Estimation of economic losses due to leptospirosis in dairy cattle.

There are few studies that effectively quantify the economic losses resulting from problems caused by leptospirosis in naturally infected dairy cattle. Given this gap, the objective of this study was to propose and apply a method to quantify the economic losses resulting from productive and reproductive problems in a commercial dairy herd naturally infected by Leptospira spp. For this study, the zootechnical and economic indicators at a property with Jersey cattle were analyzed during the period from 2014 to 2017. The leptospirosis outbreak occurred in 2014, and the therapeutic approach was carried out between 2015 and 2017, with the latter considered the year of control of the outbreak. The adopted integrated control strategy consisted of dividing the herd according to the serological results obtained through the microscopic agglutination test, the treatment of reagents with streptomycin, and vaccination against leptospirosis of non-reagent heifers and cows. The method used to evaluate the economic indicators of the property was the calculation of the gross margin by taking into account the implicit and explicit cost parameters associated with the manifestation of leptospirosis. The prevalence rate of leptospirosis decreased from 49.4 % in 2015 to 21.6 % in 2017. There was a reduction in the abortion rate (from 40.00 % in 2014 to 9.00 % in 2017), in the stillborn rate (from 2.63 % in 2014 to 1.69 % in 2017) and an increase in the calving rate (from 65.00 % in 2014 to 86.00 % in 2017). In addition, there were increases in the number of lactating cows (from 38 in 2014-57 in 2017) and the mean times of lactation duration, which increased from 275 days in 2014-295 days in 2017. As a result, the average annual production of milk increased from 164,655 liters in 2014-248,521 liters in 2017. In 2014, when treatment hadn't yet started, the gross margin per liter of milk sold, considering implicit and explicit costs, was US$0.00. In 2015 and 2016, US$0.27 and US$0.30 were obtained, respectively, for this variable. In 2017, with the disease under control on the property, the gross margin per liter of milk reached US$0.36. The gross margin per liter of milk sold was higher in the period when the disease was controlled, showing losses of up to 84 % of the gross margin during the outbreak. Immediate treatment of positive cows and preventive measures had a significant impact on improving the productive and economic efficiency of the property.

Reproductive, productive and financial consequences of chronic Trypanosoma vivax infection in a dairy cattle herd in a region without a cyclic vector.

This study evaluated the reproductive, productive and financial consequences of chronic Trypanosoma vivax infection in a dairy cattle herd located in a region without the cyclic vector during two years. Animals were categorized as either positive (chronically infected) or negative for T. vivax antibodies using a commercial rapid test. Additionally, serum samples from cows were analyzed for the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed through rectal palpation and ultrasonography after 30, 60 and every 21 days until the 144th day of pregnancy. If an abortion occurred in the final trimester, serology and cPCR were performed on calves for T. vivax and N. caninum. The breeding period, calving interval and pregnancy losses were recorded. The milk production of each animal during the 305 days of lactation was measured, and the annual financial impact of milk production was calculated using a revenue minus feed cost (RMFC) indicator. Out of 177 cows, 71.75 % were chronically infected, and 13.50 % were T. vivax-negative. No correlation (p = 0.8854) of co-infection between T. vivax and N. caninum was observed. Negative cows required fewer (p≤0.05) artificial inseminations than chronically infected ones. T. vivax was not significantly associated (p = 0.7893) with pregnancy loss up to 81 days of pregnancy. Cows chronically infected by T. vivax had 4-fold greater chance (p = 0.0280) of experiencing pregnancy loss between 82 and 144 days of gestation. Eighteen cows aborted, two were positive for T. vivax antibodies, and one for N. caninum antibodies. The calves were negative for T. vivax and N. caninum. Chronically infected cows and negative cows for T. vivax that experienced pregnancy loss (82-144 days of pregnancy) had a longer (p≤0.05) breeding period to become pregnant, and consequently a longer calving interval compared to cows that maintained pregnancy. The difference (p≤0.05) in milk production was evident when pregnancy loss occurred between 82 and 144 days of gestation in cows chronically infected by T. vivax. The RMFC indicated a negative impact of 38.2 % on the farm's annual milk revenue due to the presence of chronically infected cows.

Towards sustainable and humane dairy farming: A low-cost electrochemical sensor for on-site diagnosis of milk fever.

