23 results on '"Nathues, A."'
Search Results
2. A case report: Actinobaculum suis infection associated with formation of pyogranuloma, epididymitis and azoospermia in a boar
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Arnold, Mirjam, Richard, Olivia, Gurtner, Corinne, Nathues, Heiko, and Grahofer, Alexander
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Correlation of Lawsonia intracellularis positivity in quantitative PCR and herd factors in European pig herds
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Arnold, Mirjam, Crienen, Annelies, Swam, Hanny, Berg, Stephan v., Jolie, Rika, and Nathues, Heiko
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Evaluation of different point-of-care tests to characterize the vaginal discharge of sows after parturition and parameters’ correlation with subsequent reproductive performance
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Grahofer, A., Mäder, T., and Nathues, H.
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Observation of dose dependent intravaginal Prostaglandin E2 application in free farrowing sows during parturition – a pilot study
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Grahofer, Alexander, Bill, Ramona, and Nathues, Heiko
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Prevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis in pig herds in different European countries
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Arnold, Mirjam, Crienen, Annelies, Swam, Hanny, von Berg, Stephan, Jolie, Rika, and Nathues, Heiko
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- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Cross-sectional study on risk factors for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus sow herd instability in German breeding herds
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Nathues, Christina, Janssen, Eltje, Duengelhoef, Andrea, Nathues, Heiko, and grosse Beilage, Elisabeth
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- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Chromosomal imbalance in pigs showing a syndromic form of cleft palate
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Grahofer, Alexander, Letko, Anna, Häfliger, Irene Monika, Jagannathan, Vidhya, Ducos, Alain, Richard, Olivia, Peter, Vanessa, Nathues, Heiko, and Drögemüller, Cord
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- 2019
- Full Text
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9. Sarcoptes infestation in two miniature pigs with zoonotic transmission – a case report
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Grahofer, Alexander, Bannoehr, Jeanette, Nathues, Heiko, and Roosje, Petra
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- 2018
- Full Text
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10. Application of an economic calculator to determine the cost of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome at farm-level in 21 pig herds in Germany
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Heiko Nathues, Matthias Eddicks, Christine Renken, C. Weiss, H. Swam, K. Fiebig, Mathias Ritzmann, and Christina Nathues
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Veterinary medicine ,040301 veterinary sciences ,animal diseases ,610 Medicine & health ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Farm level ,Disease severity ,Small Animals ,030304 developmental biology ,lcsh:SF1-1100 ,0303 health sciences ,Cost simulation tool ,PPRSV endemic infection ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,biology ,PRRS control ,630 Agriculture ,Research ,Outbreak ,virus diseases ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,respiratory system ,Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus ,biology.organism_classification ,Economic issue ,Herd ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,lcsh:Animal culture ,Economic loss - Abstract
Background Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) continues to be a major economic issue for the swine industry worldwide, not only due to acute outbreaks but also endemic infections. PRRS disease severity and consequently financial losses can vary greatly between endemically infected farms and estimation of damage is challenging. This study aimed to assess the economic effect of PRRS in a systematic way at individual farm-level for endemically infected herds, using a PRRS cost simulation tool. In total 21 German sow herds with endemic PRRSV infection were investigated. Data on health and production performance, farm management and environment to be fed into the calculator was collected on each farm, and blood samples taken to confirm the PRRSV status. Results All study farms experienced a significant loss attributable to PRRS. The median farm budget across all farms was − 31 € per sow and year, compared to a median simulated farm budget of 248 € if these farms had been PRRSV negative. The median total loss attributable to PRRS was 74,181 € per farm per year, corresponding to a median total loss per sow and year of 255 €. The impact of PRRS on farm profits was − 19.1% on average and − 41% in the worst case. Conclusions The calculated losses give a good hint of the economic damage due to PRRS for the pig industry. Even in endemically infected farms, farmers face a non-negligible damage and profit from a concerted PRRS control. The calculator has proven itself in the field to render a valid estimation of losses due to PRRS in endemically infected farms.
