A method for sheep scab control by applying selective treatment based on flock serology

Sheep scab, caused by Psoroptes ovis, is a severe and debilitating disease that can be treated and controlled by the use of acaricidal dips or the use of broad-spectrum avermectins. In Switzerland, control measures are state regulated. In particular, sheep should be routinely treated with ectocide dips or avermectin injections before they are moved onto common alpine pasture in late spring. However, a substantial part of the sheep population remains untreated and represents a potential reservoir for the mite population. Untreated sheep that are not moved to alpine pasture may infest treated sheep when flocks are reassembled in autumn. In an attempt to identify infested sheep, all flocks in the Canton of Schwyz (Switzerland) were serologically tested in 2001 and in 2002 (587 and 565 flocks, respectively). In 2003, a representative number (182 of the 531 flocks) was again investigated. Seropositive flocks were treated with doramectin (0.3 mg kg(-1) body weight, intramuscularly) from 2001 to 2003. In spring 2002, no chemo-methaphylaxis was given to seronegative flocks before movement onto common alpine pastures. Of the 587 flocks surveyed in spring 2001, 34 were seropositive (5.8%). These consisted of 21 infested with P. ovis, 1 with P. cuniculi, 4 with Chorioptes spp. and 8 of seropositivity of unknown origin; there was a decrease of seropositive flocks in spring 2002 (4.4%) with 15, 0, 2 and 8, respectively. Of the 182 flocks surveyed in spring 2003, just 4 flocks (2.2%) were seropositive. All the seropositive reactions in these flocks were the result of Chorioptes spp. infestations. There was a corresponding decrease in the proportion of seropositive animals from 6.3% in spring 2001 to 2.1% in spring 2003. These results corroborate the concept that it may be possible to target chemo-metaphylaxis and hence decrease the use of endectocides as well as of ectocides to control sheep scab. This would be of great benefit in reducing the likelihood of development of anthelmintic resistance against avermectins, decreasing the extent of environmental and human contamination with potentially toxic products and diminishing potential drug residues in meat and milk.     

Serological cross-sectional survey of psoroptic sheep scab in Switzerland

Sheep scab, caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis, is a notifiable disease in Switzerland. Mandatory prophylactic treatments are carried out in spring for all sheep grazing on common alpine pastures. Despite these strict control measures the number of outbreaks has been increasing in recent years, raising questions on the spread of this epizootic disease. To improve the traditional microscopic diagnosis, we developed an ELISA for the specific determination of antibodies against psoroptic antigens with sensitivity and specificity of 93.7 and 96.5%, respectively. Using this test, a serum bank, representative of the sheep population in Switzerland (approximately 15% of registered sheep flocks, randomly chosen, collected between February and May 1998), was screened. The prevalence using 16,404 sera was 10.4, and 11.9% of the 2083 flocks were diagnosed as positive. Additionally, there was a significant increase found for mean seropositivity relative to the flock size (P<0.001, linear regression). Therefore, larger flocks had a higher risk of sheep scab, which may be caused by more frequent animal movement. Spatial analysis of the results revealed a region with significantly higher risk (relative risk = 3.5, P<0.001) of seropositivity, where no cases have officially been notified in the period between 1997 and 1999. The next goal is to establish an efficient control strategy based on serological monitoring of the total sheep population.     

Serological investigation of granulocytic Ehrlichia infection in sheep in Norway

Serum samples of 749 sheep from 75 sheep flocks in Norway, i.e. 361 lambs (6 to 7 months old) and 388 adults (>1.5 year), were analysed for antibodies to Ehrlichia equi. Ten animals from each flock were examined. Seropositive animals were found along the coast of southern Norway from Vestfold to Sør-Trøndelag (as far north as 63°38''N). Seropositive sheep were not found in southeast, east or northern Norway. Thirty-two flocks were seropositive, although tick-borne fever had only been diagnosed earlier in half of these. In 78% of the seropositive flocks, more than 80% of the sheep were seropositive. A total of 35.7 % and 36.3 % of lambs and adults were found seropositive, respectively. However, the overall seroprevalence among animals that had been grazing on Ixodes pastures were 0.80 for the lambs and 0.84 for the adults. Mean antibody titres (± SD) (log₁₀) in seropositive lambs and adults were 2.59 (± 0.449) and 2.70 (± 0.481), respectively. No significant differences in either seroprevalence or mean antibody titre between sheep of different ages were obtained in this study. Based on antibodies 94% of sheep flocks on Ixodes pastures were infected with a granulocytic Ehrlichia infection. The association between seropositive flocks and Ixodes infested pasture shows a very high degree of agreement (p < 0.00001). The present study indicates that granulocytic Ehrlichia infection in sheep is underdiagnosed in Norway.     

