Abstract
BackgroundDichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of footrot in sheep. The survival of the bacterium in soil is of importance for the epidemiology of the disease. The investigation evaluates the survival of D. nodosus in soil with and without added hoof powder stored under different temperatures.ResultsAn experimental setup was used with bacteriological culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the results indicate that the bacteria can survive in soil for longer time than previously expected. The survival time was found to be dependent on temperature and the addition of hoof powder to the soil, with the longest survival time estimated to be 24 days in soil samples with hoof powder stored at 5°C.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the survival time of D. nodosus and its ability to infect susceptible sheep on pasture under different climatic conditions should be studied further.
Highlights
Dichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of footrot in sheep
In general a lower temperature was associated with a lower cycle threshold (Ct)-value and groups containing hoof powder had lower Ct-values compared to pure soil samples incubated at the same temperature (Table 1)
A marked reduction in survival time could be seen for samples stored at 15°C; viable bacteria could only be retrieved until day 4 from pure soil and until day 7 for soil + hoof powder
Summary
Dichelobacter nodosus is the causative agent of footrot in sheep. The investigation evaluates the survival of D. nodosus in soil with and without added hoof powder stored under different temperatures. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the survival time of D. nodosus and its ability to infect susceptible sheep on pasture under different climatic conditions should be studied further. Dichelobacter nodosus, the causative agent of footrot in sheep, is a Gram-negative and obligate anaerobic bacterium [1]. The survival time for D. nodosus in the environment is reported to be in range of 4–14 days [1,2,3,4]. Control and eradication programs are often based on the expectation that D. nodosus will not survive for more than a few days outside the feet of ruminants [6,8]. Basing control and eradication programs for one climatic region on research made in other regions can
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