The aims of this study were to quantify the effectiveness of specialist advice about udder health in Swiss dairy herds and to compare 3 different udder health improvement strategies against a negative control group. In 2010, 100 Swiss dairy herds with a high (between 200,000 and 300,000 cells/mL) yield-corrected bulk milk somatic cell count (YCBMSCC) were recruited for a 1-yr multiarm randomized field trial. The herds were visited between September and December 2011 to evaluate udder health-management practices and then randomly allocated into 1 of 4 study arms containing 25 herds each. The negative control study arm received neither recommendations for improving udder health nor any active support. The remaining 75 farmers received a herd-specific report with recommendations to improve udder health management. The positive control study arm received no further active support during 2012. The veterinarian study arm received additional support in the form of monthly visits by their herd veterinarian. Finally, the study group study arm received support in the form of bimonthly study group meetings where different topics concerning udder health were discussed. One year later, implementation of recommendations and changes in udder health were assessed. Of the recommendations given, 44.3% were completely implemented, 23.1% partially, and 32.6% were not implemented. No differences in implementation of recommendations were noted between the 3 study arms. At study enrollment, farmers were asked for the study arm of their preference but were subsequently randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 study arms. Farmers that were assigned to the study arm of their preference implemented more recommendations than farmers assigned to a study arm not of their preference. No decrease in the within-herd prevalence of cows that had a high (≥200,000 cells/mL) composite somatic cell count was observed in herds that had a YCBMSCC ≥200,000 cells/mL at the start of intervention. However, the 3 study arms with intervention (positive control, the veterinarian, and the study groups) prevented an increase in the within-herd prevalence of cows that had a high somatic cell count in herds with a low YCBMSCC at the start of the intervention compared with the negative control study arm. In the year after sending the report, herds assigned to the study group study arm had a reduced incidence rate of treated mastitis cases in comparison with the year before sending the report.

The objective of this study was to calculate the national costs associated with udder health in Switzerland and to estimate the cost effectiveness of an udder health intervention program. In 49 farms, yearly mastitis associated costs before and during an intervention were collected at herd level. Costs were calculated for each lactating cow being present in the herd. At the beginning of the intervention, 24 farms received a report with recommendations to improve the udder health. In the following year, those herds were followed-up by their veterinarian at a monthly basis. The other 25 farms were used as a negative control group and neither received any recommendations nor any follow-up. In the first year of analysis (2010), the median udder health associated costs were 209.- Swiss Francs for each lactating cow, regardless of the intervention group. During the intervention period (2012), mastitis associated costs were 191.- Swiss Francs for control farms and 396.- Swiss Francs for farms with veterinary intervention on a monthly basis. The median additional costs for herds with intervention were 159.- Swiss Francs per lactating cow. At the national level, mastitis associated costs were estimated at 129.4 millions of Swiss Francs per year. The cost effectiveness of future mastitis control programs can be evaluated with the help of the deterministic model developed during this study.

