Prevalence and risk factors of Brachyspira spp. in pig herds with a history of diarrhoea in six European countries.

Swine dysentery and porcine intestinal spirochaetosis caused by Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli, respectively, are important diseases in swine production worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of both pathogens in farms with a history of diarrhoea within the last 12 months in Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and United Kingdom. In addition, risk factors for their prevalence and correlations between presence of different Brachyspira spp. and Lawsonia intracellularis were investigated. Therefore, faecal samples of 6355 nursery to finishing pigs out of 144 herds were sampled in 2017/2018 during a prevalence study on Lawsonia intracellularis, followed by polymerase chain reaction analysis for Brachyspira spp. detection. Herd prevalence differed significantly between countries, from 4.2% to 45.8% for B. hyodysenteriae and 8.3-87.5% for B. pilosicoli, respectively (p < 0.01). For the within-herd prevalence (in positive herds), these values ranged from 2.2% to 27.0% for B. hyodysenteriae and 3.3-50.8% for B. pilosicoli. Mixed infections occurred in 34.1% and 58.7% of B. hyodysenteriae positive samples with Lawsonia intracellularis or B. pilosicoli, respectively. In 43.2% of B. pilosicoli positive samples, Lawsonia intracellularis was detected simultaneously. Overall, nursery pigs were significantly less often positive for one of the pathogens than growing or finishing pigs (p < 0.001). The absence of gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea, routine use of antimicrobials and well performed biosecurity measures were some of the factors associated with lower detection rate of Brachyspira spp. Surprisingly, deworming of different age categories also showed associations with the detection of Brachyspira spp. which, however, were not always equally directed, and therefore require further investigations. The only risk factor significant for both Brachyspira spp. was the median number of ≥ 30 nursery pigs per pen after weaning, compared to smaller group sizes. Both pathogens were detected with varying frequency between the six European countries. This should be considered in the probability of disease and in case of transnational transport, to prevent spread of pathogens. In addition, the frequent presence of mixed infections in some countries should be taken into account in diagnostics. The most important protective factors against Brachyspira spp. presence on farm are biosecurity measures, while potential new factors such as deworming still require further investigation.

[Intramammary use of antibiotics in dairy farms in the canton of Ticino before, during and after Staphylococcus aureus genotype B elimination]. / Intramammärer Antibiotikaeinsatz vor, während und nach einer Staphylococcus aureus Genotyp B Sanierung in Milchkuhbetrieben im Kanton Tessin.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of intramammary antibiotics before, during and after the elimination of Staphylococcus aureus genotype B (SAGTB). Data on intramammary antibiotic use was collected in 65 dairy farms as part of a pilot project for SAGTB elimination in the canton of Ticino from 2017 to 2019. The investigated farms were divided into 46 affected farms (with at least one SAGTB-positive animal) and 19 control farms (SAGTB-free farms). Data on antibiotic use were requested from veterinarians and treatment incidence, as a measure of antibiotic use, was calculated based on medical records and veterinary prescriptions. In addition, the treatment incidence was calculated for 47 farms during alpine farming period. In 2018 (elimination year), the mean incidence of treatment during lactation in the SAGTB-positive farms was significantly higher than in the control farms (p=0,003). In 2019 no significantly lower antibiotic use during lactation or dry period was detected between 2017 (before elimination) and 2019 (after elimination). Alpine farming places where only S. aureus genotype B-negative animals had access to had a significantly lower antibiotic use during lactation (p=0,004). The new federal database (Antibiotics Information System in Veterinary Medicine, IS ABV) should allow continuous monitoring and to confirm the reduction of antibiotic use in the coming years.

INTRODUCTION: L'objectif de l'étude était d'évaluer la consommation d'antibiotiques intramammaires avant, pendant et après l'assainissement de Staphylococcus aureus génotype B (SAGTB). Dans le cadre d'un projet pilote d'assainissement SAGTB dans le canton du Tessin, l'étude a recueilli des données sur la consommation d'antibiotiques intramammaires de 2017 à 2019 dans 65 exploitations laitières réparties en 46 exploitations test (avec au moins un animal positif au SAGTB) et 19 exploitations témoins (exploitations exemptes de SAGTB). Les données relatives à la consommation d'antibiotiques ont été demandées aux vétérinaires et, grâce aux enregistrements et aux prescriptions des vétérinaires, il a été possible de calculer l'incidence du traitement en tant que mesure de la consommation d'antibiotiques. En outre, l'incidence des traitements pendant l'alpage a également pu être calculée pour 47 exploitations. En 2018 (année d'assainissement), l'incidence des traitements pendant la lactation était en moyenne significativement plus élevée dans les exploitations SAGTB-positives que pour les exploitations de contrôle (p=0,003). En comparant 2017 (avant l'assainissement) et 2019 (après l'assainissement), il n'y a pas eu de baisse significative de la consommation d'antibiotiques pendant la lactation et le tarissement en 2019. Dans les exploitations d'estivage, on a constaté l'année suivant l'assainissement (2019) une consommation d'antibiotiques significativement plus faible pendant la lactation pour les alpages qui n'accueillaient que des animaux négatifs à S. aureus génotype B (p=0,004). Il faut espérer qu'avec l'aide de la nouvelle base de données fédérale (Système d'information sur les antibiotiques en médecine vétérinaire, IS ABV), le monitoring pourra être poursuivi dans les années à venir et que la réduction de la consommation d'antibiotiques sera confirmée dans les années suivantes.

