Epidemiology of Pig Tuberculosis in Argentina

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease caused mainly by the Mycobacterium bovis and that is endemic to livestock populations in most Latin American countries. Traditionally, bTB control programs are costly and targeted to cattle, largely disregarding other species such as swine and wildlife. According to official services, in Argentina disease prevalence in pigs is comparable to that observed in cattle, suggesting the need for efficient control programs to manage the disease in both species. Additionally, extensive farming systems, which are commonly practiced in Argentina, allow the interaction between livestock and wildlife such as wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is considered a natural host of the disease. Here, we evaluated the bTB pigs- cattle interface, studying the dynamics of M. bovis isolates in the pig population and identifying farm-level epidemiological variables associated with the disease confirmation at slaughterhouses. Additionally, to assess the potential multi-host systems in the transmission of bTB, the molecular characterization of wild boar mycobacterial strains was included in the study, as this interaction has not been previously evaluated in this region. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between farm-level epidemiological variables (location, farm size, and co-existence with cattle and goats) and bTB confirmation in pig tuberculosis-like lesions samples. Results showed that when cattle were present, the odds of bTB in pigs decreased 0.3 or 0.6% for every additional sow when cattle were present or absent in the farm, respectively. Pigs shared 60% (18/30) of the genotypes with cattle and wild boar, suggesting transmission at the interface between pigs and cattle and highlighting the potential role of wild boar in bTB maintenance. These results provide novel information about the molecular diversity of M. bovis strains in pigs in Argentina and proposes the potential relevance of a multi-host system in the epidemiology of bTB in the region. The statistical models presented here may be used in the design of a low cost, abattoir-based surveillance program for bTB in the pig industry in Argentina, with potential extension to other settings with similar epidemiological conditions.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Repeat Breeding Syndrome in Dairy Cattle in Selected Regions of Kenya

International Journal of Veterinary Science ◽

10.47278/journal.ijvs/2020.019 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 114-118

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cattle ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Objective ◽

Farm Level ◽

Smallholder Dairy ◽

Extensive Farming ◽

Smallholder Dairy Farms

The optimum production in dairy cows aims at getting a calf per cow per year. This, however, is limited by repeat breeding syndrome (RBS), which has multiple etiologies that cause either fertilization failure or early embryonic death. This study objective was to determine the prevalence of repeat breeding syndrome in dairy cattle within the selected regions of Kenya. A cross-sectional study design was carried out in 205 smallholder dairy farms in Makueni, Kakamega and Nandi counties. A total of 553 cows/heifers were recruited and examined per rectal to determine their reproductive status. Information on the breeding history of the cow and heifer was acquired at the farm. The results revealed that cross bred cattle were most affected by RBS at 38.9% followed by Jersey, Guernsey Ayrshire and least in Frisians at 21.1, 16.7, 25 and 14%, respectively. The overall animal level prevalence of RBS in cattle in the three counties was at 18.4%, while the overall farm-level prevalence was 58.3%. However, per county prevalence’s were different with animal level prevalence at 31.9, 20.9 and 12.5% in Makueni, Kakamega and Nandi, respectively. The farm-level prevalence’s at the counties were 75.4, 58.3 and 48.4% in Makueni, Kakamega and Nandi counties, respectively. Cattle kept in the zero-grazing/intensive system had the highest level of RBS at 30.1% compared to semi-intensive and extensive farming systems. The prevalence of RBS was also higher in multipara at 76% in comparison to primipara cows. Finally cows over four years which were in third or more parities had the highest prevalence of RBS, accounting for 65%) of the cases. In conclusion, the prevalence of RBS is significantly high in the Kenyan smallholder dairy farms. Further research should be undertaken to identify risk factors and appropriate intervention approaches for RBS to enhance its management.

Download Full-text

The management of risk in a dryland environment

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.2011.73.2835 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 13-21

Author(s):

D.I. Gray ◽

J.I. Reid ◽

D.J. Horne

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Service Providers ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Subterranean Clover ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Market Risk ◽