Milk fever is a metabolic disorder that predominantly affects dairy animals during the periparturient period and within four weeks of calving. Milk fever is primarily attributed to a decrease in the animal's serum Ca2+ levels. Clinical milk fever occurs when Ca2+ concentration drops below 1.5 mM (6 mg/dL). Without prompt intervention, clinical milk fever leads to noticeable physical symptoms and health complications including coma and fatality. Subclinical milk fever is characterized by Ca2+ levels between 1.5 and 2.12 mM (6-8.48 mg/dL). Approximately 50% of multiparous dairy cows suffer from subclinical milk fever during the transition to lactation. The economic impact of milk fever, both direct and indirect, is substantial, posing challenges for farmers. To address this issue, we developed a low-cost electrochemical sensor that can measure bovine serum calcium levels on-site, providing an opportunity for early detection of subclinical and clinical milk fever and early intervention. This calcium sensor is a scalable solid contact ion sensing platform that incorporates a polymeric calcium-selective membrane and ionic liquid-based reference membrane into laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes. Our sensing platform demonstrates a sensitivity close to the theoretical Nernstian value (29.6 mV/dec) with a limit of detection of 15.6 µM and selectivity against the species in bovine serum. Moreover, our sensor can detect Ca2+ in bovine serum with 91% recovery.

Estimation of economic loss by carcass weight reduction of Japanese dairy cows due to infection with bovine leukemia virus.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection is endemic in Japanese dairy farms. To promote the participation of farmers in BLV infection control in Japan, it is important to provide estimates of the economic losses caused by this infection. We hypothesized that decreased immune function due to BLV infection would increase visceral abnormalities, in turn reducing carcass weight. We employed mediation analysis to estimate the annual economic loss due to carcass weight reduction caused by BLV infection. Culled Holstein cows from 12 commercial dairy farms in the Nemuro and Kushiro regions of Hokkaido, Japan, were traced. Information on age and the last delivery day were collected. A non-infected culled cow was defined as a cow from which BLV provirus was not detected. A high-proviral-load (H-PVL) cow was defined as a cow whose PVL titer was above 2465 copies/50 ng DNA or 56,765 copies/105 cells. A BLV-infected cow with PVL titer lower than the thresholds was categorized as low-proviral load (L-PVL). Post-mortem examination results for culled cows were collected from a meat inspection center. The hypothesis was tested by three models, using data from 222 culled dairy cows. Model 1, a generalized linear mixed-effects model, selected carcass weight as an outcome variable, BLV status and the potential confounders (lactation stage and age) as explanatory variables, and herd as a random effect. Model 2 additionally included the number of abnormal findings in the post-mortem examination (AFPE) as an explanatory variable. Model 3 applied a Bayesian generalized linear mixed model, which employed a mediator separately modeled for AFPE, to estimate the amount of direct, indirect, and total carcass weight loss with adjustment for known confounding factors. Compared to the mean carcass weight for the non-infected culled cows, the carcass weight for H-PVL culled cows was significantly decreased by 30.4 kg on average. For each increase of one in the number of AFPE, the mean carcass weight was decreased by 8.6 kg. Only the indirect effect of BLV H-PVL status on carcass weight loss through AFPE was significant, accounting for 21.6 % of the total effect on carcass weight reduction. In 2017, 73,650 culled dairy cows were slaughtered in Hokkaido, and the economic loss due to carcass weight loss caused by BLV infection that year was estimated to be US $1,391,649. In summary, unlike L-PVL cows, H-PVL status was associated with carcass weight reduction, which was partially mediated by an increase in the number of visceral abnormalities.

Economic Importance of Hydatid Cyst in Slaughtered Cattle of Mugla Province

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence, seasonal distribution and economic effects of hydatid cyst infection in slaughtered cattle of Mugla province. Methods: Data from the 2019 records of the Mugla Metropolitan Municipal Abattoir were studied retrospectively. Both direct and indirect calculation methods were used to determine the economic losses incurred due to hydatid cyst. Results: Twenty-one out of 9.985 (0.21%) cattle were found to have been infected with hydatid cyst in 2019. The highest prevelance of infection was reported in February (1.17%), while no cases were observed in May, June and August. The direct economic loss attributed to liver destruction in Mugla province was 11,760 TL (1.950 $). The total indirect economic loss caused by hydatid cyst (carcass loss, milk production loss, decreased fecundity) was 122,691 TL (20,346 $). Cumulatively, the direct and indirect economic losses for hydatid cyst disease in Mugla province were 134,451 TL (22,296 $). Conclusion: According to our results, the prevalence of hydatid cyst in cattle of Mugla province was 0.21%, which was still lower than the average loss in Turkey in spite of the corresponding significant economic loss.

