Medium Herds Research Articles

An assessment of worm control practices used by alpaca farmers in Australia

This study aimed to assess current worm control practices used by Australian alpaca farmers with an online questionnaire survey. The questionnaire contained questions about farm demography and general husbandry practices, farmers’ knowledge about gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) and their importance, the use of worm control strategies and anthelmintics, and grazing management. A link for the questionnaire survey was sent to all (n = 954) registered members of the Australian Alpaca Association in July 2015. The response rate for the questionnaire was 25% (239/954). The majority of respondents were from small (≤ 50 alpacas; 64%, 153/239) followed by medium (50–100 alpacas; 24%, 57/239) and large (>100 alpacas; 12%, 29/239) farms. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents kept Huacaya alpacas to produce high-quality fibre and alpacas were usually kept with other domestic ruminants (e.g. cattle and sheep). Although half of alpaca farmers (114/220) perceived that GINs were an important health problem of alpacas, with Haemonchus spp. being the most common nematode, the majority of them (174/220) used anthelmintics for nematode control. Macrocyclic lactones, a commercial combination of four anthelmintics (abamectin, albendazole, closantel and levamisole) and monepantel were the three most commonly used dewormers by Australian alpaca farmers. Although a significant proportion (166/213) of respondents used a quarantine drench for alpacas, very few respondents were aware of strategic deworming and the issue of anthelmintic resistance. Alpaca farmers mostly used anthelmintics at the dose rate recommended for sheep (47%, 79/167) and cattle (9%, 15/167), though some used 1.5 (31%, 51/167) and 2 (13%, 22/167) times the dose rate recommended for sheep. The majority of small herds used anthelmintics at the dose rate recommended for sheep and cattle while medium and large herds used anthelmintics at 1.5 to 2 times the dose rate recommended for sheep. This study provides invaluable insights into the demography of alpaca farms in Australia, husbandry practices used by alpaca farmers and their knowledge about worms and their control, thereby paving the way for developing guidelines for the control of GINs of alpacas.

Characteristics of Livestock Husbandry and Management Practice in the Central Dry Zone of Myanmar

The central dry zone of Myanmar is the area with the highest density of small-scale livestock farmers under harsh environmental condition. In this study, we describe and quantify ownership patterns for various livestock species and characterised management and husbandry practices of small-scale farmers. In addition, we identify the husbandry factors associated with selected outcome indicators, ‘herd or flock size’ and ‘purpose of rearing’. A total of 613 livestock farmers in 40 villages were interviewed. Multispecies rearing was common with 51.7% of farmers rearing more than one livestock species. Rearing animals to be sold as adults for slaughter (meat production) was more common for small ruminants (98.1%) and chickens (99.8%) compared to cattle (69.8%). Larger cattle herds were more likely to practice grazing (p < 0.001) and to employ labour from outside the household to manage cattle than medium or small herds (p = 0.03). Patterns of grazing differed significantly between seasons (p < 0.01) for cattle, but not for small ruminants and village chicken. Overall, multispecies rearing and species-specific husbandry practices are used to raise livestock under harsh environmental conditions. Our results reveal that herd/flock size and purpose of rearing across different livestock species were significantly associated with feeding and housing practices and experience of farmers.

Epidemiological aspect and major constraints in controlling haemorrhagic septicemia in dairy animals of Punjab

Present study was undertaken to study the epidemiological aspect of haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) in dairy animals and various constraints in controlling its occurrence in different agro-climatic zones of Punjab. The study was conducted in all the different agro-climatic zones of Punjab by multistage stratified random sampling of 720 dairy farmers and categorized them on the basis of herd size of dairy animals, viz. small (5–10), medium (11–50) and large (&gt;50). The overall incidence and case fatality rate (CFR) of HS among dairy animals was 5.45 and 45.15% respectively. Incidence risk of HS on the species basis varied significantly and was observed highest in buffaloes (6.27%), followed by crossbred (4.67%) and indigenous cattle (3.91%). Within different herd sizes, the incidence risk of HS varied significantly and was highest in small herd size (10.52%) followed by medium (5.44%) and large herd size (3.01%). Incidence risk varied significantly between the different agro-climatic zones of Punjab within small and large sized herds but not in medium sized herds. CFR among the different herds was highest in small herd (49.28%) followed by medium herd (44.32%) and large herd (39.15%). The major constraints faced by farmers for controlling HS estimated by using Garrett’s ranking technique included failure of prophylactic vaccination, cost of treatment, strict biosafety measures and hygienic sanitary conditions not followed, inadequate early disease detection and poor availability of veterinary and extension services. Various veterinary and extension tools should be chosen based on agro-climatic conditions and analyzing farmers in respect of education, herd size, extension contacts, teledensity and training etc. to overcome this dreadful disease of dairy animals.

