Pastoralism Research Articles

The Sacred Stories of the Ganga Patams: A Visual Study

The present paper is a brief introduction to patams (cloth wall hangings) and canopies that were used primarily for temple decorations and for narrating stories based on caste mythologies. They are generally called as Ganga Patam/ Duppati (wall hanging/ Textile) named after the principal icon and deity, Gangamma who is worshipped mainly by Yadava or the Golla caste (cattle herders) and are hand painted using the cloth dyeing process of Kalamkari. The paper tries to trace the journey of this traditional art from walls, to cloth and to various regions and shifts in themes.

Does ‘net zero’ mean zero cows?

ABSTRACT A significant share of anthropogenic global warming comes from livestock production. There is debate about whether there can be any role for livestock in a climatically sustainable future; the debate is particularly heated for cows and sheep, largely due to the methane they burp out. However, short-lived gases like methane affect climate in a fundamentally different way than long-lived gases like carbon dioxide. Consequently, climate stabilization does not require zeroing-out cattle herds. But this doesn’t mean we can eat our beef and have it (a tolerable climate) too—livestock still contribute to global warming. Preventing or limiting future growth in livestock-related emissions can represent a sensible part of the portfolio of responses to the climate crisis, particularly when carbon dioxide emissions are not on track to reach net zero sufficiently quickly.

Perceptions of TB-HIV comorbidity among the Nomads in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The recalcitrance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) to eradication was related to achieving a nonreplicating (dormant) state and the increasing global burden of HIV coinfection. Consequently, understanding the knowledge and perception of the population at risk of tuberculosis-HIV infection is essential to designing a strategy of intervention embraced by the target population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Nomads in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to recruit consented participants. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather the required information from 4 nomadic schoolteachers in each selected school. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet where trends and tables of collated data were developed. The findings show that only 13.5% of the participants expressed the correct perceptions of the complementary relationship between HIV and TB. More people in government employment (35%) understand the coexisting relationship of TB-HIV infections. At the same time, cattle herders and crop farmers who practice the prevalent occupation lack knowledge of TB-HIV relatedness. Across gender, only a proportion of males (14.8%) than females (10.5%) were more likely to show an understanding of the complementary association of HIV and TB, and this difference showed statistical significance (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, male gender, education at a degree or professional level, and employment with the government are factors associated with positive perceptions of TB/HIV relatedness. Thus, there is a need to intensify communication to educate Nomads on HIV and TB-related issues.

The first evidence of bovine viral diarrhea virus circulation in Libya.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is endemic in North Africa and the Mediterranean Basin with high socioeconomic impacts. However, there are no data on this disease in Libya. One of the aims of this study was to provide data on BVD in Libya, to fill in the gap in the region and to investigate the level of seroprevalence of BVD virus (BVDV) in Libya and associated risk factors. A total of 1599 serum samples were collected from cattle herds belonging to seven Libyan regions. All sera were assayed using a screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against BVDV. The overall seroprevalence of BVDV was estimated to be 48.6% (95% confidence interval, 46.08%-50.98%). A seroprevalence rate of 36.8% was detected in cattle aged <1 year, 41.0% in cattle aged between 1 and 2 years, and 49.7% in cattle aged >2 years. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.001) were observed between age groups. BVDV seroprevalence was significantly associated with geographical region (p = 0.033). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on BVD in Libya, and the results suggest that BVD is endemic in Libya. Further studies are required to isolate and characterize the circulated BVDV in Libya.

Anthrax: Distribution, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Pastoralists in Jawhar, Qalimow and Adan Yabal Somalia.

Anthrax is a Zoonotic Disease (both Human and Animals) the disease is causing higher morbidity and mortality rate in Middle-Shebelle Somalia. Anthrax is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthraces. It was reported in many parts of the region the disease is endemic that effects production with the pastoralists with an incidence &gt;30% of their livestock production system. In a study to determine the status of anthrax in pastoralists in three selected area of Middle-Shebelle: Jawhar, Qalimow, and Aaden yabaal with Forty two herds were also used. The three selected area of the study were the most livestock populations in Middle-Shebelle. A structured Questionnaire was used to capture pastoralists Knowledge, Attitude and Their Practice with regards of Anthrax Disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted contemporaneously with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key Informant interviews (KIIs) between May 2020 and April 2021. A Four Hundreds (4OO) of Households were visited via Personal interview. The existence of the disease per herd were estimated that 18.1% of camel herds, 34.3% of cattle herds and 47.6% of small ruminants flocks. Thus the summary of the KAP Results indicated that there was lack of Knowledge and Practice Gap among pastoralists related anthrax Disease. Generally, majority of farmers were practicing poorly in livestock community that was created the distribution of the disease. Therefore, the cattle sheep and goat herds should aware the diseases about the characterization and controlling systems through extending and trading for pastoralists and households. In addition, further assessment and control coverage with anthrax disease will highly option of essentials.

