Factors that influence the efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system in Kenya: A SWOT–AHP analysis

Animal recording in Kenya is characterised by erratic producer participation and high drop-out rates from the national recording scheme. This study evaluates factors influencing efficiency of beef and dairy cattle recording system. Factors influencing efficiency of animal identification and registration, pedigree and performance recording, and genetic evaluation and information utilisation were generated using qualitative and participatory methods. Pairwise comparison of factors was done by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats–analytical hierarchical process analysis and priority scores to determine their relative importance to the system calculated using Eigenvalue method. For identification and registration, and evaluation and information utilisation, external factors had high priority scores. For pedigree and performance recording, threats and weaknesses had the highest priority scores. Strengths factors could not sustain the required efficiency of the system. Weaknesses of the system predisposed it to threats. Available opportunities could be explored as interventions to restore efficiency in the system. Defensive strategies such as reorienting the system to offer utility benefits to recording, forming symbiotic and binding collaboration between recording organisations and NARS, and development of institutions to support recording were feasible.     

G and P genotype profiles of rotavirus A field strains circulating in beef and dairy cattle herds in Brazil, 2006–2015

The aim of this retrospective study was to use RT-PCR and nucleotide sequencing analysis to determine the G (VP7 gene) and P (VP4 gene) genotypes of 155 Brazilian bovine rotavirus A (RVA) wild-type strains detected in diarrheic calves from all Brazilian geographical regions from 2006 to 2015. The RVA strains evaluated belonged to the G6, G10, P[5], and P[11] genotypes. The G6P[5] genotype was prevalent (65.5%; P < 0.05) in beef, and the G10P[11] (38.4%) and G6P[11] (30.8%) genotypes were more prevalent in dairy cattle herds. The Midwest was the region with the highest number of genotyped RVA strains, where the genotypes G6, P[5], and P[11] were identified. Genotype combination G6-IV/P[5]-IX, prevalent in beef herds, and G6-III/P[11]-III or G10-IV/P[11]-III, prevalent in dairy herds, were detected. In addition, for the first time in Brazil, we detected the P[5] and P[11] genotype RVA strains that belong to lineage II and VII, respectively.     

Serological status of Canadian cattle for brucellosis,anaplasmosis, and bluetongue in 2007–2008

A national bovine serological survey was conducted to confirm that the prevalence of brucellosis, bluetongue, and anaplasmosis does not exceed 0.02% (95% confidence) in live cattle in Canada. Sampling consisted of a systematic random sample of 15 482 adult cattle slaughtered in federally inspected abattoirs, stratified by province. Samples were tested to detect antibodies for brucellosis, bluetongue, and anaplasmosis. All samples were negative for brucellosis. Three samples were seroreactors to bluetongue, 2 of which originated from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia and 1 from Ontario, which after follow-up, was considered an atypical result. A total of 244 samples were seroreactors to Anaplasma and follow-up identified infection in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec. In conclusion, the Canadian cattle population remains free of brucellosis and free of bluetongue outside the Okanagan Valley. Canada is no longer free of anaplasmosis and will be unable to claim freedom until eradication measures are completed.     

Incidence and knowledge of bovine brucellosis in Kahuro district,Murang’a County,Kenya

Brucellosis in cattle is a zoonosis mainly caused by Brucella abortus. In Kenya, the disease is widespread, but its prevalence is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate incidence rates of brucellosis and farmers’ knowledge on the disease in Kahuro district, Murang’a County. In this study, 150 pooled milk samples were collected from 75 milk collection centers and tested. Subsequently, 230 milk samples were collected from farmers in 16 collection centers in Wangu and Mugoiri divisions whose pooled samples gave positive results. Five cow owners in each of the 16 collection centers were interviewed using a questionnaire to assess their knowledge levels. Wangu division had the highest incidence rate 19% with positive samples observed from 14 collection centers. Mugoiri division recorded 3% with two collection centers having positive samples, while Murarandia had none. All respondents with no formal education were unaware of the causative agent of brucellosis. There was a significant difference in incidence between Mugoiri and Wangu divisions (p < 0.05). Knowledge levels were high in the young and educated farmers compared to the old and uneducated. Frequent screening for brucellosis to identify infected animals should be initiated thus prevent transmission to other animals and humans.     