A survey of United States dairy hoof care professionals on costs associated with treatment of foot disorders

The objective of this study was to collect information regarding hoof care professionals' billing practices and to gather their opinions about foot disorders and the value of their prevention. Responses were gathered from veterinarians (n = 18) and hoof trimmers (n = 116) through both online and paper survey platforms. Because of the limited number of respondents, veterinarian responses were not further analyzed. Of the 6 foot disorders included in the survey, the treatment cost per case was greatest for toe ulcers (mean ± standard deviation; $20.2 ± 8.5), sole ulcers ($19.7 ± 8.6), white line disease ($19.5 ± 8.1), and thin soles ($18.1 ± 8.1), and least for infectious disorders (foot rot and digital dermatitis; $8.0 ± 7.6 and $7.5 ± 9.6, respectively). Of the disorders, digital dermatitis represented most of the foot disorder cases treated by respondents over the past year (43.9 ± 20.4%), whereas toe ulcers and thin soles represented the least (5.3 ± 4.1 and 5.3 ± 5.7%, respectively). Respondents that served mostly large herds (>500 lactating cows) reported a lower prevalence of digital dermatitis (31.6 ± 4.2 vs. 44.4 ± 3.4 and 46.7 ± 3.2% in small and medium herds, respectively) and a higher prevalence of sole ulcers (23.1 ± 3.0 vs. 13.4 ± 2.4 and 13.3 ± 2.3% in small and medium herds, respectively). Region of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, or other) also influenced foot disorder prevalence; respondents from the Northeast reported more sole ulcers than respondents from other regions (22.1 ± 2.3 vs. 12.4 ± 3.3%). When respondents were asked which disorder was associated with the greatest total cost per case to the producer (treatment and labor costs plus the reduction in milk yield, reduced reproductive performance, and so on), hoof trimmers ranked digital dermatitis as having the greatest total cost per case and thin soles as having the least total cost per case. Finally, respondents indicated that the most important benefits of reducing foot disorders were enhanced animal welfare and increased milk production, whereas the least important benefit was reduced veterinary and hoof trimmer fees. Results from this survey can be used to improve the accuracy of foot disorder cost estimates and contribute to better decision-making regarding both foot disorder treatment and prevention.

Economic effects of foot and mouth disease outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in Uganda.

Aim:Disease outbreaks increase the cost of animal production; reduce milk and beef yield, cattle sales, farmers’ incomes, and enterprise profitability. The study assessed the economic effects of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks along the cattle marketing chain in selected study districts in Uganda.Materials and Methods:The study combined qualitative and quantitative study designs. Respondents were selected proportionally using simple random sampling from the sampling frame comprising of 224, 173, 291, and 185 farmers for Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Isingiro, and Rakai, respectively. Key informants were selected purposively. Data analysis combined descriptive, modeling, and regression analysis. Data on the socio-economic characteristics and how they influenced FMD outbreaks, cattle markets revenue losses, and the economic cost of the outbreaks were analyzed using descriptive measures including percentages, means, and frequencies.Results:Farmers with small and medium herds incurred higher control costs, whereas large herds experienced the highest milk losses. Total income earned by the actors per month at the processing level reduced by 23%. In Isingiro, bulls and cows were salvage sold at 83% and 88% less market value, i.e., a loss of $196.1 and $1,552.9 in small and medium herds, respectively.Conclusion:All actors along the cattle marketing chain incur losses during FMD outbreaks, but smallholder farmers are most affected. Control and prevention of FMD should remain the responsibility of the government if Uganda is to achieve a disease-free status that is a prerequisite for free movement and operation of cattle markets throughout the year which will boost cattle marketing.

