河北及天津部分地区奶牛肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解河北及天津近渤海地区奶牛肠道寄生虫感染情况,本试验采用离心沉淀法、饱和蔗糖漂浮法及卢戈氏碘液染色法对河北和天津地区12个奶牛场1 040份奶牛粪便样品进行显微镜检测。结果显示,寄生虫总感染率为61.63%,其中河北及天津地区寄生虫感染率分别为59.78%和66.12%。共检测出8种寄生虫,即球虫、贾第虫、隐孢子虫、阿米巴、圆线虫、鞭虫、绦虫及吸虫,感染率分别为40.96%、1.63%、8.46%、33.27%、2.02%、3.56%、0.96%和0.96%,其中球虫与阿米巴为优势虫种。本试验结果表明,河北及天津地区奶牛肠道寄生虫感染比较普遍,养殖场需采取必要的防控措施。     

宠物兔肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解宠物兔肠道寄生虫感染情况,采用卢戈氏碘液染色法和饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对1个宠物市场和2个宠物兔场的305份兔新鲜粪便样品进行检查。结果检出肠道寄生虫5种,总感染率为71.2%,其中球虫感染率最高,为47.2%,隐孢子虫、贾第虫、圆线虫和栓尾线虫感染率分别为2.0%、3.9%、29.5%和1.0%;不同采样点和不同年龄段宠物兔肠道寄生虫的感染率统计学差异均极显著(P<0.01),寄生虫感染随年龄增长呈递减趋势。数据表明宠物兔肠道寄生虫感染率较高,且存在人兽共患机会性原虫,应加强其寄生虫病的防治。     

新疆地区羊驼肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解新疆地区羊驼肠道寄生虫感染情况,采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法和卢戈氏碘液染色法对采自新疆5个养殖基地的185份羊驼新鲜粪便样品进行检查。结果显示:129份样品呈肠道寄生虫阳性,总感染率69.72%;检出8种寄生虫,以球虫为优势感染虫种,感染率57.83%;隐孢子虫、贾第虫、圆线虫、细颈线虫、鞭虫、双腔吸虫和莫尼茨绦虫感染率分别为3.24%、0.54%、15.14%、7.57%、11.35%、1.62%和0.54%。调查表明,新疆地区羊驼肠道寄生虫感染率较高,应加强其检测和防治工作。     

我国部分地区羊消化道寄生虫感染情况调查及球虫种类鉴定

为了解我国部分地区羊肠道寄生虫的感染情况,采用水洗离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法和饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法,对来自全国8省16个地区共472份羊粪样品进行了肠道寄生虫的显微镜检查,并根据虫卵和卵囊形态进行了虫种鉴定.本次调查寄生虫总感染率为85.38％ (403/472),混合感染率为46.40％ (219/472),共查到球...     

河南省郏县红牛肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解河南省郏县红牛肠道寄生虫感染情况，采用卢戈氏碘液染色法、饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法和改良抗酸染色法对河南省郏县地区某红牛养殖场及散养红牛的218份新鲜粪便样本进行了检查，结果发现寄生虫总感染率为66.5%，共检出4种肠道寄生虫，其中球虫、圆线虫、鞭虫和绦虫感染率分别为61.5%、2.3%、6.9%和7.8%，混合感染率为11.5%，阳性粪便中虫卵或卵囊感染强度以轻度感染为主。结果表明，河南省郏县红牛肠道寄生虫感染较为普遍，应加强其肠道寄生虫病的防治。     

The potential for zoonotic transmission of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. from beef and dairy cattle in Ontario, Canada