Evaluation of zoonotic platyhelminthe infections identified in slaughtered livestock in Iran, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: Platyhelminth infections of livestock can result in considerable economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the spatial frequency of cystic echinococcosis (CE), dicrocoeliasis, and fascioliasis in livestock slaughtered in Iran during the years 2015-2019 and estimate direct costs associated with organ condemnation due to these parasites. METHODS: Abattoir data from 413 abattoirs representing all 31 Iranian provinces were collected from the Iran Veterinary Organization. Infection prevalence was calculated per year at the province level. The Local Moran's I statistic was performed to evaluate spatial autocorrelation of animals positive at slaughter for the years 2015-2019. Direct costs associated with condemned livers were calculated for each parasitic condition, with costs associated with condemned lungs also included for CE. RESULTS: Overall prevalence values for the study timeframe were as follows: sheep and goat fascioliasis 1.56% (95% CI: 1.56-1.56%), cattle fascioliasis 3.86% (95% CI: 3.85-3.88%), sheep and goat dicrocoeliasis 4.63% (95% CI: 4.62-4.63%), cattle dicrocoeliasis 3.08% (95% CI: 3.07-3.09%), sheep and goat CE 5.32% (95% CI: 5.32-5.33%), and cattle CE 7.26% (95% CI: 7.24-7.28%). Northwest Iran had the highest prevalence of CE and fascioliasis. High infection areas for Dicrocoelium spp. included the provinces of Zanjan, Gilan, Qazvin, and Tehran, which are located in northern Iran. Direct economic losses for sheep and goat fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$13,842,759, US$41,771,377, and US$22,801,054, respectively. Direct economic losses for cattle fascioliasis, dicrocoeliasis, and CE for the study period were US$1,989,200, US$1,668,986, and US$2,656,568, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide valuable data for future monitoring of these important parasitic diseases in Iranian livestock. Disease control strategies are required to reduce the economic and public health impact of these platyhelminths.

A Review of Global Prevalence and Economic Impacts of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis.

A summary of available literature on the prevalence and estimated economic impacts of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) from around the world is made. Country-level prevalence of IBK has been reported only for the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. We provide an estimate of IBK prevalence rate by geographic climate and region accounting for cattle sub-species and age. Estimated prevalence worldwide is 2.78%. Historical economic impact assessments are available only for the United States, Australia, and United Kingdom. Rarely do assessments capture the full economic cost of the disease. Better data on prevalence and how treatment and prevention decisions modify disease impacts is required to estimate the global economic impact.

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) incidence in cattle and buffaloes and its associated farm-level economic costs in endemic India.

The study investigated the important epidemiological parameters and farm-level economic costs of FMD incidence in cattle and buffaloes during 2013-14 to 2015-16 in various states of India. Multistage random sampling procedure was adopted for the primary survey and data was collected through face-to-face personal interview from 18,609 cattle and buffalo rearing farm households from 123 districts across twelve states and one Union Territory. Besides epidemiological parameters, different farm-level direct and indirect loss associated with FMD was assessed at disaggregated level (states) by employing deterministic mathematical models. Highest number of affected villages and disease incidence was observed in non- FMD control programme (FMD-CP) implemented Madhya Pradesh and Assam states, respectively whereas negligible incidence was in FMD-CP implemented Punjab state. The disease incidence was high during 2013-14 and declined during 2014-15 and 2015-16, respectively implied severe incidence scenario (2013-14) succeeded by moderate (2014-15) and mild (2015-16) scenarios. The crossbred and high productive animals were severely affected than local breeds whereas on sexwise and agewise comparison revealed higher incidence in females and adult animals. During severe incidence scenario, milk loss/animal ranged from USD 6.87-47.44, 18.42-125.88, 16.33-91.43, and 27.17-123.62; mortality loss/animal ranged from USD 32.61-804.27, 30.76-577.7, 65.36-502.2, and 188.04-413.7; distress sale loss/animal ranged from USD 3.22-188.63, 64.34-519.3, 214.47-341.8, and 209.11-450.3; and opportunity cost of labour/animal from USD 5.49-54.29, 5.49-67.78; 7.95-31.37 and 9.83-72.38 in indigenous cattle, crossbred cattle, local and improved buffalo, respectively. The estimated draught power loss/animal varied from USD 39.46-142.94 with least being in Madhya Pradesh and highest in Assam states whereas the median treatment cost/animal was USD 9.18 and USD 27.07 in indigenous cattle and upgraded buffaloes, respectively. The total farm-level economic loss projected due to FMD in cattle and buffaloes in India was USD 3159 million (INR 221,110 million), USD 270 million (INR 18,910 million) and USD 152 million (INR 10,610 million), respectively during the severe, moderate and mild incidence scenarios at 2015-16 constant prices. The loss varied across the states, and in severe incidence scenario, the country might lose USD 3.2 billion/year and hence, the bi-annual vaccination schedule need to be strictly implemented in all the states. Besides timely vaccination coverage, managing unabated animal movement, educating and motivating the farmers to vaccinate their animals might reduce the incidence and consequential losses to various stakeholders in endemic states like India.