Insights into Nipah Virus: A Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutic Advances

Emerging as a WHO priority pathogen, Nipah virus (NiV) – an RNA virus within the Paramyxoviridae family – first ignited outbreaks in 1998 Malaysia. Closely related to Hendra virus, NiV continues to threaten South and Southeast Asia. A zoonotic threat, Nipah virus (NiV) jumps from its natural reservoir, fruit bats, to pigs and then humans. This BSL-4 threat, with no cure or shield, compels us to harmonise the voices of humans, animals, and the environment in a One Health symphony to prevent future outbreaks. A 2018 Chinese study identified populations at high risk for Nipah virus infection are Fruit farmers, traders, palm wine brewers, Cattle herders, especially pig farmers and Tourists. Nipah virus exhibits remarkable zoonotic versatility, with transmission pathways between humans and animals varying based on geography. Factors such as diverse livestock breeding practices, local eating habits, and the interplay with the natural reservoir - fruit bats - contribute to this fascinating mosaic of infection routes. Unravelling these complexities is crucial for designing effective control strategies tailored to specific regions. Following exposure to the Nipah virus (NiV), symptoms typically appear within two weeks, ranging from 4 days to 2 months. Fever, headache, dizziness, and vomiting are common initial signs, potentially progressing to severe encephalitis. A promising development in the fight against Nipah virus emerges as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) initiates an early-phase clinical trial for an investigational vaccine.

Intensification of reproduction of a highly productive dairy cattle herd

The research work was carried out in a breeding facility for dairy cattle breeding with a milk yield per cow of 10,564 kg and a reproduction level of 96.6 %. Semen of Holstein bulls was used for reproduction. At dry-off pregnant cows were immunized against a range of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases. After birth, the calves were injected with vitamin E and selenium, dectomax and gradually immunized against common infections. Data on 922 heifers were included in the analysis, including 192 obtained through inseminating cows with sexed semen. Heifers were inseminated at 13–15 months of age. Fertility rate after the first insemination was 67.4 %, calving at the age of (710 ± 2) days. Early calving and balanced feeding ensured high milk yields in full lactation and standard period – on average 9401 and 8854 kg of milk with the fat mass fraction of 4.32 %, protein of 3.38 % and the number of somatic cells of 73 thousand/ml. After calving, the first insemination was carried out on average in 82.6 days, the efficiency was 61.8 %, the insemination index was 1.60, the service period averaged to 107.5 days. When using sexed semen, the fertility rate after the 1st insemination was the same – 67.7 %. The age at calving in animals of the Vis Ideal line was 20 days more compared to their peers of the R. Sovereign line (722 versus 702 days, P &lt; 0.05). Milk yield in full lactation and its standard period were higher in animals of the R. Sovereign line – 9304 and 8890 kg versus 8753 and 8461 kg, which indicates the positive effect of early calving on animal productivity. Early calving of heifers is a necessary condition for a highly productive herd. The results of the research are recommended to be used not only at dairy farms of the Republic of Belarus, but also in other countries with developing dairy cattle breeding.

Could ancient Yamnaya dairying explain the environmental component of multiple sclerosis?