Economic Analysis of Milk Production and Marketed Surplus in Chittorgarh District of Rajasthan

The present study was conducted by selecting 150 milk producers adopting multistage stratified random sampling technique. The households were further post stratified into three herd size categories as small, medium and large using cumulative square root frequency method. The distribution of sample household across each of the herd size categories were 68, 50 and 32, respectively. The study revealed that per day net maintenance cost was found higher for crossbred cow followed by buffalo and local cow. The high maintenance cost for crossbred cow was found, with higher cost of concentrate fed to these animals. In case of buffalo, the higher cost of maintenance was found with higher cost of green fodder. The highest cost per litre was found, in case of local cow followed by buffalo and crossbred cow, which may possible due to low milk productivity of these local cows. Cost of milk per litre was found decreased with increase in herd size of milk producer across all type of animal breeds. Marketed surplus of milk was found more in the case of large herd size category of households and there was no much difference in the case of medium and small herd size category of household. The higher amount of marketed surplus was disposed off to milk cooperatives society nearby sixty per cent of total surplus milk.

Marketed surplus, consumption and disposal pattern of milk in Banswara district of Rajasthan

The present study investigated marketed surplus, consumption and disposal pattern of milk in Banswara district of Rajasthan. The study covered 90 milk producers selected randomly from six villages which were post-stratified into small, medium and large herd size category. The study revealed that production, marketable surplus and marketed surplus of milk per household were 7.16 lit., 5.56 lit. and 2.81 lit., respectively. Marketed surplus of milk (39.01%) was lower than marketable surplus of milk (77.65%). Out of total milk retained at home (4.35 lit.), about 1.78 and 2.57 lit. milk were consumed as liquid and converted into milk products, respectively. The per capita per day availability and consumption of milk were found 245.23 and 149.07 g, respectively. About 76.15 per cent marketed surplus of milk was sold by milk producers to un-organized sector and rest of surplus milk (23.85%) to organized sector. The percentage of surplus milk sold through directly to consumers was the highest (31.51%) followed by milk vendors (30.18%), dairy co-operative societies (23.85%) and tea shops (11.26%) in the study area.

Evaluation of testing strategies to identify infected animals at a single round of testing within dairy herds known to be infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis

As part of a broader control strategy within herds known to be infected with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), individual animal testing is generally conducted to identify infected animals for action, usually culling. Opportunities are now available to quantitatively compare different testing strategies (combinations of tests) in known infected herds. This study evaluates the effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of different testing strategies to identify infected animals at a single round of testing within dairy herds known to be MAP infected. A model was developed, taking account of both within-herd infection dynamics and test performance, to simulate the use of different tests at a single round of testing in a known infected herd. Model inputs included the number of animals at different stages of infection, the sensitivity and specificity of each test, and the costs of testing and culling. Testing strategies included either milk or serum ELISA alone or with fecal culture in series. Model outputs included effectiveness (detection fraction, the proportion of truly infected animals in the herd that are successfully detected by the testing strategy), cost, and cost-effectiveness (testing cost per true positive detected, total cost per true positive detected). Several assumptions were made: MAP was introduced with a single animal and no management interventions were implemented to limit within-herd transmission of MAP before this test. In medium herds, between 7 and 26% of infected animals are detected at a single round of testing, the former using the milk ELISA and fecal culture in series 5 yr after MAP introduction and the latter using fecal culture alone 15 yr after MAP introduction. The combined costs of testing and culling at a single round of testing increases with time since introduction of MAP infection, with culling costs being much greater than testing costs. The cost-effectiveness of testing varied by testing strategy. It was also greater at 5 yr, compared with 10 or 15 yr, since MAP introduction, highlighting the importance of early detection. Future work is needed to evaluate these testing strategies in subsequent rounds of testing as well as accounting for different herd dynamics and different levels of herd biocontainment.