The objective of this study was to compare the occurrence and the genotypes and species of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in beef and dairy cattle from farms in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario, in an effort to determine the potential for zoonotic transmission from these animals. Pooled manure samples were collected from 45 dairy cattle farms and 30 beef cattle farms. The presence of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy, while nested-PCR and DNA sequencing were used to determine genotypes and species. The overall farm prevalence was very high for both Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and was similar for dairy cattle farms (96 and 64%, respectively) and beef cattle farms (97 and 63%, respectively). However, on dairy cattle farms, G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 44% and 6% of total pooled pen manure samples, respectively, with the occurrence of both parasites being generally higher in calves than in older animals. Most Giardia isolates were identified as either the host-adapted genotype G. duodenalis Assemblage E or the zoonotic Assemblage B. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium andersoni were the most frequently identified species in dairy cattle, while the non-zoonotic species Cryptosporidium ryanae and Cryptosporidium bovis were also found. On beef cattle farms, 72% and 27% of the total pooled pen manure samples were positive for Giardia and Cryptosporidium, respectively, with no obvious correlation with age. All Giardia isolates in beef cattle were identified as G. duodenalis Assemblage E, while all Cryptosporidium isolates were identified by sequence analysis as C. andersoni, although microscopic analyses, and subsequent restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses, indicated that other Cryptosporidium species were also present. The results of this study indicate that although Giardia and Cryptosporidium were identified in a higher overall percentage of the pooled beef cattle manure samples than in dairy cattle, firmly established zoonotic genotypes and species were much more common in dairy cattle than in beef cattle in this region. Dairy cattle, and especially dairy calves, may, therefore, pose a greater risk of infection to humans than beef cattle. However, these results may also provide evidence of potential zooanthroponotic transmission (human to animal).     

Prevalence and geographical distribution of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy farms in Québec.

Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are parasitic infections of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In cattle, direct transmission through the contamination of barns and/or pasture appears to be the principal mode of infection. In Canada there is only one study reported in the literature on the prevalence of giardiasis and one study on the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis. These studies were done in Alberta and Manitoba, respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. infections in dairy farms in Québec. Calves were sampled from 505 dairy farms. We are reporting that 45.7% of the farms were found to be positive for Giardia spp. and 88.7% were infected with Cryptosporidium spp.     

肉牛肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解南乐县肉牛寄生虫感染情况,笔者随机选取4个规模化肉牛养殖场的共226份粪样进行寄生虫感染情况调查。结果共检出4种寄生虫的虫卵和卵囊,其中原虫2种(球虫、隐孢子虫),线虫2种（类圆线虫、鞭虫）。检测结果发现162份粪便样品为寄生虫阳性,寄生虫总感染率为71.68％(162／226),4个肉牛场的隐孢子虫平均感染率为4.42％,球虫平均感染率为51.12％,鞭虫平均感染率为15.84％,类圆线虫平均感染率为15.49％。本次调查发现肉牛寄生虫混合感染现象比较严重,混合感染的病例占总感染病例的63.58％,其中球虫、鞭虫和类圆线虫混合感染的病例占总感染病例的34.56％。调查还发现肉牛寄生虫感染率呈现随着年龄的增加而降低的趋势。     

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy cattle in Ontario, Canada

Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are intestinal protozoan parasites that infect a wide range of host species, including humans. Molecular characterization of these parasites has demonstrated that a number of genotypes and species are common to both humans and animals, and that zoonotic transmission may occur. Numerous studies have reported a high prevalence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle, particularly calves, and these animals are frequently associated with zoonotic transmission. In the present study, a total of 143 faecal samples from adults, heifers and calves were collected from two dairy cattle farms in eastern Ontario, Canada. The prevalence and molecular characteristics of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in these animals were determined in order to investigate the potential for transmission between cattle and humans in this region. Following DNA extractions from faecal samples, nested-PCR protocols were used to amplify fragments of the 16S rRNA gene and the heat-shock protein 70 (HSP-70) gene for determining the prevalence of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infections, respectively. Genotypes of G. duodenalis, and species of Cryptosporidium, were determined by means of DNA sequencing of amplicons, and subsequent sequence alignment. Cattle on both farms showed a high prevalence of G. duodenalis (42.0%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (27.3%). G. duodenalis infections were more prevalent in calves and heifers than in adults, and Cryptosporidium spp. infections were only observed in calves and heifers. The zoonotic genotype, G. duodenalis Assemblage B was isolated from 24.5% of the cattle tested, while G. duodenalis Assemblage E was found in 17.5% of the cattle tested. The overall prevalence of the zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum in the animals tested was found to be 21.7%, while only 1.4% were infected with C. bovis. These findings suggest that there is a potential risk of zoonotic and/or zooanthroponotic transmission of G. duodenalis and C. parvum infections between cattle and humans in eastern Ontario, likely by means of contaminated water or food, or through direct faecal-oral transmission in the case of farmers and veterinary staff.     

