Knowledge, attitudes and practices of traceability among livestock traders in south-western Nigeria: implications for sustainable livestock industry

Livestock diseases and other animal health events are a threat to achieving sustainable livestock industry. The knowledge of trace-back and the practice of providing feedback on diseases encountered in slaughtered animals from the abattoir to the farm can help limit the spread as well as manage potential future incidents of such diseases. We assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of 200 willing livestock traders on traceability in Bodija Municipal Abattoir, south-western Nigeria. The results reveal that the majority of these traders had poor knowledge (79.5 %) and practices (74.0 %) of traceability, though 89.5 % demonstrated good attitudes. While 22.9 % knew that traceability could be an effective means to control diseases, only a lower proportion (9.0 %) knew the health status of the animals being purchased. Though 29.0 % reported the diseases encountered in their animals during slaughter to the farm, only 9.5 % followed up to ensure the farmers take steps at preventing further occurrence of the reported diseases. While age (p?=?0.000; 0.014) and education (p?=?0.000; 0.000) were both significant for good knowledge and attitudes, frequency of condemned cases (p?=?0.000) and length of years in the trade (p?=?0.004) were, respectively, significant for good knowledge and attitudes with none associated with practice. These poor levels of knowledge and practices of traceability are a threat to sustainable livestock industry, food security and human health; hence, there is an urgent need to institute national feedback mechanism on slaughtered animals in order to strengthen interventions against diseases at farm levels.     

Prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis skin positivity and associated risk factors in cattle from Western Uganda

Purpose

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis skin positivity and associated risk factors in cattle in western Uganda.

Methods

Herds were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. The comparative cervical intradermal tuberculin test (CCT) was used to determine cattle tuberculosis status using US Department of Agriculture protocols. Risk factor data were collected from cattle owners through questionnaires collected by in-person interviews. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to measure the association between risk factors and herd CCT reactor prevalence.

Results

A total of 525 cattle from 63 herds were screened for M. bovis infection. Of the 525 cattle tested, 2.1 % were CCT reactors and 15.43 % were CCT suspects. Of herds tested, 14.28 % had at least 1 CCT reactor. Using a private water source for cattle and not introducing new cattle into the farm were associated with lower prevalence of M. bovis skin positivity. The herd-level prevalence of M. bovis reactors in Kashaari County of Mbarara District was 14.5 %, and the individual cattle prevalence was low (2.1 %).

Conclusions

Using communal sources of drinking water for cattle and introducing new cattle on the farm were farm management practices associated with increased risk of M. bovis exposure in cattle. Despite the low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB), there is a need to educate the populace on the possibility of human infection with zoonotic TB and for educating farmers on practices to reduce the risk of acquiring M. bovis in the Mbarara District.     

Bovine tuberculosis: prevalence and diagnostic efficacy of routine meat inspection procedure in Woldiya municipality abattoir north Wollo zone, Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a widespread and endemic disease of cattle in Ethiopia posing a significant threat to public health. Regular surveillance by skin test, bacteriology, and molecular methods is not feasible due to lack of resources. Thus, routine abattoir (RA) inspection will continue to play a key role for national surveillance. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Woldiya municipal abattoir from April 1, 2009 to April 5, 2010 to estimate the prevalence of BTB in slaughtered cattle on the basis of detailed abattoir inspection and to compare efficacy of RA inspection with respect to detailed abattoir inspection and isolation and identification of Mycobacterium. Diagnostic accuracies (with corresponding measures of statistical uncertainty) were determined by computing test property statistics (sensitivity and specificity). Agreement between RA and detailed abattoir inspections was measured using kappa statistics. Out of 1,029 slaughtered heads of cattle examined during the study period, 63 (6.12 %) and 15 (1.45 %) were diagnosed with gross tuberculous lesions by detailed abattoir meat inspections and RA meat inspections, respectively, making a prevalence of 6.12 % (95 % CI: 5.2–7.1) on the basis of detailed abattoir inspection. About 59.45 % of tuberculous lesions were observed in the lungs and associated lymph nodes, whereas 35.13 % lesions were from the lymph nodes of the head. From 63 cattle suspected with tuberculosis (TB) based on detailed abattoir meat inspection, nine (19.05 %) were identified as Mycobacterium bovis, while three (4.8 %) as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The sensitivity of RA meat inspection was 23.8 % in comparison to the detailed abattoir meat inspection and 25 % in comparison to culture, respectively. Poor agreement (k?=?0.37) was seen between RA meat examination and detailed abattoir meat examination methods. Similarly, poor agreement (k?=?0.013) was seen between RA meat examination and culture results. In conclusion, relatively higher prevalence (6.12 %) was recorded in Woldiya municipal abattoir on the basis of detailed Abattoir inspection and RA meat inspection protocols currently utilized in Ethiopia which are insufficient to detect the majority (76.19 %) of TB lesions at the gross level, which indicates the magnitude of meat borne zoonotic TB as an ongoing risk to public health. Detailed abattoir inspection protocols were demonstrated to improve the detection level by approximately fourfold. In conclusion, routine meat inspections have limitations in detecting BTB-suggestive lesions which indicate the magnitude of meat-borne zoonotic TB as an ongoing risk to public health.     