Detection of Oestrus ovis and associated risk factors in sheep from the central region of Yucatan, Mexico

A cross-sectional epidemiologic study was conducted in order to detect the presence of and to estimate the seroprevalence of Oestrus ovis L. infection in flocks of sheep from the central region of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The risk factors associated with disease were also identified. A sample size of 10 animals per farm was used to detect seropositive animals, considering a 30% prevalence and 95% confidence level. Blood samples of 689 sheep from 88 flocks were collected and a questionnaire with questions about the flock and the host was applied. The thin layer immune assay test was used. The risk factors were screened using logistic regression procedures. 77% of the flocks had at least one-positive animal with antibodies against O. ovis. The overall seroprevalence and standard error was 30.6 +/- 3.5%. Only flock size and sheep nose color showed association (P < 0.05) with the disease. The odds ratios for flocks with less than 11 and with 11 to 25 sheep, as related to herds with 25 or more sheep, were 0.74 and 1.73, respectively. Sheep with dark noses had a higher risk (OR = 1.46) compared with sheep having light noses (P < 0.05).     

Pilus ELISA and an anamnestic test for the diagnosis of virulent ovine footrot and its application in a disease control program in Nepal

The immunological memory (anamnestic) responses in sheep recovered from virulent footrot (VFR) can be aroused by subcutaneous injection of outer membrane protein (OMP) antigens of Dichelobacter nodosus. The magnitude of this response is directly correlated to the highest antibody response attained during infection and memory lasts at least a year after recovery from VFR. However, some older animals show non-specific responses to OMP antigens. In this study an evaluation of D. nodosus pilus antigen for the anamnestic diagnosis of footrot in sheep was undertaken. The results indicated that the primary and anamnestic responses to pilus were similar in character to OMP antigen but were highly specific. The sensitivity of the procedure for detection of sheep with a history of VFR was approximately 80%. A low proportion of sheep with mild lesions due to virulent strains of D. nodosus reacted to anamnestic challenge. Anamnestic challenge with 10 microg pilus was used in a VFR surveillance program in migratory sheep flocks in Nepal. Conventional diagnostic methods could not be applied during the disease transmission periods in these flocks because of their migration to alpine pastures far away from human habitation. The results supported clinical and bacteriological findings suggesting that virulent strains of D. nodosus have apparently been eliminated from these flocks in Nepal.     

Flumethrin: a non-stripping pyrethroid dip for the control of sheep scab

Flumethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, used in the laboratory as a sheep dip (Bayticol) at a concentration of 55 ppm, eradicated sheep scab from 30 infested sheep and provided protection against infestation for at least seven weeks. Similar results with at least five weeks protection were obtained on monitor sheep dipped under field conditions with flocks of 525 and 870 sheep. The dip was prepared and replenished with 66 ppm flumethrin and the concentration did not strip.     

Seroepidemiological survey of sheep flocks from Northern Japan for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma agalactiae

Sheep flocks from Hokkaido, Iwate and Aomori, three northern prefectures of Japan, were screened for antibodies to Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma agalactiae by ELISA. Sixty four animals out of 246 (26%) were seropositive to M. ovipneumoniae, with positive results obtained from all three prefectures. None of the sera tested were serologically positive to M. agalactiae.     

The seroconversion of Chlamydia abortus in sheep from the region of Vorarlberg before and after Alpine pasturing

In total, 796 serum samples of sheep on commune alpine pastures in the region of Vorarlberg were investigated by a commercial ELISA kit for antibodies against Chlamydia abortus, the agent of ovine enzootic abortion. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence within this region and to compare these results with the seroprevalence in the neighboring canton Graubünden as well as to obtain data on the seroconversion after alpine pasturing. Therefore, 421 samples were collected before and 375 samples after alpine pasturing, whereas corresponding serum samples were available from 359 sheep. Within the region of Vorarlberg, a mean seroprevalence of 9.2 % was calculated with a threshold of 60 %. Seroconversion for C. abortus occurred in 5.0 % of animals with corresponding serum samples. Seroprevalence values were comparable to Swiss regions with similar management systems, although the neighboring canton Graubünden is known to have a much more higher seroprevalence of 43 %. In conclusion, the traditional animal exchange between these two regions is not significantly favoring the spread of C. abortus.     

