos
- The Roslin Institute and R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,The Roslin Institute Building, Scotland's Rural College, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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42
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Hesseling J, Legione AR, Stevenson MA, McCowan CI, Pyman MF, Finochio C, Nguyen D, Roic CL, Thiris OL, Zhang AJ, van Schaik G, Coombe JE. Bovine digital dermatitis in Victoria, Australia. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:404-413. [PMID: 31286478 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD) in Victoria, Australia, and to investigate which organisms are consistent with typical DD lesions. The prevalence and causative pathogens of DD are not clear yet in Australia and this paper is one of the first to explore these questions in this country. METHODS Examination and sampling of limbs was undertaken at three knackeries in Victoria, Australia. Limbs were classified as normal (N), active DD-lesion (A), dried or chronic DD-lesion (D) or suspected case of DD (S). A total of 823 cows were examined. Six skin biopsies were taken at each knackery, from which DNA was extracted for diversity profiling. Histochemical staining of samples was performed on eight of the skin biopsies. RESULTS DD was detected in 29.8% of all cows. The prevalence of DD was significantly higher in dairy cows (32.2%) than in beef cows (10.8%). The differential abundance of Treponema-species was significantly increased in dried lesions, compared with the normal skin biopsies. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Tenericutes were found to be significantly different in abundance in the DD lesions compared with normal skin biopsies. Silver staining of samples showed only mild inflammation and in two samples organisms with morphology consistent with Spirochaetes were detected. CONCLUSIONS The calculated prevalence indicates that DD is present in Victoria, Australia. The results of diversity profiling showed that the presence of Treponema-species was significantly different between the samples of DD lesions and normal skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hesseling
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A R Legione
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - M A Stevenson
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - C I McCowan
- Agriculture Victoria, Veterinary Diagnostics, AgriBio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - M F Pyman
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - C Finochio
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - D Nguyen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - C L Roic
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - O L Thiris
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - A J Zhang
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - G van Schaik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J E Coombe
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
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43
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Biemans F, de Jong MCM, Bijma P. A genome-wide association study for susceptibility and infectivity of Holstein Friesian dairy cattle to digital dermatitis. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6248-6262. [PMID: 31103307 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Selection and breeding can be used to fight transmission of infectious diseases in livestock. The prevalence in a population depends on the susceptibility and infectivity of the animals. Knowledge on the genetic background of those traits would facilitate efficient selection for lower disease prevalence. We investigated the genetic background of host susceptibility and infectivity for digital dermatitis (DD), an endemic infectious claw disease in dairy cattle, with a genome-wide association study (GWAS), using either a simple linear mixed model or a generalized linear mixed model based on epidemiological theory. In total, 1,513 Holstein-Friesian cows of 12 Dutch dairy farms were scored for DD infection status and class (M0 to M4.1) every 2 wk for 11 times; 1,401 of these cows were genotyped with a 75k SNP chip. We performed a GWAS with a linear mixed model on 10 host disease status traits, and with a generalized linear mixed model with a complementary log-log link function (GLMM) on the probability that a cow would get infected between 2 scorings. With the GLMM, we fitted SNP effects for host susceptibility and host infectivity, while taking the variation in exposure of the susceptible cow to infectious herd mates into account. With the linear model we detected 4 suggestive SNP (false discovery rate < 0.20), 2 for the fraction of observations a cow had an active lesion on chromosomes 1 and 14, one for the fraction of observations a cow had an M2 lesion on at least one claw on chromosome 1 (the same SNP as for the fraction of observations with an active lesion), and one for the fraction of observations a cow had an M4.1 lesion on at least one claw on chromosome 10. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.09 to 0.37. With the GLMM we did not detect significant nor suggestive SNP. The SNP effects on disease status analyzed with the linear model had a correlation coefficient of only 0.70 with SNP effects on susceptibility of the GLMM, indicating that both models capture partly different effects. Because the GLMM better accounts for the epidemiological mechanisms determining individual disease status and for the distribution of the y-variable, results of the GLMM may be more reliable, despite the absence of suggestive associations. We expect that with an extended GLMM that better accounts for the full genetic variation in infectivity via the environment, the accuracy of SNP effects may increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Biemans
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands; Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - M C M de Jong
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - P Bijma
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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44
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Weber J, Richter S, Freick M. Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of salicylic acid paste with a polyurethane wound dressing for the treatment of digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cows. Res Vet Sci 2019; 125:7-13. [PMID: 31108427 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