Slaughter condemnation in bovine due to parasitic lesions and their economic impact in Federal Inspection System establishments in Brazil and in State inspection System in Rio Grande do Sul State.

Slaughter condemnations are important sources of information on cattle health. The incidence of bovine parasitic diseases is still very high in Brazil. These diseases, in addition to causing harm to the animals health, are neglected zoonotic diseases in several parts of world. The study analysed not only the Carcass losses, but also the economic damage resulting from slaughter condemnations due to parasitic causes. Cattle slaughter data from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), over the period of 2012 to 2015 and data from the Secretary of Livestock and Irrigation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPI-RS) were analyzed between 2014 and 2018.The number of organs and carcasses condemned was multiplied by the respective values (in Brazilian Real) obtained from slaughterhouses and subsequently converted into dollars. Brazilian analysis in SIF (Federal Inspection System) establishments showed that more than 1.2 million organs (3,884,505 kg) and 20,000 carcasses (4,547,718 kg) were condemned only due to parasitic causes during post-mortem inspection. In Rio Grande do Sul, in state inspection establishments, more than 1.7 million organs (8,210,559 kg) and 5,000 carcasses (1,243,200 kg) were condemned. These data are alarming and support the need for public policies to control these parasitic diseases.

Farmers' preference and willingness to pay for a multivalent lumpy skin disease and Rift Valley fever novel vaccine: A discrete choice experiment in the Free State province, South Africa.

Rift Valley fever and lumpy skin disease are infectious ruminant diseases that are endemic in most African countries. The most cost-effective method of prevention and control is through annual vaccination. However, unlike lumpy skin disease, annual vaccination against Rift Valley fever is not practiced by many farmers due to its sporadic occurrences and shortcoming of the existing vaccines. This necessitates development of novel vaccines that would provide dual protection against a Rift Valley fever and a more prevalent disease. In this study, a discrete choice experiment was undertaken to guide vaccine development by examining the value smallholder livestock farmers place on different vaccine attributes and related attribute levels. The attributes considered are target-species, thermotolerance, nature of the vaccine, efficacy and price. The study was carried out with 164 smallholder livestock farmers in the Free State province. Results indicate that thermostaility is not a major deciding attribute to smallholder farmer's choice of vaccine. Farmers prefer multivalent vaccines, which are highly efficacious with about 90-100 % efficacy levels. Farmers were found to be heterogeneous in preference. The heterogeneity is explained by socio-economic factors such as type of livestock owned, income level, gender and perceived disease risk. Farmers were also willing to pay for preferred attribute levels. However, for less favourable levels such as multispecies, female farmers were willing to accept a lower compensation than males. These findings present a favourable potential for development of a novel multivalent vaccine and also provide vaccine research and development scientists with evidence based knowledge for development of vaccines that cater for the needs of smallholder farmers.

Current incidence, treatment costs and seasonality of pinkeye in Australian cattle estimated from sales of three popular medications.