The objective of this study was to calculate the national costs associated with udder health in Switzerland and to estimate the cost effectiveness of an udder health intervention program. In 49 farms, yearly mastitis associated costs before and during an intervention were collected at herd level. Costs were calculated for each lactating cow being present in the herd. At the beginning of the intervention, 24 farms received a report with recommendations to improve the udder health. In the following year, those herds were followed-up by their veterinarian at a monthly basis. The other 25 farms were used as a negative control group and neither received any recommendations nor any follow-up. In the first year of analysis (2010), the median udder health associated costs were 209.- Swiss Francs for each lactating cow, regardless of the intervention group. During the intervention period (2012), mastitis associated costs were 191.- Swiss Francs for control farms and 396.- Swiss Francs for farms with veterinary intervention on a monthly basis. The median additional costs for herds with intervention were 159.- Swiss Francs per lactating cow. At the national level, mastitis associated costs were estimated at 129.4 millions of Swiss Francs per year. The cost effectiveness of future mastitis control programs can be evaluated with the help of the deterministic model developed during this study. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Berechnung der Eutergesundheitskosten in Schweizer Milchviehbetrieben und die Schätzung der ökonomischen Effizienz einer Intervention zur Verbesserung der Eutergesundheit. In 49 Betrieben wurden dafür die Mastitis-Kosten ein Jahr vor und im Jahr während der Intervention auf Herdenebene erhoben und durch die jeweilige Anzahl laktierender Kühe dividiert. Vierundzwanzig Betriebe erhielten zu Beginn der Studie einen Bericht mit Empfehlungen zur Verbesserung der Eutergesundheit und wurden anschliessend während eines Jahres monatlich durch ihren Bestandestierarzt weiterbetreut. Die übrigen 25 Betriebe erhielten keine Empfehlungen und wurden als negative Kontrollgruppe genutzt. Im ersten Analyse-Jahr (2 Jahre vor der Intervention, 2010) betrugen die Eutergesundheitskosten im Median unabhängig von der Gruppenzuteilung CHF 209.– pro laktierende Kuh. Während des Interventionsjahres (2012) lagen sie bei CHF 191.– für Kontrollbetriebe bzw. CHF 396.– für betreute Betriebe. Die Mehrausgaben während der Intervention beliefen sich für die betreute Gruppe im Median auf CHF 159.– pro laktierende Kuh. Auf nationaler Ebene wurden die Mastitis-Kosten im Jahr 2010 auf CHF 129.4 Millionen/Jahr geschätzt. Mit Hilfe des in der vorliegenden Studie verwendeten Berechnungsmodells kann die Wirtschaftlichkeit zukünftiger Mastitiskontrollprogramme beurteilt werden.Le but du présent travail était de calculer les coûts de la santé de la mamelle dans des exploitations laitières suisses et d'estimer l'efficacité économique d'une intervention en vue de l'améliorer. Pour cela on a relevé les coûts liés aux mammites sur une année dans 49 exploitations, et cela durant l'année précédant l'intervention puis dans l'année de l'intervention et on l'a divisé par le nombre de vaches en lactation. Vingt-quatre exploitations ont reçu au début de l'étude des recommandations en vue d'améliorer la santé de la mamelle et ont ensuite été suivies mensuellement durant une année par leur vétérinaire d'exploitation. Les 25 autres exploitations n'ont reçu aucune recommandation et ont été utilisées comme groupe de contrôle. Dans la première année d'analyse (2 ans avant l'intervention, 2010), les coûts moyens de la santé de la mamelle, indépendamment du groupe s'élevaient à CHF 209.– par vache en lactation. Durant l'année de l'intervention, ils se montaient à CHF 191.– pour les exploitations de contrôle contre CHF 396.- pour les exploitations suivies. Les dépenses supplémentaires durant l'intervention s'élevaient en moyenne à CHF 159.– par vache en lactation. Au niveau national, on estime les coûts liés aux mammites à CHF 129.4 millions. Les modèles de calcul utilisés dans la présente étude permettent de juger à l'avenir de la rentabilité des programmes de contrôle des mammites.Scopo dello studio è di quantificare i costi della salute della mammella nelle aziende da latte svizzere e di stimare l'efficienza economica di un intervento per il suo miglioramento. In 49 aziende agricole, i costi della mastite sono stati rilevati un anno prima e nell'anno durante l'intervento negli allevamenti e divisi per il rispettivo numero di vacche in lattazione. All'inizio dello studio, ventiquattro aziende hanno ricevuto un rapporto contenente delle raccomandazioni per migliorare la salute della mammella e sono stati assistiti ogni mese, durante un anno, dal loro veterinario. Le rimanenti 25 aziende non hanno ricevuto le raccomandazioni e sono state utilizzate come gruppo di controllo negativo. Nel primo anno di analisi (due anni prima dell'intervento, 2010) il costo della salute della mammella ammontava in media a CHF 209.– per vacca in lattazione indipendentemente dal gruppo di ripartizione. Durante l'anno di intervento (2012) i costi ammontavano a CHF 191.– per le aziende di controllo e CHF 396.– per le aziende assistite. Le spese eccessive durante l'intervento ammontavano, per il gruppo assistito, in media a CHF 159.– per vacca in lattazione. A livello nazionale, i costi della mastite nel 2010 sono stati stimati a CHF 129.4 milioni/anno. Con l'aiuto del modello di calcolo utilizzato nel presente studio, si potrà valutare in futuro l'efficienza economica di un programma di controllo.