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infection in goats raised in Nakhon Pathom Province,Thailand

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infection in goats raised in Nakhon Pathom Province. Fecal samples from 190 goats in 12 herds were collected per rectum. Questionnaires focusing on the general information about the farm and farmers, and management practices on farms were completed. Modified McMaster counting technique was performed to detect eggs of intestinal parasites. Each egg found was classified into three groups of parasites based on its characteristics. Individual and herd prevalence were calculated. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to analyze risk factors of infection. Herd prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 100%, while individual prevalence was 79.47%. Strongyle group was the most common intestinal parasite found in this study. Moniezia spp. (8/190) and Trichuris spp. (1/190) were also found. The average number of eggs found was 1,176 eggs per gram of feces. Risk factors for intestinal parasite infection were housing system, deworming interval, and type of goat in herd. Goats housed in groups had higher infection rates compared with goats housed individually (odds ratio (OR) = 6.34; P value = 0.009). Goats in herds in which anthelmintic drugs were administered in intervals of greater than 3 months were more likely to become infected with intestinal parasites (OR = 33.07; P value <0.001). Goats in herds that kept only dairy goats were less likely to become infected than herd that kept only meat goats or kept both dairy and meat goats (OR = 46.20 and 8.75; P value <0.001 and 0.011, respectively).     

荣昌县生猪肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

目的摸清重庆市荣昌县生猪的肠道寄生虫感染情况,从而为有效防控猪的肠道寄生虫感染提供依据。方法荣昌是我国著名地方猪“荣昌猪”的故乡,我国养猪大县之一,作者于2007年4月至2007年11月,在该县20个镇选择具有代表性的规模化猪场、散养户和屠宰场,对种公猪、母猪、仔猪及肥育猪肠道寄生虫感染情况和屠宰场宰杀的肥猪肠道寄生虫虫体感染情况进行了调查。共检查了832份集约化饲养猪的粪便、l133份农户散养猪的粪便,并检查了200头屠宰肥猪的肠道。结果13．1％的集约化饲养猪感染猪蛔虫,5．4％感染猪鞭虫．14．6％感染食道口线虫,14．8％感染球虫（包括艾关尔球虫及等孢球虫）,3．6％感染结肠小袋纤毛虫。对散养猪．这些数值分别是6．7％,4．8％,23．2％,13．8％,及4．9％。4％的宰杀肥猪检出猪蛔虫,3．5％检出猪鞭虫,52．0％感染食道口线虫。混合感染很常见。结论本项调查表明,荣昌生猪的寄生虫感染较为严重,应引起有关方面的足够重视。应尽快开展猪肠道寄生虫感染的综合防控工作,以保障养猪业的健康快速发展。     

The recent prevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection among Japanese cattle

A seroepidemiological survey of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection was conducted in Japan in 2007 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. A total of 5420 cattle (dairy, 3966; breeding beef, 797; fattening beef, 657) from 209 farms in seven prefectures in Japan were tested. The overall prevalence of BLV infection was 28.6%. The prevalence of BLV infection in dairy cattle (34.7%) was higher than for both fattening beef cattle (7.9%) and breeding beef cattle (16.3%). Age-specific prevalence showed that BLV prevalence increased with age in all types of cattle and was notably different between dairy and beef cattle under 1 year of age. Among 207 farms, 141 herds (68.1%) had one or more positive animals. The proportion of these positive farms was significantly higher among dairy farms (79.1%) than among beef breeding farms (39.5%) and beef fattening farms (51.9%) (P < 0.001). Dairy farms (40.5%) also showed a significantly higher within-herd prevalence than beef breeding (27.4%) and fattening (14.9%) farms (P = 0.001). This study indicated that BLV is more widely spread in dairy cattle than in beef breeding cattle in Japan. Given the prevalence of BLV infection in dairy and beef cattle was 8- and 1.7-fold higher, respectively, than rates previously found in 1980–1982, BLV appears to be spreading particularly among the dairy cattle population during the last two decades. Further investigation is required to determine the risk factors necessary to control BLV infection that take into account the different farming practices that exist between dairy and beef sectors.     