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- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Observation of dose dependent intravaginal Prostaglandin E2 application in free farrowing sows during parturition - a pilot study
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Alexander Grahofer, Heiko Nathues, and Ramona Bill
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Dose ,Placenta ,animal diseases ,Group ii ,Dose dependence ,Physiology ,Piglet distress ,610 Medicine & health ,Placebo ,03 medical and health sciences ,Lethargy ,medicine ,Prostaglandin E2 ,Small Animals ,Piglet interval ,030304 developmental biology ,lcsh:SF1-1100 ,0303 health sciences ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,630 Agriculture ,business.industry ,Research ,Farrowing duration ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Umbilical cord lesion ,500 Science ,040201 dairy & animal science ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Oxytocin ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Animal Science and Zoology ,lcsh:Animal culture ,business ,medicine.drug - Abstract
The duration of birth is an important factor influencing the survival of piglets and the health of sows. A prolonged parturition is usually treated with oxytocin, even though several undesirable side effects are described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) of different concentrations as an intravaginal applied gel after the birth of the fourth piglet in sows. Twelve sows were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: Group I (control group) application of placebo gel; Group II application of 0.5 mg; Group III application of 1.0 mg PGE2; Group IV PGE2 application of 2.0 mg PGE2. Total duration of parturition (time between first piglet and last placenta), piglet interval before and after treatment and placenta expulsion duration (time between first and last placenta) were recorded, and each piglet was scored for meconium staining and vitality. Furthermore, stillborn piglets were categorized into ante-partum and intra-partum deaths.A significant dose-dependent effect of PGE2 after the fourth piglet in a linear regression model with group I, II and III on the total duration of parturition and the placenta expulsion duration was detected. An increase of the PGE2 dosage from 0 to 1 mg significantly reduced the total duration of parturition (group I: 553.7 ± 114.2; group II:456 ± 167.9; group III: 284.7 ± 40.5; p-value: 0.02) and placenta expulsion duration (group I: 364 ± 120; group II: 289 ± 144.1; group III: 119 ± 46.13; p-value: 0.03). Although no further significant differences between the groups using ANCOVA and a linear regression model including all groups were detected, severe meconium staining in more than 10% of piglets was observed in group II and IV. Moreover, piglets of group IV showed oedematous and haemorrhagic umbilical cords, lethargy and anoxia after treatment, and intra-partum deaths were recorded.The best outcome for the sows and piglets was achieved using the 1 mg PGE2 dosage, whereas the other dosages showed more negative side effects, impairing the health and welfare of the animals. The results of this study can be used for further studies with larger sample sizes.
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- 2021
12. Evaluating the surveillance for swine dysentery and progressive atrophic Rhinitis in closed multiplier herds using Scenario tree modelling
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Werner Zimmermann, Gertraud Schüpbach, Heiko Nathues, Anna Hillebrand, Christina Nathues, and Stefanie Rossteuscher
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Veterinary medicine ,education.field_of_study ,Time to detection ,630 Agriculture ,business.industry ,animal diseases ,Population ,Swine dysentery ,Laboratory testing ,Scenario tree ,Health services ,Herd ,Medicine ,Animal Science and Zoology ,National level ,Small Animals ,business ,education - Abstract
Background: The Swiss pig population enjoys a favourable health situation. To further promote this, the Pig Health Service (PHS) conducts a surveillance program in affiliated herds: closed multiplier herds with the highest PHS-health and hygiene status have to be free from swine dysentery and progressive atrophic rhinitis and are clinically examined four times a year, including laboratory testing. Besides, four batches of pigs per year are fattened together with pigs from other herds and checked for typical symptoms (monitored fattening groups (MF)). While costly and laborious, little was known about the effectiveness of the surveillance to detect an infection in a herd. Therefore, the sensitivity of the surveillance for progressive atrophic rhinitis and swine dysentery at herd level was assessed using scenario tree modelling, a method well established at national level. Furthermore, its costs and the time until an infection would be detected were estimated, with the final aim of yielding suggestions how to optimize surveillance. Results: For swine dysentery, the median annual surveillance sensitivity was 96.7 %, mean time to detection 4.4 months, and total annual costs 1022.20 Euro/herd. The median component sensitivity of active sampling was between 62.5 and 77.0 %, that of a MF between 7.2 and 12.7 %. For progressive atrophic rhinitis, the median surveillance sensitivity was 99.4 %, mean time to detection 3.1 months and total annual costs 842.20 Euro. The median component sensitivity of active sampling was 81.7 %, that of a MF between 19.4 and 38.6 %. Conclusions: Results indicate that total sensitivity for both diseases is high, while time to detection could be a risk in herds with frequent pig trade. From all components, active sampling had the highest contribution to the surveillance sensitivity, whereas that of MF was very low. To increase efficiency, active sampling should be intensified (more animals sampled) and MF abandoned. This would significantly improve sensitivity and time to detection at comparable or lower costs. The method of scenario tree modelling proved useful to assess the efficiency of surveillance at herd level. Its versatility allows adjustment to all kinds of surveillance scenarios to optimize sensitivity, time to detection and/or costs.