There is little evidence of the efficacy of artificial polymers for controlling bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) as a major problem of intensive dairy productions worldwide. We therefore aimed to compare salicylic acid (SA)-based paste with a polyurethane (PU) wound dressing on a German Holstein dairy farm over a maximum 56-d period. On d 0, 109 ft with active BDD lesions from 109 cows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: (1) SA group received a topical SA-containing paste and (2) PU group was treated with a PU wound dressing. Dressing changes were performed according to manufacturer's instructions until clinical cure (transition from active M1 or M2 to non-active M4 or healed M0 stages), whereby a clinical scoring of lesions was additionally conducted. Data from 100 ft could be analyzed (nSA = 54; nPU = 46). There was a significant reduction of the lesion score over time within each group (SA: d 0-d 14; PU: d 0-d 28, p < .05). Score differences between first (d 0) and second (SA: d 7; PU: d 14) as well as between first and third (SA: d 14; PU: d 28) evaluation did not differ significantly (p > .05). The proportion of clinically cured cows was higher in SA than in PU on d 14 (96.3 vs. 32.6%) as well as on d 28 (100 vs. 54.3%) after initial treatment (p < .05). Analysis of survival to cure in a Cox regression model showed that hazard ratio (HR) was higher for SA with PU as baseline (HR: 6.324, 95% CI: 3.625-11.033, p < .05). However, while BDD scores at enrollment did not differ between treatments (p > .05), PU had a significantly lower final BDD score (p < .05). In conclusion, evidence on the efficacy of PU bandages to treat BDD lesions is provided and further studies on bacteriological cure as well as recurrence rates are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Weber
- Veterinary Practice Zettlitz, Zettlitz, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Richter
- HTW Dresden, University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture/Environment/Chemistry, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Freick
- Veterinary Practice Zettlitz, Zettlitz, Germany; HTW Dresden, University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture/Environment/Chemistry, Dresden, Germany
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45
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Claw disorders in dairy cattle: Effects on production, welfare and farm economics with possible prevention methods. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Effects of climate and farm management practices on bovine digital dermatitis in spring-calving pasture-based dairy farms in Taranaki, New Zealand. Vet J 2019; 247:75-80. [PMID: 30971356 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of climate and farm management practices on prevalence of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) in spring-calving farms in Taranaki, New Zealand, whole herd assessments of BDD were made on 57 farms which had been previously identified as having cows with BDD. Assessments of BDD lesions were made on five occasions between early lactation (September 2015) and drying-off (May 2016; at approximately 6-week intervals). Along with the clinical assessment, data on farm management practices were collected using questionnaires. In addition, climate data including rainfall and soil/air temperature were obtained from a local weather station. The raw temporal pattern was analysed using a generalised estimating equation method, followed by a mixed effects negative binomial model which modelled the associations between prevalence and the covariates including management practices, rainfall and soil temperature. The highest farm and cow level prevalences were seen on the second visit (27/Oct/2015-11/Dec/2015) and were lowest on the fourth visit (29/Jan/2016-10/Mar/2016). Farms with a higher prevalence at the first visit tended to have a higher prevalence at later visits, even though the affected individuals were often different. There was thus a strong correlation (0.94) between prevalence (proportion of cows affected at each time point) and incidence (proportion of cows with new affections at each time point). Two climate measurements were found to have associations with BDD prevalence. Firstly, increased rainfall in the previous month was associated with decreased cow level prevalence; secondly, there was a quadratic relationship between prevalence and soil temperature, with prevalence increasing as soil temperature increased from 11.8 °C to approximately 18 °C and then decreasing as soil temperature increased from approximately 18 °C to 23.9 °C. In addition to the effect of climate, using outside staff to perform hoof trimming was found to increase the risk of BDD affection (risk ratio [RR]: 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-4.06).
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Effect of footbath protocols for prevention and treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cattle: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2019; 164:56-71. [PMID: 30771895 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Digital dermatitis (DD) is an infectious bacterial disease affecting cattle feet. Footbaths are a common herd-level control method for DD; however, variations in product, concentration, and frequency of use complicate comparisons between protocols. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate all walk-through footbath protocols reported that determined efficacy for prevention and treatment of DD lesions in dairy cattle. An extensive literature search was conducted, including electronic databases and gray literature updated until March 2018. Studies identified included all liquid walk-through footbath protocols that were compared to other footbath protocols or no footbath. Only studies with treatment or prevention of DD lesions as an outcome were included. Literature search and subsequent screening identified 14 publications with 24 treatment comparisons and 24 prevention comparisons. Studies included mostly had low and/or unclear risks of bias. Descriptive analyses were performed according to prevention and treatment outcomes, with case and success definitions summarized as odds ratios (OR). A subsequent network meta-analysis was conducted of 11 studies, comparing 17 protocol comparisons for the prevention outcome and 10 studies comparing 19 protocol comparisons for the treatment outcome, using semi-informative priors in a Bayesian statistical framework. Results of a random effects Bayesian network meta-analysis indicated only 5% copper sulfate used at least 4 times/wk was superior to both no footbath (OR: 5.26; 95% CrI: 1.27-28.8) and a water placebo (OR: 9.47; 95% CrI: 1.03-85.8) in treatment of DD. No other protocol was associated with a reduction in DD, and there were no differences in pair-wise comparisons between any active treatments. Unfortunately, for both outcomes (treatment and prevention), small sample sizes (adjusted for clustering) limited the power to detect substantial differences between protocol effects. Thus, despite widespread use of footbaths, limited strength of evidence for use remains and standardized protocols with large sample sizes are needed to further investigate effectiveness of footbath protocols for control of DD. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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48