Challenges to human rabies elimination highlighted following a rabies outbreak in bovines and a human in Punjab,India

In August 2015, a rabies outbreak occurred in bovines in a Punjab village, India; subsequently, a farmer in the same village died of rabies in October 2015. We surveyed farmers to describe the outbreak, the demographics and rabies prophylaxis administered to householders on case farms, and farmers’ knowledge of rabies prevention and treatment. We used multiple correspondence analysis to guide investigation of associations between demographics, farm status and rabies knowledge, attitudes and practices. The number of affected bovines was unusually high; 15 cattle and buffalo died on 13 smallholder farms (attack rate 4%). Post‐exposure vaccinations were administered to 24 people (median 2 doses). Affected farms had significantly larger households and were more likely to keep their livestock outside (therefore, accessible by stray dogs), suggesting that the impact of the outbreak was disproportionally borne by households of lower socio‐economic status. Primary sources of rabies information were friends and neighbours, not health authorities or media. Women who had not received formal education were less likely to have heard of rabies. Although case farm participants were more likely to have heard about rabies from a veterinarian, their knowledge and practices to prevent rabies did not reflect the level expected considering their contact with a health professional; they were more likely to believe that traditional remedies prevent rabies and less likely to tell their children to avoid playing with stray dogs than participants from other farms. This study highlights knowledge dissemination disparities that, if typical of rural locations, could obstruct attempts to eliminate canine‐mediated human rabies in India. Therefore, understanding the pervasiveness and influence of traditional medical beliefs on treatment‐seeking behaviour, communication structures within villages and the impact of local practices such as carcass disposal on dog populations will be essential to ensure that rabies control strategies are effective in rural India.     

Slaughter stock abattoir survey of carcasses and organ/offal condemnations in Arusha region,northern Tanzania

The current study reviews a 3-year record of slaughtered animals in Arusha abattoir to determine the causes of carcasses and organ/offal condemnations. A total of 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep, 37,850 goats and 13,310 pigs were slaughtered. Out of the slaughtered cattle, 8.6% were pregnant. Up to 125 (0.108%), 39 (0.063%), 40 (0.106%) and 132 (0.992%) of all cattle, sheep, goats and pig carcasses, respectively, were totally condemned. Cysticercosis was the leading cause of total carcass condemnations in cattle (0.051%) and in pig (1.397%), while emaciation accounted for 0.045% and 0.074% of carcass condemnations in sheep and goats, respectively. Livers and lungs were the most condemned organs in all four animal species. The main cause of condemnations of cattle livers was fasciolosis (8.6%), while stilesiosis in sheep and goats accounted for 8.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Ascariasis (4.03%) was the only cause of liver condemnation in pigs. Pneumonia was the leading cause of lung condemnations at the rates of 3.99%, 2.43% and 2.83% in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Because of their zoonotic nature, occurrences of hydatidosis, cysticercosis, fasciolosis and tuberculosis may pose a public health risk. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of livestock diseases to minimise the rate of infection and reduce economic losses.     