Antimicrobial susceptibility in E. coli and Pasteurellaceae at the beginning and at the end of the fattening process in veal calves: Comparing 'outdoor veal calf' and conventional operations.

Animal husbandry requires practical measures to limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, a novel management and housing concept for veal calf fattening was implemented on 19 intervention farms (IF) and evaluated regarding its effects on AMR in Escherichia (E.) coli, Pasteurella (P.) multocida and Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica in comparison with 19 conventional control farms (CF). Treatment intensity (-80%) and mortality (-50%) were significantly lower in IF than in CF, however, production parameters did not differ significantly between groups. Rectal and nasopharyngeal swabs were taken at the beginning and the end of the fattening period. Susceptibility testing by determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration was performed on 5420 isolates. The presence of AMR was described as prevalence of resistant isolates (%), by calculating the Antimicrobial Resistance Index (ARI: number of resistance of one isolate to single drugs/total number of drugs tested), by the occurrence of pansusceptible isolates (susceptible to all tested drugs, ARI=0), and by calculating the prevalence of multidrug (≥3) resistant isolates (MDR). Before slaughter, odds for carrying pansusceptible E. coli were higher in IF than in CF (+65%, p=0.022), whereas ARI was lower (-16%, p=0.003), and MDR isolates were less prevalent (-65%, p=0.001). For P. multocida, odds for carrying pansusceptible isolates were higher in IF before slaughter compared to CF (+990%, p=0.009). No differences between IF and CF were seen regarding the prevalence of pansuceptible M. haemolytica. These findings indicate that easy-to-implement measures to improve calf management can lead to a limitation of AMR in Swiss veal fattening farms.

[Health, performance and use of medication in professional Swiss meat rabbit production]. / Gesundheit, Leistung und Medikamenten­einsatz in der professionellen Schweizer Fleischkaninchenproduktion.

INTRODUCTION: Husbandry conditions for rabbits in Switzerland are at a high animal welfare level in international comparison. Wire mesh flooring is prohibited and group housing is mandatory up to the age of eight weeks. Despite these animal-friendly husbandry standards, animal losses seem to be a significant problem, although reliable data on professional Swiss meat rabbit production is lacking to date. A herd survey was carried out in 52 rabbit farms to address this situation. At the same time, each new litter and each fattening group was documented with a standardized form focusing on animal death and the use of medication by the farmer over a one year period. In the case of increased mortality or new health problems, dead rabbits were sent to the National Reference Center for Poultry and Rabbit Diseases (Zurich) for pathological examination including bacteriological and parasitological diagnostics. Data from 32 farms were evaluated. The average mortality of young animals (birth to weaning) was 14.9% (1.0-30.0%) and of fattening rabbits (weaning to slaughter) 17.3% (4.3-31.8%). Intestinal diseases, mainly dysentery, intestinal coccidiosis and mucoid enteropathies, were the primary cause of death (68.2%). Eimeria spp., Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were identified as the most frequent pathogens. Respiratory diseases were found in 18.7% of the examined rabbits, with Pasteurella multocida identified as the most common pathogen. 60.0% of the farms used antibiotics during the study period and a third (34.7%) of all the fattening animals were medicated with at least one antibiotic. The present results confirm that despite high animal welfare standards infectious diseases and mortality rates represent a considerable problem in professional Swiss meat rabbit production. Risk factors of increased morbidity and mortality should be identified to improve rabbit health, to reduce the high mortality rate and the extensive use of antibiotics in professional Swiss meat rabbit production. Practicable management improvements with specific prevention strategies should be developed.