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- 2015
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13. Diagnosis of diabetes insipidus observed in Swiss Duroc boars
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Heiko Nathues, Corinne Gurtner, Alexander Grahofer, Cord Drögemüller, and Natalie Wiedemar
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030110 physiology ,0301 basic medicine ,Male ,endocrine system ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Vasopressin ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Antidiuretic hormone ,Swine ,Physiology ,Physical examination ,Case Report ,Hyposthenuria ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Polyuria ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Medical history ,Polydipsia ,Swine Diseases ,Pig ,General Veterinary ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,630 Agriculture ,urogenital system ,business.industry ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,veterinary(all) ,Pedigree ,Endocrinology ,Diabetes insipidus ,590 Animals (Zoology) ,medicine.symptom ,Water deprivation test ,business ,Diabetes Insipidus ,Switzerland ,Antidiuretic ,Rare disease - Abstract
Background Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in humans and animals, which is caused by the lack of production, malfunction or dysfunction of the distal nephron to the antidiuretic effect of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Diagnosis requires a thorough medical history, clinical examination and further laboratory confirmation. This case report describes the appearance of DI in five Duroc boars in Switzerland. Case presentation Two purebred intact Duroc boars at the age of 8 months and 1.5 years, respectively, with a history of polyuric and polydipsic symptoms had been referred to the Swine Clinic in Berne. Based on the case history, the results of clinical examination and the analysis of blood and urine, a tentative diagnosis of DI was concluded. Finally, the diagnosis was confirmed by findings from a modified water deprivation test, macroscopic examinations and histopathology. Following the diagnosis, three genes known to be involved in inherited DI in humans were analyzed in order to explore a possible genetic background of the affected boars. Conclusion The etiology of DI in pigs is supposed to be the same as in humans, although this disease has never been described in pigs before. Thus, although occurring only on rare occasions, DI should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pigs with polyuria and polydipsia. It seems that a modified water deprivation test may be a helpful tool for confirming a diagnosis in pigs. Since hereditary forms of DI have been described in humans, the occurrence of DI in pigs should be considered in breeding programs although we were not able to identify a disease associated mutation.