Wasting and mortality in beef cattle parasitized by Eurytrema coelomaticum in the State of Paraná, southern Brazil

A sporadic wasting syndrome affecting beef cattle herds parasitized by Eurytrema coelomaticum is described in the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. The disease was characterized by progressive weight loss, poor body condition despite plenty of good quality forage available, and death. Annual losses ranged from 1 to 3%. The clinical course of the disease varied from 2 to 10 months after the onset of the first clinical signs. At necropsy, one of the three distinct following patterns of lesions were observed: the pancreas was of normal size and color; small, shrunken, white and markedly and diffusely firm (fibrosis); or slightly enlarged and dark with a shriveled capsular surface. Myriads of leaf-shaped trematodes of the genus Eurytrema were packed inside multiple dilated ducts with thickened, whitish fibrous walls, or the flukes were embedded in the remaining pancreatic parenchyma. Microscopic findings included extensive loss of the pancreatic parenchyma with replacement fibrosis, intralesional flukes and eggs, and ductal hyperplasia. Inflammatory reaction varied from absent to severe with the presence of a granulomatous reaction around the trematode eggs. One affected animal had high plasma amylase concentration (1580U/L) suggesting exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Glucose blood levels were not significantly increased. We suggest that diffuse and marked fibrosis of the pancreas induced by the presence of large amounts of pancreatic flukes is the cause of the sporadic cases of chronic wasting and death of cattle in this geographic area.     

Documenting the absence of brucellosis in cattle,goats and dogs in a “One Health” interface in the Mnisi community,Limpopo, South Africa

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study shows the absence of the world’s most common bacterial zoonoses caused by Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in cattle, goats and dogs...     

Retrospective study of the temporal distribution of vesicular stomatitis in cattle in Costa Rica, 1972–1986

The temporal distribution of vesicular stomatitis in cattle in Costa Rica, from 1972 to 1986, was analysed using the time series analysis. Seasonal fluctuations were observed with the highest occurrence in the dry season. The possible existence of 3–4-year cycles was demonstrated.     

Evaluation of official eradication-campaigns data for investigating small-ruminant brucellosis in the province of León, Spain

Brucellosis official eradication-campaigns data were used to study the epidemiology of the small-ruminant brucellosis infection in the province of León (northwest Spain). Data from three consecutive campaigns (1997–1999) were retrieved from flock sheets from controlled flocks and from other official statistics. In general, flock information was scarce, with a small percentage of contradictory data and other deficiencies that might have affected the campaign results. Nevertheless, unconditional multivariable logistic regression showed four risk factors for brucellosis infection in 1999: larger flock size, higher percentage of flocks in the town that are seropositive and having been brucellosis positive in 1997 and 1998. Despite of the scarcity of data available from official records, they were useful to explain, in part, the extent of the SRB in the province of León in 1999.     

Muturu cattle breed management in the smallholder farming area of the Ouémé district in the south of Benin: rearing practices,objectives, and constraints

Tropical Animal Health and Production - An exploratory survey was conducted to understand breeding practices and breeding objectives as well as the constraints as a first step towards developing...     

Calf morbidity and mortality in smallholder dairy farms in Ada’a Liben district of Oromia,Ethiopia

A longitudinal observational study on calf morbidity and mortality was conducted in smallholder dairy farms in Ada’a Liben district of Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of 185 calves from 112 market oriented smallholder dairy farms were selected randomly and regularly monitored for clinical health problems up to six months of age. Information on potential risk factors was collected by personal observation during the regular visit to farms and from questionnaire survey conducted during the study period. The overall incidences of crude morbidity and crude mortality were 62 % and 22%, respectively. The most frequent disease syndrome was calf diarrhea with the incidence of 39% followed by joint ill 6%. The other disease conditions/syndromes diagnosed include navel ill, pneumonia, septicemic conditions, congenital problems and miscellaneous cases. Age of the calves, age at first colostrum ingestion and cleanness of the calf barns significantly influenced morbidity. Older calves (greater than three months of age) were at lower risk of crude morbidity than younger calves (less than three months of age) (HR = 0.42, P = 0.001). Higher risk of crude morbidity was observed in calves that ingested their first colostrum meal later than 6 hours of age compared to those that ingested colostrum earlier (HR = 2.24, P = 0.001). Similarly, calves housed in unclean barns were at higher risk of morbidity than calves housed in clean barns (HR = 1.75, P = 0.024). Of the 20 potential risk factors investigated, age was the only factor that was found significantly associated with mortality (HR = 0.04, P = 0.001). Calves older than three months of age were at lower risk of mortality than younger calves.     

Prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies and factors associated with their presence in dairy cattle of the north of Paraná state, Brazil

To determine the prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies and associated factors, blood sera from 623 female dairy cattle from 23 farms in the north of the state of Paraná, Brazil, were analyzed by means of the indirect immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT > or = 25). Serum samples from 134 dogs living on the same farms also were tested for N. caninum antibodies (IFAT > or = 50), and the presence of dogs was associated with the prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in cattle. The overall seroprevalence in cattle was 14.3%, mainly in animals over 24 months of age. Seroprevalence in Holsteins (15.1% of 558) was greater than in mixed-breed cattle (7.7% of 65). Age (> or =24 months) of cattle, feeding silage and/or concentrate produced on the farm were associated; antibodies were found in 21.6% of dogs; and the presence of dogs was associated with the prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in cattle.     

