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Abstract: An essential reason to record and evaluate patterns of cow somatic cell count (SCC) within a dairy herd is to help in making clinical decisions on the control of mastitis. An understanding of when new infections occur and how patterns of infection influence herd bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) are critical when implementing mastitis control because it enables advisors to target specific problem areas. The objective of this research was to evaluate individual cow SCC patterns in terms of their contribution to BMSCC. Data collected in 2128 herds from England and Wales between 2004 and 2006 were used. Cows were categorised as having a low, medium or high SCC based on thresholds of 100,000cells/mL and 200,000cells/mL. Movements between these categories in consecutive months, before or after 30 days in milk, in primiparous (heifers) and multiparous cows (cows) were used to predict BMSCC. From these categories, new variables representing different SCC patterns, were calculated and included in different models: the medium SCC category was grouped with either the low or the high category, and the denominator was either the total number of cows recorded during the herd-year or the number of cows eligible for a particular transition. Model fitting and predictions were carried out in a Bayesian framework. A random sample of 1500 herds was used for parameter estimation and the remaining 628 herds for model validation. Heifers were more likely to remain at, or to move to, a low SCC than cows. A transition threshold of 100,000cells/mL for heifers resulted in a poorer model fit and predictive ability than a threshold of 200,000cells/mL. A model using a single threshold of 200,000cells/mL regardless of parity was the best to predict BMSCC. The sensitivity and specificity of this final model to correctly predict a cells/mL in the validation dataset were 86.5% and 86.8%, respectively. Important SCC patterns that influenced BMSCC were cows and heifers staying above 200,000cells/mL for two consecutive recordings during lactation, cows moving from below to above 200,000cells/mL across the dry period, cows remaining above 200,000cells/mL across the dry period and heifers calving with an SCC above 200,000cells/mL in the first month of lactation. The variation between herds in SCC transitions was evaluated and it was concluded that the performance of the top 10% of herds would be useful to provide benchmarks to evaluate dairy herd mastitis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major cause of economic loss to the agricultural community worldwide as a result of morbidity and mortality in livestock. Spatial models developed with the aid of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to develop risk maps for fasciolosis for use in the formulation of disease control programmes. Here we investigate the spatial epidemiology of F. hepatica in dairy herds in England and Wales and develop linear regression models to explain observed patterns of exposure at a small spatial unit, the postcode area. Exposure data used for the analysis were taken from an earlier study of F. hepatica infection, performed in the winter of 2006/7. Climatic, environmental, soil, livestock and pasture variables were considered as potential predictors. The performance of models that used climate variables for 5years average data, contemporary data and a combination of both for England and Wales, and for England only, was compared. All models explained over 70% of the variation in the prevalence of exposure. The best performing models were those built using 5year average and contemporary weather data. However, the fit of these models was only slightly better than the fit of models using weather data from one time period only. Rainfall was a consistent predictor in all models. Other model covariates included temperature, the negative predictors of soil pH and slope and the positive predictors of poor quality land, as determined by the Agricultural Land Classification, and very fine sand content of soil. Choroplethic risk maps showed a good match between the observed F. hepatica exposure values and exposure values fitted by the models. The development of these detailed spatial models is the first step towards the development of a spatially specific, temporal forecasting system for liver fluke in the United Kingdom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in a population of commercial dairy herds in England and Wales was estimated using an ELISA that detected antibodies to F hepatica in bulk tank milk. A total of 3130 milk samples, obtained as convenience samples from two commercial milk-testing laboratories, were tested during the winter of 2006/07. Herds considered to be seropositive were categorised as low positive, medium positive or high positive. A geospatial map was drawn to show the distribution of infected herds and the seroprevalence of exposure at regional level, using the Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics boundaries, and at a finer spatial level defined by postcode area. Overall, 76 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 74 to 77 per cent) of herds carried antibodies to F hepatica; the seroprevalence in England was 72 per cent (95 per cent CI 70 to 74 per cent) and in Wales it was 84 per cent (95 per cent CI 82 to 86 per cent). The highest prevalences of exposure were found in north-west England, where more than 47 per cent of herds were in the high positive exposure category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Claw lesion treatment records were recorded by farmers on 27 dairy farms (3,074 cows, 36,432 records) in England and Wales between February 2003 and February 2004. These were combined with farm environment and management data collected using a combination of direct observations, interviews with farmers, and milk recording data. Multilevel models were constructed for the 3 most frequently reported lesions related to lameness, namely, sole ulcers, white line disease, and digital dermatitis. Risks associated with an increased incidence of sole ulcers were parity 4 or greater, the use of roads or concrete cow tracks between the parlor and grazing, the use of lime on free stalls, and housing in free stalls with sparse bedding for 4 mo or more. The risks for white line disease were increasing parity and increasing herd size, cows at pasture by day and housed at night, and solid grooved concrete floors in yards or alleys. Solid grooved flooring was also associated with an increased risk of digital dermatitis, and cows 6 or more months after calving had a decreased risk of a first case of digital dermatitis. These results improve our understanding of the specific risks for 3 important lesions associated with bovine lameness and could be used as interventions in future clinical studies targeted at the reduction of specific lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents various topics discussed in the June 2006 disease surveillance report of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for England and Wales. Abortion cases of two cows in Luddington, England were attributed to intrauterine infection caused by bovine viral diarrhea. Two newborn suckling calves in Shrewsbury, England was diagnosed to have Escherichia coli septicemia. 16 lambs died in Newcastle, England due to coccidiosis and high fecal oocyst counts indicative of Eimeria ovinoidalis.