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- 2016
14. Impact of maternally derived immunity on piglets’ immune response and protection against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) after vaccination against PCV2 at different age
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Heiko Nathues, Elena Canelli, M. Benetti, Luca Ferrari, Giulia Ferrarini, Antonio Caleffi, Paolo Borghetti, Elena De Angelis, Paolo Bonilauri, Paolo Martelli, Valeria Cavalli, Elena Arioli, and Roberta Saleri
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Circovirus ,Male ,0301 basic medicine ,Aging ,Swine ,Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) ,medicine.medical_treatment ,animal diseases ,Vaccine efficacy ,Viremia ,Passive immunity ,Antibodies, Viral ,Interferon-gamma ,03 medical and health sciences ,Immune system ,Double-Blind Method ,Immunity ,medicine ,Animals ,Immune response ,Circoviridae Infections ,Swine Diseases ,Immunity, Cellular ,Protection ,General Veterinary ,biology ,630 Agriculture ,Body Weight ,Viral Vaccines ,General Medicine ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,veterinary(all) ,Vaccination ,Porcine circovirus ,030104 developmental biology ,Immunology ,biology.protein ,Female ,Antibody ,Immunity, Maternally-Acquired ,Research Article - Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical protection, the level of Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viremia and the immune response (antibodies and IFN-γ secreting cells (SC)) in piglets derived from PCV2 vaccinated sows and themselves vaccinated against PCV2 at different age, namely at 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The cohort study has been carried out over three subsequent production cycles (replicates). At the start/enrolment, 46 gilts were considered at first mating, bled and vaccinated. At the first, second and third farrowing, dams were bled and re-vaccinated at the subsequent mating after weaning piglets. Overall 400 piglets at each farrowing (first, second and third) were randomly allocated in three different groups (100 piglets/group) based on the timing of vaccination (4, 6 or 8 weeks of age). A fourth group was kept non-vaccinated (controls). Piglets were vaccinated intramuscularly with one dose (2 mL) of a commercial PCV2a-based subunit vaccine (Porcilis® PCV). Twenty animals per group were bled at weaning and from vaccination to slaughter every 4 weeks for the detection of PCV2 viremia, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Clinical signs and individual treatments (morbidity), mortality, and body weight of all piglets were recorded. RESULTS: All vaccination schemes (4, 6 and 8 weeks of age) were able to induce an antibody response and IFN-γ SC. The highest clinical and virological protection sustained by immune reactivity was observed in pigs vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. Overall, repeated PCV2 vaccination in sows at mating and the subsequent higher levels of maternally derived antibodies did not significantly interfere with the induction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity in their piglets after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of vaccination in sows at mating and in piglets at 6 weeks of age was more effective for controlling PCV2 natural infection, than other vaccination schemas, thus sustaining that some interference of MDA with the induction of an efficient immune response could be considered. In conclusion, optimal vaccination strategy needs to balance the levels of passive immunity, the management practices and timing of infection.
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- 2016
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15. Modelling the within-herd transmission of in closed pig herds
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Nathues, Heiko, Fournie, Guillaume, Wieland, Barbara, Pfeiffer, Dirk U, and Stärk, Katharina D C
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630 Agriculture - Abstract
BACKGROUND A discrete time, stochastic, compartmental model simulating the spread of within a batch of industrially raised pigs was developed to understand infection dynamics and to assess the impact of a range of husbandry practices. A 'disease severity' index was calculated based on the ratio between the cumulative numbers of acutely and chronically diseased and infectious pigs per day in each age category, divided by the length of time that pigs spent in this age category. This is equal to the number of pigs per day, either acutely or chronically infectious and diseased, divided by the number of all pigs per all days in the model. The impact of risk and protective factors at batch level was examined by adjusting 'acclimatisation of gilts', 'length of suckling period', 'vaccination of suckling pigs against ', 'contact between fattening pigs of different age during restocking of compartments' and 'co-infections in fattening pigs'. RESULTS The highest 'disease severity' was predicted, when gilts do not have contact with live animals during their acclimatisation, suckling period is 28 days, no vaccine is applied, fatteners have contact with pigs of other ages and are suffering from co-infections. Pigs in this scenario become diseased/infectious for 26.1 % of their lifetime. Logistic regression showed that vaccination of suckling pigs was influential for 'disease severity' in growers and finishers, but not in suckling and nursery pigs. Lack of contact between gilts and other live pigs during the acclimatisation significantly influenced the 'disease severity' in suckling pigs but had less impact in growing and finishing pigs. The length of the suckling period equally affected the severity of the disease in all age groups with the strongest association in nursery pigs. The contact between fatteners of different groups influenced the course of infection among finishers, but not among other pigs. Finally, presence of co-infections was relevant in growers and finishers, but not in younger pigs. CONCLUSION The developed model allows comparison of different prevention programmes and strategies for controlling transmission of .