Knowledge,attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to brucellosis and factors affecting knowledge sharing on animal diseases: a cross-sectional survey in the dry zone of Sri Lanka

Farmers’ lack of knowledge is assumed to have affected the presence of brucellosis in Sri Lanka for decades. This study, carried out in the Ampara district in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, revealed that there is a significant knowledge gap for brucellosis compared to foot and mouth disease (FMD) (p?<?0.001). Only 8.3% of farmers knew that brucellosis causes cattle abortions. Only 2.6% knew that it is zoonotic. The difference in knowledge of the symptoms and transmission of brucellosis and FMD was significant (p?<?0.001). Farmers’ attitudes and practices related to the spread of the disease were poor. Farmers’ education and spoken language had a negative influence on knowledge. Young people and those with strong social relationships were efficient in knowledge sharing. It can be concluded that brucellosis knowledge, attitudes, and practices are poor; thus, there is a need for more attention in disease control policymaking. Backward farmer groups should be the focus in animal health extension programs.     

Abattoir Condemnation due to Parasitic Infections and its Economic Implications in the Region of Trikala,Greece

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99 500 GDR (～€292). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).     

Zoonotic disease awareness survey of backyard poultry and swine owners in southcentral Pennsylvania

Owners of small backyard poultry and swine operations may be at higher risk of zoonotic diseases due to husbandry inexperience and/or a lack of knowledge. Backyard poultry and swine owners in southcentral Pennsylvania were surveyed regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards zoonotic disease prevention. One hundred and six backyard poultry and/or swine owners completed the survey (74 poultry, 15 swine, 17 both), which included questions on demographics, flock/herd characteristics, recognition of selected zoonotic diseases and clinical signs in animals, and biosecurity practices for visitors and owners. Most responded that they were aware of avian (92.2%) and swine (84.4%) influenza, and were less aware of other zoonotic diseases such as salmonellosis and brucellosis. The majority of backyard poultry and swine owners combined (62.9%) reported allowing visitors freely around their animals and did not require any special precautions. Backyard poultry and swine owners most commonly reported rarely (32.7%) or never (28.9%) wearing work gloves and never (57.1%) wearing nose/mouth coverings, such as a respirator mask, while handling animals or manure. The study findings indicated that veterinarians (61.5%) and the Internet (50.0%) are the main sources where small‐scale farm producers seek animal disease information. Approximately one‐third (34.9%) of the respondents reported receiving seasonal influenza vaccine. The findings of this study will be utilized to provide targeted veterinary and public health education for the prevention of zoonotic diseases in backyard farm animal settings in Pennsylvania.     

Antibiotic use and resistance in animal farming: a quantitative and qualitative study on knowledge and practices among farmers in Khartoum, Sudan

Antibiotic resistance is a major emerging global public health threat. Farmers in the Khartoum state are believed to misuse antibiotics in animal farming leading to daily exposure to resistant bacteria and antibiotic residues. Hence, farmers are at potential risk exposure to bacteria, zoonotic infection and toxicity. We hypothesized that farmers' misuse of antibiotics could be due to their ignorance of the importance of optimal use of antibiotics, the potential health hazards and the economical waste associated with antibiotic misuse practices. In the present study, we investigated knowledge and practices among farmers regarding antibiotic use and resistance. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum state where data were collected from 81 farmers using structured interviews. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Fifty-two per cent of farmers were uneducated or had studied for < 6 years. The majority reported antibiotic use for treatment and prevention while only 5% stated use for growth promotion. Antibiotic group treatment for both sick and healthy animals was commonly practiced among most farmers. The most commonly used group of antibiotics was the quinolones, which was reported by one-third. Only 30% of the farmers had heard of antibiotic resistance and provided their definition. Almost half were not aware of the commonly transferred zoonotic infections between humans and animals. The farmers consume 1-2 meals/day from their own farm products. A significant association between low education, poor knowledge of farmers on antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance and zoonotic infections was found. This association may play a vital role in the present practiced misuse of antibiotics. Our findings on farmers' practices could be used as baseline information in defining the gaps related to antibiotic use and resistance in animal farming in Sudan. It can thus serve as a foundation for future interventions.     