Prevalence and determinants of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in smallholder dairy cattle in Iringa and Tanga Regions of Tanzania

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a cross-sectional study of dairy cattle, from two contrasting dairying regions in Tanzania, were determined by staining smears of faecal samples with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Of the 1 126 faecal samples screened, 19.7% were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. The prevalence was lower in Tanga Region than in Iringa Region. The prevalence of affected farms was 20% in Tanga and 21% in Iringa. In both regions, the probability of detecting Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces varied with animal class, but these were not consistent in both regions. In Tanga Region, Cryptosporidium oocysts were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of milking cows. In Iringa Region, the likelihood that cattle had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces declined with age, and milking cattle were significantly less likely to have Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. In this region, 7% of cattle were housed within the family house at night, and this was marginally associated with a higher likelihood that animals had Cryptosporidium-positive faeces. Our study suggests that even though herd sizes are small, Cryptosporidium spp. are endemic on many Tanzanian smallholder dairy farms. These protozoa may impact on animal health and production, but also on human health, given the close associations between the cattle and their keepers. Further studies are required to assess these risks in more detail, and understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in this management system.     

Survey of intestinal parasites in pigs from intensive farms in Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China

The prevalence of intestinal parasites was investigated in intensive pig farms in Guangdong Province, China between July 2000 and July 2002. Faecal samples from 3636 pigs (both sexes and five age groups) from 38 representative intensive pig farms employing different parasite control strategies were examined for the presence of helminth ova and protozoan oocysts, cysts and/or trophozoites using standard techniques. Of the 3636 pigs sampled, 209 (5.7%) were infected with Trichuris suis, 189 (5.2%) with Ascaris, 91 (2.5%) with Oesophagostomum spp., 905 (24.9%) with coccidia (Eimeria spp. and/or Isospora suis) and 1716 (47.2%) with Balantidium coli. These infected pigs were mainly from farms without a strategic anti-parasite treatment regime. Concurrent infection of multiple parasites was common, and T. suis was the most common nematode infecting breeding, young and mature pigs. The results of the present investigation provide relevant 'base-line' data for assessing the effectiveness of control strategies against intestinal parasitism in intensively raised pigs in Guangdong Province, China.     

Prevalence of Salmonella spp on conventional and organic dairy farms

OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of fecal shedding, persistence of shedding over time, and serogroup classification of Salmonella spp on a large number of dairy farms of various sizes. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 22,417 fecal samples from cattle and 4,570 samples from the farm environment on 110 organic and conventional dairy farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and NewYork. PROCEDURE: 5 visits were made to each farm at 2-month intervals from August 2000 to October 2001. Fecal samples from healthy cows, calves, and other targeted cattle groups and samples from bulk tank milk, milk line filters, water, feed sources, and pen floors were collected at each visit. Bacterial culture was performed at 1 laboratory. RESULTS: Salmonella spp were isolated from 4.8% of fecal samples and 5.9% of environmental samples; 92.7% of farms had at least 1 Salmonella-positive sample. The 75th percentile for median within-herd prevalence of Salmonella spp in cattle for 5 sampling visits to a given farm was 2.0% and for maximum within-herd prevalence of Salmonella spp was 13.6%. Farms with a median within-herd prevalence of Salmonella spp of > or = 2.0% accounted for 76.3% of Salmonella-positive samples. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Salmonella spp between conventional and organic farms. Seasonal differences in Salmonella shedding were observed. More farms had at least 1 serogroup B isolate than any other serogroup, whereas serogroup E1 was the most common among all Salmonella-positive samples. More than 1 serogroup was isolated on 76.4% of Salmonella-positive farms. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Salmonella spp were isolated from > 90% of dairy farms; however, 25% of farms accounted for > 75% of Salmonella-positive samples. This information is critical for the direction of intervention strategies to decrease the prevalence of Salmonella spp on dairy farms.     