Pinkeye is an economically important ocular disease occurring in all cattle producing areas of Australia. This study was undertaken to estimate the frequency of occurrence of the disease in Australia and treatment costs of the disease to the cattle industry using the sales of popular pinkeye medications as a surrogate indicator. Monthly sales data for Orbenin® Eye Ointment, Opticlox® Eye Ointment and Terramycin® Pinkeye Aerosol were analysed. We first estimated the number of cattle that can be treated with a syringe or a can and then using the data of sales of these pinkeye medications and the total cattle population of Australia, estimated the incidence of pinkeye. Probability distributions were used to include uncertainty around the estimates. Costs to producers were estimated based on retail prices of these medications. The results indicated that 732,864 syringes of Orbenin® Eye Ointment, 134,800 syringes of Opticlox® Eye Ointment and 27,755 cans of Terramycin® Pinkeye Aerosol are sold in Australia per year. Based on some assumptions of the number of cases treated by these drugs and number of cases left untreated, the number of cattle affected by pinkeye each year in Australia was estimated to be 2.80 million (95 % PI: 1.76, 4.65) or 10.25 % (95 % PI: 6.43, 16.97) of the entire Australian cattle herd. The cattle industry is expected to lose AU$ 9.67 million (95 % PI: 8.56, 13.11) each year just considering the cost of these three drugs. The results suggest that losses due to pinkeye in the Australian cattle industry are considerably higher than previously thought and should be used to inform the development of disease prevention and control policies.

Slaughter condemnation in bovine due to parasitic lesions and their economic impact in Federal Inspection System establishments in Brazil and in State inspection System in Rio Grande do Sul State / Condenação ao abate em bovinos devido a lesões parasitárias e seu impacto econômico em estabelecimentos do Sistema Federal de Inspeção no Brasil e no Sistema Estadual de Inspeção no Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract Slaughter condemnations are important sources of information on cattle health. The incidence of bovine parasitic diseases is still very high in Brazil. These diseases, in addition to causing harm to the animals health, are neglected zoonotic diseases in several parts of world. The study analysed not only the Carcass losses, but also the economic damage resulting from slaughter condemnations due to parasitic causes. Cattle slaughter data from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), over the period of 2012 to 2015 and data from the Secretary of Livestock and Irrigation of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (SEAPI-RS) were analyzed between 2014 and 2018.The number of organs and carcasses condemned was multiplied by the respective values (in Brazilian Real) obtained from slaughterhouses and subsequently converted into dollars. Brazilian analysis in SIF (Federal Inspection System) establishments showed that more than 1.2 million organs (3,884,505 kg) and 20,000 carcasses (4,547,718 kg) were condemned only due to parasitic causes during post-mortem inspection. In Rio Grande do Sul, in state inspection establishments, more than 1.7 million organs (8,210,559 kg) and 5,000 carcasses (1,243,200 kg) were condemned. These data are alarming and support the need for public policies to control these parasitic diseases.

Resumo Condenações durante o abate são importantes fontes de informação sobre a sanidade dos rebanhos. Ainda são altas as incidências de doenças parasitárias, as quais trazem consequências à saúde dos animais, são zoonoses e têm sua importância negligenciada em diversos países. O estudo objetivou quantificar não apenas as perdas encontradas, mas o prejuízo econômico resultante das condenações ao abate por causas parasitárias. Para isso foram analisados dados de abate de bovinos do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento, no período de 2012 a 2015, e dados da Secretaria da Agricultura Pecuária e Irrigação, do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no período de 2014 a 2018. A quantidade de órgãos e carcaças condenados foi multiplicada pelos respectivos valores (em Reais), obtidos da indústria frigorífica e, posteriormente, convertidos para dólar. A análise brasileira de estabelecimentos com SIF (Serviço de Inspeção Federal) mostrou que mais de 1,2 milhão de órgãos (3.884.505 kg) e 20 mil carcaças (4.547.718 kg) foram condenados devido a causas parasitárias durante a inspeção. No estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos estabelecimentos de inspeção estadual, foram condenados mais de 1,7 milhão de órgãos (8.210.559 kg) e 5 mil carcaças (1.243.200 kg). Os dados são alarmantes e ressaltam a necessidade de políticas públicas para controlar estas parasitoses.

Farmers' willingness to pay for foot and mouth disease vaccine in different cattle production systems in Amhara region of Ethiopia.

