Cattle Movement Research Articles

Analysis of dairy cattle movements in the northern region of Thailand

Dairy farming in northern Thailand is expanding, with dairy cattle populations increasing up to 8% per year. In addition, disease outbreaks frequently occur in this region, especially foot-and-mouth disease and bovine tuberculosis. Our goal was to quantify the underlying pattern of dairy cattle movements in the context of infectious disease surveillance and control as movements have been identified as risk factors for several infectious diseases. Movements at district levels within the northern region and between the northern and other regions from 2010 to 2017 were recorded by the Department of Livestock Development. Analyzed data included origin, destination, date and purpose of the movement, type of premise of origin and destination, and type and number of moved cattle. Social network analysis was performed to demonstrate patterns of dairy cattle movement within and between regions. The total numbers of movements and moved animals were 3,906 and 180,305, respectively. Decreasing trends in both the number of cattle moved and the number of movements were observed from 2010 to 2016, with increases in 2017. The majority (98%) of the animals moved were male dairy calves, followed by dairy cows (1.7%). The main purpose of the movements was for slaughter (96.3%). Most movements (67.4%) were shipments from central to northern regions, involving 87.1% of cattle moved. By contrast, 56% of the movements for growing and selling purposes occurred within the northern region, commonly involving dairy cows. Constructed movement networks showed heterogeneity of connections among districts. Of 110 districts, 28 were found to be influential to the movement networks, among which 11 districts showed high centrality measures in multiple networks stratified for movement purposes and regions, including eight districts in the northern and one district in each of the central, eastern, and lower northeastern regions of Thailand. These districts were more highly connected than others in the movement network, which may be important for disease transmission, surveillance, and control.

Multilayer network analysis of FMD transmission and containment among beef cattle farms

As a highly contagious livestock viral disease, foot-and-mouth disease poses a great threat to the beef-cattle industry. Direct animal movement is always considered as a major route for between-farm transmission of FMD virus. Sharing contaminated equipment and vehicles have also attracted increasing interests as an indirect but considerable route for FMD virus transmission. With the rapid development of communication technologies, information-sharing techniques have been used to control epidemics. In this paper, we built farm-level time-series three-layer networks to simulate the between-farm FMD virus transmission in southwest Kansas by cattle movements (direct-contact layer) and truck visits (indirect-contact layer) and evaluate the impact of information-sharing techniques (information-sharing layer) on mitigating the epidemic. Here, the information-sharing network is defined as the structure that enables the quarantine of farms that are connected with infected farms. When a farm is infected, its infection status is shared with the neighboring farms in the information-sharing network, which in turn become quarantined. The results show that truck visits can enlarge the epidemic size and prolong the epidemic duration of the FMD outbreak by cattle movements, and that the information-sharing technique is able to mitigate the epidemic. The mitigation effect of the information-sharing network varies with the information-sharing network topology and different participation levels. In general, an increased participation leads to a decreased epidemic size and an increased quarantine size. We compared the mitigation performance of three different information-sharing networks (random network, contact-based network, and distance-based network) and found the outbreak on the network with contact-based information-sharing layer has the smallest epidemic size under almost any participation level and smallest quarantine size with high participation. Furthermore, we explored the potential economic loss from the infection and the quarantine. By varying the ratio of the average loss of quarantine to the loss of infection, we found high participation results in reduced economic losses under the realistic assumption that culling costs are much greater than quarantine costs.

The glutamate metabotropic receptor 5 (GRM5) gene is associated with beef cattle home range and movement tortuosity