野生动物园动物肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

为了解四川某野生动物园动物肠道寄生虫感染情况,本试验采用离心沉淀法、卢戈氏碘液染色法、饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对40种野生动物及混居水禽共计180份粪便样本进行调查。寄生虫总感染率为74.4%,共发现8种寄生虫,其中球虫、阿米巴原虫、蛔虫、鞭虫、毛细线虫、圆线虫、绦虫和吸虫感染率分别为31.1%、19.4%、15.6%、10.6%、17.2%、20.6%、4.4%和1.7%。结果表明,某野生动物肠寄生虫感染较为普遍,应采取有效的综合防治措施,以保证野生动物的健康。     

Dynamics of infections with gastrointestinal parasites and Dictyocaulus viviparus in dairy and beef cattle from Costa Rica

A longitudinal survey was carried out to determine and describe the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasite infections and Dictyocaulus viviparus in a dairy and a beef cattle farm of two different ecological zones in Costa Rica. The influence of anthelmintic treatment, age and meteorological factors (rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures) on gastrointestinal nematodes and D. viviparus counts was determined. Calves were subjected to monthly sampling of feces and blood between April 2002 and March 2003. Coprological techniques were used to detect gastrointestinal helminthes, protozoan and D. viviparus. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies to D. viviparus by ELISA. The most prevalent gastrointestinal parasites detected on both farms (dairy cattle, A; beef cattle, B) were Eimeria spp. (94.7%, 93.7%), Strongylidae (75.0%, 81.4%), Buxtonella sulcata (38.0%, 21.6%) and Strongyloides papillosus (29.8%, 31.7%), whereas Moniezia benedeni (4.8%, 9.1%), Trichuris spp. (7.3%, 13.2%), Toxocara vitulorum (0.0%, 1.8%) and Entamoeba bovis (2.5%, 1.1%) were less prevalent. Mean fecal egg counts (FEC) showed highest values of Strongylidae in April, May and July (>335.3 eggs/g feces) on farm A, and April, May and August (>304.3 eggs/g feces) on farm B. S. papillosus presented low FEC throughout the year on farm A, on farm B the highest values were obtained in April (303.0 eggs/g feces). Trichuris spp. presented maximum FEC values in May (328.6 eggs/g feces) on farm A and in June (157.5 eggs/g feces) on farm B. Treatment and age had significant influence on infection intensity of Strongylidae (farms A and B), S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm A). Rainfall had significant effect on S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm B). Maximum temperature showed significant effect on S. papillosus (farm A) and Trichuris spp. (farms A and B). Minimum temperature had significant influence on Strongylidae (farm A), S. papillosus (farms A and B) and Trichuris spp. (farm B). Haemonchus spp. (57%, 66%) and Cooperia spp. (30.0%, 30.7%) were the most prevalent genera identified by coproculture on both farms, in contrast, Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. were less frequent. Patent lungworm infections were low on both farms (10.8%, 1.8%). On farm A, high prevalence of antibodies against D. viviparus was determined only at the beginning of the study, in contrast, on farm B the seroprevalence fluctuated throughout the year. Treatment, age and maximum temperature had significant effect on D. viviparus counts on farm A, but not on farm B.     

Canine Leishmaniasis: Parasitological Follow-up of the Treated Subject

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and flukes (Fasciola and amphistomes) infection in communally grazed traditional cattle, zero-grazed small-scale dairy cattle and intensively grazed large-scale dairy cattle through examination of helminth eggs in faeces. Results indicated that the type of management, especially the grazing habit, has a significant influence on the prevalence and intensity of GI nematodes and flukes. The prevalence of GI nematodes in traditional, large-scale dairy and small-scale dairy cattle was 67%, 44.4% and 37%, respectively, with the highest faecal egg counts in calves. The overall prevalence of Fasciola gigantica in traditional, large-scale dairy and small-scale dairy cattle was 63.8%, 46.2% and 28.4%, respectively. The prevalence of amphistomes was 81.9%, 55.5% and 41.1% in traditional, large-scale dairy and small-scale dairy cattle, respectively. The high prevalence of flukes in the traditional system was attributed to communal grazing and watering management practices. Stomach flukes recovered in examined cattle at the abattoir were Calicophoron microbothrium and Cotylophoron jacksoni. About 42.1% of infected animals had both Fasciola and amphistomes. The prevalence of both GI nematodes and flukes varied greatly among villages and farms. The prevalence of both Fasciola and amphistomes was higher in adults (58.5%, 75.2%) than in yearlings (36.5%, 51.5%) or calves (24.9%, 47.2%). The variation in the prevalence of both GI nematodes and flukes among management and age groups within systems can be used as an entry point towards rational use of anthelmintics for each management system. More studies on seasonal transmission pattern of all these parasites are required in order to design rational, economic and locally sustainable parasite control programmes.     