Herd Size-Dependent Effects of Restricted Foraging Time Allowance on Cattle Behavior, Nutrition, and Performance

We tested the influence of herd size on the effects of restricted foraging time on cattle (Bos indicus) foraging behavior, nutrition, and performance in a Kenyan savanna rangeland. Using a randomized block design, we compared weight gain, forage intake, diet selection, dietary crude protein (CP) and digestible organic matter (DOM), bite and step rates, distance travelled, and activity time budgets between steers allowed unlimited foraging time (DNG) in predator-free areas with those herded diurnally in predator-accessible areas in large (200 steers; LDG), medium (150 steers; MDG), or small (100 steers; SDG) herds and corralled at night. Daily weight gain was greater (P < 0.01) in DNG (0.61 kg) or SDG (0.56 kg) than in LDG (0.19 kg) or MDG (0.29 kg) but did not differ (P = 0.591) between DNG and SDG. Likewise, daily organic matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) in DNG (6.2 kg) or SDG (5.4 kg) than in LDG (3.7 kg) or MDG (3.7 kg) but did not differ (P = 0.288) between DNG and SDG. Grazing time was lower (P < 0.01) in DNG (42.2%) than in LDG (71.3%), MDG (72.2%), or SDG (69.5%), while the reverse was the case for ruminating and/or resting time (47.1%, 12.1%, 11.9%, and 10.3% in DNG, LDG, MDG, and SDG, respectively). Bite rate was lower in DNG (13.1 bites · min-1) than LDG (21.0 bites · min-1; P = 0.068), MDG (27.7 bites · min-1; P = 0.13) or SDG (26.2 bites · min-1; P = 0.007). However, diet selection, CP, DOM, step rate, and distance travelled did not differ among treatments. Our findings demonstrate subdued negative effects of restricted foraging time when cattle are herded diurnally in small-sized herds. Application of this strategy could reduce the need for eliminating wild carnivores to facilitate unrestricted foraging time for cattle.

Stochastic simulation modeling to determine time to detect Bovine Viral Diarrhea antibodies in bulk tank milk

A stochastic simulation model was developed to estimate the time from introduction of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in a herd to detection of antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples using three ELISAs. We assumed that antibodies could be detected, after a fixed threshold prevalence of seroconverted milking cows was reached in the herd. Different thresholds were set for each ELISA, according to previous studies. For each test, antibody detection was simulated in small (70 cows), medium (150 cows) and large (320 cows) herds. The assays included were: (1) the Danish blocking ELISA, (2) the SVANOVIR®BVDV-Ab ELISA, and (3) the ELISA BVD/MD p80 Institute Pourquier. The validation of the model was mainly carried out by comparing the predicted incidence of persistently infected (PI) calves and the predicted detection time, with records from a BVD infected herd. Results showed that the SVANOVIR, which was the most efficient ELISA, could detect antibodies in the BTM of a large herd 280 days (95% prediction interval: 218; 568) after a transiently infected (TI) milking cow has been introduced into the herd. The estimated time to detection after introduction of one PI calf was 111 days (44; 605). With SVANOVIR ELISA the incidence of PIs and dead born calves could be limited and the impact of the disease on the animal welfare and income of farmers (before detection) could be minimized. The results from the simulation modeling can be used to improve the current Danish BVD surveillance program in detecting early infected herds.

Effect of management practices and animal age on incidence of mastitis in Nili Ravi buffaloes.

Buffalo is an economically important dairy animal in South Asia but mostly ignored in research priorities. In this retrospective study, the effect of management practices and age of animal on the incidence of mastitis in Nili Ravi buffaloes was investigated. A total of 1,560 quarters of buffaloes (n = 390) were screened by visual examination of the udder and milk (clinical mastitis) and California mastitis test (subclinical mastitis). Household data was collected on a predesigned questionnaire and analyzed. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis, clinical mastitis, and blind quarters was 41.8, 13.6, and 9.7 %, respectively. The highest prevalence was noted in the hind quarters and left side as compared to that in the forequarters and right side. This data significantly (p < 0.05) supported the idea that larger herd size has more chances of mastitis, with the highest prevalence (40, 32, and 27 %) in the large, medium, and small herds, respectively. Stage of lactation was significantly (p < 0.01) involved in mastitis, and the highest incidence (43.3 %) was noted in early lactation. Milk production of lactating buffaloes that ranged 6-10 l/day showed a higher rate of mastitis occurrence (p < 0.05). The cleanliness condition of a farm also contributed significantly. Animal age significantly affected the incidence of mastitis. Results revealed that age of the animal has a positive correlation (R (2) = 0.772) with mastitis. This study concluded that some factors alone or in combination with other factors influence significantly the occurrence of mastitis, and to minimize the infection, these factors should be considered. The outcome of the study will be valuable for policy-making for positive management practices and implementation of preventive measures.