BackgroundThe grazing behaviour of herbivores and their grazing personalities might in part be determined genetically, but there are few studies in beef cattle illustrating this. In this study, we investigated for first time the genetic variation within a candidate ‘grazing gene’, the glutamate metabotropic receptor 5 gene (GRM5), and tested associations between variation in that gene and variation in grazing personality behaviours (GP-behaviours) displayed by free-ranging cows during winter grazing in the steep and rugged rangelands of New Zealand. Mature beef cows (n = 303, from 3 to 10 years of age) were tracked with global positioning system (GPS) and, with 5-minutes (min) relocation frequency, various GP-behaviours were calculated. These included horizontal and vertical distances travelled, mean elevation, elevation range, elevation gain, slope, home range and movement tortuosity, variously calculated using daily relocation trajectories with repeated measurements (i.e., 7 to 24 days (d)) and satellite-derived digital elevation models (DEM). The different GP-behaviours were fitted into mixed models to ascertain their associations with variant sequences and genotypes of GRM5.ResultsWe discovered three GRM5 variants (A, B and C) and identified the six possible genotypes in the cattle studied. The mixed models revealed that A was significantly associated with elevation range, home range and movement tortuosity. Similarly, GRM5 genotypes were associated (P < 0.05) to home range and movement tortuosity, while trends suggesting association (P < 0.1) were also revealed for elevation range and horizontal distance travelled. Most GP-behaviour models were improved by correcting for cow age-class as a fixed factor. The analysis of GP-behaviours averaged per cow age-class suggests that grazing personality is fully established as beef cows reached 4 years of age. Home range and movement tortuosity were not only associated with GRM5 variation, but also negatively correlated with each other (r = − 0.27, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThere seems to be a genetically determined trade-off between home range and movement tortuosity that may be useful in beef cattle breeding programmes aiming to improve the grazing distribution and utilisation of steep and rugged rangelands.

Extreme Weather and Grazing Management Influence Soil Carbon and Compaction

Understanding the influence of cattle grazing on soil carbon and bulk density during extreme dry to wet periods can help us design more resilient and sustainable grazing systems for low-input management scenarios. A study was conducted to evaluate changes in loss-on-ignition (LOI) carbon and bulk density (BD) in the top 20 cm soil layer when eight continuous grazing (CG) pastures were converted to either continuous grazing with hay distribution (CHD-4) or strategic grazing (STR-4). STR included lure management of cattle with movable-equipages, exclusion and over-seeding erosion-vulnerable areas, and a relaxed rotational grazing. Changes in relationships between cattle density (CD), LOI, and BD were evaluated for change in grazing management from 2015 to 2018. Reduction in LOI carbon (0–5, 5–10, 10–20 cm) and BD (5–10 cm) were observed in both CHD and STR pastures in 2018. CD in 2015 had either no relationship or a negative relationship on LOI while in 2018, CD positively influenced LOI in CHD (0–5 cm) and STR (0–5 and 5–10 cm) pastures. STR had lower BD with higher CD further away from concentrated flow paths mirroring cattle movement. Exclusions in the STR pastures had the greatest reduction in BD. Even with reduced carbon in the 0–5 cm soil layer the reduction in BD in the 5–10 cm soil layer helped build resilience in grazing systems that experience extreme weather events such as going from very dry to extensively wet.

Prevalence of brucellosis in livestock keepers and domestic ruminants in Baringo County, Kenya.

Brucellosis is widely distributed in more than 170 countries around the world, where it poses a huge threat to animal husbandry and human health. Brucellosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonotic disease that poses serious public health problems in many developing countries including Kenya. However, prevalence of brucellosis has not been determined in Baringo County, Kenya, yet there is a continuous movement of cattle resulting from trade and grazing, thus predisposing many herds to brucellosis infection. We investigated the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in humans and domestic ruminants: sheep, goats, cattle and camels among livestock keeping communities in Baringo County, Kenya. In addition, we analyzed the seropositive samples for molecular detection of Brucella species. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey using quantitative data collection methods. The diagnosis was carried out using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and the real-time PCR assays. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis among human blood samples was 0.6% (n = 4/640) in Baringo County. About 22.30% (n = 143/640) of animal blood samples examined tested positive for Brucella genus-specific ELISA test. Cattle had a high prevalence of 22.88% (n = 93/322) followed by camels 20.00% (n = 21/105), goats 15.48% (n = 24/155) and subsequently sheep at 8.62% (n = 5/58). Overall, 7.5% (n = 6/80) of the seropositive samples amplified with the genus-specific primers. Brucella melitensis was detected in one out of the six genus positive samples, while none amplified with the B. abortus target. Even though there was high prevalence of brucellosis among livestock in Baringo County, the highest prevalence was invariably noted in cattle, followed by camels, goats and sheep, respectively. Livestock keepers had low prevalence of brucellosis. This implies that there was low risk of transmission of brucellosis between livestock keepers and their livestock.