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Demirkan I, Erdoğan M, Demirkan AÇ, Bozkurt F, Altındiş M, Navruz FZ, Köse Z. Isolation and identification of Treponema pedis and Treponema phagedenis-like organisms from bovine digital dermatitis lesions found in dairy cattle in Turkey. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:10317-10326. [PMID: 30219415 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The isolation and identification of microorganisms associated with digital dermatitis (DD) in Turkish dairy cattle was investigated using punch skin biopsy samples from typical clinical lesions; they were collected from dairy farms and abattoirs in 5 different geographical locations in Turkey. Morphological characteristics and flagellation types were examined using a transmission electron microscope, and their enzyme profiles by enzyme activation kits; their catalase reaction characteristics were evaluated by the addition of 3% H2O2. Their phylogenies were identified using 16S rRNA and the results compared with known gene bank data. Bacterial cells were 5.0 to 18.2 µm long, 0.2 to 0.5 µm wide, and their minimum number of periplasmic flagellum was 4 (4:8:4) with a maximum of 8 (8:16:8). All isolates were catalase negative. Of the spirochetes isolated and identified, group I organisms showed close similarity with Treponema pedis (99% genetic homology), whereas those in group II were similar to Treponema phagedenis (98% homology). This is the first report of specific sub-groups of Treponema spp., isolated from Turkish dairy cattle presenting with DD lesions, being associated with this disease; these morphotypes were similar to those found globally in housed dairy cattle units and are probably significant microorganisms associated with the aetiopathogensis of this infectious disease causing acute bovine lameness. These results suggest that the distribution of DD-associated treponemes is not specific to particular geographic regions of Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Demirkan
- Department of Surgery, Afyon, 03200, Turkey.
| | - M Erdoğan
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Afyon, 03200, Turkey
| | | | - F Bozkurt
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, 03200, Turkey
| | - M Altındiş
- Department of Clinical Virology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, 54200, Turkey
| | - F Zemheri Navruz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Bartin University, Bartin, 74100, Turkey
| | - Z Köse
- Laboratory of Diagnostics and Analysis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, 03200, Turkey
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Monitoring foot surface temperature using infrared thermal imaging for assessment of hoof health status in cattle: A review. J Therm Biol 2018; 78:10-21. [PMID: 30509624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Detection of lameness early in cows is important from the animal welfare point of view and for reducing economic losses. Currently, many studies are being conducted for assessment of hoof health status by measuring the surface temperature of skin in cattle and other animal species in different parts of the world. Infrared Thermography (IRT) is able to detect lesions of hooves associated with lameness by measuring the changes in coronary band and hoof skin surface temperature. The surface temperature of a lame limb will be increased when the hoof has lesion(s). IRT has been used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection of hoof lesions based on the temperature difference between affected and non-affected hoof and maximum foot temperature on the regions of interest. In spite of having many potential applications in cattle production, factors affecting the temperature readings in thermograms must also are considered while taking images. Standard operating procedures must be established before taking thermographs under different circumstances, by considering all the factors that affect its normal function. IRT may help in minimising the cost of veterinary services, low yield, compromised fertility and culling expenses, where lameness cannot be resolved in early stages.
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50
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Harris-Bridge G, Young L, Handel I, Farish M, Mason C, Mitchell MA, Haskell MJ. The use of infrared thermography for detecting digital dermatitis in dairy cattle: What is the best measure of temperature and foot location to use? Vet J 2018; 237:26-33. [PMID: 30089541 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Lameness in dairy cattle is a persistent problem, indicating pain caused by underlying disease states and is associated with reduced milk yields. Digital dermatitis is a common cause of lameness. Thermal imaging is a technique that may facilitate early detection of this disease and has the potential for use in automated detection systems. Previous studies with thermal imaging have imaged either the heels or the coronary band of the foot and typically only used the maximum temperature (Max) value as the outcome measure. This study investigated the utility of other statistical descriptors: 90th percentile (90PCT), 95th percentile (95PCT), standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CoV) and compared the utility of imaging the heel or coronary band. Images were collected from lame and healthy cows using a high-resolution thermal camera. Analyses were done at the cow and foot level. There were significant differences between lame and healthy feet detectable at the heels (95th percentile: P<0.05; SD: P<0.05) and coronary band (SD: P<0.05). Within lame cows, 95PCT values were higher at the heel (P<0.05) and Max values were higher at the coronary band (P<0.05) in the lame foot compared to the healthy foot. ROC analysis showed an AUC value of 0.72 for Max temperature and 0.68 for 95PCT at the heels. It was concluded that maximum temperature is the most accurate measure, but other statistical descriptors of temperature can be used to detect lameness. These may be useful in certain contexts, such as where there is contamination. Differentiation of lame from healthy feet was most apparent when imaging the heels.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Harris-Bridge
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
| | - L Young
- SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - I Handel
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
| | - M Farish
- SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - C Mason
- SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - M A Mitchell
- SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - M J Haskell
- SRUC (Scotland's Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK.
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