Cost of Milk Production and Break Even Analysis of Member and Non Member of Dairy Cooperative Society for Milch Animals (Cow &amp; Buffalo) in District Etawah of U.P.

This study covered 150 cooperative member milk producers and 150 non-member milk producers which were post- stratified into Landless, Marginal, small, medium and large herd size categories. Breakeven point is a point where no profit no loss status achieved where MR = MC. In this study breakeven point analysis was done to estimate the minimum quantity milk to be produced to cover the total cost on all categories (members and nonmembers) of households of milch animals (Cow and buffalo). And also in this study the researchers have find out the Total cost of milk production per liter for member and non member categories. This study is helpful to find out the total cost of milk production in all categories as well as members and nonmembers of dairy cooperative society are able to find out the breakeven point of the whole business.

COST OF MILK PRODUCTION AND BREAK EVEN ANALYSIS OF MEMBER AND NON MEMBER OF DAIRY COOPERATIVE SOCIETY FOR MILCH ANIMALS (COW &amp; BUFFALO) IN DISTRICT ETAWAH OF U.P.

This study covered 150 cooperative member milk producers and 150 non-member milk producers which were post- stratified into Landless, Marginal, small, medium and large herd size categories. Breakeven point is a point where no profit no loss status achieved where MR = MC. In this study breakeven point analysis was done to estimate the minimum quantity milk to be produced to cover the total cost on all categories (members and nonmembers) of households of milch animals (Cow and buffalo). And also in this study the researchers have find out the Total cost of milk production per liter for member and non member categories. This study is helpful to find out the total cost of milk production in all categories as well as members and nonmembers of dairy cooperative society are able to find out the breakeven point of the whole business.

Risk factors for clinical mastitis, ketosis, and pneumonia in dairy cattle on organic and small conventional farms in the United States

The US regulations for production of organic milk include a strict prohibition against the use of antimicrobials and other synthetic substances. The effect of these regulations on dairy animal health has not been previously reported. The objective of this study was to characterize disease detection and identify risk factors for selected diseases on organic (ORG) and similarly sized conventional (CON) farms. Dairy herds (n=292) were enrolled across 3 states (New York, Oregon, Wisconsin) with CON herds matched to ORG herds based on location and herd size. During a single herd visit, information was collected about herd management practices and animal disease occurring in the previous 60 d, and paperwork was left for recording disease occurrences during 60 d after the visit. For analysis, CON herds were further divided into grazing and nongrazing. Poisson regression models were used to assess risk factors for rate of farmer-identified and recorded cases of clinical mastitis, ketosis, and pneumonia. An increased rate of farmer-identified and recorded cases of clinical mastitis was associated with use of CON management, use of forestripping, presence of contagious pathogens in the bulk tank culture, proactive detection of mastitis in postpartum cows, and stall barn housing. An increased rate of farmer-identified and recorded cases of ketosis was associated with having a more sensitive definition of ketosis, using stall barn housing, and feeding a greater amount of concentrates. An increased rate of farmer-identified and recorded cases of pneumonia was associated with a lack of grazing, small or medium herd size, and Jersey as the predominant breed. Overall, disease definitions and perceptions were similar among grazing systems and were associated with the rate of farmer-identified and recorded cases of disease.

CALIDAD DE LA LECHE Y MASTITIS SUBCLÍNICA EN ESTABLOS DE LA PROVINCIA DE HUAURA, LIMA.