A Metapopulation Model for Preventing the Reintroduction of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus to Naïve Herds: Scotland Case Study.

BackgroundBovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus is one of the most problematic infectious pathogens for cattle. Since 2013, a mandatory BVD eradication program has successfully reduced the number of infected cattle living on Scottish farms; however, England remains at high prevalence and presents a risk to Scotland through animal movement.MethodsWe analyze cattle movements in the UK from 2008 to 2017 and recorded incidence of BVD in Scotland from 2017 to 2020. To simulate BVD reintroduction into Scotland, we developed an epidemiological model that combines transmission between cattle and animal movements between farms. A total of four control strategies were implemented in the model: no intervention, import restriction, targeted vaccination, and combined strategy.ResultsDuring the course of the eradication scheme, movements into Scotland became increasingly distributed in regions close to the England–Scotland border. The prevalence of BVD in this region decreased at a slower rate than the rest of Scotland during the eradication scheme. Our model showed that the change in the prevalence is expected, given that the change in the patterns of movement and if vaccination is targeted to the border areas that decrease in the prevalence will be seen throughout the whole of Scotland.ConclusionScottish farms are susceptible to BVD virus reintroduction through animal imports from non-BVD-free nations with farms in border areas being the most vulnerable. Protecting the border regions provides direct and indirect protection to the rest of Scottish farms by interrupting chains of transmission.

Determinants and dynamics of blowouts in Hulun Buir sandy grassland, Inner Mongolia, China from 1959 to 2018

AbstractThe formation and development of blowouts is an important surface indication of sand drift activity in the Hulun Buir sandy grassland and the main cause of landscape pattern heterogeneity. In this study, dynamic changes and determinants of blowouts in this region were studied via analysis of multi‐period high‐resolution remote sensing data from 1959 to 2018. The different stages of activity and dominant factors of the fixation and activation of blowouts were analysed with Lancaster's M‐index. The results show that the activity of blowouts in Hulun Buir sandy grassland can be divided into three stages from 1959 to 2018: (I) growth and expansion stage, from 1959 to 2004; (II) fixation and grassland recovery stage, from 2005 to 2010; (III) redevelopment stage, from 2011 to 2018. The two geomorphic units of depressions and depositional lobes exhibit different responses to changes in climatic factors. The depositional lobes are more sensitive to the change in external factors with better feedback and their areas and numbers change with the variation of stage, while depressions exhibit relatively slow changes. The wind regime is the dominant factor explaining the variation of activity of blowouts, with precipitation and potential evapotranspiration as secondary factors for this region. Roads have little effect on the development and deformation of blowouts, but the movement of cattle and sheep across the region has a big influence. Therefore, the desertification process of Hulun Buir grassland is driven by both natural and human factors.

Cattle movement as a function of some biotic and abiotic factors in a tropical pasture

The research question is how do some biotic and abiotic variables, under a silvopastoral system exert influence on the animal movement? These studies have been carried out through different approaches and have included analyses from empirical to statistical. The aim of this study was to relate cattle grazing sites with some biotic and abiotic factors under a silvopastoral system. The fieldwork was carried out in a paddock of the farm La Reforma located in the upper part of the Magdalena River basin (Tolima, Colombia). Through global positioning devices (GPS), movement, grazing route, and resting data that cattle perform in these habitats during daytime hours were obtained. Six cows (460 kg live weight, not pregnant) were monitored during two periods of the year at one-minute time intervals. Data were processed in a geographic information systems (GIS) environment, and mechanisms and algorithms were used to establish an association of moving animals with some biotic (pasture productivity and cover, trees, and floristic composition) and abiotic factors (climatological season, access to drinking and salt troughs). The results suggest an association between animal movement concerning the different attractants for which the drinking and salt troughs in the paddocks were relevant. In conclusion, the analysis of animal behavior at the landscape level is useful for decision-making in the design of livestock landscapes.

