1
|
Weber MF, Kelton D, Eisenberg SWF, Donat K. Progress in Paratuberculosis Control Programmes for Dairy Herds. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1127. [PMID: 38612366 PMCID: PMC11010894 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
While paratuberculosis control has been studied for over a century, knowledge gaps still exist regarding the uptake and efficacy of control programmes. This narrative review aims to summarise studies on control programmes presented at the IDF ParaTB Fora in 2021 and 2022 and the International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis in 2022. Studies were grouped by topic as follows: successful control, field studies, education and extension, voluntary and compulsory control programmes, and surveillance. Various Map control programmes resulted in a decreasing animal and herd level Map prevalence. Long-term stakeholder commitment, stable funding, involvement of herd veterinarians and incentives for farmers to participate were shown to be pivotal for long-term success. Control measures focused on vertical and calf-to-calf transmission may improve Map control in infected herds. Easy-to-capture visualisation of surveillance test results to inform participants on the progress of Map control in their herds was developed. The probability of freedom from disease and estimated within-herd prevalence were identified as good candidates for categorisation of herds to support low-risk trade of cattle. Results of the surveillance schemes may inform genetic selection for resistance to Map infection. In conclusion, successful paratuberculosis control is feasible at both the herd and country level provided that crucial prerequisites are met.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | | | - Karsten Donat
- Thuringian Animal Diseases Fund, Victor-Goerttler-Straße 4, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Clinic for Reproduction and Neonatology of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Frankfurter Straße 106, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meek K, Strain S, O'Connell NE, Grant IR. Analysis of the Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan questionnaire responses for dairy herds enrolled in the Northern Ireland Johne's disease control programme. Vet Rec Open 2023; 10:e71. [PMID: 37818238 PMCID: PMC10561023 DOI: 10.1002/vro2.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland has been enrolling dairy herds across Northern Ireland (NI) in a voluntary Johne's disease (JD) control programme since October 2020. A Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan (VRAMP) questionnaire was completed for each herd enrolled and recommendations for improved farm management practices were provided to farmers. Herd JD testing was recommended but was not mandatory. Methods This study analysed VRAMP responses for 1569 dairy herds that had enrolled in the JD control programme up to October 2022. Univariate and multivariate regression models were applied to the data as appropriate. Results Overall, 21.4% of the dairy herds had completed herd JD screening, with 13.7% of herds reporting a confirmed case of JD. A further 31.5% of herds reported suspected case(s) of JD. Eighty-nine percent of farms had introduced animals from outside the herd. Herds that utilise a mixed calving pen and hospital pen, and herds that do not separate JD-positive or sick animals within the calving pen, were significantly (p > 0.001) more likely to be a high-probability JD herd. Accidental mixing of neighbouring herds significantly (p = 0.01) increased the risk of a suspected or confirmed case of JD. Herds that utilise rented land (70%) were significantly (p > 0.001) more likely to be at a high risk for JD. Conclusions The VRAMP analysis identified areas of JD control that should be focused on in NI dairy herds, such as calving pen management and hygiene. The results highlight the importance of common JD recommendations in the management of on-farm disease risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Meek
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern IrelandUK
| | - Sam Strain
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern IrelandDungannonTyroneNorthern IrelandUK
| | - Niamh E. O'Connell
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern IrelandUK
| | - Irene R. Grant
- Institute for Global Food SecuritySchool of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastNorthern IrelandUK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Horan L, Mee JF, Field NL, Walsh SW, Valldecabres A. Farmers' knowledge of Johne's disease and opinions of the Irish Johne's Control Programme: results of an online survey answered mostly by young farmers. Ir Vet J 2023; 76:31. [PMID: 37858259 PMCID: PMC10588086 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-023-00260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A voluntary control programme for Johne's disease, the Irish Johne's Control Programme (IJCP) has been implemented in Ireland since 2017. The objective of this observational study was to assess Irish beef and dairy farmers' Johne's disease knowledge, implemented management practices and IJCP opinions. A questionnaire open to dairy and beef farmers was distributed via social media and email. In total 126 responses were used for this study; these responses came from mostly young farmers (18-25 years old) and represent a small proportion of the total number of dairy and beef farmers in Ireland whose average age is 55.Most respondents claimed to know what Johne's disease was (73%; 92/126) and associated the disease to loss of body condition (68%; 78/114) and diarrhoea (59%; 67/114). Twenty-eight respondents (mostly dairy farmers; 22/28) reported positive cases in their premises. And 38% reported to implement management practices to prevent Johne's disease transmission within or into their herd (i.e. management of milk for calf consumption and isolation of Johne's test-positive or newly purchased stock; 47/124).Eighteen percent (22/125) of respondents were, at the time of questionnaire or previously, members of the IJCP. The main benefits reported by some of the participating farmers were identification of positive cases (29%; 4/14), and management of milk for calf consumption (21%; 3/14). While the main disadvantage was inaccurate testing methods (50%; 10/20). The main reasons reported for the lack of participation in the IJCP were not being aware of the programme (52%; 53/102) and not having a Johne's disease problem on the farm (48%; 49/102).In conclusion, this study suggests that while young farmers are aware of Johne's disease, their participation in the IJCP is limited and could benefit from further promotion. Studies representing the wider farming community in Ireland are warranted to gather non-biased input and contribute to Johne's disease control in Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Horan
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 P302, Ireland
| | - John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 P302, Ireland
| | - Niamh L Field
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 P302, Ireland
| | - Siobhán W Walsh