Soil–plant–animal continuum in relation to macro and micro mineral status of dairy cattle in subtropical hill agro ecosystem

The purpose of the present study was to study the soil–plant–animal continuum in subtropical hilly areas. Soil (n?=?96), fodder (n?=?96), and blood serum samples from dairy cattle (n?=?120) were collected from eight districts of Mizoram, a hilly state in India. The samples were digested using diacid mixture (HNO₃:HClO₄; 10:4) and analyzed for macro (Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K) and micro (Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, and Zn) mineral concentrations. The macro and micro mineral concentrations varied among the different districts. The correlation values between fodder and cattle were significant for all the minerals studied except for P and K. The correlation value between fodder and cattle was highly significant (P?<?0.01) for Ca (0.878), Mg (0.88), Cu (0.885), and Zn (0.928). However, such correlations were not observed between the mineral levels in cattle and mineral levels in soil except for Ca (0.782). Equations developed in the present study for prediction of Ca (R ²?=?0.797), Mg (R ²?=?0.777), Zn (R ²?=?0.937), Fe (R ²?=?0.861), and Cu (R ²?=?0.794) had significant R ² values. Further, it is inferred that dairy cattle reared under smallholder production system were deficient in most of the minerals and supplementation of required minerals is essential for optimum production.     

Prevalence of internal parasites in beef cows in the United States: Results of the National Animal Health Monitoring System’s (NAHMS) beef study, 2007–2008

During the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System’s (NAHMS) 2007–2008 beef study, 567 producers from 24 US States were offered the opportunity to collect fecal samples from weaned beef calves and have them evaluated for the presence of parasite eggs (Phase 1). Participating producers were provided with instructions and materials for sample collection. Up to 20 fresh fecal samples were collected from each of the 99 participating operations. Fresh fecal samples were submitted to one of 3 randomly assigned laboratories for evaluation. Upon arrival at the laboratories, all samples were processed for the enumeration of strongyle, Nematodirus, and Trichuris eggs using the modified Wisconsin technique. The presence or absence of coccidian oocysts and tapeworm eggs was also noted. In submissions where the strongyle eggs per gram exceeded 30, aliquots from 2 to 6 animals were pooled for DNA extraction. Extracted DNA was subjected to genus level polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification for the presence of Ostertagia, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum, and Trichostrongylus. In this study, 85.6% of the samples had strongyle type, Nematodirus, and Trichuris eggs. Among the samples evaluated, 91% had Cooperia, 79% Ostertagia, 53% Haemonchus, 38% Oesophagostomum, 18% Nematodirus, 7% Trichuris, and 3% Trichostrongylus. The prevalence of coccidia and tapeworm eggs was 59.9% and 13.7%, respectively.     

Increase in seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis and its risk factors,Ontario 1998–2006

Canine leptospirosis has been described as having re-emerged in North America around the mid-1990s, with a change in the epidemiology of the infecting serovars responsible for the disease emergence. A retrospective case-control study was conducted to examine the re-emergence of seroprevalent cases of canine leptospirosis in Ontario using serology submission records from 1406 dogs from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2006. The data collected [results of the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), veterinary clinic postal code, age, sex, neutering status, and breed] were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression, generalized linear mixed modeling, and Cochran-Armitage test for trends in proportions. Dogs in urban areas appeared to be at significantly higher risk than dogs in rural areas for the entire study period [odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.3], though this was not as marked as in other studies. Results indicated that canine leptospirosis in Ontario is a disease of all breeds and ages, regardless of gender. No geographic clustering was noted, but clustering of cases by clinic within geographic areas suggested differences in awareness or in diagnosis by veterinarians. A distinctive seasonal pattern of leptospirosis, with more cases occurring during the summer and fall, as found in previous studies, was also observed in this study. The temporal trend analysis was consistent with an increasing proportion or re-emergence of seroprevalent cases of canine leptospirosis since 1998, suggesting that the putative increase in canine leptospirosis has been genuine.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine leptospirosis in the province of Manabí, Ecuador

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. The disease affects dairy and beef cattle, causing infertility, abortion, and reduced milk yield. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in cattle and the associated risk factors in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. Serum samples from 749 animals from 55 cattle herds were analyzed using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Animals were considered positive when titers were ≥ 1:100. The association between the potential risk factors and the positive Leptospira result was modeled at both animal and herd level using a generalized linear model with a binomial distribution and logarithmic link. The seroprevalence was 56.21% at the individual level and 98.18% at the herd level. The most prevalent serovars were Pomona (28.57%) and Icterohaemorragiae (22.30%). At the animal level, only the age was associated with leptospirosis seropositivity. Seroprevalence in animals over three years of age was 1.197 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.032 – 1.390), higher compared to animals up to three years old. The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was higher in farms with no veterinary assistance (PR = 1.209; 95%CI 1.053 – 1.388) and without a vaccination program against Leptospira (PR = 1.399; 95%CI 1.09 - 1.794). In addition, herds from Junín canton had a significantly higher seroprevalence of Leptospira spp (PR = 1.548; 95%CI 1.213 - 1.977) compared to the Bolívar canton, which had the lowest seroprevalence. In conclusion, more than half of the animals were positive to Leptospiraspp, and almost all herds had at least one positive animal. Furthermore, veterinary assistance and vaccination of cattle must be considered as essential aspects of the disease control program.     

