Endemic sheep scab: risk factors and the behaviour of upland sheep flocks

Since the deregulation of sheep scab in 1992, the number of scab outbreaks per year in the UK has increased rapidly; there has been an estimated 60-fold increase in outbreak incidence between 1992 and 2007. How best to focus management or eradication efforts has therefore been an issue of ongoing debate. Previous work has shown that scab outbreaks occur repeatedly on some farms whereas others never or rarely experience outbreaks. Here, to consider why this pattern occurs, and to quantify the risk of scab associated with different husbandry practices, face-to-face interviews with farmers at 16, randomly selected, repeat-outbreak farms and 16 matched farms with no or little history of scab over the previous 10 years, were used to identify associated risk factors. This showed that farms using common grazing were at significantly higher risk of infestation than farms not using common grazing, as were farms that had direct contact with neighbours' sheep and that had neighbours with scab. To further demonstrate the risk of common grazing, a survey of sheep on one common in south Wales showed that there was significant mixing of sheep from three farms, highlighting the potential for scab transmission between flocks. Common grazing, associated with upland regions, would appear to be the largest single obstacle to effective national scab control in the UK. The results suggest that a cost-effective approach to scab control may be to consider upland and lowland farms as separate epidemiological systems, with upland regions requiring a co-ordinated, systematic approach to achieve any significant management of the problem. In contrast, on lowland farms outbreaks are already largely contained effectively through good biosecurity and treated on a case-by-case basis if they occur.     

冀南地区规模化猪场主要疫病调查及防治模式

根据冀南地区大、中、小型养猪场的流行病学抽样调查结果,明确了冀南地区规模化猪场流行的主要疾病,分析并总结了其流行规律和发病特点,制定出了切实可行的疫病防治措施。针对在生产实际过程中由于过分追求生产而忽视饲养管理的规范和环境控制等所造成的一系列问题,创造性地提出规模化猪场综合防疫模式,将疾病防治、饲养管理、环境治理相结合,以构建绿色生猪养殖基地。     

Farm factors associated with the use of antibiotics in pig production

The aim of this study was to investigate farm-level economic and technical factors that are associated with the use of antibiotics on pig farms. Identification of such factors, like farm size and net farm result, may help to increase epidemiological knowledge and to specify farm advice and policy making to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics. The study used over 300 farm-year records collected during 2004 to 2007 from pig farms in the Netherlands. Data included economic and technical factors as well as antibiotic administration. Data were statistically analyzed for factors associated with antibiotic use, both for fattening pig and sow farms (piglets only), separately. The response variable was the average number of daily dosages per average pig year. Statistical analysis was performed on 16 and 19 potential explanatory factors for the fattening pig and sow farms, respectively. The results showed that, both on the fattening pig and sow farms, the average use of antibiotics increased from 2004 to 2006, but decreased during 2007, but the effect of year was not significant (P > 0.05). Use of antibiotics varied between individual farms. Large farm repeatability for the use of antibiotics in the different years was found. Factors associated (P < 0.05) with the use of antibiotics included: farm system, number of pigs, and population density in the region of the farm (for sow farms only). As these factors are easy to collect and to register, they can be used to specify farm advice and investigation, as well as for policy making. The majority of the technical and economic factors were not significantly (P > 0.05) related to the on-farm use of antibiotics. Therefore, it is recommended to focus future research on the potential role of socioeconomic factors associated with antibiotic use on pig farms.     

青海省农业区主要猪病的流行病学调查

采用ELISA检测方法和流行病学调查方法，于2004～2005年对青海省互助、湟中、大通、乐都、民和、西宁6县（市）的142个规模养猪场和部分养殖户进行了猪瘟、猪生殖与呼吸综合征、猪圆环病毒2型感染、伪狂犬病等流行状况的调查。结果显示，猪瘟、猪生殖与呼吸综合征、猪圆环病毒2型感染、伪狂犬病在青海省农业区普遍存在，6县（市）之间血清抗体阳性率无明显差异；母猪繁殖障碍覆盖了所有种猪场，后备母猪不发情率约为8．2％，产死胎、木乃伊、弱仔的母猪占繁殖母猪的21％左右；猪瘟仍然是引起当地猪死亡的主要原因。     