Microhabitat and patch selection detection from GPS tracking collars of semi-free ranging Mashona cattle within a semi-arid environment

Over the last 30 years, the global positioning system (GPS) tracking collars have significantly enhanced livestock grazing behavior studies. Practices designed to understand and improve livestock grazing distribution can now be accurately and cost-effectively monitored with GPS tracking. The behavior and spatiotemporal microhabitat selection of Mashona cattle relative to the season in a semi-free-range grazing system was evaluated using a low‐cost GPS herd activity monitoring (GPSHAM) collar. The GPSHAM automatically logged the position of the lead cow at 20-second intervals over a 7–hour daily grazing period. Additionally, the GPS data was complemented by visually observing the lead cow during daylight hours for nine successive days each in winter (July – August) and summer (February – March) of 2017. Summer and winter tracks were used to identify the Mashona cattle preferred grass species and hotspot areas by identifying the concentration of the GPS generated tracks and points (n ≥ 30) in each grid and were used to calculate the distance from the water source using the shortest distance to the water point from the hotspot patch (HSP). The activities of the lead cow were recorded at five-minute fixed intervals for every 60 minutes in the morning (09:00 – 10:00 hrs), afternoon (13:00 – 14:00 hrs), and evening (16:00 – 17:00 hrs). The percentage of the observation time spent on an activity for the observed animal was calculated for the duration of the observation. Results showed a significant difference in patch selection (p < 0.05) between summer and winter with 17 HSPs being identified in summer and 8 HSPs in winter. Again, the range of Mashona cattle movement was 0 – 3 km from the water source. Seasonal activity patterns varied significantly across seasons. Therefore, Mashona cattle foraging behavior depends on seasonal variation. The landscape and animal attributes responded to paddock nutritional level dynamics with more frequent use of patches with higher plant species diversity and near the water source. Our research is useful to range managers, researchers, and cattle ranchers as a guideline for forage management of cattle preferred microhabitats, pasture, and nutrition.

Classification and Analysis of Multiple Cattle Unitary Behaviors and Movements Based on Machine Learning Methods.

Simple SummaryTraditionally, farmers are unable to pay enough attention to individual livestock. An increasing number of sensors are being used to monitor animal behavior, early disease detection, and evaluation of animal welfare. In this study, we used machine learning algorithms to identify multiple unitary behaviors and movements of dairy cattle recorded by motion sensors. We also investigated the effect of time window on the performance of unitary behaviors classification and discussed the necessity of movement analysis. This study shows a feasible way to explore more detailed movements based on the result of unitary behaviors classification. Low-cost sensors provide remote monitoring of animal behaviors to help producers comprehensively and accurately identify the health status of individual livestock in real-time.The behavior of livestock on farms is the primary representation of animal welfare, health conditions, and social interactions to determine whether they are healthy or not. The objective of this study was to propose a framework based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) data from 10 dairy cows to classify unitary behaviors such as feeding, standing, lying, ruminating-standing, ruminating-lying, and walking, and identify movements during unitary behaviors. Classification performance was investigated for three machine learning algorithms (K-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), and extreme boosting algorithm (XGBoost)) in four time windows (5, 10, 30, and 60 s). Furthermore, feed tossing, rolling biting, and chewing in the correctly classified feeding segments were analyzed by the magnitude of the acceleration. The results revealed that the XGBoost had the highest performance in the 60 s time window with an average F1 score of 94% for the six unitary behavior classes. The F1 score of movements is 78% (feed tossing), 87% (rolling biting), and 87% (chewing). This framework offers a possibility to explore more detailed movements based on the unitary behavior classification.