- Department of Land Sciences, South East Technological University, Cork Road Campus, Waterford, Co. Waterford, X91 K0EK, Ireland
| | - Ainhoa Valldecabres
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 P302, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McAloon CG, Tratalos JA, O'Grady L, Green MJ, Gavey L, Graham D, More SJ, McGrath G, Mee JF. An observational study of ear-tagged calf mortality (1 to 100 days) on Irish dairy farms and associations between biosecurity practices and calf mortality on farms participating in a Johne's disease control program. J Dairy Sci 2023:S0022-0302(23)00266-7. [PMID: 37225580 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22519] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal mortality among replacement stock has a detrimental effect on the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of dairy production. Calf mortality rates vary between countries and show differences in temporal trends; most, however, are characterized by high levels of between-farm variability. Explaining this variation can be difficult because herd-level information on management practices relevant to calf health is often not available. The Irish Johne's Control Programme (IJCP) contains a substantial on-farm monitoring program called the Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan (VRAMP). Although this risk assessment is largely focused on factors relevant to the transmission of paratuberculosis, many of its principles are good practice biocontainment policies that are also advocated for the protection of calf health. The objectives of this study were (1) to quantify mortality in ear-tagged Irish dairy calves between 2016 and 2020 using both survival and risk approaches, (2) to determine risk factors for 100-d cumulative mortality hazard in ear-tagged Irish dairy calves between 2016 and 2020, (3) to determine whether 100-d cumulative mortality hazard was higher in ear-tagged calves within herds registered in the IJCP versus those that were not registered in the IJCP and whether there were differences between these cohorts over time, and (4) within IJCP herds, to determine whether VRAMP score or changes in VRAMP score were associated with 100-d cumulative mortality hazard. Excluding perinatal mortality, the overall 100-d cumulative mortality hazard was 4.1%. Calf mortality was consistently underestimated using risk approaches that did not account for calf censoring. Cox proportional hazards models showed that cumulative mortality hazard was greater in male calves; particularly, calves born to Jersey breed dams and those with a beef breed sire. Mortality hazard increased with increasing herd size, was highest in calves born in herds that contract-reared heifers, and lowest in those born in mixed dairy-beef enterprises. Mortality hazard decreased over time with the mortality hazard in 2020 being 0.83 times that of 2016. Mortality hazard was higher in IJCP-registered herds than nonregistered herds (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12), likely reflecting differences in herds that enrolled in the national program. However, we detected a significant interaction between IJCP status (enrolled vs. not enrolled) and year (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-1.00), indicating that the decrease in mortality hazard between 2016 and 2020 was greater in IJCP herds versus non-IJCP herds. Finally, increasing VRAMP scores (indicating higher risk for paratuberculosis transmission) were positively associated with increased calf mortality hazard. Postnatal calf mortality rates in Irish dairy herds declined between 2016 and 2020. Our study suggests that implementation of recommended biocontainment practices to control paratuberculosis in IJCP herds was associated with a reduction in calf mortality hazard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conor G McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland.
| | - Jamie A Tratalos
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - Luke O'Grady
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland; School of Veterinary Science and Medicine, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - Martin J Green
- School of Veterinary Science and Medicine, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, LE12 5RD
| | - Lawrence Gavey
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - David Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 WN27, Ireland
| | - Simon J More
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland; Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - Guy McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road, Dublin 4, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, P61 C997 Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Evaluation of Environmental Sampling for Detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in the Pre-Weaned Calf Area and Calving Area of Infected Dairy Farms Enrolled in a Voluntary Johne's Disease Control Programme. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040669. [PMID: 36830456 PMCID: PMC9951948 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040669] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the pillars of Johne's disease control is to break the cycle of transmission from infectious adult animals to young susceptible animals. Many control programmes utilise a risk assessment and management plan (RAMP) to identify specific risks for transmission of infection on individual farms and then recommend tailored biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk. It is important that infected farms in particular, practice effective biocontainment in the calving area and pre-weaned calf area. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine what proportion of MAP-infected farms (PCR-positive) enrolled in a control programme had detectable MAP in their calf environment; (2) to compare RAMP scores and apparent within-herd prevalence (aWHP) of PCR-positive and PCR-negative farms; (3) to evaluate the correlation between RAMP scores, aWHP and levels of contamination based on PCR test Ct value. A novel environmental sampling protocol combining manure samples and boot swab samples was conducted in the calving area and pre-weaned calf area on 28 dairy farms with PCR-confirmed MAP infection. All samples were tested with PCR. Logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate the association between RAMP score and aWHP and PCR outcome. Overall, 46% of farms had positive PCR samples in either the calving area, pre-weaned calf area or both. The calving area was positive in 36% of farms and the pre-weaned calf area was positive in 21% of farms. There was a moderate, negative correlation (r = -0.45; p = 0.08) observed between RAMP scores and Ct value at the sample-level that slightly missed the required significance level. No significant association was identified between RAMP scores or aWHP and PCR test outcome (positive or negative). It was concluded that environmental sampling of the calving area and pre-weaned calf area has potential applications in the assessment of transmission risk on infected farms and could be used to monitor the efficacy of biosecurity measures over time. Further research conducted on a larger scale is required to support these results.