Tuberculosis Infection in Animal and Human Populations in Three Districts of Western Gojam,Ethiopia

Tuberculosis concurrent infection in cattle and their respective owners in North‐western Ethiopia had been investigated. Two hundred and ten cattle owners and 1220 heads of their cattle were included in the study to determine degree of tuberculosis infection in cattle owned by tuberculosis patients and tuberculosis patients. Comparative intradermal tuberculin test, bacteria culturing, acid fast staining and biochemical tests were used to conduct the study. The prevalence of tuberculosis was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in cattle owned by tuberculosis patients than in cattle owned by non‐tuberculosis owners, and infection with tuberculosis was threefold greater in cattle owned by tuberculosis‐positive owners. Further more, cattle owners who consumed raw milk were at higher risk (P < 0.001, OR = 3.23) for tuberculosis infection than those who consumed boiled milk. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (15.4%), Mycobacterium bovis (44.1%) and atypical mycobacteria (38.5%) were identified from milk collected from tuberculin‐positive cows using biochemical tests. Similarly M. tuberculosis (74.5%), M. bovis (14.9%) and atypical mycobacteria (8.5%) were identified from sputum and fine needle aspiration specimens of tuberculosis patient cattle owners. Mutual transmission of mycobacterium from animals to humans and vice versa has been signified.     

Prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in traditionally managed cattle at the wildlife-livestock interface in South Africa in the absence of control measures

Cattle are the domestic animal reservoir for Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) which also affects other domestic animals, several wildlife species and humans leading to tuberculosis. The study area is in a resource-poor community that is surrounded by several game parks, where M. bovis infection has been previously diagnosed in wildlife. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of M. bovis infection in 659 cattle from a total of 192 traditionally managed herds using the BOVIGAM® interferon gamma assay (IFN-γ). Infection was confirmed by post mortem examination and M. bovis isolation from three test-positive cattle. Genotyping of the M. bovis isolates was done using spoligotyping and VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats typing). The apparent M. bovis prevalence rate in cattle at animal level was 12% with a true population prevalence of 6% (95% Confidence interval (C.I) 3.8 to 8.1) and a herd prevalence of 28%. Spoligotyping analysis revealed that the M. bovis isolates belonged to spoligotype SB0130 and were shared with wildlife. Three VNTR profiles were identified among the SB0130 isolates from cattle, two of which had previously been detected in buffalo in a game reserve adjacent to the study area. The apparent widespread presence of M. bovis in the cattle population raises a serious public health concern and justifies further investigation into the risk factors for M. bovis transmission to cattle and humans. Moreover, there is an urgent need for effective bTB control measures to reduce infection in the communal cattle and prevent its spread to uninfected herds.

     

Mycobacterium bovis infections in wild ferrets

Extract

Bovine tuberculosis is one of the more important animal health problems in New Zealand. In contrast to a number of other countries, the classical test and slaughter methods in New Zealand have not led to the eradication of bovine tuberculosis. The failure to eradicate bovine tuberculosis is due to the continual spread of Mycobacterium bovis from wildlife to cattle and farmed deer. Although the Australian brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula is the most important wildlife reservoir of infection in New Zealand, M. bovis has also been isolated from wild deer, feral pigs, feral goats, feral cats and feral cattle. In this letter we wish to report the finding of M. bovis-infected wild ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) in seven geographically distinct areas of New Zealand (Figure 1). While there are reports from overseas of M. bovis being isolated from domesticated ferrets, there are no reports of its isolation from wild ferrets or polecats (Mustela putorius)⁽¹⁾.     

Prevalence study on bovine tuberculosis and molecular characterization of its causative agents in cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa municipal abattoir, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir to determine the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and characterize its causative agents. Postmortem examination, mycobacteriological culturing, region of difference-4 (RD4)-based PCR and spoligotyping were applied. The prevalence of BTB was 5 % on the basis of postmortem inspection alone but 1.2 % based on molecular confirmation. Factors including age, sex, and breed showed statistically significant association with BTB (p?<?0.05). Gross lesions were observed most frequently (68 %) in the lungs and lung-associated lymph nodes compared to other organs and lymph nodes. Of the 25 grossly suspicious TB lesions processed and cultured, only six (24 %) were culture-positive, yielding Mycobacterium bovis confirmed by RD4 deletion typing. Further characterization of the six M. bovis isolates at the strain level by using spoligotyping revealed that one did not belong to any previously known type, while the others belonged to types SB1176 (two), SB1477 (two), and SB0133 (one). The new strain was submitted to the international M. Bovis.org database for international code designation. The study confirms the considerable prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle slaughtered at Addis Ababa abattoir and highlights the need for control of bovine tuberculosis in the country.     