HELMINTH FAUNA IN SHEEP IN THE VALLEY OF THE TEBERDA RIVER

In connection with the movement of small cattle from one region of the Russian Federation to another with close contact of agricultural ruminants with wild ruminants and carnivores, as well as with the impact of anthropogenic factors, etc. in a certain territory, the parasite fauna of ruminants changes, and pastures in the valley of the Teberda River are no exception. Invasive diseases are a limiting factor in obtaining high-quality mutton. The studies were performed on sheep breeding farms of Muhu, LLC and the private sector located in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Karachayevsky District, and Verkhnyaya Teberda Village. In total, 91 samples of faeces were taken from the Karachai sheep of various age and sex groups. Conventional methods were used to diagnose helminthiasis. Helminth fauna in the sheep was represented by one suborder, five genera and three species of nematodes, namely, Strongylata, Protostrongylus, Nematodirus, Bunostomum, Nematodirella, Trichocephalus, Muellerius capillaris, Dictyocaulus filaria and Strongyloides papillosus; one cestode species Moniezia benedeni, and one trematode species Dicrocoelium lanceatum, and protozoa of the genus Eimeria were also identified. Mixed invasions were most often diagnosed in the animals in 52.7%, of which the most common was the suborder Strongylata + genus Eimeria (Infection Prevalence = 8.8%).

Resource allocation and rising complexity during the Iron Age IIA: An isotopic case study from Khirbet Summeily, Israel

Isotopic analyses can be a useful tool in identifying animal exploitation patterns and herding strategies in the southern Levant. Here, carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotope analyses of domestic animal tooth enamel are used to investigate herd management at the Iron Age IIA site of Khirbet Summeily in Israel. The site was located in a prime ecological and political locale along the fringes of the emerging polity (potentially Judah), which ascended to regional significance by the Iron Age IIB. In order to understand the diets and movement of sheep, goats and cattle, we undertook intra-tooth sequential sampling and isotopic analyses of mandibular molars (n = 20). Results suggest that the livestock recovered at Khirbet Summeily were raised in different locations with varied management patterns. Variation in the dietary intake of sheep and goats indicates that they were pastured in different ecological zones. While some goats were mobile across long-distances, the majority of livestock were from local and regionally managed herds. Alongside material evidence of exotic goods from nearby polities, our findings lend further support to the idea that Khirbet Summeily acted as a resource allocation outpost strategically located on the edge of a political entity (potentially Judah), suggesting a trend towards increased economic complexity during the Iron Age IIA.

Evidence for local and international spread of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis through whole genome sequencing of isolates from the island of Ireland

We describe application of whole genome sequencing (WGS) to a collection of 197 Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (MAP) isolates gathered from 122 cattle herds across 27 counties of the island of Ireland. We compare WGS to MAP diversity quantified using mycobacterial interspersed random unit – variable number tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR). While MIRU-VNTR showed only two major types, WGS could split the 197 isolates into eight major groups. We also found six isolates corresponding to INMV 13, a novel MIRU-VNTR type for Ireland. Evidence for dispersal of MAP across Ireland via cattle movement could be discerned from the data, with mixed infections present in several herds. Furthermore, comparisons of MAP WGS data from Ireland to data from Great Britain and continental Europe revealed many instances of close genetic similarity and hence evidence for international transmission of infection. BEAST MASCOT structured coalescent analyses, with relaxed and strict molecular clocks, estimated the substitution rate to be 0.10–0.13 SNPs/site/year and disclosed greater transitions per lineage per year from Europe to Ireland, indicating transmission into Ireland. Our work therefore reveals new insight into the seeding of MAP infection across Ireland, highlighting how WGS can inform policy formulation to ultimately control MAP transmission at local, national and international scales.

Network analysis of cattle movements in Chile: Implications for pathogen spread and control

Livestock movement between herds is one of the main routes for a pathogen to spread between herds. Understanding the contact structure, patterns and importance of specific individuals and classes can help assess dissemination risk, control, and surveillance measures. In this study, the cattle herd's contact structure in southern Chile was characterized based on the study of movement within one of the most important geographical regions for livestock production. Using Social Network Analysis, network measures of centrality, network cohesion and contact chains were estimated to identify essential features that can influence disease transmission among premises. Static and disaggregated by season networks were built for the entire set of nodes and for the Los Rios region animal flow only. For all networks, it was found that most nodes had a few movements; meanwhile, a small number of them were highly connected. Livestock markets have a powerful influence over the networks, being the most connected and central nodes, appearing as candidates for surveillance because of their possible role as super spreaders. Nodes attributes were associated with the likelihood of having high contact chains measures, such as herd class, location, and presence of markets anywhere on the contact chain. This work is the first deep analysis in livestock flows in Chile and shows the importance of animal movement data interpretation to assess pathogen risk spread in the country.