This research was conducted in the province of Huaura, Lima-Peru in 2009-2010 to determine the quality of milk through Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in milk tanks of three dairy herds and four small farmer associations in two seasons of the year, and to assess subclinical mastitis by the California Mastitis Test (CMT) in 32 farms (2100 cows), considering parity, herd size and lactation phase. No statistical difference was found between large dairy herds (755.4 ± 46.9 x 103 cells/ml) and farmer associations (752.1 ± 41.1 x 103 cells/ml); however, there were differences between farms (p &lt;0.05). The RCS in summer (957.1 ± 54.1 x 103 cells/ml) was higher than in winter (550.3 ± 35.5 x 103 cells/ml) (p &lt;0.05). A greater proportion of CMT positive quarters were observed in medium and large herds compared to small herds (52.6 and 49.9% vs 29.8% respectively) (p &lt;0.05), in cows with &gt;2 parities in comparison to 1st and 2nd calvers (40.8 vs 32.8 and 24.8% respectively) (p &lt;0.05), and in cows in late lactation compared to mid and early lactation (40.3 vs 38.2, and 23.2% respectively) (p&lt;0.05). Milk from Huaura dairy farms associations does not meet the Peruvian quality standards in terms of RCS. Subclinical mastitis was associated with herd size, parity, and time of lactation.

Factors affecting yield and composition of camel milk kept under desert conditions of central Punjab, Pakistan

This study was planned to study the herd composition, farming system, and reproductive traits and to evaluate the effect of season, stage of lactation and parity on milk production, and composition of camels kept under pastoral environment of central Punjab, Pakistan. Based on purposive sampling method, 50 herds belonging to small, medium, and large-sized herds were selected. From these herds, 1,137 she-camels were entered in this study and their composite milk samples were collected and analyzed through standard procedures to determine the milk yield and percentages of milk contents. The results showed that the male camels constituted a lesser percentage (p < 0.05: 43.08; 380/882) in the total herd composition compared to that of she-camels (56.92; 502/882). The mean daily milk yield was 8.17 ± 0.09 L and mean percentage of fat was 3.79 ± 0.13%, protein was 3.66 ± 0.07%, lactose was 5.15 ± 0.09%, ash was 0.81 ± 0.02%, acidity was 0.20 ± 0.01%, solids not fat (SNF) was 9.63 ± 0.15%, total solids was 13.42 ± 0.21, and moisture was 86.58 ± 0.43. Mean daily milk yield was significantly higher (p < 0.01) during rainy season followed by winter season, warm dry summer, and hot summer season. Milk fat and protein contents were the highest in hot dry summer, while lactose contents were higher during rainy season. The stage of lactation and parity confirmed to impinge significantly (p < 0.01) on protein, lactose, and SNF. The present study will be helpful to design measures for the eradication of reproductive constraints and for the improvement of milk yield and composition in order to make camel rearing an economical proposition.

Cattle brucellosis in traditional livestock husbandry practice in Southern and Eastern Ethiopia, and its zoonotic implication

BackgroundCattle brucellosis has significant economic and zoonotic implication for the rural communities in Ethiopia in consequence of their traditional life styles, feeding habits and disease patterns. Hence, knowledge of brucellosis occurrence in traditional livestock husbandry practice has considerable importance in reducing the economic and public health impacts of the disease.MethodsA total of 1623 cattle sera were serially tested using the rose Bengal test as screening and complement fixation test as confirmatory tests. The Stata survey command was used to establish prevalences for the overall and individual variables, while potential risk factors for seropositivity were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe results showed that 3.5% (95% CI = 2.4, 4.5%) of the animals and 26.1% (95% CI = 18.6, 33.7) of the herds tested had antibodies against Brucella species. Village level seroprevalence ranged from 0% to 100%. A higher seroprevalence was observed in pastoral system than mixed farming although this variable was not significant in the final model. The final logistic regression model identified herd size; with large (odd ratio (OR) = 8.0, 95% CI = 1.9, 33.6) and medium herds (OR = 8.1, 95% CI = 1.9, 34.2) showing higher risk of Brucella infection when compared to small herds. Similarly, the odds of Brucella infection was higher in cattle aged above 4 years when compared to age groups of 1-2 (OR = 5.4, 2.1, 12.9) and 3-4 years (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.0, 9.6). Herd level analysis of the risk factors revealed that large and medium herds as well as herds kept with multiple livestock species were at higher risk of acquiring Brucella infection. Brucellosis in traditional livestock husbandry practices certainly poses a zoonotic risk to the public, in consequence of raw milk consumption, close contact with animals and provision of assistance during parturition. Due to lack of diagnostic facilities and information on its occurrence, human brucellosis is most likely misdiagnosed for other febrile diseases prevailing in the areas and treated empirically.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrated that bovine brucellosis is widely prevalent in the study areas particularly in pastoral production system. Hence, the study suggests the need for implementing control measures and raising public awareness on prevention methods of brucellosis.