Farm Size ◽

Forage Crops ◽

Risk Management Strategies ◽

Upside Risk

A group of 24 Hawke's Bay hill country farmers are working with service providers to improve the resilience of their farming systems. An important step in the process was to undertake an inventory of their risk management strategies. Farmers were interviewed about their farming systems and risk management strategies and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. There was considerable variation in the strategies adopted by the farmers to cope with a dryland environment. Importantly, these strategies had to cope with three types of drought and also upside risk (better than expected conditions), and so flexibility was critical. Infra-structure was important in managing a dryland environment. Farmers chose between increased scale (increasing farm size) and geographic dispersion (owning a second property in another location) through to intensification (investing in subdivision, drainage, capital fertiliser, new pasture species). The study identified that there may be scope for further investment in infra-structural elements such as drainage, deeper rooting alternative pasture species and water harvesting, along with improved management of subterranean clover to improve flexibility. Many of the farmers used forage crops and idling capacity (reduced stocking rate) to improve flexibility; others argued that maintaining pasture quality and managing upside risk was a better strategy in a dryland environment. Supplementary feed was an important strategy for some farmers, but its use was limited by contour and machinery constraints. A surprisingly large proportion of farmers run breeding cows, a policy that is much less flexible than trading stock. However, several farmers had improved their flexibility by running a high proportion of trading cattle and buffer mobs of ewe hoggets and trade lambs. To manage market risk, the majority of farmers are selling a large proportion of their lambs prime. Similarly, cattle are either sold prime or store onto the grass market when prices are at a premium. However, market risk associated with the purchase of supplements and grazing was poorly managed.

Download Full-text

Agroecological practices to support tropical livestock farming systems: a Caribbean and Latin American perspective

Tropical Animal Health and Production ◽

10.1007/s11250-020-02537-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gisele Alexandre ◽

Lylian Rodriguez ◽

Javier Arece ◽

José Delgadillo ◽

Gary Wayne Garcia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Livestock Farming ◽

Livestock Farming Systems ◽

American Perspective

Download Full-text

The Return of Large Carnivores and Extensive Farming Systems: A Review of Stakeholders’ Perception at an EU Level

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11061735 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1735

Author(s):

Marcello Franchini ◽

Mirco Corazzin ◽

Stefano Bovolenta ◽

Stefano Filacorda

Keyword(s):

Negative Attitude ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Large Carnivores ◽

Direct Experience ◽

Large Carnivore ◽

Degree Of Acceptance ◽

Extensive Farming ◽

Over Time ◽

The Eu

Conflicts between large carnivores and human activities undermine both the maintenance of livestock practices as well as the conservation of carnivores across Europe. Because large carnivore management is driven by a common EU policy, the purpose of this research was to assess stakeholders’ perception towards bears and wolves at an EU level. We conducted a systematic search and subsequent analysis of 40 peer-reviewed studies collected from 1990 to September 2020 within Member States of the EU. Rural inhabitants and hunters exhibited the most negative attitude compared to urban inhabitants and conservationists, whose attitude was more positive. We showed that direct experience with predators as a consequence of ongoing re-colonization may have affected the degree of acceptance of certain categories and that the long-term coexistence between humans and carnivores does not necessarily imply increased tolerance. To encourage coexistence, we recommend monitoring changes in attitudes over time relative to carnivore population dynamics.

Download Full-text

Genetic epidemiology of BRCA1- and BRCA2-associated cancer across Latin America

npj Breast Cancer ◽

10.1038/s41523-021-00317-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Josef S. Herzog ◽

Yanin Chavarri-Guerra ◽

Danielle Castillo ◽

Julio Abugattas ◽

Cynthia Villarreal-Garza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Latin American ◽

Cancer Genomics ◽

Low Cost ◽

Probability Model ◽

Copy Number Variant ◽

Research Network ◽

Community Research ◽

Brca1 And Brca2 ◽

Pathogenic Variants

AbstractThe prevalence and contribution of BRCA1/2 (BRCA) pathogenic variants (PVs) to the cancer burden in Latin America are not well understood. This study aims to address this disparity. BRCA analyses were performed on prospectively enrolled Latin American Clinical Cancer Genomics Community Research Network participants via a combination of methods: a Hispanic Mutation Panel (HISPANEL) on MassARRAY; semiconductor sequencing; and copy number variant (CNV) detection. BRCA PV probability was calculated using BRCAPRO. Among 1,627 participants (95.2% with cancer), we detected 236 (14.5%) BRCA PVs; 160 BRCA1 (31% CNVs); 76 BRCA2 PV frequency varied by country: 26% Brazil, 9% Colombia, 13% Peru, and 17% Mexico. Recurrent PVs (seen ≥3 times), some region-specific, represented 42.8% (101/236) of PVs. There was no ClinVar entry for 14% (17/125) of unique PVs, and 57% (111/196) of unique VUS. The area under the ROC curve for BRCAPRO was 0.76. In summary, we implemented a low-cost BRCA testing strategy and documented a significant burden of non-ClinVar reported BRCA PVs among Latin Americans. There are recurrent, population-specific PVs and CNVs, and we note that the BRCAPRO mutation probability model performs adequately. This study helps address the gap in our understanding of BRCA-associated cancer in Latin America.