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- 2016
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16. Medicinal plants – prophylactic and therapeutic options for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets? A systematic review
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Ayrle, Hannah, Mevissen, Meike, Kaske, Martin, Nathues, Heiko, Gruetzner, Niels, Melzig, Matthias, Walkenhorst, Michael, Ayrle, Hannah, Mevissen, Meike, Kaske, Martin, Nathues, Heiko, Gruetzner, Niels, Melzig, Matthias, and Walkenhorst, Michael
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in calves and piglets lead to significant economic losses in livestock husbandry. A high morbidity has been reported for diarrhea (calves ≤ 35%; piglets ≤ 50%) and for respiratory diseases (calves ≤ 80%; piglets ≤ 40%). Despite a highly diverse etiology and pathophysiology of these diseases, treatment with antimicrobials is often the first-line therapy. Multi-antimicrobial resistance in pathogens results in international accordance to strengthen the research in novel treatment options. Medicinal plants bear a potential as alternative or additional treatment. Based on the versatile effects of their plant specific multi-component-compositions, medicinal plants can potentially act as 'multi-target drugs'. Regarding the plurality of medicinal plants, the aim of this systematic review was to identify potential medicinal plant species for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases and for modulation of the immune system and inflammation in calves and piglets. RESULTS: Based on nine initial sources including standard textbooks and European ethnoveterinary studies, a total of 223 medicinal plant species related to the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases was identified. A defined search strategy was established using the PRISMA statement to evaluate 30 medicinal plant species starting from 20'000 peer-reviewed articles published in the last 20 years (1994-2014). This strategy led to 418 references (257 in vitro, 84 in vivo and 77 clinical trials, thereof 48 clinical trials in veterinary medicine) to evaluate effects of medicinal plants and their efficacy in detail. The findings indicate that the most promising candidates for gastrointestinal diseases are Allium sativum L., Mentha x piperita L. and Salvia officinalis L.; for diseases of the respiratory tract Echinacea purpurea (L.) MOENCH, Thymus vulgaris L. and Althea officinalis L. were found most promising, and Echinacea pur
- Published
- 2016
17. Impact of maternally derived immunity on piglets' immune response and protection against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) after vaccination against PCV2 at different age.
- Author
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Martelli, Paolo, Saleri, Roberta, Ferrarini, Giulia, De Angelis, Elena, Cavalli, Valeria, Benetti, Michele, Ferrari, Luca, Canelli, Elena, Bonilauri, Paolo, Arioli, Elena, Caleffi, Antonio, Nathues, Heiko, and Borghetti, Paolo
- Subjects
CIRCOVIRUSES ,CELL analysis ,VACCINATION -- Social aspects ,HEALTH management ,IMMUNOGLOBULIN analysis - Abstract
Background: This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical protection, the level of Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viremia and the immune response (antibodies and IFN-γ secreting cells (SC)) in piglets derived from PCV2 vaccinated sows and themselves vaccinated against PCV2 at different age, namely at 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The cohort study has been carried out over three subsequent production cycles (replicates). At the start/enrolment, 46 gilts were considered at first mating, bled and vaccinated. At the first, second and third farrowing, dams were bled and re-vaccinated at the subsequent mating after weaning piglets. Overall 400 piglets at each farrowing (first, second and third) were randomly allocated in three different groups (100 piglets/group) based on the timing of vaccination (4, 6 or 8 weeks of age). A fourth group was kept non-vaccinated (controls). Piglets were vaccinated intramuscularly with one dose (2 mL) of a commercial PCV2a-based subunit vaccine (Porcilis® PCV). Twenty animals per group were bled at weaning and from vaccination to slaughter every 4 weeks for the detection of PCV2 viremia, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Clinical signs and individual treatments (morbidity), mortality, and body weight of all piglets were recorded. Results: All vaccination schemes (4, 6 and 8 weeks of age) were able to induce an antibody response and IFN-γ SC. The highest clinical and virological protection sustained by immune reactivity was observed in pigs vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. Overall, repeated PCV2 vaccination in sows at mating and the subsequent higher levels of maternally derived antibodies did not significantly interfere with the induction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity in their piglets after vaccination. Conclusions: The combination of vaccination in sows at mating and in piglets at 6 weeks of age was more effective for controlling PCV2 natural infection, than other vaccination schemas, thus sustaining that some interference of MDA with the induction of an efficient immune response could be considered. In conclusion, optimal vaccination strategy needs to balance the levels of passive immunity, the management practices and timing of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Diagnosis of diabetes insipidus observed in Swiss Duroc boars.