Although foot and mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Ethiopia, use of vaccines to control the disease has been practiced sparingly. This is due to perceived high cost of good quality FMD vaccine, and consequently limited availability of the vaccine in the market. This study was conducted to assess farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a quality FMD vaccine and identify factors that could potentially influence their WTP in Amhara region of Ethiopia. A total of 398 farmers from four districts that represent the mixed crop-livestock and market oriented production systems were enrolled for the study. The WTP was estimated using contingent valuation method with a double-bound dichotomous choice bid design. Interval regression analysis was used to estimate mean WTP and identify factors that influence it. The results showed that the mean WTP of all farmers was Ethiopian Birr (ETB) 58.23 (95% CI: 56.20-60.26)/annual dose. It was ETB 75.23 (95% CI: 72. 97-74.49) for market oriented farmers and ETB 42.6 (95%CI: 41.24-43.96) for mixed crop livestock farmers. Willingness to pay for the vaccine was significantly higher for farmers in market oriented system than in mixed crop livestock system. It was also significantly higher for farmers whose main livelihood is livestock than those whose main livelihood is other than livestock, and for farmers who keep exotic breed cattle and their crosses than those who keep only local cattle breeds. Willingness to pay significantly increased with increase in FMD impact perception and vaccine knowledge scores of farmers. The high mean WTP estimates showed that farmers are enthusiastic about using the FMD vaccine. Market-oriented farmers with higher willingness to pay may be more likely to pay full cost if official FMD vaccination is planned in the country than mixed crop livestock farmers. Animal health extension about livestock diseases impact and vaccines has a potential to increase farmers' uptake of vaccines for disease control.

Health treatment cost, stillbirth, survival, and conformation of Viking Red-, Montbéliarde-, and Holstein-sired crossbred cows compared with pure Holstein cows during their first 3 lactations.

Three generations of crossbreds from a 3-breed rotation of the Viking Red (VR), Montbéliarde (MO), and Holstein (HO) breeds were compared with their HO herdmates in 7 commercial dairy herds in Minnesota. The designed study enrolled 3,550 HO females in 2008 to initiate crossbreeding and a control of pure HO herdmates within each herd. Service sires were high-ranking, proven AI bulls selected for high genetic merit within each of the VR, MO, and HO breeds. Cows in this study calved from 2010 to 2017 and collection of data ended on December 31, 2017. The first generation of cows consisted of 644 VR × HO and 616 MO × HO crossbreds and their 1,405 HO herdmates. The second generation had 615 VR × MO/HO and 568 MO × VR/HO crossbreds and their 1,462 HO herdmates. The third generation had 466 combined HO × VR/MO/HO and HO × MO/VR/HO crossbreds and their 736 HO herdmates. Total health cost was the sum of veterinary treatment cost, pharmaceutical cost, and farm labor cost to treat 16 different health disorders. Conformation traits and body condition score were subjectively scored once during early lactation for each of the first 3 lactations of cows. Total health cost of the 2-breed crossbreds was significantly lower during first (-23%), second (-29%), and third (-21%) lactation compared with their HO herdmates. For the 3-breed crossbreds, total health cost did not differ during first lactation but was -26% lower during both second and third lactation compared with their HO herdmates. The stillbirth rate for calves born to 2-breed crossbred dams (4%) was significantly lower compared with calves born to their HO herdmates (8%) at first calving. Survival from first to third calving (+9%) and first to fourth calving (+11%) was significantly higher for the 2-breed crossbreds compared with their HO herdmates. Also, the 3-breed crossbreds had significantly higher survival to third (+11%) and fourth (+19%) calving compared with their HO herdmates. Across each generation of crossbreeding, the crossbreds had uniformly shorter stature, less angularity, and less body depth compared with their respective HO herdmates. The crossbred cows also had significantly less udder clearance from the hock but significantly more rear teat width and longer teat length compared with their respective HO herdmates. Furthermore, the crossbred cows had higher body condition score compared with their HO herdmates during each of their first 3 lactations.

Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle and the use of simulation models for endemic areas.

Fasciolosis is a food-borne disease that causes great distress to a range of hosts, including humans. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the liver damage and carcass weight of cattle naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica from the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and to (2) determine the distribution of adult flukes in 12,236 cattle liver from RS. The data from these experiments were used to calculate the overall economic loss due to F. hepatica infection. Eighteen adult Polled Hereford cows were divided into a triclabendazole (TbG) and a F. hepatica-positive group (FhG). For Experiment 1, a generalized linear mixed model revealed a statistical difference in carcass weight (49.8 kg) between TbG and FhG. The Monte Carlo analysis also revealed that the animals' weight differences were due to the disease. For Experiment 2, the prevalence of infected livers was above 16% (1904/12,236), mostly (20.1%) from the south-west region of RS. The Susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) epidemic model revealed the evolution of the infection using a high infectivity and low recovery rate. Other distinctive scenarios that occur in RS were also established with different rates of infectivity. The economic assessment showed a potential loss of US$45 million to the beef cattle industry of RS, with an overall State cost of US$90.3 million. These novel findings reveal the importance of fasciolosis infection, which can cause a significant health condition and poor animal welfare.