2015年我国部分省（区）规模化牧场牛副结核病的流行病学调查

为了解我国部分省（区）规模化牧场中牛副结核病的流行情况,对2015年采集自内蒙古自治区、黑龙江省、湖北省、四川省、安徽省、江苏省6个省（区）规模化牧场的16 172份奶牛血清样品进行了副结核分枝杆菌抗体检测。结果显示,检测样品的副结核分枝杆菌抗体总阳性率为2.59%,6个省（区）的抗体阳性率分别为：内蒙古自治区2.09%、黑龙江省3.90%、湖北省2.05%、四川省5.23%、安徽省8.00%、江苏省1.22%;不同饲养规模牧场的阳性率分别为：大型牧场2.42%、中型牧场2.01%、小型牧场4.32%,小型牧场的阳性率极显著高于中型牧场（P〈0.01）,显著高于大型牧场（P〈0.05）。综上提示,我国安徽省、四川省、黑龙江省等地规模化牧场奶牛的副结核分枝杆菌感染率较高,大型牧场和中型牧场的阳性率低于小型牧场。该次流行病学调查结果可为我国牛副结核病的预防和控制提供参考数据。     

Outlook for control of current zoonoses in swine--an issue on consumer health protection

With the development of a uniform European strategy for the control of zoonoses the European Commission has placed the main emphasis on the protection of consumer health. This direction is clearly marked by the White Paper on Food Safety and the attached proposals for directives and regulations. The present article considers the peculiarities of the epidemiological situation of the agents Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica in pork production. The situation of zoonoses in Europe is used as an opportunity to present the distinctive characteristics of these agents, results of epidemiological studies available, and the risk to consumer health in light of the literature. For the approaching transfer of the responsibility for food safety to the primary producers, i.e. the farmers, the most interesting data concern the prevalence, distribution and risk factors. But as there is a strong need for clarification of further questions about the main ways of entry of these agents on farms and into the production chain before a successful preventive strategy can be developed on pig farms, these issues are considered in more detail here.     

猪链球菌和鼻支原体的临床鉴别诊断及防治

猪链球菌病是猪感染链球菌后表现出的一种急性细菌性败血症,在养殖场中比较常见,对猪场危害极大。猪鼻支原体是猪呼吸道分泌物中的常在菌,目前,养殖从业人员尚未对猪鼻支原体引起重视,但是猪鼻支原体感染会对猪场造成较大损失。文章从流行病学特点、临床鉴别诊断和病理鉴别诊断等方面对两种疫病总结出鉴别诊断要点,并对两种病原体的防控提出建议,期望能对猪场的疫病诊治防控工作有一定的指导和建议作用。     

Thoughts on the condolence letter

Genuine, specific, timely emotional support of caregivers at the time of euthanasia is an important part of the veterinary professional obligation. Such support helps ease client pain during the grieving process. However, caution and sensitivity are essential when assessing and responding to caregiver-companion animal relationships.(1) For example, some caregivers are highly bonded but conceal their emotions, so our perceptions and responses must be thoughtful and discerning. My veterinary technician and I are supportive of our clients during euthanasia. I later write the condolence letter according to our perceptions of that particular human-companion animal bond. The only exceptions to our attempt to be thoroughly supportive at the time of euthanasia are those instances when we perceive that there has been obvious and willful abuse or neglect. At such times, we try to maintain emotional neutrality. The condolence letter and its variations described here are intended to serve as a guide. We send the condolence letter to caregivers within 24 hours of euthanasia, and it is addressed to the entire family. In addition, a euthanasia packet is provided at the time of euthanasia. The packet includes 2 brochures on coping with the loss of a companion animal, (2,3) contact information for a pet loss support hotline and a pet loss support group, an essay and a poem about the death of a companion animal, and a how-to article on dealing with children and their emotions on the loss of a pet. (4) My veterinary technician almost always phones the caregiver 1 to 3 days after euthanasia of their companion animal. The timing of the call depends on the circumstances of death and our judgment as to the emotional needs of the caregiver and family. Where emotions around euthanasia and loss are especially deep, the follow-up call may be made as early as that night or the next morning, with a second call 2 to 3 days later. The nature of the conversation depends on the technician's perception of the caregiver's needs. A condolence letter should reflect the needs and values of the individual veterinarian. For example, McElyea includes a brief history or profile of the animal and a reminder that death was easy and without suffering. (5) Others may wish to send a separate condolence to a child who seems especially affected by the death and loss of their special friend. I hope this article will encourage colleagues to hand-write condolence letters that reflect positive personal thoughts and feelings about the patient, the client, and the circumstances of the loss.     

四川养猪场常见病毒性病原流行病学调查及疾病有效防控能力分析

为了解四川地区养猪场常见病毒性疾病感染情况,分析不同养猪场对疾病有效防控能力,进一步推测各猪场对新发和外来动物疫病的感染风险.研究采用高通量检测方法,对不同类型养猪场采集的426份临床样品进行病毒性病原流行病学调查,结果显示四川地区养猪场病毒性病原阳性检出率较高,普遍存在多病原混合感染情况,且较为严重,病原感染种类增多...     