On January 10th, 2024, Barrie et al. published a landmark paper identifying the ancestral European origin of the high-risk, multiple sclerosis (MS) allele, HLA-DRB1*15:01. The authors hypothesize that Bronze Age, Yamnaya migration to, and their population of Scandinavia and the British Isles, accounts for the high incidence of MS in these regions, stemming from the geographical spread of HLA-DRB1*15:01 as evidenced by their data. These data further indicate that this immune-related allele likely underwent positive-selection pressures, suggesting that HLA-DRB1*15:01 may have conferred increased immunological resistance to zoonotic pathogens that the Yamnaya would have been exposed to from a lifestyle of sheep, goat, and cattle herding, as well as from the prevalent consumption of dairy products harvested from these animals. We wish to expand the scope of the Barrie et al. hypothesis to include the other gene that emerged in their extensive genomic analysis; the lactase persistence allele, LCT/MCM6, which allows adults to consume milk beyond childhood without adverse physical effects. We propose that, in addition to the Yamnaya spread of HLA-DRB1*15:01, their spread of LCT/MCM6 engendered a cultural propensity for milk consumption that may play a significant role in the present-day, global distribution of MS. Specifically, we hypothesize that lactose tolerance, and the prominent dairy consumption it enables, may expose individuals to the enteric, dairy-animal pathogen, Clostridium perfringens type B/D and its Epsilon neurotoxin that targets the precise brain tissues damaged during each MS relapse.

Promoting beef cattle raising in the concentrated farming areas of Hanoi city

The study was conducted in concentrated beef cattle farming areas of Hanoi city. The authors used the quantitative research method by taking steps such as directly investigating information through questionnaires in 6 communes and 210 beef cattle raising households in concentrated farming areas, processing information by Excel software, analysing information using descriptive statistical and comparative methods. The research results showed that although the number of beef cattle has not increased, the output, quality, and structure of the beef cattle herd have been significantly improved. However, beef cattle farming in concentrated areas of Hanoi city still has many inadequacies in scale, technical process, linkage, supply, and consumption. That leads to uncontrolled quality, no biosafety certification, and planned slaughterhouses not buying cows from Hanoi farmers. In order to promote beef cattle farming in concentrated areas of Hanoi city, the study recommends the following: increase the scale of livestock production associated with the development of high-quality beef cattle; promote biosecurity in beef farming; develop links between raising and consuming beef cattle; increase support from the city’ budget for beef cattle farming.

Serological Profile for Major Respiratory Viruses in Unvaccinated Cows from High-Yielding Dairy Herds.

This study aims to determine the serological profile of high-yielding dairy cows for four main viruses (bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)) related to bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle herds worldwide. In this survey, 497 blood serum samples were collected from non-vaccinated dairy cows without clinical respiratory signs in 39 herds in the central-eastern mesoregion of Paraná State, South Brazil. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was determined by virus neutralization (VN) tests. VN antibodies against BoAHV1, BVDV, BPIV3, and BRSV were detected in 355 (71.4%), 280 (56.3%), 481 (96.8%), and 315 (63.4%) serum samples, respectively. The frequencies of seropositive herds for BoAHV1, BVDV, BPIV3, and BRSV were 79.5 (n = 31), 82.0 (n = 32), 100 (n = 39), and 84.6% (n = 33), respectively. The frequencies of seropositive cows varied according to the type of herd management and the number of cows in the herd. The detection of VN antibodies in unvaccinated dairy cattle herds demonstrated the endemic circulation of the four viruses in the herds evaluated. For BRD prevention, it is recommended to implement a vaccination program for cows that provides passive immunity in calves and active immunity in cows.

Hematological parameters of blood of the heifers of different lines of the Kazakh white-headed breed

The experience of importing high-yielding foreign producers has shown the disadvantages of this practice due to low adaptation of the imported animals and difficulties in their full acclimatization to new conditions of housing and feeding. As a result, at best it prevents them from realizing their potential, at worst it contributes to their rapid drop out of the reproduction process. Domestic breeds are adapted to Russian conditions, but need to improve their productive qualities. Therefore, selection and breeding work is of key importance in the technological development of the beef cattle breeding industry of our country. We conducted studies on the heifers of the Kazakh white-headed breed of the Donguz 7139, Korol 13682NV-6 and Zolotoi 3423 lines in the conditions of the APC (collective farm) "Anikhovsky" of the Adamovsky district of the Orenburg region. Blood sampling of the heifers at 15 months of age (n = 18) was carried out in the morning before feeding from the jugular vein, for morphological studies – in vacuum tubes with an anticoagulant, for biochemical – with a coagulation activator. It was found that the heifers of the Zolotoi 3423 line surpassed the animals of the Donguz 7139 line in blood content of total protein (79,9 g/l) by 5.6%, albumins (36,8 g/l) by 6.35%, AST (27,8 Un/l) by 4.27%, ALT (105,0 Un/l) by 14.2%, erythrocytes (5,67 ∙ 10[1]2 cells/l) by 15.24% and hemoglobin (79,6 g/l) by 12.42%, that indicates a high rate of metabolism and redox processes in their body and eliminates the hidden risks of stability, adaptability of the gene pool of a new breeding form. Taking into account the productivity indicators given in the previous article, as well as the results obtained in the course of the present study, the creation and increase in the number of animals of the Zolotoi 3423 line is promising in breeding and breeding work with a herd of the Kazakh white-headed cattle in the APC (collective farm).