INTRODUCTION: Les conditions d'élevage des lapins en Suisse sont d'un niveau élevé en comparaison internationale. Il est interdit de les garder sur un sol en treillis métallique et leur détention en groupe est obligatoire jusqu'à l'âge de huit semaines. Malgré ces normes d'élevage respectueuses des animaux, les pertes d'animaux semblent être un problème important, les données fiables sur la production professionnelle suisse de lapins de boucherie faisant largement défaut à ce jour. Afin de remédier à cette situation, une enquête d'exploitation a été réalisée dans 52 élevages cunicoles. En parallèle, chaque nouvelle portée et chaque groupe d'engraissement était documenté par le chef d'élevage avec un formulaire standardisé au cours d'une année, l'accent étant principalement mis sur les pertes d'animaux et l'utilisation de médicaments. En cas d'augmentation de la mortalité ou de nouveaux problèmes de santé, les lapins morts étaient envoyés au Centre national de référence pour les maladies de la volaille et des lapins (Zurich) pour une autopsie comprenant des examens bactériologiques et parasitologiques. Les données de 32 entreprises ont pu être évaluées. La mortalité moyenne des jeunes animaux (de la naissance au sevrage) était de 14,9% (1,0­30,0%), celle des lapins à l'engrais (du sevrage à l'abattage) était de 17,3% (4,3­ 31,8%). Les maladies intestinales ont été retrouvées en premier lieu (68,2%), principalement la dysenterie, suivie par la coccidiose intestinale et les entéropathies mucoïdes. Eimeria spp., Escherichia coli et Clostridium perfringens ont été identifiés comme les agents pathogènes les plus fréquents par ordre décroissant. Des maladies respiratoires ont été trouvées chez 18,7% des lapins examinés, le pathogène le plus courant étant Pasteurella multocida. 60,0% des élevages examinés ont utilisé des antibiotiques au cours de la période d'étude, environ un tiers (34,7%) de tous les processus d'engraissement examinés ont été traités avec au moins un antibiotique. Les résultats confirment que les maladies infectieuses et les pertes de lapins en Suisse représentent un problème considérable dans l'élevage professionnel malgré un élevage respectueux des animaux. Afin d'améliorer la santé des lapins dans les entreprises de production professionnelles suisses et de réduire ainsi les taux de mortalité élevés et l'utilisation intensive d'antibiotiques, les facteurs de risque d'augmentation de la morbidité et de la mortalité doivent être déterminés dans une étape supplémentaire afin de développer des améliorations de gestion réalisables dans le cadre de stratégies de prévention spécifiques.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of opportunistic pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease isolated from nasopharyngeal swabs of veal calves in Switzerland.

The composition of the bacterial flora in the calf nasopharynx might influence the risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The aims of the present study were, firstly, to investigate the prevalence of bacteria potentially involved in BRD in the nasopharynx of veal calves and to identify associated risk factors for their presence, and, secondly, to provide data on antimicrobial resistance levels in these bacteria. Deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from veal calves on 12 Swiss farms over a period of one year by non-random, but systematic sampling for isolation of Pasteurellaceae and Mycoplasma (M.) bovis and dispar. Associations of potential risk factors with occurrence of these bacteria were tested in multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses, based on information gained from extensive questionnaires completed with the farmers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for Pasteurellaceae by broth microdilution method to obtain minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Pasteurellaceae, including Pasteurella (P.) multocida, Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica, Bisgaard Taxon 39 and Histophilus (H.) somni, were almost twice as prevalent as M. bovis and dispar in this study. Continuous stocking was a risk factor for the presence of Pasteurellaceae, especially when calves originated from more than six suppliers. In young calves (≤ 91 days), feeding of California Mastitis Test (CMT) positive milk was an additional risk factor for the presence of Pasteurellaceae whereas transport of calves by farmers and livestock traders (as opposed to transport only by farmers) increased the risk in older calves (> 91 days). Risk factors for the presence of M. bovis/dispar were higher number of calves per drinking nipple in young calves, and no access to an outside pen and feeding of CMT positive milk in older calves, respectively. While further research will have to investigate the observed associations in more detail, this suggests that management can play an important role in the prevalence of nasopharyngeal bacteria with a potential subsequent involvement in BRD. Antimicrobial resistance differed between the three bacterial species tested in this study and was highest to oxytetracycline and spectinomycin in P. multocida, oxytetracycline and penicillin in M. haemolytica, and ampicillin and penicillin in H. somni. Only two European VetCAST breakpoints (for florfenicol in P. multocida and M. haemolytica) have been published to date, matching the MIC distribution of the present isolate populations well, in contrast to certain commonly applied American Clinical and Laboratory Institute interpretive criteria. This highlights the potential for further refinement of clinical breakpoints in veterinary medicine.