Collapse
|
6
|
Biemans F, Tratalos J, Arnoux S, Ramsbottom G, More SJ, Ezanno P. Modelling transmission of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis between Irish dairy cattle herds. Vet Res 2022; 53:45. [PMID: 35733232 PMCID: PMC9215035 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine paratuberculosis is an endemic disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). Map is mainly transmitted between herds through movement of infected but undetected animals. Our objective was to investigate the effect of observed herd characteristics on Map spread on a national scale in Ireland. Herd characteristics included herd size, number of breeding bulls introduced, number of animals purchased and sold, and number of herds the focal herd purchases from and sells to. We used these characteristics to classify herds in accordance with their probability of becoming infected and of spreading infection to other herds. A stochastic individual-based model was used to represent herd demography and Map infection dynamics of each dairy cattle herd in Ireland. Data on herd size and composition, as well as birth, death, and culling events were used to characterize herd demography. Herds were connected with each other through observed animal trade movements. Data consisted of 13 353 herds, with 4 494 768 dairy female animals, and 72 991 breeding bulls. We showed that the probability of an infected animal being introduced into the herd increases both with an increasing number of animals that enter a herd via trade and number of herds from which animals are sourced. Herds that both buy and sell a lot of animals pose the highest infection risk to other herds and could therefore play an important role in Map spread between herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Floor Biemans
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland. .,INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, 44300, Nantes, France.
| | - Jamie Tratalos
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | | | | | - Simon J More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Field NL, McAloon CG, Gavey L, Mee JF. Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in cattle - a review in the context of seasonal pasture-based dairy herds. Ir Vet J 2022; 75:12. [PMID: 35590382 PMCID: PMC9121589 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-022-00217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Johne’s disease is an infectious disease affecting cattle, other ruminants and non-ruminant wildlife worldwide, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). This review provides an up-to-date concise overview of the pathogenesis of MAP, the significance of Johne’s disease in cattle and the use of diagnostic testing at both animal and herd level in the context of seasonal pasture-based herds. While MAP can only replicate intracellularly, the bacterium is sufficiently robust to survive for months in the environment. Transmission of MAP is mostly via the faecal-oral route, however in-utero transmission in also possible. The bacteria evade the immune system by persisting in macrophages in the small intestine submucosa, with this latent stage of infection lasting, in most cases, for at least two years before bacterial shedding and clinical signs begin. The slowly progressive nature of MAP infection, poor performance of diagnostic tests and management systems that expose susceptible calves to infection make control of Johne’s disease challenging, particularly in seasonal calving herds. Testing of individual animals provides little assurance for farmers and vets due to the poor sensitivity and, in the case of ELISA, imperfect specificity of the available tests. Repeated herd-level testing is utilised by the IJCP to detect infected herds, identify high risk animals, and provide increasing confidence that test-negative herds are free of infection. The IJCP aims to control the spread of Johne’s disease in cattle in Ireland, in order to protect non-infected herds, limit the economic and animal health impact of the disease, improve calf health and reassure markets of Johne’s disease control in Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niamh L Field
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 P302, Ireland. .,UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland.
| | - Conor G McAloon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | | | - John F Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 P302, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Donat K, Einax E, Klassen A. Evaluation of the Thuringian Bovine Johne’s Disease Control Program—A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040493. [PMID: 35203201 PMCID: PMC8868165 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Thuringian Johne’s Disease (JD) Control Program provides a voluntary approach to JD control in Thuringia, a federal state of Germany. The program has three objectives: reduce the level of infection when present; reduce the spread of JD to uninfected herds; and facilitate the certification and protection of herds that are non-suspect with respect to JD. The program offers pathways for the management of affected herds and for certification of herds with continuing negative tests. After the control stage (CS), a certification stage of at least 3 consecutive years with continuing negative results in the annual whole-herd test has to be passed until a herd can be certified as ‘non-suspect’ with respect to JD. This study focused on calf mortality in relation to JD herd status. In a longitudinal study, the association of annual calf mortality rate of a total of 93 dairy herds (13 ‘non-suspect’; 26 in control stage; 54 not enrolled) over 10 consecutive years with JD herd status was investigated using a generalized mixed linear model with repeated measures. Non-suspect herds had a lower calf mortality rate compared with other farms. We conclude that establishing JD control measures lowers the calf mortality rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Donat
- Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-8855-0
| | - Esra Einax
- Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Anne Klassen
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|