Epidemiology of bovine cysticercosis and associated economic losses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is the most frequently detected zoonosis in Brazilian slaughterhouses and is considered a problem for public health and beef production chain, requiring epidemiological studies focusing on evaluating its prevalence, spatial distribution, and economic losses in order to improve and adopt specific strategies for BCC control. Thus, this study focused to establish BCC prevalence and spatial distribution in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and estimate the economic losses for cattle farmers suppliers of one exporter slaughterhouse. A set of 70,591 bovine carcasses were postmortem inspected from 2019 to 2020, which came from 134 municipalities located in eight distinct regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The prevalence found was 3.44% (C.I. 95% 3.30-3.57%), and animals infected with unviable cysticerci were more frequently detected (70.56%) than those carrying viable ones (29.44%). The most frequent destination of carcasses and viscera was non-export (65.48%), followed by freezing/salting (25.41%), heat treatment (8.74%), and rendering (0.37%), resulting in a total economic burden of at least US$ 167,868.53 for cattle farmers. Some regions had higher risk for BCC occurrence, such as Porto Alegre, Caxias do Sul, Santa Maria, Ijuí, and Passo Fundo (OR > 1, p < 0.05), respectively. These results highlight the need of adopting prophylactic measures, mainly in specific areas, in order to control BCC and reduce the economic losses for beef production chain.

Economic effects of policy options restricting antimicrobial use for high risk cattle placed in U.S. feedlots.

The rising public health threat of antimicrobial resistance, the influence of food service companies, as well as the overall lack of positive image of using medical products in intensive farming are major drivers curbing antimicrobial use. In the future, government policies may affect practices of antimicrobial use in beef production in feedlots, a prominent current user of antimicrobials in animal agriculture, but also the agricultural industry generating the highest cash receipt in the U.S. Our objective was to estimate the cost effect from the following policies in feedlots: 1) using antimicrobials for disease prevention, control, and treatment; 2) using antimicrobials only for treatment of disease; and 3) not using antimicrobials for any reason. We modelled a typical U.S. feedlot, where high risk cattle may be afflicted by diseases requiring antimicrobial therapy, namely respiratory diseases, liver abscesses and lameness. We calculated the net revenue loss under each policy of antimicrobial use restriction. With moderate disease incidence, the median net revenue loss was $66 and $96 per animal entering the feedlot, for not using antimicrobials for disease prevention and control, or not using any antimicrobials, respectively, compared to using antimicrobials for disease prevention, control, and treatment. Losses arose mainly from an increase of fatality and morbidity rates, almost doubling for respiratory diseases in the case of antimicrobial use restrictions. In the case of antimicrobial use prohibition, decreasing the feeder cattle price by 9%, or alternatively, increasing the slaughter cattle price by 6.3%, would offset the net revenue losses for the feedlot operator. If no alternatives to antimicrobial therapy for prevention, control and treatment of current infectious diseases are implemented, policies that economically incentivize adoption of non-antimicrobial prevention and control strategies for infectious diseases would be necessary to maintain animal welfare and the profitability of beef production while simultaneously curbing antimicrobial use.

Economic model of bovine fasciolosis in Nigeria: an update.

Bovine fasciolosis is a zoonotic infection transmitted by infected freshwater snail-Lymnaea (Radix) natalensis-in tropical regions. The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Nigeria is overwhelming with huge financial cost. In the chronic form of the disease, hyperplastic cholangitis and calcification of bile ducts occur with severe liver damage. The aim of the study was to estimate annual economic losses of bovine fasciolosis in Nigeria. Disease prevalence was estimated at 18.3% (8.5-30.6), average annual disease incidence is maintained at 2.5%, an estimated mortality rate of 1.5%, a total liver condemnation rate of 11.1% were estimated from affected liver due to fasciolosis, annual slaughter rate of 10.5% and a total cattle population of 20 million. A total of 7.3% livestock owners consider fasciolosis as a threat, while only 4.3% have ever used molluscicide. Treatment cost of controlling fasciolosis is estimated at US$375,000, which puts the total annual loss due to fasciolosis at US$26.02 million. Both direct and indirect sources of production losses have an impact on the livestock industry in Nigeria. Bovine fasciolosis threatens food security in Nigeria; therefore, further awareness among livestock owners is needed on control strategies to improve the income base for small-scale livestock farmers.