The objective of this study was to describe the udder health management in Swiss dairy herds with udder health problems. One hundred dairy herds with a yield-corrected somatic cell count of 200'000 to 300'000 cells/ml during 2010 were selected. Data concerning farm structure, housing system, milking technique, milking procedures, dry-cow and mastitis management were collected during farm visits between September and December 2011. In addition, quarter milk samples were collected for bacteriological culturing from cows with a composite somatic cell count ≥ 150'000 cells/ml. The highest quarter level prevalence was 12.3 % for C. bovis. Eighty-two percent of the pipeline milking machines in tie-stalls and 88 % of the milking parlours fulfilled the criteria for the vacuum drop, and only 74 % of the pipeline milking machines met the criteria of the 10-l-water test. Eighty-five percent of the farms changed their milk liners too late. The correct order of teat preparation before cluster attachment was carried out by 37 % of the farmers only. With these results, Swiss dairy farmers and herd health veterinarians can be directed to common mistakes in mastitis management. The data will be used for future information campaigns to improve udder health in Swiss dairy farms.

Die Kalberabgangsraten in der Milchviehhaltung in der Schweiz liegen mit einer durchschnittlichen Mortalitat p.p. von 4.8 % in einem klar unbefriedigenden Bereich (Bleul, 2011) und entsprechen den Werten anderer mitteleuropaischer Lander (Agerholm et al., 1993; Gulliksen et al., 2009). Die Schwankungsbreite ist dabei mit 3 – 14 % sehr hoch, was auf einen starken Einfl uss von Management (Bahler et al., 2010, 2012) und Rasse (Bleul, 2011) schliessen lasst. Die in dieser Kurzmitteilung vorgestellten Ergebnisse basieren auf den Erfahrungen, die bei der Optimierung der Kalberhaltung auf dem Versuchsbetrieb der Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Reckenholz-Tanikon ART in den Jahren 2004 bis 2011 gemacht wurden.

Die Kalberabgangsraten in der Milchviehhaltung in der Schweiz liegen mit einer durchschnittlichen Mortalitat p.p. von 4.8 % in einem klar unbefriedigenden Bereich (Bleul, 2011) und entsprechen den Werten anderer mitteleuropaischer Lander (Agerholm et al., 1993; Gulliksen et al., 2009). Die Schwankungsbreite ist dabei mit 3 – 14 % sehr hoch, was auf einen starken Einfl uss von Management (Bahler et al., 2010, 2012) und Rasse (Bleul, 2011) schliessen lasst. Die in dieser Kurzmitteilung vorgestellten Ergebnisse basieren auf den Erfahrungen, die bei der Optimierung der Kalberhaltung auf dem Versuchsbetrieb der Forschungsanstalt Agroscope Reckenholz-Tanikon ART in den Jahren 2004 bis 2011 gemacht wurden.

Calf losses (CL, mortality and unwanted early slaughter) in veal production are of great economic importance and an indicator of welfare. The objective of the present study was to evaluate CL and the causes of death on farms with a specific animal welfare standard (SAW) which exceeds the Swiss statutory regulations. Risk factors for CL were identified based on information about management, housing, feeding, and medication. In total, 74 production cohorts (2783 calves) of 15 farms were investigated. CL was 3.6%, the main causes of death were digestive disorders (52%), followed by respiratory diseases (28%). Factors significantly associated with an increased risk for CL were a higher number of individual daily doses of antibiotics (DDA), insufficient wind deflection in winter, and male gender. For administration of antibiotics to all calves of the cohort, a DDA of 14–21 was associated with a decreased risk for CL compared to a DDA of 7–13days.

In the United States, rumenocentesis has been recommended especially for early diagnosis of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). The objective of the current study was to evaluate health risks due to the technique ofrumenocentesis and to measure pH in ruminal juice using a commercial indicator paper (Pehanon) and a pH electrode (reference method). After 11 dairy cows underwent rumenocentesis, the clinical status of those animals was evaluated daily, and cows were slaughtered as well as pathologically--anatomically examined on day 7. During the observation period, the following pathological clinical signs were evident: forced inspiration (3 cows), transient episode of hyperthermia (2 cows), increased tension of the abdominal wall (8 cows) and positive foreign body tests (3 cows). One cow had to be culled on day 7 because of severe generalised septic peritonitis spreading from the site of rumenocentesis. At slaughter, hematoma formation in the area of the puncture site was found in 9 out of 10 cows. It was concluded that the severe complications encountered with this technique do not legitimate rumenocentesis as a routine procedure for collection of rumen juice samples in cows under Swiss conditions. The correlation between the pH reference method and the commercial indicator paper was the high (r = 0.926).