Prevalence of antibody to rotavirus in Moroccan cattle

A serological survey was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of antirotavirus antibodies in Moroccan cattle under different management conditions. From the 493 serum samples examined, 325 (65.9%) were found positive, using a counter-immunoelectroosmophoresis technique. Animals of indigenous breed coming from farms with rapid turnover or large number of animals, or having frequent contacts with imported cattle, had a higher rate of seropositivity; however, positive sera were also found in cattle from small farms in remote areas, showing that rotavirus infection is ubiquitous in that country. No relationship was found between the prevalence of anti-rotavirus antibodies and the frequence of calf diarrhoea. The percentage of seropositive animals in a herd has to be considered as an epidemiological indicator.     

肉仔鸡低血糖-尖峰死亡综合征的流行病学分析和病原初探

自2003年6月份以来，在我国北方肉鸡饲养基地普遍流行了一种主要侵害肉仔鸡的疾病，低血糖-尖峰死亡综合征(HSMS)。HSMS发病日龄集中于10～18日龄．临床表现为突然出现的高死亡率，病鸡头部震颤、运动失调、昏迷、失明、死亡。先后对黑龙江、吉林、辽宁、内蒙古、天津、河北、山东等省进行调查．发现HSMS在这几个省的很多肉鸡饲养区广泛存在。对发生该病的259个肉鸡饲养户的调查结果显示．该病与祖代种鸡没有关系．病原可能来自受污染的父母代种鸡场。平均发病率为17．9％。发病鸡群血糖浓度极显著的下降。从2个发病鸡群的病鸡肠道内容物中观察到病毒颗粒．病毒呈多形性．有囊膜，直径约80-100nm，表面有棒状纤突，长约10-20nm．与冠状病毒类似。     

河南牛病毒性腹泻-黏膜病流行病学调查

为探讨河南省牛病毒性腹泻病毒的流行情况,用牛病毒性腹泻病毒抗体检测试剂盒(IDEXX)对本省部分地区6个奶牛场、5个肉牛养殖场的181份牛奶样品和395份血清样品进行BVD抗体的检测.结果检出阳性牛奶106份,阳性率最高为93.3％,最低的为5.0％,平均阳性率为58.6％.其中有5个规模化奶牛场牛奶样品阳性率均在75％以上.肉牛血清样品共检出阳性124份,最高阳性率为74.12％,最低5.80％,平均阳性率31.39％.结果表明,该病在所调查地区中奶牛和肉牛均有感染,不同牛场间感染率差异较大,其中规模化奶牛的感染率较高.表明应采取相应的净化措施对该病进行控制.     

A survey on anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of sheep in Lusaka,Zambia

While surveys in Southern Africa indicate anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes to be common in small ruminants in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe there have been no reports of resistance in Zambia. The objective of this study was to determine whether anthelmintic resistance occurs in Zambia, and to obtain information on nematode control practices in the country. During the rainy season six commercial sheep farms were selected in and around Lusaka and Chisamba. Worm control practices were gauged by means of a questionnaire, and the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test was performed for assessing anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole, levamisole and ivermectin. On all farms anthelmintic treatment was the only approach used to control nematode infections. Frequency of treatment varied from twice a year to every 6 weeks and drugs of different anthelmintic groups were alternated within the same year. There was a wide range in faecal egg counts of individual sheep before treatment, with some individual counts of up to 87000. Larval identification showed that Haemonchus was almost the only genus recovered from the faecal cultures before and after treatment. Albendazole resistance was found on five of the six farms. On each of the four farms where ivermectin gave less than 95% reduction in egg counts, there was resistance to albendazole as well. Levamisole showed an efficacy of 95% or higher on all six farms.     

宁夏吴忠地区规模化奶牛场流产牛病原血清学调查

为了调查宁夏吴忠地区奶牛场因传染性因素造成流产的基本情况,应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)对可能造成感染流产的牛传染性鼻气管炎病毒、新孢子虫、牛病毒性腹泻病毒的抗体及布鲁菌的抗原进行了血清学检测。结果显示,牛传染性鼻气管炎病毒抗体阳性率为48.84%,新孢子虫抗体阳性率为30.23%,牛病毒性腹泻病毒抗体阳性率为19.77%,布鲁菌抗原阳性率为24.42%。牛场阳性率高达100%。根据统计显示,不同妊娠胎次的奶牛流产率差异显著(P0.05),其中第1胎流产率与其他胎次间差异极显著(P0.01)。不同妊娠时间的奶牛流产率差异不显著(P0.05)。调查表明,宁夏部分奶牛场存在不同程度的牛传染性鼻气管炎病毒、新孢子虫、牛病毒性腹泻病毒和布鲁菌感染。     

江西省部分猪场副猪嗜血杆菌病血清学调查

为调查江西省副猪嗜血杆菌病的流行情况,采集未进行疫苗免疫接种的11个猪场150份血清,应用间接血凝试验检测其抗体滴度,结果表明本地区副猪嗜血杆菌抗体总阳性率为44%,其中母猪阳性率偏高,说明该省猪场存在一定程度的副猪嗜血杆菌的感染.     

