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Determining the Prevalence and Seasonality of Fasciola hepatica in Pasture-based Dairy herds in Ireland using a Bulk Tank Milk ELISA.
- Source :
-
Veterinary Ireland Journal . Oct2017, Vol. 7 Issue 10, p1-10. 10p. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Background: Fasciola hepatica is a helminth parasite of global importance in livestock, with major economic impact. However information on F. hepatica infections in Irish pasture-based dairy herds is limited. Therefore this study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence, seasonality and management factors associated with F. hepatica. A total of 319 Irish dairy herds were selected for this study. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected from 290 dairy farms on a quarter year basis, while from a further 29 dairy farms BTM samples were collected on a monthly basis to provide a more detailed pattern of F. hepatica exposure in Irish herds. BTM samples were analysed using a commercially available F. hepatica antibody detection ELISA. Furthermore, within-herd prevalence of F. hepatica was assessed in a subset of these 29 herds (n = 17); both individual serum samples and bulk tank milk samples were collected. Results: A within-herd prevalence of ≤ 50 % was found for herds with negative bulk tank milk samples. The mean prevalence of the 290 study herds was 75.4 % (Range 52 %-75.1 %), with the highest prevalence being observed in November (75.1 %). The seasonal pattern of F. hepatica shows elevated antibodies as the grazing season progressed, reaching a peak in January. A significant association was found between F. hepatica and age at first calving. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that F. hepatica is present in a large proportion of Irish dairy herds and provides a basis on which control practices, particularly in adult dairy cows, can be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *DISEASE prevalence
*ANIMAL herds
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20093942
- Volume :
- 7
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Veterinary Ireland Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 127289541
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-015-0042-5