[Livestock management and veterinary services for cattle and pigs in Switzerland]. / Bestandesbetreuung und tierärztliche Leistungen bei Rindern und Schweinen in der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: The role of livestock veterinarian has changed in recent decades and the advisory role of veterinarians is becoming increasingly important. Only vague statements have been made about the current distribution and content of the livestock management in Switzerland. The aim of this study was to collect information and data on veterinary services and the use of livestock management for cattle and pigs and to describe the current situation in Switzerland. Therefore, a survey was carried out among veterinarians and farmers. The results show that around half (46%) of the surveyed veterinarians offer livestock management. However, the majority (61%) of farmers do not make use of the livestock management. Around one third of the farms (31%) are serviced by the animal health services and almost every tenth farm (8%) using the integrated veterinary livestock management (ITB). The service is mainly used by larger cattle and pig farms. The number of cattle in managed and non-managed farms differ significantly (p = 0.01). In general, pig farms are managed more frequently than cattle farms - mostly in the form of an agreement with the Pig Health Service (SGD). 76% of pig farms, 21% of cattle farms and 44% of mixed farms are using the livestock management. The majority (79%) of the surveyed veterinarians classify the market for livestock management small and its future importance is largely assessed stable or decreasing by veterinarians and farmers. Half of the veterinarians and a tenth of farmers without livestock management mention excessively high costs as a reason for the limited market. In addition, more than half of the farmers with livestock management name costs as the limiting factor. Veterinarians see the greatest advantage of livestock management in cattle fertility, udder health and milk quality, while pig farms profit in reduced use of veterinary drugs, improved herd health and disease prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Le rôle du vétérinaire rural s'est modifié au cours des dernières décennies et son rôle de conseiller devient de plus en plus important. Jusqu'à présent, cependant, seules de vagues déclarations ont été faites sur l'étendue et le contenu actuels de la médecine de troupeau en Suisse. Le but de cette étude était de collecter des informations et des données sur l'offre et l'utilisation de la médecine de troupeau pour les bovins et les porcs et de décrire la situation actuelle en Suisse. A cet effet, une enquête a été réalisée auprès des vétérinaires et des éleveurs. Les résultats montrent qu'environ la moitié (46%) des vétérinaires interrogés offrent des prestations de médecine de troupeau. Cependant, la majorité (61%) des agriculteurs ne profitent pas ces offres. Environ un tiers des exploitations (31%) sont prises en charge par les services de santé animale et moins d'une entreprise sur dix (8%) utilise l'offre de soins vétérinaires intégrés (ITB). Ce sont particulièrement les grands élevages de bovins et de porcs qui y ont recours. Le nombre de bovins dans les exploitations qui l'utilisent diffère statistiquement de manière significative (p = 0,01). En général, les élevages de porcs ont tendance à utiliser plus souvent la médecine de troupeau que les élevages de bovins et ce principalement sous la forme d'une convention du Service sanitaire porcin (SSP). Ventilés par type d'exploitation, on constate que 76% des élevages porcins, 21% des élevages bovins et 44% des exploitations mixtes pratiquent la médecine de troupeau. La majorité (79%) des vétérinaires interrogés considèrent la demande en matière de médecine de troupeau comme faible et son importance future est évaluée par les vétérinaires et les éleveurs comme constante voire décroissante. Des coûts trop élevés sont cités comme raison de la faible demande par plus de la moitié des vétérinaires et par environ un dixième des agriculteurs qui n'utilisent pas ces prestations. De plus, plus de la moitié des agriculteurs ayant recours à la médecine de troupeau considèrent les coûts comme le plus gros problème de mise en œuvre. Selon les vétérinaires, les progrès les plus importants sont réalisés chez les bovins dans les domaines de la fertilité, de la santé de la mamelle et de la qualité du lait, et, chez les porcs, dans les domaines de la réduction de l'utilisation des médicaments vétérinaires, de l>amélioration de la santé du troupeau et de la prophylaxie des maladies.

Effects of the novel concept 'outdoor veal calf' on antimicrobial use, mortality and weight gain in Switzerland.

The aim of the intervention study 'outdoor veal calf' was to evaluate a novel concept for calf fattening which aimed at reducing antimicrobial use without compromising animal health. Management practices such as commingling of calves from multiple birth farms, crowding, and suboptimal barn climate are responsible for high antimicrobial use and mortality in the veal calf population. The risk of selecting bacteria resistant to antimicrobials and of economic losses is accordingly elevated. The 'outdoor veal calf' concept, implemented in nineteen intervention farms (IF), is based on three main measures: 1. purchased calves are transported directly from neighboring birth farms to the fattening facility instead of commingling calves in livestock dealer trucks; 2. each calf is vaccinated against pneumonia after arrival and completes a three-week quarantine in an individual hutch; and 3. the calves spend the rest of the fattening period in outdoor hutches in groups not exceeding 10 calves. The covered and bedded paddock and the group hutches provide shelter from cold weather and direct sunshine, constant access to fresh air is warranted. Nineteen conventional calf fattening operations of similar size served as controls (CF). Every farm was visited once a month for a one-year period, and data regarding animal health, treatments, and production parameters were collected. Treatment intensity was assessed by use of the defined daily dose method (TIDDD in days per animal year), and calf mortality and daily weight gain were recorded in both farm groups. Mean TIDDD was 5.3-fold lower in IF compared to CF (5.9 ±â€¯6.5 vs. 31.5 ±â€¯27.4 days per animal year; p < 0.001). Mortality was 2.1-fold lower in IF than in CF (3.1% ± 2.3 vs. 6.3 % ± 4.9; p = 0.020). Average daily gain did not differ between groups (1.29 ±â€¯0.17 kg/day in IF vs. 1.35 ±â€¯0.16 kg/day in CF; p = 0.244). A drastic reduction in antimicrobial use and mortality was achieved in the novel 'outdoor veal calf' system without compromising animal health. The principles of risk reduction used in designing the system can be used to improve management and animal health, decrease the need for antimicrobial treatments and thus selection pressure on bacteria in veal operations.