Serological Evidence of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Livestock in the Omaheke Region of Namibia.

This research examined the positivity ratio of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) antibodies in cattle and sheep within Namibia's Omaheke region after a human disease outbreak in the same geographical area. A total of 200 samples (100 cattle and 100 sheep) were randomly collected from animals brought to two regional auction sites, and then tested using the ID Screen® CCHF Double Antigen Multi-Species Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Of the cattle samples, 36% tested positive, while 22% of the sheep samples were seropositive. The cattle had a significantly higher positivity ratio than sheep at the individual animal level (p = 0.0291). At the herd level, 62.5% of cattle herds and 45.5% of sheep flocks had at least one positive animal, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.2475). The fourteen cattle farms with at least one seropositive animal were dispersed across the Omaheke region. In contrast, the ten sheep farms with seropositive cases were predominantly situated in the southern half of the region. The study concluded that the CCHF is endemic in the Omaheke region and likely in most of Namibia, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of CCHFV on animal health and potential spillover into human populations.

Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nitrogen Intensity, Gross Margin, and Land Use Occupation between Comparable Conventional and Organic Managed Dairy Farms

In this study, 200 Norwegian dairy farms were analyzed over three years to compare greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen (N) intensity, gross margin, and land use occupation between organically and conventionally managed farms. Conventionally managed farm groups were constructed based on propensity matching, selecting the closest counterparts to organically managed farms (n=15). These groups, each containing 15 farms, were differentiated by an increasing number of matching variables. The first group was matched based on geographical location, milk quota, and milking cow units. In the second match, the proportion of milking cows in the total cattle herd was added, and in the third, the ratio of milk delivered to milk produced and concentrate usage per dairy cow were included. The analysis showed that the conventionally managed farms (n=185) had higher greenhouse gas emissions (1.42 vs 0.98 kg CO2 per 2.78 MJ of edible energy from milk and meat, calculated as GWP100-AR4) and higher N intensity (6.9 vs 5.0 kg N input per kg N output) compared to the organic farms (N=15). When comparing emissions per kg of energy-corrected milk (ECM) delivered, conventional farms also emitted more CO2 (1.07 vs 0.8 kg CO2 per kg ECM). Furthermore, conventionally managed farms showed lower gross margins both in terms of NOK per 2.78 MJ edible energy delivered (5.8 vs 6.5 NOK) and per milking cow unit (30 100 vs 34 400 NOK), and they used less land (2.9 vs 3.6 m² per 2.78 MJ edible energy delivered) compared to organic farms. No differences were observed among the three conventionally managed groups in terms of emissions, N intensity, land use occupation, and gross margin.

Design of a multi-epitope-based vaccine candidate against Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis using a reverse vaccinology approach

BackgroundBovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a worldwide distributed venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), has a relevant negative economic impact in cattle herds. The control of BGC is hampered by the inexistence of globally available effective vaccines. The present in silico study aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Cfv through reverse vaccinology.ResultsThe analysis of Cfv strain NCTC 10354 proteome allowed the identification of 9 proteins suitable for vaccine development. From these, an outer membrane protein, OmpA, and a flagellar protein, FliK, were selected for prediction of B-cell and T-cell epitopes. The top-ranked epitopes conservancy was assessed in 31 Cfv strains. The selected epitopes were integrated to form a multi-epitope fragment of 241 amino acids, which included 2 epitopes from OmpA and 13 epitopes from FliK linked by GPGPG linkers and connected to the cholera toxin subunit B by an EAAAK linker. The vaccine candidate was predicted to be antigenic, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and soluble upon overexpression. The protein structure was predicted and optimized, and the sequence was successfully cloned in silico into a plasmid vector. Additionally, immunological simulations demonstrated the vaccine candidate’s ability to stimulate an immune response.ConclusionsThis study developed a novel vaccine candidate suitable for further in vitro and in vivo experimental validation, which may become a useful tool for the control of BGC.