Download Full-text

Exposure to PM2.5 and Obesity Prevalence in the Greater Mexico City Area

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18052301 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 2301

Author(s):

Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz ◽

Martha María Téllez-Rojo ◽

Stephen J. Rothenberg ◽

Ivan Gutiérrez-Avila ◽

Allan Carpenter Just ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mexico City ◽

Latin American ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

City Area ◽

Adolescents And Adults ◽

Pm2.5 Exposure ◽

Greater Mexico ◽

Adjusted Logistic Regression

Exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with the prevalence of obesity. In the Greater Mexico City Area (GMCA), both are ranked among the highest in the world. Our aim was to analyze this association in children, adolescents, and adults in the GMCA. We used data from the 2006 and 2012 Mexican National Surveys of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT). Participants’ past-year exposure to ambient PM2.5 was assessed using land use terms and satellite-derived aerosol optical depth estimates; weight and height were measured. We used survey-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of obesity (vs. normal-overweight) for every 10 µg/m3 increase in annual PM2.5 exposure for children, adolescents, and adults. Using a meta-analysis approach, we estimated the overall odds of obesity. We analyzed data representing 19.3 million and 20.9 million GMCA individuals from ENSANUT 2006 and 2012, respectively. The overall pooled estimate between PM2.5 exposure and obesity was OR = 1.96 (95% CI: 1.21, 3.18). For adolescents, a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 was associated with an OR of 3.53 (95% CI: 1.45, 8.58) and 3.79 (95% CI: 1.40, 10.24) in 2006 and 2012, respectively. More studies such as this are recommended in Latin American cities with similar air pollution and obesity conditions.

Download Full-text

MOTIVASI PETANI DALAM MEMPERTAHANKAN SISTEM TRADISIONAL PADA USAHATANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA PARBAJU JULU KABUPATEN TAPANULI UTARA PROPINSI SUMATERA UTARA

Jurnal AGRISEP Kajian Masalah Sosial Ekonomi Pertanian dan Agribisnis ◽

10.31186/jagrisep.10.1.51-62 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 51-62

Author(s):

. Reflis ◽

M. Nurung ◽

Juliana Dewi Pratiwi

Keyword(s):

Formal Education ◽

Family Members ◽

Rank Correlation ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Farming System ◽

Farm Size ◽

Rice Farming ◽

Traditional System ◽

Size Number ◽

Rainfed Farming

This research aims to identify factors correlated significantly to the motivation of farmers in perseving traditional rainfed farming systems, such as using local seeds and planting once a year. The population of this study is farmer who still perform the traditional paddy farming system in the Village of North Tapanuli Parbaju Julu County North Sumatra Province. As much as 48 respondents randomly selected from 160 farmers. A descriptive analyse and Spearman rank correlation are applied in this study. The study showed that formal education, farmers' perception of the traditional system of rice farming are correlated significantly to farmer motivation in preserving tradional farming system while non-formal education, the traditional system of farming experience, farm size, number of family members are not. Factors that correlated significantly to farmer motivation in maintaining local seed is non-formal education, farming experience, while the traditional system of formal education, farmers' perception of traditional rice farming system, farm size, number of family members are not correlated significantly. Furthermore, the number of family members is merely factor that correlated significantly to the farmers motivation in maintaining once a year plantings while others factors are not correlated. Key words: farmer motivation, preserving, traditional farming

Download Full-text

To Vaccinate or Not: Impact of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea in French Cow-Calf Herds

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101137 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1137

Author(s):

Sandie Arnoux ◽

Fabrice Bidan ◽

Alix Damman ◽

Etienne Petit ◽

Sébastien Assié ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Support ◽

Economic Impact ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Decision Support Tool ◽

Virus Spread ◽

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea ◽

Support Tool ◽

Control Programs ◽

Vaccination Strategies ◽

Cow Calf

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) remains an issue despite control programs implemented worldwide. Virus introduction can occur through contacts with neighbouring herds. Vaccination can locally protect exposed herds. However, virus spread depends on herd characteristics, which may impair vaccination efficiency. Using a within-herd epidemiological model, we compared three French cow-calf farming systems named by their main breed: Charolaise, Limousine, and Blonde d’Aquitaine. We assessed vaccination strategies of breeding females assuming two possible protections: against infection or against vertical transmission. Four commercial vaccines were considered: Bovilis®, Bovela®, Rispoval®, and Mucosiffa®. We tested various virus introduction frequency in a naïve herd. We calculated BVD economic impact and vaccination reward. In Charolaise, BVD economic impact was 113€ per cow over 5 years after virus introduction. Irrespective of the vaccine and for a high enough risk of introduction, the yearly expected reward was 0.80€ per invested euro per cow. Vaccination should not be stopped before herd exposure has been decreased. In contrast, the reward was almost nil in Blonde d’Aquitaine and Limousine. This highlights the importance of accounting for herd specificities to assess BVD impact and vaccination efficiency. To guide farmers’ vaccination decisions against BVD, we transformed this model into a French decision support tool.