Diagnosis of psoroptic sheep scab with an improved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of specific antibodies against crude Psoroptes antigen. The diagnostic sensitivity was 93.7% in 191 sheep with clinical signs associated with mange. These animals originated from 29 flocks in which psoroptic mites were detected. All of 59 sheep infested with Psoroptes ovis were seropositive. Additionally, in 49% of 70 clinically unaffected sheep originating from P. ovis-infested flocks, specific antibodies could be detected, suggesting that asymptomatic infestations can be diagnosed by serology. The specificity of the ELISA was 96.5% as determined with 254 sheep originating from 44 flocks without clinical mange. Cross-reactivity in a low range was detected with selected sera of sheep with clinical chorioptic or forage mite infestations. Four sheep seroconverted 2 weeks after experimental P. ovis infestation, i.e. 2 weeks before clinical signs became obvious. After successful doramectin treatment of 14 sheep with naturally acquired P. ovis infestation, the ELISA values declined slowly but remained positive in seven cases beyond 17 weeks.     

Persistence of granulocytic Ehrlichia infection during wintertime in two sheep flocks in Norway

Granulocytic Ehrlichia infection in sheep is common in Norway in areas with Ixodes ricinus. In this study, 2 sheep flocks that had been grazing on I. ricinus infested pastures the previous season, were blood sampled after being housed indoors for nearly 6 months during wintertime. Thirty animals from each flock were examined for granulocytic Ehrlichia infection in the peripheral blood by blood inoculation studies, stained blood smear evaluation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and serology (IFA-antibodies). The animals were sampled twice within a three-week period, the first time before and the second time after lambing. Two sheep in one flock were found Ehrlichia positive by both blood smear evaluation and PCR before lambing, and 3 sheep were found positive after lambing; 2 by blood smear examination and 3 by PCR. In the other flock, no sheep was found infected before lambing, but 2 ewes were found positive after lambing by both blood smear evaluation and PCR. In the first flock, 87% of the animals were found seropositive before lambing, and the mean antibody titre (log10 +/- SD) to E. equi was 2.45 +/- 0.401. In the second flock, 40% were found seropositive before lambing, and the mean antibody titre was 1.93 +/- 0.260. Seroprevalence and mean antibody titre in these 2 flocks were significantly different (p < 0.001). The present study indicates that sheep may be a reservoir host for granulocytic Ehrlichia infection from one grazing season to the next under natural conditions in Norway.     

Distribution and prevalence of footrot in Bhutan

The first cases of footrot in Bhutan were reported in sheep in 1990 at the National Sheep Breeding Centre (NSBC), which supplies breeding animals to village sheep flocks throughout Bhutan. Despite the presence of footrot at the Centre the distribution of apparently disease-free sheep continued. Cases of footrot were reported in village flocks soon after the disease was diagnosed at NSBC. A national survey was designed to establish the distribution and prevalence of footrot in Bhutan. This detected footrot in 19/94 village sheep flocks surveyed. The 19 affected flocks were distributed among nine different administrative districts whereas the villages selected were in 13 of a total of 16 sheep growing districts. The highest within-flock prevalences were among the seven flocks sampled in Bumthang district (mean 20.4%). The prevalence of the disease within flocks was generally much lower in other affected districts and in three districts a single affected animal was identified in the sample of 14 sheep examined in each village. Nationally, footrot prevalence was estimated to be 3.1% (95% CI 2.16-4.04%). There was a positive association between the receipt of animals from NSBC and the presence of footrot. The prevalence of the disease was higher in flocks with a migratory system of management than in those using a sedentary system. The relative risk of there being footrot in a migratory flock was nine-times higher than in a non-migratory flock. Only one strain of Dichelobacter nodosus (serogroup B) was identified among the 234 isolates obtained from the 19 affected flocks. Sheep with footrot healed quickly when treated with a vaccine made from this strain.     

Eradication of virulent footrot from sheep and goats in an endemic area of Nepal and an evaluation of specific vaccination

Programmes based on the identification and treatment of cases and the culling of animals refractory to treatment had failed to eradicate virulent footrot from two districts in the western region of Nepal. From 1993 to 1996 vaccination against two endemic virulent strains of Dichelobacter nodosus was tested for its potential to contribute to the eradication of footrot from the region. Only sheep and goats which had been free of signs of footrot at three inspections at monthly intervals before their annual migration to alpine pastures were eligible for inclusion. From November 1992, the treatment of cases identified during inspections included the injection of specific vaccine. Successfully treated cases migrated with their flocks but were excluded from the vaccine trial. Non-responding cases were culled. Forty combined flocks of sheep and goats (approximately 9500 animals) were used initially to compare three vaccination regimens. Eleven flocks (sheep and goats) were treated with two doses of specific vaccine (group A), nine (sheep and goats) were treated with commercial vaccine followed by specific vaccine (group B) and 10 (sheep and goats) were treated with two doses of commercial vaccine (group C) in March to April 1993 before the annual migration; 10 flocks (sheep and goats) remained unvaccinated (group D). Only sheep and goats free of signs of footrot were allowed to migrate. Nevertheless, virulent footrot recurred in many flocks three months later. However, its prevalence was significantly lower in group A than in the other three groups combined. Groups A, B and C then received the specific vaccine before their migrations in 1994 to 1996; group D remained unvaccinated. The annual programme of inspection and identification and treatment of cases continued for seven years, but the vaccinations ceased after four years. There was no recurrence of virulent footrot after November 1993. After the first season the virulent strains of D nodosus used in the specific vaccine could no longer be isolated, although antigenically distinct, benign strains of the organism persisted in cases of benign footrot.     