Worm control practices and anthelmintic usage in traditional and dairy cattle farms in the southern highlands of Tanzania

Worm control practices and anthelmintic usage in 177 cattle farms in Iringa district in the southern highlands of Tanzania was determined through a questionnaire survey. A total of 76 traditional, 92 small-scale dairy and 9 large-scale dairy cattle farms were included in the survey. Results indicated that 87.7% traditional, 97.8% small-scale dairy and 100% large-scale farmers relied solely on the use of anthelmintics, 2.7% traditional farmers used traditional medicines while 9.6% traditional farmers had not any form of worm control practice. Worm infection was ranked the second most important constraint of productivity in cattle in the three production systems. Most farms (57.6% traditional, 35.8% small-scale dairy, 66.7% large-scale dairy) used anthelmintics with a combination of levamisole and oxyclozanide. Benzimidazoles were used only in traditional (25.4%) and small-scale dairy (32.1%) farms while nitroxynil (Trodax) was mostly used in large-scale dairy farms (33.3%). Generally, 40% of farmers treated three or four times a year and the frequency in some farms was surprisingly high for resource poor small-scale farmers. The frequency of anthelmintic treatment was mostly the same regardless of the management system. Treatments in most farms depended on availability of money and drugs and not the epidemiology of parasites. A significant proportion (46.3%, P=0.007) of farmers especially in rural areas failed to follow their pre-planned treatment schedules due to lack of money (86%) and unavailability of drugs (6.6%). Many farmers (58.9%) had used the same type of anthelmintic for four or more consecutive years and 85.3% of them would continue with the same anthelmintic. Farmers in all management systems mostly purchased anthelmintics from private veterinary drug shops and about 43% traditional and 33.3% small-scale dairy farmers mostly in rural areas obtained anthelmintics from village extension officers. Despite the fact that all farmers were aware of worm infection and the associated signs in cattle, 42.5% had poor knowledge on the source of worm infection. Small-scale dairy farmers allowed only a 1-day withdraw period for milk regardless of the type of anthelmintic used and there was no milk and slaughter clearance in traditional farms. It was concluded from this study that worm control in Iringa faces serious constrains and that education of farmers and farm hands is not adequate. Moreover, poor quality control and high price of potent anthelmintics, few extension workers, low income and low education among farmers contributed significantly to erratic worm control practices and anthelmintic usage in peri-urban and rural areas.     

Prevalence,quantitative load and genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. in dairy cattle herds in Lithuania

Background

Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic disease, and animals such as poultry, pigs and cattle may act as reservoirs for Campylobacter spp. Cattle shed Campylobacter spp. into the environment and they can act as a reservoir for human infection directly via contact with cattle or their faeces or indirectly by consumption of contaminated food. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, the quantitative load and the genetic strain diversity of Campylobacter spp. in dairy cattle of different age groups.

Results

Faecal samples of 200 dairy cattle from three farms in the central part of Lithuania were collected and examined for Campylobacter. Cattle herds of all three farms were Campylobacter spp. positive, with a prevalence ranging from 75% (farm I), 77.5% (farm II) to 83.3% (farm III). Overall, the highest prevalence was detected in calves (86.5%) and heifers (86.2%). In contrast, the lowest Campylobacter prevalence was detectable in dairy cows (60.6%). C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and C. fetus subsp. fetus were identified in faecal samples of dairy cattle. C. upsaliensis was not detectable in any sample. The high counts of Campylobacter spp. were observed in faecal material of dairy cattle (average 4.5 log₁₀ cfu/g). The highest numbers of Campylobacter spp. were found in faecal samples from calves (average 5.3 log₁₀ cfu/g), whereas, faecal samples from cows harboured the lowest number of Campylobacter spp. (average 3.7 log₁₀ cfu/g). Genotyping by flaA PCR-RFLP analysis of selected C. jejuni isolates showed that some genotypes were present in all farms and all age groups. However, farm or age specific genotypes were also identified.

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to investigate risk factors related to the degree of colonisation in cattle. Based on that, possible measures to reduce the colonisation and subsequent shedding of Campylobacter in cattle could be established. It is important to further investigate the epidemiology of Campylobacter in the cattle population in order to assess associated risks to public health.