Seroprevalence estimation and management factors associated with high herd seropositivity for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Babesia bovis</Emphasis> in commercial dairy farms of Puerto Rico

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine individual cow seroprevalence of Babesia bovis in adult lactating dairy cattle of Puerto Rico (PR), to assess the associations of farm management factors on herd seroprevalence, and to document the species of ticks infesting cattle within these farms. Antibody activity against B. bovis was determined using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Serum samples were obtained from 2,414 adult lactating dairy cattle from 76 randomly selected commercial dairy farms. Herd seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 51% with an overall individual cow seroprevalence for B. bovis of 26%. Ticks were collected from animals on 7 (9%) of the 76 participating commercial dairy farms. All collected ticks (n = 87) were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Factors associated with high herd seropositivity were dairy farms with calf but not heifer raising facilities (OR = 16, 95% CI = 3.0-86), having more than 4 neighbors with cattle (OR = 17, 95% CI = 1.6-178), same producer owning more than one farm (OR = 7.2, 95% CI = 1.6-32), and use of government services to apply amitraz on cattle (OR = 5.5, 95% CI = 1.5-20).     

Molecular Typing of Mycobacterium bovis Isolates in Argentina: First Description of a Person‐to‐Person Transmission Case

Bovine tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a mycobacterium highly similar to M. tuberculosis that belongs to the M. tuberculosis complex. The main host of M. bovis is cattle but it also affects many other mammalians including humans. Tuberculosis in humans caused by either M. bovis or M. tuberculosis is clinically hard to distinguish. During 2004–2005, samples from 448 patients with diagnosis of TB were collected from different regions of Argentina. The PRA technique identified 400 isolates with representative patterns of mycobacterium. The predominant ones were the M. tuberculosis complex, the M. avium–M. intracellulare complex and M. gordonae. Samples with M. tuberculosis complex PRA restriction profiles were analyzed with a multiplex PCR to differentiate between M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. Multiplex PCR identified nine M. bovis. The results allowed the possibility to establish that 2% of pulmonary tuberculosis was due to M. bovis. Isolates of M. bovis from humans were examined using spoligotyping. These isolates presented five different spoligotypes. The main spoligotype was also the most frequently one found in cattle. The remaining human spoligotypes (grouped in clusters) are occasionally found in cattle. Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis identified five different patterns. By combining the results of spoligotyping and VNTR analysis, we were able to differentiate seven M. bovis isolates. The remaining two M. bovis samples showed the same spoligotype and VNTR profile and belonged to household contacts. An MDR‐M. bovis was isolated from the samples of these household contacts. The identification of two epidemiologically linked cases of human M. bovis infection suggests person‐to‐person transmission of an MDR‐M. bovis.     

The prevalence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycobacterium bovis</Emphasis>-infection and atypical mycobacterioses in cattle in and around Morogoro,Tanzania

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis-infection and atypical mycobacterioses in different cattle herd management systems in and around Morogoro, Tanzania. Between April and June 2005, a total of 728 bovines from 49 herds were tested for M. bovis-infection and atypical mycobacterioses. Milk samples were taken from tuberculin positive animals and analysed for the presence of mycobacteria. Total prevalences of 2.5% and 10.1% were found for M. bovis-infection and atypical mycobacterioses respectively, with more M. bovis-infection in cattle in the extensive management system and more atypical mycobacterioses in cattle in the intensive management system. From 8 out of 42 milk samples (19%) atypical mycobacteria were cultured. A higher prevalence of M. bovis-infection in the extensive sector could be due to several factors. In addition, such high prevalence puts herd owners and their families at risk for BTB. Therefore control of BTB, as well as education of cattle owners is important, especially in the extensive sector.     