[Use of antibiotics in Swiss piglet production and fattening farms]. / Antibiotikaeinsatz in Schweizer Ferkel­erzeugungs- und Mastbetrieben.

INTRODUCTION: In 164 randomly selected Swiss piglet production farms and 101 fattening farms, the indication for antibiotic use in 2012/2013 was recorded and an animal treatment index (TBI) was calculated for each age group. Sows were treated on average 0.9 days per year mainly due to mastitis-metritis-agalactia (MMA). Suckling piglets were treated on average 0.5 days per production cycle, mainly due to diarrhea and polyarthritis. Weaned piglets were treated during 4.4 days, especially due to diarrhea, polyarthritis and wasting. In fattening pigs, treatments were mainly due to diarrhea and HPS-suspicion, and lasted on average 4.8 days. In sows, antibiotics were used prophylactically on 22.6% of the treatment days, in suckling piglets on 50.5%, in weaners on 86.1% and in fattening pigs on 79.0% of the treatment days. A prophylactic oral antibiotic group therapy did not have a significant positive effect on daily weight gain of fattening pigs, nor was it able to reduce the number of individual or group therapies. In farms with prophylactic oral group therapy, the mortality rate during the first two fattening weeks even tended to be higher (p=0.06) than in farms without oral group therapy. Highest priority critically important antibiotics were used in 22.6% of all treatment days in sows, in 37.5% in suckling piglets, in 17.2% in weaned piglets and in 27.3% in fattening pigs. In many farms, antibiotics were not prescribed and used according to the rules of "prudent use".

INTRODUCTION: Dans 164 exploitations suisses de production de porcelets sélectionnées au hasard et 101 exploitations d'engraissement, les données concernant l'utilisation d'antibiotiques en 2012/2013 ont été enregistrées et un indice de traitement des animaux (TBI) a été calculé pour chaque groupe d'âge. Les truies ont été traitées en moyenne 0,9 jour par an, principalement en raison d'une mammite-métrite-agalactie (MMA). Les porcelets allaités ont été traités en moyenne 0,5 jour par cycle de production, principalement en raison de diarrhée et de polyarthrite. Les porcelets sevrés ont été traités pendant 4,4 jours, en particulier en raison de diarrhée, polyarthrite et émaciation. Chez les porcs à l'engrais, les traitements étaient principalement dus à la diarrhée et à la suspicion d'Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) et duraient en moyenne 4,8 jours. Chez les truies, les antibiotiques ont été utilisés à titre prophylactique pendant 22,6% des jours de traitement, chez les porcelets nourris au lait pendant 50,5%, chez les porcelets sevrés pendant 86,1% et chez les porcs à l'engrais pendant 79,0% des jours de traitement. Une antibiothérapie prophylactique de groupe par voie orale n'a pas eu d'effet positif significatif sur la prise de poids quotidienne des porcs à l'engrais et n'a pas permis de réduire le nombre de thérapies individuelles ou de groupe. Dans les exploitations avec traitement prophylactique de groupe par voie orale, le taux de mortalité au cours des deux premières semaines d'engraissement avait même tendance à être plus élevé (p = 0,06) que dans les exploitations sans traitement de groupe par voie orale. Des antibiotiques d'importance critique de haute priorité («Highest priority critically important antibiotics¼) ont été utilisés dans 22,6% de tous les jours de traitement chez les truies, dans 37,5% chez les porcelets allaités, dans 17,2% chez les porcelets sevrés et dans 27,3% chez les porcs à l'engrais. Dans de nombreuses exploitations, les antibiotiques n'étaient pas prescrits ni utilisés conformément aux règles de «l'utilisation prudente¼.

[Analysis of udder health in relation to antimicrobial usage in Swiss dairy farms]. / Analyse der Eutergesundheit in Zusammenhang mit dem Antibiotika­verbrauch in Schweizer Milchvieh­betrieben.

INTRODUCTION: In Switzerland, standards for milk quality are high. This requires a high level of udder health in dairy cows. Previous studies have shown that mastitis and antibiotic dry cow treatments are the most common causes of antimicrobial consumption in dairy cows. This raises the question of whether a high use of antibiotics is necessary to maintain good udder health. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between udder health and antimicrobial usage in Swiss dairy farms. A total of 84 participating farms were evaluated over a period of 18 months. Udder health was assessed using the yield corrected bulk milk somatic cell count from the monthly milk yield data and the number of lactating cows over 150'000 cells/ml per month. Data on antimicrobial consumption were also collected on a monthly basis. In a hierarchical regression model, a significant association between udder health and intramammary antibiotics used during lactation was found. The month of Measurement of the Somatic Cell Count and the veterinarian also had a statistically significant influence on udder health. The consumption of antibiotics for dry cow treatments was not associated with udder health. Antibiotics administered systemically and the production label of the farms was also not statistically associated with udder health in our models. The study was able to show that good udder health is possible with low antimicrobial usage.