Survey on management practices related to the prevention and control of bovine viral diarrhea virus on dairy farms in Indiana, United States

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the application of management practices known to be associated with the prevention of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection on Indiana dairy farms and to determine the extent of BVDV vaccine use within Indiana dairy herds. The population in this study was Indiana dairy producers enrolled under the Indiana Premise ID list by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health ( n = 1600). During the fall of 2008 a questionnaire was mailed to Indiana dairy producers. Returned questionnaires were entered into a database and descriptive statistics were performed. A total of 208 questionnaires were found useful for analysis. Small herds (<100 head) constituted 60% of the sample population, 33% farms were categorized as medium herds (100–499 head) and finally 7% were large herds (>500 head). Most of the herds (68%) acquired their replacements from external sources (open herds); however, preventive measures against the introduction of BVDV into the farm such as purchased animal history, quarantine and BVDV testing were not commonly performed. Even though producers commonly reported the use of BVDV vaccines, not all animals groups were vaccinated within herds. This study highlights the aspects of management practices of BVDV control on Indiana dairy farms that need reinforcement. In particular, dairy producers should be made aware that vaccination should be complementary to a comprehensive biosecurity program.

Ovine Paratuberculosis: A Seroprevalence Study in Dairy Flocks Reared in the Marche Region, Italy

In order to fulfil the seroprevalence gap on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in ovine dairy farms of Marche region (central Italy), a stratified study was carried out on 2086 adult female sheep randomly chosen from 38 herds selected in Ancona and Macerata provinces. 73.7% flocks resulted infected by a commercial ELISA test (Pourquier, France), with a mean seroprevalence of 6.29% of sampled sheep in both provinces. A higher number of MAP seropositive ewes was recorded in the large herds' consistence than in the small and medium herds' consistence (P = 0.0269), and a greater percentage of infected sheep was obtained among female at early/late than in peak lactation stage (P = 0.0237). MAP infection was confirmed in 12.6% of infected farms by faecal culture. The true sheep-level seroprevalence was 15.1% ± 7.3%.

Seroprevalence of Camel Brucellosis In Pastoral Areas of Afar, Somali and Oromia Regions, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the pastoral areas of Afar, Somali and Oromia regions of Ethiopia between October 2008 and May 2009 to determine the antibody prevalence and to identify risk factors for brucellosis in camels (Camelus dromedorius). Sera were collected from 1100 camels and 86 herds. Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was used to screen all serum samples and positive samples were subjected to confirmation by complement fixation test (CFT). Twenty six of these (2.36%) tested positive using the Rose Bengal plate test and 21 (1.91%) tested positive by the complement fixation test. The true seroprevalence of camel brucellosis as adjusted to the RBPT and CFT sensitivities and specificities was 5.71%. The highest prevalence (3.16%) was reported in Afar however the difference was not significant (p>0.05) among regions. Age and sex were not found to be significant in the occurrence of brucellosis. Univariable logistic regression model showed that adult camels in the age group of 4-6years had significant impact on camel seropositivity to brucellosis (P<0.05, odds ratio (OR), 4.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38-15.04). Herd size recorded significant association with seropositivity of brucellosis (P<0.05, medium herds OR, 5.51; 95%CI, 1.80-16.91 and large herds OR, 1.85; 95%CI, 0.46-7.48). The authors recommend the implementation of well-organized disease control and prevention methods to mitigate the economic losses and public health hazard caused by the disease.