Epidemiology and microscopic diagnosis of tuberculosis in pigs and small ruminants slaughtered at Bobo-Dioulasso abattoir,Burkina Faso

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic, infectious, chronic and contagious disease, caused by Mycobacterium bovis that mainly affects cattle. This pathology has a negative impact on animals and animal products trade. Unfortunately, in Burkina Faso where agriculture and livestock sectors represent around 80% of the socio-economic activities, the real situation of the disease is not well known especially in small ruminants and swine. Thus, our study focused on both the epidemiology and the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in small ruminants and pigs slaughtered at Bobo-Dioulasso abattoir. A prospective study was conducted between August 2017 and December 2017. Epidemiological data collection was performed during routine meat inspection; moreover, samples were taken and transported to the Bacteriology laboratory of Centre Muraz for microbiological analyses. This diagnosis consisted in search of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) using the hot Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Out of a total of 14 648 small ruminants and 2430 pigs slaughtered during the study period, 156 and 17 had lesions suggestive of bTB with prevalence of 1.07% and 0.7%, respectively. Females and those between 2 and 4 years old were mainly infected. The most affected organs were: lungs, liver, spleen and lymph nodes. Finally, microscopy revealed 43.35% (75/173) of positive cases for AFB. These results confirm the presence of bTB in small ruminants and pigs in Burkina Faso. Efforts must still be made in the fight against this zoonosis in order to limit its economic and public health impacts.     

Chronic tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in a domestic donkey in Central Europe

Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious and zoonotic disease of animals and humans. In Europe, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis has decreased. Equidae are relatively rarely infected even in endemic areas. The presented report describes a case of chronic Mycobacterium bovis tuberculosis in a 30-year-old female donkey. The donkey initially presented with persistent lymphadenopathy; however, as the disease progressed, weight loss became apparent. To the authors' knowledge, this is the second confirmed case of tuberculosis in a donkey in Europe.     

Abattoir condemnation due to parasitic infections and its economic implications in the region of Trikala,Greece

The prevalence of parasitic infections responsible for the condemnation of carcasses and viscera during meat inspection, and their economic implication, was estimated in a year long abattoir survey of 10 277 slaughtered farm animals in the region of Trikala, Greece. The organs examined for the presence of parasitic lesions during meat inspection were: liver and lungs of all animals, rumen of cattle, small intestine of lambs and kids, and muscles of cattle and swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were caused only by hydatid cysts. No hydatid cysts were observed in the lungs of swine. The parasitic lesions observed in the liver of cattle, sheep and goats were as a result of hydatid cysts and flukes of Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, while those of swine were due to milk spots only. Moniezia sp. proglottids were found in the small intestine of lambs only. The prevalence of parasites responsible for the condemnation of marketable organs was low (0.26%). Parasites were responsible for 22% of the total of condemned organs, and their annual cost was 99, 00 GDR (approximately 292 Euros). The parasites most contributing to marketable organ condemnation were hydatid cysts (26%) and D. dendriticum flukes (26%).     

Increased prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis in the Netherlands

Summary

The epidemiology, therapy, and prevention of M. bovis infections are briefly reviewed In a survey begun in 1982 M. bovis was found frequently in the respiratory of veal calves and beef cattle with respiratory problems. In replacement calves infected with respiratory disease in dairy herds, however, the organism has only been detected since 1986. Respiratory tract specimens collected from calves with respiratory disease were submitted for examination for M. bovis from 1986 to 1991 and originated from 83 herds. Mycoplasma bovis was detected in specimens from 59 of the herds, 20% of which were dairy herds and 80% fattening herds. Arthritis caused by M. bovis was observed in 12 herds until July 1991. Since 1976 when the first mastitis outbreak caused by M. bovis was diagnosed M. bovis has caused 14 more outbreaks. The number of diseased cattle varied from 1 tot 16 per farm, and clinical signs of mastitis varied from mild to severe. In all instances the infection has been eradicated from the herds. Because M. bovis can cause great losses in intensively reared cattle herds, it is advisable to separate purchased veal calves and beef cattle from dairy cattle to prevent further spread of M. bovis.