By the distribution of a questionnaire between all Swiss cattle practitioners it was possible to investigate abortions and other animal health problems related to Bluetongue vaccination 2009. The questionnaire helped to obtain plausibility and timely relation of the reported disorders. 58 abortions in cattle and different herd health problems could be examined. Because there is no possibility to show that a vaccination itself leads to an abortion the results of proven causes of abortions prior and after Bluetongue vaccination were compared regarding their diagnosis. Due to the fact that diagnosis and solving rate of abortions did not differ before and after vaccination, the vaccination itself cannot be responsible for the abortions. Evaluation of different herd health problems showed that Bluetongue vaccination was not responsible for these disorders which often existed already prior to vaccination. Herd health problems generally have multifactorial causes what makes it difficult to asses the effect of Bluetongue vaccination in some cases.

By the distribution of a questionnaire between all Swiss cattle practitioners it was possible to investigate abortions and other animal health problems related to Bluetongue vaccination 2009. The questionnaire helped to obtain plausibility and timely relation of the reported disorders. 58 abortions in cattle and different herd health problems could be examined. Because there is no possibility to show that a vaccination itself leads to an abortion the results of proven causes of abortions prior and after Bluetongue vaccination were compared regarding their diagnosis. Due to the fact that diagnosis and solving rate of abortions did not differ before and after vaccination, the vaccination itself cannot be responsible for the abortions. Evaluation of different herd health problems showed that Bluetongue vaccination was not responsible for these disorders which often existed already prior to vaccination. Herd health problems generally have multifactorial causes what makes it difficult to asses the effect of Bluetongue vaccination in some cases.

BuchbesprechungenFarbatlas RinderkrankheitenStrabelStrabelSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:March 14, 2013PDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInReddit SectionsMoreFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 150Issue 3March 2008ISSN: 0036-7281eISSN: 1664-2848 InformationSchweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde (2013), 150, pp. 136-136 https://doi.org/10.1024/0036-7281.150.3.136b.© 2013Hogrefe AGPDF download

Data from 59 farms with complaints of udder health problems and insufficient quality of delivered milk that had been assessed by the Swiss Bovine Health Service (BHS) between 1999 and 2004 were retrospectively analysed. Data evaluated included farm characteristics such as farm size, herd size, average milk yield, milking system and housing system, deficits of the milking equipment and the milking practices, and bacteriological results of milk samples from all cows in lactation. The average size of the farms assessed by the BHS was larger than the size of the were evaluated, 42 showed obvious failures which the farm managers could have noticed. Only 5 of the 57 milkers carried out their work according to the generally valid guidelines of the National Mastitis Council. More than 2 basic mistakes were observed in the milking practices of 36 milkers. In 51 farms, mixed infections with several problem bacteria (those present in at least 20 % of the tested cows on a farm) were found. Staphylococcus aureus proved to be the most common problem germ. As the bacteria responsible for the herd problem (the sole problem bacteria detectable on a particular farm) Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 4 farms. The current study revealed that education in the area of milking techniques and milking practices of farmers should be improved in order to reduce the incidence of udder health problems on herd level. Staphylococcus aureus is the most important problem bacteria involved in herds with udder health problems in Switzerland. Staphylococcus aureus might be used in practice as the indicator germ for early recognition of management problems in dairy farms.

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This case report describes the treatment of demodicosis (Demodex caprae) in 2 goats. The entire body surface of both goats was scattered with lens-large nodes from which pasty secretion emptied itself during palpation. One goat was administered 0.67 mg/kg Ivermectin orally once weekly for 12 weeks, the other goat was treated with 0.5 mg/kg Eprinomectin pour-on. The treatment led to an entire healing without any scar formation or depigmentations of the skin.

This case report describes the treatment of demodicosis (Demodex caprae) in 2 goats. The entire body surface of both goats was scattered with lens-large nodes from which pasty secretion emptied itself during palpation. One goat was administered 0.67 mg/kg Ivermectin orally once weekly for 12 weeks, the other goat was treated with 0.5 mg/kg Eprinomectin pour-on. The treatment led to an entire healing without any scar formation or depigmentations of the skin.

Neospora caninum was detected by means of PCR in the brain of 4 out of 20 aborted fetuses in a flock of 117 sheep exhibiting a persistent abortion problem, and N. caninum tissue cysts were furthermore found in encephalitic lesions in one of the PCR-positive fetuses. Toxoplasma gondii was detected as aborting agent in another 3 out of 20 fetuses. Antibodies to N. caninum (by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT)) were found in 10.3% of 117 ewes and antibodies for T. gondii were found in 97.4% of 117 ewes. Other organisms associated with abortion were Chlamydia psittaci in three fetuses and Pasteurella multocida in one fetus. This is the first report of N. caninum associated abortion in naturally infected sheep.