INTRODUCTION: En Suisse, les exigences en matière de qualité du lait et, partant, de la santé de la mamelle dans les exploitations laitières sont élevées. Des études antérieures ont montré que les maladies de la mamelle et les tarissements aux antibiotiques sont la principale cause de l'usage d'antibiotiques chez les vaches laitières. Par conséquent, la question s'est posée de savoir si une utilisation importante d'antibiotiques est nécessaire au maintien d'une bonne santé de la mamelle. Le but de cette étude était d'analyser la relation entre la santé de la mamelle et la consommation d'antibiotiques. La santé de la mamelle a été évaluée au moyen du nombre théorique de cellules dans le tank à lait à partir des données du contrôle laitier mensuel et du nombre d'animaux présentant plus de 150 000 cellules/ml par mois. Des données sur la consommation d'antibiotiques ont également été collectées mensuellement. Les données totales de 84 exploitations sur une période de 18 mois ont pu être évaluées. Dans un modèle de régression hiérarchique, une corrélation significative entre la santé de la mamelle et les antibiotiques appliqués en intra mammaires pendant la lactation a été constatée. Le mois de pesée ainsi que le vétérinaire traitant ont également eu un impact significatif sur la santé de la mamelle. La quantité de préparations antibiotiques utilisées pour la phase de tarissement ne correspondait pas à la santé de la mamelle dans les exploitations. Les antibiotiques administrés par voie systémique de même que le label de production des exploitations ne sont pas non plus significatifs. L'étude a montré qu'une bonne santé de la mamelle est possible même avec une faible utilisation d'antibiotiques.

Associations between antimicrobial treatment modalities and antimicrobial susceptibility in Pasteurellaceae and E. coli isolated from veal calves under field conditions.

Antimicrobial consumption, with bovine respiratory disease as main indication, is higher in the veal calf industry compared to other livestock production branches. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible associations between antimicrobial drug use and resistance in Pasteurellaceae and indicator Escherichia (E.) coli from veal calves under field conditions in a prospective trial. Over a period of one year, nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected from 2587 animals on 12 and 43 farms, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 346 Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica, 1162 Pasteurella (P.) multocida and 2138 E. coli. Drug use was quantified as treatment incidence for each farm based on the used daily dose methodology (TIUDD), separately for group and individual treatments, and for antimicrobial classes. In multivariable mixed logistic regression analyses, risk factors could be identified for reduced susceptibility to certain antimicrobial classes. Group treatment was generally associated with higher rates of not susceptible (NS) M. haemolytica and P. multocida and non-wildtype (non-WT) E. coli. Individual treatment was associated with less NS and non-WT isolates. Age and entry protocol were important confounders with younger animals showing higher rates of NS and non-WT strains. The present findings suggest that, under field conditions, targeted individual treatment of calves can reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance compared to oral group treatment. For the different microorganisms, risk factors for resistance were partially different. This demonstrates that indicator organisms like E. coli do not necessarily reflect the associations observed in respiratory pathogens.

[Transport of veal calves from birth farms to veal farms and calf management in Swiss dairy farms]. / Transporte von Mastkälbern vom Geburts- auf den Mastbetrieb und Kälbermanagement in Schweizer Geburtsbetrieben.

INTRODUCTION: The calf transports of 34 veal farms were documented over a one-year period in order to describe the transport from dairy to veal farms. Veal farms were visited four to eight times, and general farm management data and information on calf purchase were collected. Thirty-five transports were accompanied and documented in detail by the project team. Whenever possible during the accompanied transports, a questionnaire on calf management prior to purchase (calving location, colostrum feeding, vaccinations, iron and selenium supplementation) was filled in with the manager of the dairy (birth) farm. Unaccompanied transports were recorded using a form completed by the veal farmers and the transporters. Information was collected on the number and origin of the calves, transport duration and distance, and stops on farms and markets. A total of 721 transports from dairy to veal farms (531 transports by veal farmers and 190 by suppliers/livestock traders) were documented in the course of the project. Six veal farmers always collected and transported their own calves, nine received their calves from cattle traders only, and 19 used both systems. Veal farmers transported a median of 2.0 (1-21 calves) and traders 3.0 calves (1-74 calves) per transport. The median number of dairy farms per 10 transported calves was 10.0 (1.2-10 dairy farms per 10 transported calves) for transports performed by veal farmers, and 10.0 (2.5-10 dairy farms per 10 transported calves) by traders. The median transport duration was 20.0 minutes (1-330 minutes) with veal farmers and 45.0 minutes (2-414 minutes) with traders. The median available surface per calf during transport was 2 m2 (0.4-6 m2) in transports by veal farmers and 0.6 m2 (0.4-2.7 m2) in those by traders. No bedding was provided on three transports performed by veal farmers although this is prescribed by law. Intranasal vaccination against respiratory disease was performed in 7% of the 88 birth farms included in the study.