Stakeholder position paper: poultry

There has been renewed concern in recent years about the use of antibiotics in food animal production and the potential risk it may pose to public health due to transfer of antibiotic resistance factors via the food supply. Although a legitimate concern, it bears reminding that this debate is not new. It has been ongoing for decades, yet there is still no documented case of human treatment failure due to antibiotic resistant bacteria acquired from USDA-inspected meat and poultry. This fact strongly suggests that the issue is not the imminent threat as has been portrayed by certain individuals or advocacy groups. The poultry industry as a whole has been using antibiotics responsibly for several decades, and there are strong beneficial arguments for their continued use. Responsible public policy demands a science-based approach be utilized in the decision making process before attempting to restrict or remove certain products due to overestimated risks. Part of this scientific review should include antibiotic use data, however this information has definite limitations and shortcomings which need to be understood before attempting to make any valid antibiotic resistance associations.     

仔猪致泻性大肠杆菌毒力因子多重PCR检测方法的建立与应用

本研究以致泻性大肠杆菌(DEC)的4种毒力因子EAST1、LT、STa和STb为模板设计特异性引物并优化各项反应条件,以建立仔猪DEC的多重PCR检测方法.该方法具有较好的特异性,只对DEC产生特异性条带,对非DEC及其他病菌则呈阴性.利用所建立的多重PCR方法对吉林省各猪场采集的样本进行检测,结果表明,在测定的猪场中...     

Epidemiology and management of a bovine brucellosis cluster in Northern Ireland

An epidemiological investigation was undertaken of 41 bovine brucellosis outbreaks that occurred within a 10-month period, in a region where eradication measures appeared to be succeeding. The primary outbreak comprised three herds with significant within-herd spread and a high probability of multiple abortions. Direct contact between cattle at pasture was the most likely means of between-herd transmission for most (71%) outbreaks, with an attack rate of 28.1% in herds immediately neighbouring the primary outbreak herds and 11.3% in the next concentric ring of farms. Resolution of the incident was attributed to a rapid response by the veterinary authorities, detailed epidemiological investigations, repeated, prolonged testing of contact herds and employment of parallel testing.     

Prevalence and on-farm risk factors for diarrhoea in meat lamb flocks in Western Australia

Diarrhoea is a widespread problem for sheep enterprises worldwide. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted using a questionnaire to determine the prevalence of diarrhoea and associated risk factors where there was evidence of recent diarrhoea (active diarrhoea or fresh faecal soiling of breech fleece) for meat lambs on farms in southern Western Australia during 2010. The response rate was 41.4% (139/336). Evidence of recent diarrhoea was reported on 64.8% of farms, with a mean of 6.9% lambs affected per farm. Location of a farm and a higher annual rainfall were associated with an increased diarrhoea prevalence. Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that the drinking water source was associated with the incidence of diarrhoea, since lamb flocks supplied with dam water were 117 times (95% CI: 18.2, 754.8) more likely to have observed diarrhoea or fresh breech fleece faecal soiling than lamb flocks supplied with other sources of water. Faecal worm egg counts were used by 65% of respondents to determine whether an anthelmintic treatment was warranted and 74% of respondents administered a treatment to their meat lambs. In response to a range of diarrhoea scenarios presented to respondents (5%, 25% and 50% of the flock with evidence of recent diarrhoea), 15.1% would have elected to administer an anthelmintic treatment regardless of differences in prevalence.     

畜禽规模养殖废水污染因子监测评价分析

对奶牛、猪、禽规模养殖30个废水样品,分二次应用标准方法监测15个不同参数,并进行单项与综合指数评价分析.结果表明:不同畜禽养殖废水污染超标因子按污染指数大小排序存在差异性,猪氨氮＞总磷＞总氮＞砷＞铜＞CODcr＞铁＞锰;牛氨氮＞总氮＞铁＞CODcr＞总磷＞锰＞砷＞汞;禽总磷＞ 氨氮＞砷＞总氮＞CODcr＞铁＞锰.从中可见总磷、氨氮、砷、总氮、CODcr、铁和锰为污染共性因子,另有猪铜与牛汞个性因子,而且猪的污染超标因子污染指数最大.