Frequency of group A rotavirus in diarrhoeic calves in Brazilian cattle herds, 1998–2002

The frequency of group A bovine rotavirus (gpA BRV) in calves from 1998 to 2002 was determined by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique in 2177 faecal samples, of which 1898 samples were diarrhoeic and 279 were of normal consistency (control group) that were collected from asymptomatic calves for comparative purposes. The animals were from beef and dairy cattle herds (n = 321) from 158 counties in seven States (Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Goiás and Rondônia) and four Brazilian geographical regions (south, south-east, centre-west, and north). GpA BRV was detected in 19.4% (369/1898; p = 0.0001) of the samples collected in calves with diarrhoea and in only 2.2% (6/279; p = 0.0001) of the faeces with normal consistency. The proportion of positive samples collected from beef and dairy cattle herds was 22.8% (205/899; p = 0.0001) and 16.4% (169/999; p = 0.0005), respectively. In relation to age, a higher prevalence of infections was found in calves up to 30 days old, where 33.0% (189/573; p = 0.0001) and 20.2% (138/683; p = 0.0001) of the diarrhoeic faecal samples from beef and dairy cattle herds, respectively, were positive for gpA BRV. These results show the possible importance of inclusion of gpA BRV in the management of neonatal calf diarrhoea in Brazilian cattle herds.     

A comparative study by age and gender of the pituitary adenoma and ACTH and α-MSH secretion in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) is frequent in dogs. Little is known about its presentation in different age groups and its characteristics. Dividing the population under study (n = 107) into three age groups we observed that 11.2% were young, 51.4% adults and 37.4% aged. Using magnetic resonance, pituitary tumours were intra-sellar (IS) in 30.8% and extra-sellar (ES) in 62.6% and the pars intermedia (PI) was affected in 6.5%. ES are predominant in females and IS in males (p < 0.0001). In the adult-aged population, the ES and PI are predominant, while in the young, the IS predominate (p < 0.0001). ACTH concentration was greater in the ES vs. IS (p < 0.05). α-MSH did not present significant differences according to tumour size, showing a negative correlation (r = −0.47; p < 0.01) vs. ACTH. Differences in adenoma size according to gender and their age-related frequency of apparition could be because of different origins of the corticotrophinoma.     

An assessment of the herd-level impact of the Theileria orientalis (Ikeda) epidemic of cattle in New Zealand, 2012–2013: a mixed methods approach

AIM: To estimate incidence risk, cumulative mortality and case fatality rate within herds affected by bovine anaemia associated with Theileria orientalis infection (TABA), in New Zealand during the early phase of the epidemic (August 2012–September 2013).

METHODS: A mixed methods approach was utilised to integrate data from various sources, including a detailed questionnaire carried out on 18 dairy farms which had experienced cases of TABA; a brief telephone survey of an additional 139 case farms; and data extracted from a Ministry for Primary Industries database for a further 42 case farms. The subsequent analysis determined incidence risk, cumulative mortality and case fatality rates for beef and dairy herds.

RESULTS: Data were analysed from 196/263 (74%) known case farms at the date of closing the questionnaires. These farms contained 99,505 cattle; 2,847 animals were reported with clinical disease, and a further 590 animals were recorded as having died from TABA. The within-herd incidence risk, cumulative mortality and case fatality rate were consistent between the three data sources, did not differ between beef and dairy herds, and were estimated to be 0.97 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 0.36–2.07)%, 0.23 (IQR 0.00–0.66)% and 16.67 (IQR 0.00–33.33)%, respectively. There was substantial variability in the level of impact, with 22 farms severely affected (incidence risk >5% and cumulative mortality >5%).

CONCLUSIONS: The mixed methods approach was effective in dealing with the disparate data sources. The inclusion of the majority of farms known to be affected at the time the questionnaires were performed implies that the information is likely to be representative. The collective outputs of the analyses represent the best estimate available of within-herd measures of disease frequency in the early phase of the epidemic in New Zealand. The limitations of the data imply that their primary application may be to inform the design of subsequent structured observational field studies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study provide information on the impact of TABA on cattle farms during the emergence and early spread of the disease, as well as for generating hypotheses on causal mechanisms and risk factors that may influence the course of disease.