Network analysis of cattle movements in Ecuador

We used cattle movement data in Ecuador for 2017 and 2018 to build two types of cattle networks: a network including all cattle movements accounting for a disease of rapid spread like foot and mouth disease and a network including only the cows accounting for brucellosis, a disease of slow evolution occurring mainly in adult females. Parishes (the smallest geographical units) were considered as nodes and cattle movements between parishes as links. Network indicators calculated at the annual and monthly levels were close for both types of networks. For both networks, the largest strong component at the annual level included > 90% of nodes and the largest weak component included all nodes indicating a very low fragmentation. A percolation analysis indicated that most of the parishes needed to be removed to eliminate the largest strong components. Based on some network characteristics we established that a highly transmissible disease could spread rapidly and that an infection of slower transmission such as brucellosis could spread within local clusters. These features should be taken into account when considering preventing measures in Ecuador in the case of an emerging disease like foot and mouth disease or control measures for an endemic disease like brucellosis.

Risk factors for detection of bovine viral diarrhoea virus in low-risk herds during the latter stages of Ireland’s eradication programme

BackgroundA national programme to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) has been in place in Ireland since 2013. To inform decision making in the end stages of eradication, and support the development of post-eradication surveillance strategies, an understanding of risks of infection in a low prevalence system is required. MethodsA case-control study design was implemented. The study population comprised bovine herds that had calves born and tested negative for BVD virus (BVDV) every year from 2013 to 2019 (n = 46,219 herds). We defined cases as herds which had one or more test positive calves for the first time in 2019 (n = 204). Controls (n = 816) were randomly sampled from the herds which remained test negative in 2019. The effects of herd size, management system, inward movements, including those of potential trojan dams (pregnant animals brought into the herd that could potentially be carrying infected calves in utero), and proximity to herds testing positive in the preceding year, were investigated. Network analysis approaches were used to generate variables measuring connections with test positive herds through inward cattle movements. A generalised linear mixed model, including a county-level random effect, was used to explore these risk factors. ResultsOur final model retained ln (herd size) (Odds Ratio (95% CI): 1.72 (1.40, 2.12)), distance from test positive herds (0.54 (0.44, 0.66) for each extra land-parcel boundary crossed to reach the closest herd which tested positive the preceding year), and ln (potential trojan dams + 1) (1.29 (1.05, 1.60)). The same variables were retained in the model where herds with confirmed transient infections only (n = 25) were excluded. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that care with biosecurity at farm boundaries and visitors and equipment entering the farm, and avoidance or careful risk assessment of purchasing potentially pregnant animals, may help prevent introduction of BVDV to low-risk herds. At policy level, consideration of herd size, proximity to test positive herds and purchasing patterns of potentially pregnant cattle may help target surveillance measures towards the end of the eradication programme.

Caracterização da rede de trânsito de bovinos no estado de Goiás, Brasil

ABSTRACT The present study characterized the cattle movement network in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in the period from 2010 to 2016, by identifying the areas of greatest flow and the purposes for which these animals were moved. For this, an analysis of the data referring to 4,697,239 animal transit guides (GTA), specifically for bovines, issued between the years 2010 to 2016 was carried out. Data such as the number of animals transported, origin and destination, as well as purpose of movement (slaughter, finishing, reproduction, post-weaning, auctions, sports, exhibitions, exports, and others) were evaluated. The data were subjected to descriptive analysis, in which the animal movements were divided into quartiles. There was an intense movement of cattle throughout the state, mainly for the purposes of finishing and slaughter. Identifying the areas with the highest flow of animals, such as the northwest and south regions, is an important tool for planning actions and applying preventive measures against the spread of infectious agents through the territory of Goiás.

