Abstract
In November 2008, a total of 19,910 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were obtained from dairy farms from all over Germany, corresponding to about 20% of all German dairy herds, and analysed for antibodies against the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus by use of the recombinant MSP-ELISA. A total number of 3,397 (17.1%; n = 19,910) BTM samples tested seropositive. The prevalences in individual German federal states varied between 0.0% and 31.2% positive herds. A geospatial map was drawn to show the distribution of seropositive and seronegative herds per postal code area. ELISA results were further analysed for associations with land-use and climate data. Bivariate statistical analysis was used to identify potential spatial risk factors for dictyocaulosis. Statistically significant positive associations were found between lungworm seropositive herds and the proportion of water bodies and grassed area per postal code area. Variables that showed a statistically significant association with a positive BTM test were included in a logistic regression model, which was further refined by controlled stepwise selection of variables. The low Pseudo R2 values (0.08 for the full model and 0.06 for the final model) and further evaluation of the model by ROC analysis indicate that additional, unrecorded factors (e.g. management factors) or random effects may substantially contribute to lungworm infections in dairy cows. Veterinarians should include lungworms in the differential diagnosis of respiratory disease in dairy cattle, particularly those at pasture. Monitoring of herds through BTM screening for antibodies can help farmers and veterinarians plan and implement appropriate control measures.
Highlights
The disease dictyocaulosis in cattle, known as parasitic bronchitis or ‘‘husk’’, is caused by the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus
Prevalence of Dictyocaulosis in Germany A total number of 3,397 (17.1%; 95% CI: 16.5–17.6%) bulk tank milk (BTM)
The highest percentages of seropositive dairy herds were found in Central and Northern Germany with 31.2% seropositive in the sampled areas of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, 22.3% in Lower Saxony and 17.6% in Schleswig-Holstein
Summary
The disease dictyocaulosis in cattle, known as parasitic bronchitis or ‘‘husk’’, is caused by the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus This parasitosis is nowadays recognized as a problem in both, calves and adult cattle in temperate regions throughout the world. In the 1990s an increase in the incidence of disease was recorded [1,2] and coincidently there was a substantial increase in the proportion of second year grazing calves or adult cows [1,3]. Both dairy and beef cattle can be affected [4,5]. Total costs for lungworm outbreaks in dairy herds were estimated by Holzhauer et al [8] at J159 and J167 per cow, whereas Woolley et al [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