Download Full-text

Production and Health Management from Grazing to Confinement Systems of Largest Dairy Bovine Farms in Azores: A Farmers’ Perspective

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11123394 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 3394

Author(s):

Ivo Medeiros ◽

Aitor Fernandez-Novo ◽

Susana Astiz ◽

João Simões

Keyword(s):

Production Systems ◽

Health Management ◽

Bovine Milk ◽

Herd Size ◽

Farm Size ◽

Economic Viability ◽

Health Prevention ◽

Dual Purpose ◽

Control Programs ◽

Cattle Farms

The intensification of bovine milk production in the Azores has led farmers to increase farm size and specialization in grasslands, implementing confined and semi-confined production systems. Fixed milking parlours (FMP) have progressively gained more popularity, at the expense of conventional mobile milking systems (MMS). The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between production and health management in dairy cattle farms, with FMP or MMS, in grasslands (São Miguel, Azores), according to the farmers’ perspective. A total of 102 questions about production and health management were surveyed in 105 farms with >30 dairy cows each. Farms with FMP were associated (p ≤ 0.05) with larger herd size, better facilities, and specialized management, however, the adoption of preventive and biosecurity measures should be improved by these farmers. MMS farms implemented a lower level of disease prevention or control programs, less frequent transhumance, and showed a wider vocation to dual-purpose (milk and cross beef) than FMP farms. In conclusion, MMS and FMP farms tried to optimize yield and economic viability in different ways using grasslands. Several biosecurity and health prevention constraints were identified for improvement.

Download Full-text

Assessment of Influential Factors for Scours Associated with Cryptosporidium sp., Rotavirus and Coronavirus in Calves from Argentinean Dairy Farms

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11092652 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2652

Author(s):

Emiliano Bertoni ◽

Adrián A. Barragán ◽

Marina Bok ◽

Celina Vega ◽

Marcela Martínez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Management Practices ◽

Dairy Farms ◽

Herd Size ◽

Influential Factors ◽

Dairy Calves ◽

Farm Size ◽

Common Disease ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Logistic Regression Models

Scours is the most common disease in dairy calves, and it is a multifactorial syndrome complex. Cryptosporidium sp. (C. sp.), rotavirus group A (RVA), and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) are the three main pathogens associated with scours. The objective of this study was to identify potential factors associated with scours, C. sp., RVA, and BCoV infections in preweaned dairy calves from Lerma Valley in Salta Province, Argentina. A total of 488 preweaned calves from 19 dairy farms located in the Lerma Valley were enrolled in this observational study. One fecal sample was collected from each calf between one week and two months of age for assessment of C. sp., RVA, and BCoV infection status. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and RVA and BCoV antigens in fecal samples were assessed using microscopic observation and indirect enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (iELISA), respectively. A voluntary questionnaire was developed and used to collect data regarding management practices from the participants’ farms. The data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Scours incidence was 35.4%, and a greater proportion of calves younger than 20 days were affected. Of the fecal samples, 18% and 9.5% tested were positives for C. sp. and RVA, respectively, while BCoV was detected only in two calves. Furthermore, 84.2% and 63.1% of the farms tested positive for Cryptosporidium sp. and RVA, respectively. In addition, the following variables were associated with higher odds of having scours: (1) herd size (>300 milking cows; OR = 1.7), (2) calf age (<20 days of age; OR = 2.2), (3) RVA and C. sp. test (positive test; RVA OR = 2.6; C. sp. OR = 3), calf feeding practices (feeding milk replacer; OR = 1.81), and newborn calf management practices (calf moved from maternity pen <6 h after calving; OR = 1.7). Concerning RVA infection, calves less than 20 days of age (OR = 2.6) had a higher chance of testing positive for RVA, while calves that remained in the calving pen for less than 6 h after calving had a lower chance (OR = 0.3). On the other hand, for C. sp. infection, large farm size (>300 milking cows; OR = 1.2) and young calf age (<20 days of age; OR = 4.4) indicated a higher chance of testing positive for C. sp., while calves belonging to farms that fed frozen colostrum (OR = 0.2) had a lower chance of becoming infected with C. sp. The result of this study indicated that scours is a prevalent disease in farms of the Lerma Valley, Salta, Argentina, and that RVA and C. sp. infections, along with specific farm management practices, might be important contributing factors that could increase the chance of NCS in dairy farms.

Download Full-text