Schmallenberg disease: literature review and epizootic situation in the world and in Russia

Schmallenberg disease is a relatively new viral disease of ruminants that is transmitted by bloodsucking anthropods. The causative agent of Schmallenberg disease is an RNA virus with three genomic segments. The virus is resistant to frequent mutations. Ruminants, especially sheep, cows and goats are susceptible to the disease. First, Schmallenberg disease was reported in Germany in August 2011. In 2012-2013, the infection spread to the most part of Northwestern Europe. Insect vectors were the main mechanism for the spread of the disease. The spread of the disease over long distances was due to the movement of infected breeding cattle. It was in this way that the disease was introduced to Russia in 2012. Consequently, the disease has a high cross-border potential, especially if veterinary rules for the import of imported livestock are not followed. The disease can have a high incidence, but it is characterized by low mortality. The main economic losses include a decrease in productivity, abortions, and disturbances in the process of animal reproduction. Disease control is effectively implemented through vaccination and general quarantine and preventive measures.

Virtual Fencing Effectively Excludes Cattle from Burned Sagebrush Steppe

On public lands grazing allotments in the western US sagebrush steppe, cattle are generally excluded from burned pastures for 2 yr post fire. If only a portion of a pasture burns, the burned area may be fenced, allowing for cattle grazing to resume in the unburned portion. However, traditional wire-based fencing is often not an option due to expense, conflicts with wildlife management objectives, and extensive procedural logistics. We evaluated the use of a “virtual fence” (VF) for excluding cattle from burned areas within small pastures in the sagebrush steppe of southeast Oregon. VF technology (Vence Corporation, San Francisco, CA) uses satellite-controlled collars that direct animal movement within user-defined polygons using auditory and electrical cues. We fall-burned a 0.6-ha area in each of six adjacent 2.1-ha pastures in a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community in 2019. In June 2020, each pasture was stocked with 3 mature dry cows for 14 d. All cows were fitted with VF collars; collars were programed to create a virtual fence around the burned area within three of the pastures (VF treatment), and remaining pastures had electrical and auditory cues turned off (control treatment). Collars recorded animal location every 5 min. Cows in the control treatment initially spent up to 40% of their time within the burned area, and forage utilization of the burned area was nearly 70%. Cows in the VF treatment spent approximately 4% of their time in the burned area on day 1 and were recorded in the burn only incidentally thereafter; forage utilization in the burn was < 3%. Our trial suggests VF technology is effective in controlling rangeland cattle movements and can severely curtail use of burned areas. Additional work is needed to evaluate VF technology in larger rangeland settings.

Hard tick species (Acari: Ixodidae) and infestation in two livestock agroecosystems from Antioquia, Colombia.

Tick infestation affects about 80% of livestock globally while transmitting various pathogens causing high economic losses. This study aimed to determine the degree of tick infestation in two regions, North and Middle Magdalena in Antioquia, Colombia, to identify the ixodid tick species found and the associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 48 farms distributed in six municipalities of Antioquia. Two paddocks and eight bovines per farm were evaluated to estimate tick infestation (adults, nymphs, and larvae). Tick species were identified through a morphological and molecular analysis based on partial sequences of data obtained from DNA molecular markers, two mitochondrial (16S rRNA and COI), and one genomic DNA gene (18S rRNA). A multivariate Poisson regression model was applied to estimate the associated risk factors with ticks in cattle. Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma patinoi and Dermacentor nitens were present in the livestock agroecosystems in the Middle Magdalena region; the highest incidence of tick infestation in cows and paddocks was reported in the municipality of Puerto Triunfo. The livestock agroecosystems in Middle Magdalena were characterized by a higher presence of adult R. microplus in cattle. Larval infestation of R. microplus, followed by D. nitens, was also found in paddocks. The multivariate analysis showed that the origin of cattle was the main risk factor associated with the presence of ticks (i.e., when cattle came from outside the farm). Cattle movement between farms in Middle Magdalena can contribute to the spread of ticks in this region.