- Author
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Grahofer, Alexander, Wiedemar, Natalie, Gurtner, Corinne, Drögemüller, Cord, and Nathues, Heiko
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DIABETES insipidus ,KIDNEY tubules ,VASOPRESSIN ,HISTOPATHOLOGY ,SWINE diseases ,POLYURIA ,POLYDIPSIA ,DIAGNOSIS - Abstract
Background: Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in humans and animals, which is caused by the lack of production, malfunction or dysfunction of the distal nephron to the antidiuretic effect of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Diagnosis requires a thorough medical history, clinical examination and further laboratory confirmation. This case report describes the appearance of DI in five Duroc boars in Switzerland. Case presentation: Two purebred intact Duroc boars at the age of 8 months and 1.5 years, respectively, with a history of polyuric and polydipsic symptoms had been referred to the Swine Clinic in Berne. Based on the case history, the results of clinical examination and the analysis of blood and urine, a tentative diagnosis of DI was concluded. Finally, the diagnosis was confirmed by findings from a modified water deprivation test, macroscopic examinations and histopathology. Following the diagnosis, three genes known to be involved in inherited DI in humans were analyzed in order to explore a possible genetic background of the affected boars. Conclusion: The etiology of DI in pigs is supposed to be the same as in humans, although this disease has never been described in pigs before. Thus, although occurring only on rare occasions, DI should be considered as a differential diagnosis in pigs with polyuria and polydipsia. It seems that a modified water deprivation test may be a helpful tool for confirming a diagnosis in pigs. Since hereditary forms of DI have been described in humans, the occurrence of DI in pigs should be considered in breeding programs although we were not able to identify a disease associated mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Herd specific risk factors for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs at the age of weaning
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Stefanie Doehring, Anna S. Fahrion, Elisabeth grosse Beilage, Henrike Woeste, Heiko Nathues, and Marcus G. Doherr
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Veterinary medicine ,Aging ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Enzootic pneumonia ,Epidemiology ,Swine ,animal diseases ,Weaning ,Biology ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ,Risk Factors ,medicine ,Prevalence ,Odds Ratio ,Seroprevalence ,Suckling pig ,Animals ,2. Zero hunger ,0303 health sciences ,630 Agriculture ,General Veterinary ,030306 microbiology ,Transmission (medicine) ,Research ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Pneumonia of Swine, Mycoplasmal ,biology.organism_classification ,medicine.disease ,Animals, Suckling ,Risk factor analysis ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Herd ,Enzootic ,Pneumonia (non-human) ,Horizontal transmission - Abstract
Background Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the etiologic agent of enzootic pneumonia mainly occurring in fattening pigs. It is assumed that horizontal transmission of the pathogen during nursery and growing phase starts with few suckling pigs vertically infected by the sow. The aim of the present study was the exploration of the herd prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs followed by an investigation of various herd specific factors for their potential of influencing the occurrence of this pathogen at the age of weaning. Results In this cross-sectional study, 125 breeding herds were examined by taking nasal swabs from 20 suckling pigs in each herd. In total, 3.9% (98/2500) of all nasal swabs were tested positive for M. hyopneumoniae by real-time PCR. Piglets tested positive originated from 46 different herds resulting in an overall herd prevalence of 36.8% (46/125) for M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs at the age of weaning. While the herds were epidemiologically characterized, the risk for demonstration of M. hyopneumoniae was significantly increased, when the number of purchased gilts per year was more than 120 (OR: 5.8), and when the number of farrowing pens per compartment was higher than 16 (OR: 3.3). In herds with a planned and segregated production, where groups of sows entered previously emptied farrowing units, the risk for demonstration of M. hyopneumoniae in piglets was higher in herds with two or four weeks between batches than in herds with one or three weeks between batches (OR: 2.7). Conclusions In this cross-sectional study, several risk factors could be identified enhancing the probability of breeding herds to raise suckling pigs already infected with M. hyopneumoniae at the time of weaning. Interestingly, some factors (farrowing rhythm, gilt acclimatisation issues) were overlapping with those also influencing the seroprevalences among sows or the transmission of the pathogen between older age groups. Taking the multifactorial character of enzootic pneumonia into account, the results of this study substantiate that a comprehensive herd specific prevention programme is a prerequisite to reduce transmission of and disease caused by M. hyopneumoniae.