Serological survey and epidemiological investigation of maedi-visna in sheep in Finland

A survey for antibodies to maedi-visna virus (MV) in the Finnish sheep surveillance flocks was conducted in 1994. Examination of a total of 12931 serum samples from animals over 1 year of age from 545 flocks (81% of all flocks) revealed eight seropositive flocks and the subsequent epidemiological investigation yielded one additional seropositive flock, indicating a low prevalence of 1.6%. The infection was very probably imported from Sweden in 1981, but it was not detected until the survey was conducted 13 years later. The entire primary infection flock was slaughtered in 1995. 77% of the sheep were seropositive but the animals were clinically healthy and only one (5%) of the contact flocks of the primary infection flock had contracted the infection. This secondary infection flock, 77% of which was seropositive, was slaughtered in 1994; however, animals in this flock had respiratory problems and the lungs of three sheep showed typical MV lesions. Seven (24%) of its contact flocks had contracted the infection and these each had one or two seropositive animals except for one flock which had seven (18%) seropositive animals. The results show that the initial spread of MV can be insidious and wide before infection is revealed in surveys or any clinical cases are encountered.     

Presence of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea-mucosal disease virus (border disease) in sheep and goat flocks in Quebec.

A seroepidemiological study of border disease was conducted in sheep and goats in various areas of Quebec. Sera of 10% of animals of selected flocks were collected and specific antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea- mucosal disease were tested by seroneutralization. Results show that 10.9% and 16% of sheep and goats respectively gave a positive reaction. The lower serological prevalence was found in sheep flocks of the Sherbrooke area (5.4%) while the highest percentage of positive sera was observed in the Quebec area (24.7%). The prevalence in goats varied according to areas (2.6 to 45.5%). No relation was observed in seropositive animals between age, sex, breed and the presence of abortions in the flocks. Our serological results indicate that border disease is probably present in Quebec sheep and goat flocks but that the clinical diagnosis of this disease is not well established.     

Seroprevalence of Q fever (coxiellosis) in sheep from the Southern Marmara Region, Turkey

Little information is available in Turkey on Q fever, a zoonose caused by Coxiella burnetii and transmitted from domestic ruminants. This study aimed at investigating the seroprevalence in sheep flocks from three provinces (Bursa, Balikesir and Canakkale). Serosurvey was undertaken on 42 flocks, which were categorised by sizes. Sera were collected randomly from specific age groups within the young population. CHEKIT Q-fever ELISA kit was used to identify the infection in sheep. The results showed that 20% (n=151) of sheep were seropositive. A total of 34 flocks (81%) revealed at least one seropositive animal. Higher seroprevalence was observed in Balikesir region. Larger flocks resulted more infected than medium and small flocks. An association was found between seropositivity and age, when the primiparous ewes (1-year old) had higher antibodies rates than newborn sheep (aged less than 10 months) or biparous ewes (2 years old). These results showed that Q fever infection was common and circulating in the studied region, hence encourage efforts to propose measures that could reduce the spread and the zoonotic risk.     

Treatment and control of sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis) with ivermectin under field conditions in South Africa.

Four trials including 11,266 sheep were conducted in South Africa to evaluate the efficacy of the systemic parasiticide ivermectin against field outbreaks of sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis) when two doses of approximately 200 micrograms/kg were administered subcutaneously seven days apart (days 0 and 7). As sheep scab is a notifiable disease in South Africa, it was not possible to include an untreated control group. The prevalence of clinically affected animals in the four treated flocks varied from 0.4 per cent to 99 per cent before the two treatments. After the treatments, there were no signs of active clinical infection in any of the sheep between days 28 and 30, or at subsequent examinations. P ovis mites were recovered from scrapings from 114 of 127 indicator sheep before the treatment but no mites were recovered from them between days 28 and 30 or 42 and 58 after the treatments.     