The Contribution of Subsistence Agriculture to the Livelihoods of the Smallholder Farmers in South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Subsistence agriculture is practiced in most parts of the world on a limited space of land by farmers. It is mainly dependent on human power that results into production of food consumed at household level, with little or no surplus for sale. A study about the contribution of subsistence agriculture to the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers in south Kivu province was carried out. A total of 303 smallholder farmers were randomly selected and interviewed to examine the effects of practicing subsistence agriculture on the socioeconomic status of the farmers. How the socioeconomic status attained by the farmers influenced their sustainable livelihoods was also assessed. Data were analyzed using means, frequency distribution, correlation, ANOVA and Chi square test. Thematic analysis was done on qualitative data. The farmers practiced shifting and primitive agriculture, intensive subsistence, and nomadic herding. There was a significant difference in the yields of crops grown (F = 0.0088; P = 0.05), while education and income status significantly affected the farmer’s socioeconomic status by practicing subsistence agriculture (P &lt; 0.05). An average mean value of 3.12 for the components of the farmers’ livelihoods were exhibited, with the human capital mean value being highest (4.16) compared to natural, social and financial capital. The socioeconomic status attained had a significant effect on sustainable livelihoods of the farmers at P &lt; 0.05. This implies that the smallholder farmers need to be trained by the agricultural extension workers better and sustainable methods of farming for higher crop yields. In addition, the Central Government though the Ministry of Agriculture, should avail improved seed inputs to the local community for better crop yields. All these will enable the smallholder farmers improve their socioeconomic status and at the same time attain higher sustainable livelihoods.

Molecular Characterisation and Antibody Response to Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Vaccinated and Infected Cattle in Turkey.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the most important respiratory pathogens of cattle. In this study, frequency of infection, analysis of variants, and the immune status of vaccinated and non-vaccinated cattle were studied. Blood (n = 162) and nasal/oropharyngeal (n = 277) swabs were collected from 62 cattle herds in Turkey. Lung samples (n = 37) were also taken from dead animals and abattoirs. Antibodies to BRSV were detected in 76 (46%) out of 162 sera. The antibody levels in the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups were statistically significant. Among 277 nasal/oropharyngeal swabs and 37 lungs, ten nasal/oropharyngeal and four lung samples were positive for BRSV-RNA. BRSV-G gene sequences of 5 out of 14 RT-PCR positive samples showed that all viruses clustered as Group-III in phylogenetic analysis with 88-100% homology. Similarity with previous Turkish BRSVs was 89-98%, and that with BRSVs detected in the USA and Czechia was 89.47-93.12%. BRSV continues to circulate in Turkish cattle, and vaccination seems beneficial in preventing BRSV. The diversity of the BRSVs found in this study needs be considered in vaccination strategies.

Prevalence of mastitis and characterization of bacterial agents isolated from dairy herds in the microregion of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Brazil

The aims of the present study were to establish the prevalence of bovine clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy herds located in the microregion of Garanhuns in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, determine antimicrobial susceptibility as well as identify antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and the production of biofilm in the bacterial groups isolated. The study was conducted in 10 herds of dairy cattle. The number of lactating cows per herd ranged from 22 to 90, totaling 477 animals. The prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis ranged from 2.7 to 18.2% and 38.9 to 76%, respectively. The bacterial genera isolated from the cows with mastitis were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Corynebacterium, with respective frequencies of 75.2, 17 and 2.6%. Among the species identified, the most frequent was Staphylococcus aureus in both clinical and subclinical mastitis. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolates of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus revealed high rates of resistance to penicillin and tetracycline. Biofilm production was found in 95.4% of Staphylococcus genera whereas none of the samples presented efflux pumps. In conclusion, high rates of mastitis were found in the herds analyzed. Moreover, the etiological agents are bacteria that have the potential for biofilm production and are resistant to the main groups of antimicrobials used for the control of the disease, making bovine mastitis a challenge for veterinarians who work in the studied region.