- Published
- 2013
20. Reliability of operational data from pig herds and performance ratings by veterinarians and pig farmers collected during telephone interviews for the evaluation of a PCV2 piglet vaccination.
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Nathues, Heiko, Meyer-Hamme, Johanna, Maass, Petra, Goessl, Ruediger, Stansen, Wibke, Steens, Rolf, and Beilage, Elisabeth grosse
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SWINE vaccination , *CIRCOVIRUS diseases , *ANIMAL vaccination , *VIRAL disease prevention , *SWINE diseases , *KIDNEY diseases in animals , *SWINE - Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a telephone survey in gaining an understanding of the possible herd and management factors influencing the performance (i.e. safety and efficacy) of a vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in a large number of herds and to estimate customers' satisfaction. Results Datasets from 227 pig herds that currently applied or have applied a PCV2 vaccine were analysed. Since 1-, 2- and 3-site production systems were surveyed, the herds were allocated in one of two subsets, where only applicable variables out of 180 were analysed. Group 1 was comprised of herds with sows, suckling pigs and nursery pigs, whereas herds in Group 2 in all cases kept fattening pigs. Overall 14 variables evaluating the subjective satisfaction with one particular PCV2 vaccine were comingled to an abstract dependent variable for further models, which was characterized by a binary outcome from a cluster analysis: good/excellent satisfaction (green cluster) and moderate satisfaction (red cluster). The other 166 variables comprised information about diagnostics, vaccination, housing, management, were considered as independent variables. In Group 1, herds using the vaccine due to recognised PCV2 related health problems (wasting, mortality or porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome) had a 2.4-fold increased chance (1/OR) of belonging to the green cluster. In the final model for Group 1, the diagnosis of diseases other than PCV2, the reason for vaccine administration being other than PCV2-associated diseases and using a single injection of iron had significant influence on allocating into the green cluster (P < 0.05). In Group 2, only unchanged time or delay of time of vaccination influenced the satisfaction (P < 0.05). Conclusion The methodology and statistical approach used in this study were feasible to scientifically assess "satisfaction", and to determine factors influencing farmers' and vets' opinion about the safety and efficacy of a new vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2014
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21. Individual risk factors for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs at the age of weaning.
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Nathues, Heiko, Doehring, Stefanie, Woeste, Henrike, Fahrion, Anna S., Doherr, Marcus G., and Beilage, Elisabeth grosse
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MYCOPLASMA diseases , *SWINE diseases , *PIGLETS , *DISEASE risk factors , *POISSON'S ratio , *REGRESSION analysis - Abstract
Background: In recent years, the occurrence and the relevance of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs has been examined in several studies. Whereas most of these studies were focused on sole prevalence estimation within different age groups, follow-up of infected piglets or assessment of pathological findings, none of the studies included a detailed analysis of individual and environmental risk factors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of M. hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs of endemically infected herds and to identify individual risk factors potentially influencing the infection status of suckling pigs at the age of weaning. Results: The animal level prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs examined in three conventional pig breeding herds was 3.6% (41/1127) at the time of weaning. A prevalence of 1.2% was found in the same pigs at the end of their nursery period. In a multivariable Poisson regression model it was found that incidence rate ratios (IRR) for suckling pigs are significantly lower than 1 when teeth grinding was conducted (IRR: 0.10). Moreover, high temperatures in the piglet nest during the first two weeks of life (occasionally >40°C) were associated with a decrease of the probability of an infection (IRR: 0.23-0.40). Contrary, the application of PCV2 vaccines to piglets was associated with an increased infection risk (IRR: 9.72). Conclusions: Since single infected piglets are supposed to act as initiators for the transmission of this pathogen in nursery and fattening pigs, the elimination of the risk factors described in this study should help to reduce the incidence rate of M. hyopneumoniae infections and thereby might contribute to a reduced probability of high prevalences in older pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2013
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22. Herd specific risk factors for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs at the age of weaning.