INTRODUCTION: Afin de documenter les transports de veaux des exploitations de naissance aux exploitations d'engraissement, les transports dans 34 fermes d'engraissement ont été documentés pendant un an. Les exploitations d'engraissement ont été visitées quatre à huit fois au cours de cette période et des données générales ont été recueillies sur l'exploitation et sur l'achat des veaux. Trente-cinq transports ont été accompagnés et documentés avec précision par l'équipe du projet. Si possible, un questionnaire sur la gestion des veaux avant la vente (lieu de naissance, apport en colostrum, vaccinations, administration de fer et de sélénium) a été rempli avec les responsables de l'exploitation de naissance lors des transports accompagnés. Les autres transports (non accompagnés) ont été documentés à l'aide d'un formulaire que les agriculteurs ont rempli avec les transporteurs. Des informations ont été recueillies sur le nombre et l'origine des veaux, la durée et la distance de transport, ainsi que les arrêts dans les fermes et les marchés. Au total, 721 transports de l'exploitation de naissance à celle d'engraissement ont pu être documentés au cours du projet (531 transports par les engraisseurs eux-mêmes et 190 par des fournisseurs/marchands de bétail). Sur les 34 engraisseurs, six allaient toujours chercher leurs veaux eux-mêmes, neuf les achetaient toujours à un fournisseur, et 19 faisaient les deux. Les engraisseurs transportaient un médian de 2,0 veaux (1-21 veaux) et les fournisseurs de 3,0 veaux (1-74 veaux) par transport. Le nombre médian d'exploitations de naissance par 10 veaux transportés était 10,0 (1,2 à 10 exploitations par 10 veaux) pour les transports effectués par les engraisseurs et de 10,0 pour ceux effectués par les fournisseurs (2,5 à 10 exploitations par 10 veaux). La durée médiane des transports était de 20,0 minutes (1-330 minutes) pour les engraisseurs et de 45,0 minutes (2-414 minutes) pour les marchands de bétail. Pour les transports accompagnés, la surface médiane par veau était de 2 m2 (0,4 à 6 m2) pour les engraisseurs et de 0,6 m2 (0,4 à 2,7 m2) pour les marchands. Il n'y avait pas de litière sur trois transports d'engraisseurs, bien que cela soit exigé par la loi. Une vaccination intranasale contre les maladies respiratoires était réalisée dans 7% des 88 fermes de naissance pour lesquelles un questionnaire a été rempli.

[Retrospective study on the eradication of Swine Dysentery (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) in Switzerland]. / Retrospektive Studie zur Sanierung von Beständen mit Schweinedysenterie (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) in der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: The eradication of Swine Dysentery (infection with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) within farm populations is extremely complex and its success is significantly linked to the compliance of pig farmers performing the onsite eradications, emphasizing the importance of their motivation. The present study focuses on the motivation and satisfaction of Swiss pig farmers concerning eradication of Swine Dysentery on their farms and has the intention of generating data to establish a basis for decision-making regarding future eradications. A structured survey was conducted on 68 Swiss pig farms where an eradication of Swine Dysentery had already taken place. The data collected were then statistically analyzed. Of the study's population, 50 (73.5%) farms underwent eradication using the total depopulation method and 18 (26.5%) farms conducted an eradication process using the partial depopulation method; both in accordance to the guidelines of Switzerland's Pig Health Service (SUISAG Schweinegesundheitsdienst; SGD). When asked about the driving factors behind their decision to perform the eradications, owners cited their own interest (57.4%; 39/68) (primarily due to financial aspects (38.5%; 15/39)) or external pressure (42.7%; 29/68) (predominantly through marketers as well as through the health status assigned by the SGD (each 11/29)). The duration of the eradication on farms differed significantly and costs varied considerably within the different production types as well as the type of eradication performed. Utilized means and processes for eradication were the same (drugs, disinfectant for manure) or much alike (e.g. emptying of the pigpens) however stock-specific and individual variations were exhibited. The majority of the interviewed livestock owners were motivated to perform the eradication (86.6%; 58/67), satisfied with having performed the eradication and satisfied with the outcome of the eradication (89.7%; 61/68). The cost efficiency of the farms (54.4%; 37/68) and the health status of the herds (63.2%; 43/68) were perceived as having improved and the usage of drugs having diminished (59.7%; 40/67) post eradication. The effort of an eradication was described as acceptable to too great. The study showed herd eradication of Swine Dysentery to be perceived as mainly positive. However, effort as well as costs are felt to be considerable and could, therefore, provide the most important starting point to increasing the willingness of pig owners to perform eradications.