Pilot project for eradicating maedi-visna in Walliser blacknose sheep

Maedi-Visna is a lentiviral disease of sheep with a worldwide distribution. The transmission of the virus occurs primarily via colostrum and milk from the infected ewe to its newborn lamb but also horizontally between sheep. The most obvious clinical symptoms are progressive dyspnea and emaciation. In this prospective study an eradication based on serological testing and removing of seropositive animals was performed in 24 flocks of sheep of the breed "Walliser Schwarznasenschafe" leading to a reduction of the seroprevalence from 36% to 1% within two years. The control group consisted of 21 flocks of sheep. Lambs of seropositive ewes had a 7.6 times higher risk to seroconvert within their first two years of life compared to those of seronegative ewes. The dynamics of the spread of the infection were studied in birth cohort groups. Cohort animals of seropositive ewes showed an obvious trend to seroconvert slowly. Seropositive ewes had a significantly lower reproduction rate and their lambs suffered from significantly higher death and lower growth rates, probably due to a reduced milk production, resulting in economic losses.     

Seroprevalence of coxiellosis in cattle, sheep and people in the east of Turkey

Serum samples collected randomly from 416 cattle in 48 herds, and 411 sheep in 47 flocks, in eight different locations in the east of Turkey between June and December 1998, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the prevalence of Q fever. The age, sex, breed, tick control and abortion history of the animals were also recorded. In addition, 102 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy people who were at risk of contracting the disease, such as farmers, veterinarians, abattoir and laboratory workers, and veterinary students. Seropositivity was observed in 5-8 per cent (24/416) of the cattle in 17 (35-4 per cent) of the herds and in 10-5 per cent (43/411) of the sheep in 21 (44-7 per cent) of the flocks. Eight of the 102 people were seropositive, with the highest prevalence (12-0 per cent) in farmers and abattoir workers. All the seropositive farmers had seropositive animals. None of the laboratory workers or veterinary students was seropositive.     

Comparison of infection rates of Oestrus ovis between sheep and goats kept in mixed flocks

Oestrosis is a nasal myiasis of sheep and goats caused by larvae of the fly Oestrus ovis and can lead to severe clinical signs, which together with the disturbance caused by the adult fly may result into serious economic losses. Infection rates and larval burdens are always higher in sheep than in goats after either natural or artificial infestation. The aim of this study was to compare the host preference of the adult fly O. ovis between sheep and goats in mixed flocks, where they are kept together under the same husbandry conditions and hence, are very similarly exposed to the fly preference. Blood sera samples were collected from a total of 397 sheep and 335 goats, from 43 mixed flocks located at different regions of Greece. Antibodies specific to O. ovis IgG were measured by ELISA. A flock was considered positive when at least one individual was positive, i.e. showed a seropositivity of >or=20% in relation to positive control sera. A total of 193 (48.6%) sheep and 58 (17.9%) goats were found to be seropositive against O. ovis. Thirty-eight (88.4%) out of 43 flocks had at least one seropositive animal. The mean seroconversion against O. ovis in animals from the different flocks was 38.6% and 13.6% for sheep and goats, respectively, whereas the variance of infection within each flock was 0-100%. The mean seropositivity between sheep that were found to be positive or negative was 60.6% and 5.4%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values between goats were 35.2% and 5.2%, respectively. No significant difference in the seroconversion values was noted between flocks from the different areas (P=0.817), whereas a very significant difference was observed between animal species (P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference when seroconversion comparisons were made within samples of the same animals species, sheep or goats from different flocks of all the regions included in the study (P=0.695). The results of this study clearly demonstrate that O. ovis has a widespread distribution in Greece, and the seroprevalence is significantly higher in sheep than goats (P=0.001).     

The behaviour of sheep with sheep scab, Psoroptes ovis infestation.

Methods of behavioural data collection as applied to the study of sheep scab are described. The behaviour of a number of marked animals within an affected flock was recorded using an event recorder. Focal sampled data were analysed for duration and frequency of the observed behaviours. In addition, the flock was observed at intervals and the instantaneous behaviour of each animal recorded. These data were compared with similar observational data from the same flock recorded at intervals during post-treatment recovery. Sheep scab resulted in pathological behaviours of rubbing, scratching and biting at the lesion, and these resulted in interruption of the normal behaviours, grazing, cudding and idling, but did not result in reduced levels of these behaviours. Infested sheep showed stereotypic mouthing behaviour, initiated by rubbing or scratching, or in some cases without any external stimulus. No stereotypic behaviour was seen in animals after treatment. The implications of the behavioural data for the welfare of the sheep is discussed.