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Nathues, Heiko, Woeste, Henrike, Doehring, Stefanie, Fahrion, Anna S., Doherr, Marcus G., and Beilage, Elisabeth grosse
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MYCOPLASMA hyopneumoniae , *SUCKLING in animals , *LABORATORY swine , *DISEASE prevalence , *ANIMAL weaning , *EPIDEMIOLOGY , *SEROPREVALENCE , *SWINE - Abstract
Background: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the etiologic agent of enzootic pneumonia mainly occurring in fattening pigs. It is assumed that horizontal transmission of the pathogen during nursery and growing phase starts with few suckling pigs vertically infected by the sow. The aim of the present study was the exploration of the herd prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infections in suckling pigs followed by an investigation of various herd specific factors for their potential of influencing the occurrence of this pathogen at the age of weaning. Results: In this cross-sectional study, 125 breeding herds were examined by taking nasal swabs from 20 suckling pigs in each herd. In total, 3.9% (98/2500) of all nasal swabs were tested positive for M. hyopneumoniae by real-time PCR. Piglets tested positive originated from 46 different herds resulting in an overall herd prevalence of 36.8% (46/125) for M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs at the age of weaning. While the herds were epidemiologically characterized, the risk for demonstration of M. hyopneumoniae was significantly increased, when the number of purchased gilts per year was more than 120 (OR: 5.8), and when the number of farrowing pens per compartment was higher than 16 (OR: 3.3). In herds with a planned and segregated production, where groups of sows entered previously emptied farrowing units, the risk for demonstration of M. hyopneumoniae in piglets was higher in herds with two or four weeks between batches than in herds with one or three weeks between batches (OR: 2.7). Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, several risk factors could be identified enhancing the probability of breeding herds to raise suckling pigs already infected with M. hyopneumoniae at the time of weaning. Interestingly, some factors (farrowing rhythm, gilt acclimatisation issues) were overlapping with those also influencing the seroprevalences among sows or the transmission of the pathogen between older age groups. Taking the multifactorial character of enzootic pneumonia into account, the results of this study substantiate that a comprehensive herd specific prevention programme is a prerequisite to reduce transmission of and disease caused by M. hyopneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2013
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23. Vaccination against Clostridium perfringens type C enteritis in pigs: a field study using an adapted vaccination scheme.
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Richard, Olivia K., Grahofer, Alexander, Nathues, Heiko, and Posthaus, Horst
- Abstract
Background: Clostridium perfringens type C induced necrotizing enteritis (NE) causes high mortality in newborn piglets. Immunization programs employing commercially available vaccines are used to prevent disease. Sows are vaccinated during every gestation period and piglets take up antibodies from the colostrum. Antibodies against the major clostridial toxin beta-toxin (CPB) are considered essential for protective immunity. Because the pathogen can persist for several years on farms, continuous vaccination is essential to protect pig herds from the re-occurrence of NE. Results: In two field trials using commercially available vaccines we monitored neutralizing anti-CPB antibodies in pigs after vaccination. The first trial compared antibody titers in primiparous (gilts) and multiparous sows and their piglets after vaccination. A proportion of gilts and their piglets' showed no or low antibody titers. All multiparous sows developed significantly higher serum and colostrum antibody titers after a booster vaccination shortly before their next farrowing. These colostral antibody titer highly correlated with the serum antibody titer of their piglets after consumption of colostrum. In a second field trial, we adapted the vaccination schemes using 3 instead of 2 initial vaccinations before the first farrowing of gilts. This significantly increased serum and colostrum antibody titers in gilts and serum antibody titers in piglets. Conclusion: We demonstrate that despite following recommended vaccination protocols, a proportion of gilts might not sufficiently seroconvert to provide efficient passive immunity to their offsprings. A simple adaptation of the vaccination scheme can however improve passive protection of piglets from NE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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