Empirical Evaluation of Farmer-Herders’ Conflict in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The conflict between crop farmers and cattle herders has become a persistent issue in many regions of Nigeria, including the Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State. This study evaluates the nature of such conflict in the state and how it is managed using a multistage sampling technique to select 120 arable crop farmers in the state. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. The study findings show that poor communication, crop destruction, and cattle theft are the primary causes of conflict between the crop farmers and cattle herders in Kwara State. Of all these causes, 84.4% of the study participants ranked poor communication as the first major cause of conflict, 67.5% ranked crop destruction as the second major cause of conflict, and 53.1% ranked cattle theft as the third major cause of conflict. These conflicts result in detrimental effects, such as property damage and loss of life. This study reveals that negotiation (83.1%), mediation (3.2%), and sanctioning (3.3%) are the conflict management strategies employed in addressing conflicts among the farmers and herders in Kwara State. Despite the use of negotiation, mediation, and sanctioning as conflict management strategies, conflicts persist between arable crop farmers and cattle herders in the study location. This persistence shows there is a need for improved education and communication between stakeholders to address this issue. The study recommends educational programs and enhanced communication channels to foster peaceful coexistence. Overall, the findings underscore the complex dynamics of farmer-herder conflicts and the importance of sustainable conflict resolution approaches. Keywords: Farmer-herder conflict, conflict management, communication, sustainable coexistence.

Susceptibility, Immunity, and Persistent Infection Drive Endemic Cycles of Coxiellosis on Dairy Farms.

Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a zoonotic bacterium, is prevalent in dairy farms. Some cows develop a persistent infection and shed C. burnetii into milk and occasionally by amniotic fluid at calving. Serological diagnosis of Q fever in humans is performed by phase (Ph)-specific antibody tests; PhII antibodies usually indicate an acute infection, while the development of a chronic infection is characterised by elevated PhI antibody titres. Phase-specific tests have now been established for diagnosis of coxiellosis in cattle. Additionally, an interferon-γ (IFN-γ) recall assay has been implemented to assess cellular immunity to C. burnetii in cattle. Milk samples from all lactating cows (n = 2718) of 49 Bavarian dairy farms were collected through a convenience sample and analysed for phase-specific antibodies. Antibody profiles were evaluated by age. Based on the seropositivity of first-lactation cows, three distinct herd profiles were observed: an 'acute' state of herd infection was characterised by a PhI-/PhII+ pattern. The detection of PhI antibodies (PhI+/PhII+) characterised the 'chronic' state, and seronegative results defined the 'silent' state of herd infection. If antibodies had not been detected in multiparous cows, the herd was considered as probably free of coxiellosis. The analysed cattle herds were noted to have an 'acute' (n = 12, 24.5%), 'chronic' (n = 18, 36.8%), or 'silent' state of herd infection (n = 16, 32.6%). Only three farms (6.1%) were classified as 'free' of C. burnetii. The detection of these herd states over a time period of 4 years in one farm indicated that the described states occur in a cyclical manner. Frequently, a wave-like profile was seen, i.e., a circumscribed seronegative age group was flanked by seropositive age groups. In seronegative animals, IFN-γ reactivity was demonstrated. Seroconversion after vaccination was observed by day 7 post-vaccination in chronically infected herds, whereas in the case of silent infection, it started by day 14. These data indicated a pre-existing immunity in seronegative animals in chronically infected herds. Additionally, IFN-γ reactivity was detected in seronegative calves (>3 months) and heifers from chronically infected farms compared to a negative farm. An infection prior to 3 months of age resulted in cellular immunity in the absence of detectable antibodies. An infection around calving would explain this. The aforementioned circumscribed seronegative age groups are, therefore, explained by an infection early in life during active shedding at calving. Based on these results, an endemic cycle of coxiellosis is proposed: Susceptible young heifers get infected by persistently infected cows. Subsequently, shedding of C. burnetii at calving results in infection and then in cellular immunity in offspring. When these calves enter the cow herd two years later, a maximum of herd immunity is achieved, shedding ceases, and new susceptible animals are raised. In an acutely infected dairy farm, the PhI+/PhII+ serological pattern prevailed in second-lactation cows. In this study, stored sera collected since birth were analysed retrospectively. From the earliest seroconversion, the peak of seroconversion took about 33 months. These data suggested a slow spread of infection within herds. The classification of dairy cow herds is a promising basis for further analysis of the clinical impact of coxiellosis.

Diagnosis of fasciolosis antibodies in Brazilian cattle through ELISA employing both native and recombinant antigens.

The aim of this article was to identify antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle in Brazil. The methodology was reproduced in our laboratory and applied for the first time to the Brazilian cattle herd. The antigens tested can be used as a screening test and thus speed up the diagnosis of bovine fascioliasis.