Initial assessment of the economic burden of major parasitic helminth infections to the ruminant livestock industry in Europe.

We report a European wide assessment of the economic burden of gastrointestinal nematodes, Fasciola hepatica (common liver fluke) and Dictyocaulus viviparus (bovine lungworm) infections to the ruminant livestock industry. The economic impact of these parasitic helminth infections was estimated by a deterministic spreadsheet model as a function of the proportion of the ruminant population exposed to grazing, the infection frequency and intensity, the effect of the infection on animal productivity and mortality and anthelmintic treatment costs. In addition, we estimated the costs of anthelmintic resistant nematode infections and collected information on public research budgets addressing helminth infections in ruminant livestock. The epidemiologic and economic input data were collected from international databases and via expert opinion of the Working Group members of the European Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) action COMbatting Anthelmintic Resistance in ruminants (COMBAR). In order to reflect the effects of uncertainty in the input data, low and high cost estimates were obtained by varying uncertain input data arbitrarily in both directions by 20 %. The combined annual cost [low estimate-high estimate] of the three helminth infections in 18 participating countries was estimated at € 1.8 billion [€ 1.0-2.7 billion]. Eighty-one percent of this cost was due to lost production and 19 % was attributed to treatment costs. The cost of gastrointestinal nematode infections with resistance against macrocyclic lactones was estimated to be € 38 million [€ 11-87 million] annually. The annual estimated costs of helminth infections per sector were € 941 million [€ 488 - 1442 million] in dairy cattle, € 423 million [€ 205-663 million] in beef cattle, € 151million [€ 90-213 million] in dairy sheep, € 206 million [€ 132-248 million] in meat sheep and € 86 million [€ 67-107 million] in dairy goats. Important data gaps were present in all phases of the calculations which lead to large uncertainties around the estimates. Accessibility of more granular animal population datasets at EU level, deeper knowledge of the effects of infection on production, levels of infection and livestock grazing exposure across Europe would make the largest contribution to improved burden assessments. The known current public investment in research on helminth control was 0.15 % of the estimated annual costs for the considered parasitic diseases. Our data suggest that the costs of enzootic helminth infections which usually occur at high prevalence annually in ruminants, are similar or higher than reported costs of epizootic diseases. Our data can support decision making in research and policy to mitigate the negative impacts of helminth infections and anthelmintic resistance in Europe, and provide a baseline against which to measure future changes.

Short communication: Condition of male dairy calves at auction markets.

Male dairy calves in North America are frequently marketed through live auctions. Calves have been observed in suboptimal condition both at auctions and upon arrival at calf-rearing facilities that supply the veal or dairy-beef industries. The objectives of this study were to describe the health of male dairy calves at a commercial auction in British Columbia, Canada, examine the relationships between calf price and condition, and use price data from other auctions to reflect more broadly on the variability in calf condition at auction markets. Price and breed were recorded for 1,624 male calves, and a sample of 355 calves was assessed using a standardized health exam and body weight estimation. Linear regression was used to assess which calf characteristics were associated with price. Prices for young dairy calves at auctions in 2 other provinces (Nova Scotia and Quebec) were compiled for comparison. Twenty percent of calves had at least one health abnormality; the most common was navel disease (12%), followed by ocular or nasal discharge (4%), a depressed (dull, unable, or unwilling to rise) attitude (2%), coughing (2%), and joint inflammation (1%). The mean (±SD) estimated body weight was 47 ± 8 kg with a range of 27 to 82 kg. Calves were sold for up to Can$370 (median Can$140), but 10.5% sold for Can$10 or less, and 2.8% were not sold at all. [The mean exchange rate over the course of this study (Oct. 2017 to Mar. 2018) was Can$1 = US$0.79.] Calves with a depressed attitude sold for lower prices than bright, alert calves. In addition, those with Brown Swiss or Jersey genetics sold for lower prices than those with Holstein genetics, and cross-bred calves with beef genetics sold for higher prices. During 2018, 62% of young dairy calves sold at the Nova Scotia auction and 18% of young Holstein calves sold in Quebec were classed as lower quality and sold for 23% and 40%, respectively, of the value of higher-quality calves. The results underline the need to develop solutions to reduce the risk of marketing calves in poor condition at auction markets.