A longitudinal sample survey testing for Cryptosporidium in livestock and small wild mammals conducted over 6 years (1992–1997) on a lowland farm in Warwickshire, England, has shown the parasite to be endemic and persistently present in all mammalian categories. Faecal samples were taken throughout the year and oocysts concentrated by a formal ether sedimentation method for detection by immunofluorescence staining using a commercially available genus specific monoclonal antibody. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified by morphology and measurement of modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained oocysts. C. muris was rarely found in wild mammals and C. andersoni oocysts were never detected in livestock. Faecal samples from 3721 individuals gave cumulative 6-year prevalences for C. parvum as follows: bull beef, 3.6%; dairy cows, 3.5%; ewes, 6.4%; horses, 8.9%; calves (home bred), 52%; calves (bought-in) 23.2%; lambs, 12.9%; small wild mammals (rodents) living in and around farm buildings, 32.8%; small wild mammals (mainly rodents) living in areas of pasture, 29.9%. Animal categories with the highest prevalences also shed the highest average oocyst numbers per gram of faeces (ranging from 1.4×103 for bull beef to 1.1×105 for calves). Analysis of annual and seasonal data for each animal category revealed that patterns of infection were variable and sporadic; this means that short-term sampling was never likely to provide a true or representative picture. Seasonally combined data for adult livestock, young livestock and small wild mammals showed all three categories tended to have the highest Cryptosporidium prevalences in the autumn. Calves were separated from their dams within 24 h of birth and yet showed high prevalence of infection in most years despite the low prevalence for the dairy herd. It is possible the coincidence of high autumn prevalence in mice with the main period for the rearing of calves contributed to the infection of the latter. The farming estate was used to teach students of agriculture and took pride in good land management and husbandry practices that produced well fed and healthy livestock. The data from this estate may represent, therefore, the baseline, the lowest possible levels to be expected, for Cryptosporidium infection and oocyst production on a lowland farm in the United Kingdom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which examines the presence of Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular gram-negative bacterium, in the bulk tank milk (BTM) of the dairy cattle in England. The study obtained BTM samples from August 2009-July 2010 wherein the DNA sample were extracted utilizing the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. It reveals that Coxiella burnetti was present within the 38 percent to 94 percent range of herd.

ABSTRACT: An outbreak of diarrhoea occurred in a spring calving herd in Hampshire, during February-March 2011. Mortality of young calves, and subsequent disease in older calves, was significant. After reviewing and improving management of the situation in the very young calves, there was a subsequent problem with calves at 3-4 weeks of age, which was resolved with group antibiotic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses highlights of a symposium held at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge, England, on June 18, 2008. Issues considered at the event include non-notifiable new and emerging diseases of British livestock and farmed birds. Parties represented at the symposium include the Food and Farming Group of the Dept. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), livestock sector groups, veterinary schools, and the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

The article cites diseases of pigs discussed in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency's disease surveillance report for England. Salmonellosis was diagnosed as the cause of scour in 10 percent of a group of 1,500 14-week-old finisher pigs in Bury St. Edmunds, England. Bury St. Edmunds investigated an outbreak of diarrhea and loss of condition affecting approximately 10 percent of postweaned pigs. In Winchester, England, an illthrift in purchased batches of six-month gilts was probed.

The article cites diseases of cattle discussed in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency's disease surveillance report for England and Wales. Preston, England investigated two outbreaks of Bacillus licheniformis abortion in July 2006. A case in which large amounts of dressed quarry stone and associated erosive lesions had been found in the gastrointestinal tract of a cow was described. An outbreak of enteritis in a 200-cow dairy herd was probed.

Reports on the issues discussed during a meeting held by the British Veterinary Association Council in London, England. Formulation of a policy on animal medicine's distribution; Persons responsible for the regulation of veterinary profession; Provision of advice to farmers on dealing with farm emergencies.

The article focuses on the report of the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) which found acute cases of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) infection in adult dairy cattle in four countries in southern England in September 2012.

Reports on the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in England as of March 22, 2001. Failure of the British government to contain the disease; Plans to destroy all sheep and pigs near high-infection zones; Efforts to control the disease on mainland Europe by restricting animal meetings and transportation, and by placing controls on meat, livestock, and milk imports from England.