INTRODUCTION: L'assainissement d'exploitations avec de problèmes de dysenterie porcine (infection à Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) peut prendre beaucoup de temps et son succès est étroitement lié à l'observance des personnes qui l'exécutent. C'est pourquoi les éleveurs de porcs doivent être motivés pour effectuer cette lutte. La présente étude a notamment porté sur la motivation et la satisfaction des détenteurs suisses de porcs en ce qui concerne l'assainissement de la dysenterie porcine afin de générer des données et, partant, des aides à la décision pour de futures mesures de lutte. Pour cela, des données ont été collectées au moyen d'un entretien structuré et analysées statistiquement dans 68 exploitations suisses après un assainissement complet de la dysenterie. Dans ces exploitations, 50 assainissements totaux (73.5%) et 18 assainissements partiels (26,5%) ont été effectués conformément aux directives du Service sanitaire porcin suisse (SUISAG SGD). L'intérêt propre (57,4%, 39/68) (principalement dû aux aspects financiers (38,5%; 15/39)) et la pression externe (42,7%; 29/68) (principalement par statut SGD ou par les négociants (chacun pour 11/29)) étaient les raisons de l'assainissement. La durée de l'assainissement et les coûts variaient considérablement selon les types de production de même que selon les types d'assainissement. Dans le cadre de l'assainissement, les moyens utilisés et les processus étaient les mêmes (médicaments, désinfectant de fumier) respectivement étaient similaires (par exemple, la vidange des écuries) mais présentait des variations individuelles spécifiques à l'exploitation. La majorité des propriétaires d'animaux interrogés étaient motivés à un assainissement (86,6%, 58/67) et étaient également satisfaits de l'avoir fait (97,1%, 66/68) et du résultat (89,7%, 61/68). Après l'assainissement, la rentabilité (54,4%; 37/68) et la santé du cheptel (63,2%; 43/68) ont été jugées subjectivement meilleures et la consommation de médicaments (59,7%; 40/67) inférieure. Le coût de l'assainissement était, selon le type de production, considéré comme justifié jusqu'à élevé. On a pu montrer que l'assainissement de la dysenterie porcine est généralement évalué positivement. Cependant, les efforts et les coûts sont considérables et représentent des points de départ possibles pour optimiser la volonté des éleveurs de porcs.

Effects of management practices, animal transport and barn climate on animal health and antimicrobial use in Swiss veal calf operations.

To assess the effects of transport, management factors and barn climate on calf health, 43 Swiss veal farms (11 large farms fattening ≥100 calves and 32 small farms fattening >20 but <100 calves per year) were monitored in a prospective cohort study over a period of one year. Detailed questionnaires on farm structure, management, housing system and animal health were filled out with the farmers during bimonthly visits, and barn temperature, humidity, ammonia and CO2 concentrations were measured. Temperature and humidity were also measured continuously over 72 h once each in winter and summer. In addition, calf purchase and transport from birth farm to fattening unit were documented by the farmers, and the study team accompanied one transport per farm whenever possible. Antimicrobial treatment incidence was calculated from the used daily dose (TIUDD). Risk factors for mortality, average daily weight gain (ADG) and antimicrobial use, as well as factors related to transport and barn climate measures were evaluated with mixed regression models. The overall mortality rate was 5.1% (6.2% in large herds and 3.1% in small ones). Identified risk factors for mortality >3% included a lower number of calves fattened per year and a good hygiene of the feeder. This surprising result was likely due to the fact that the threshold of 3% mortality was rather exceeded in smaller farms. Furthemore, higher temperature variation (range between maximal and minimal temperature over 3 measurement days) in the calf pen was associated with mortality >3% in the univariable analysis. The overall mean ADG was 1.40 ± 0.16 kg. Calf purchase was significantly associated with decreased ADG. The median overall TIUDD was eight daily doses per calf and year (2.1 in small farms and 26 in large farms, respectively); the main indication for treatment was respiratory disease (81.1%). Risk factors for increased TI were no quarantine upon arrival, access to an outside pen, higher numbers of calves per drinking nipple, mechanical ventilation, vaccination against bovine respiratory disease, and a maximum ammonia value >10 ppm in the calf pen. In addition, a higher number of birth farms and calf purchase from markets were associated with increased TI in the univariable analysis. The identified risk factors associated with increased TI and mortality and with decreased ADG should be addressed in priority in veal calf operations to improve calf health and reduce antimicrobial use.

Antimicrobial use for selected diseases in cats in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic use in human and veterinary medicine is considered a main driver of antimicrobial resistance. Although guidelines to promote appropriate use of antimicrobials in veterinary patients have been developed, antibiotic overprescription is assumed to be a common problem. The goal of this study was to investigate antimicrobial use in cats in Switzerland with acute upper respiratory tract disease (aURTD), feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and abscesses, and to assess compliance of prescription with consensus guidelines. A total of 776 cases (aURTD, n = 227; FLUTD, n = 333; abscesses, n = 216) presented to two university hospitals and 14 private veterinary practices in Switzerland during 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical history, diagnostic work-up and antimicrobial prescription (class, dosage, duration) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 77% (aURTD), 60% (FLUTD) and 96% (abscesses) of the cases received antibiotic therapy; 13-24% received combination or serial therapy. The cats were treated for a median of 7 (abscesses) and 10 days (aURTD, FLUTD). Treatments with potentiated aminopenicillins (40-64%), third generation cephalosporins (25-28%), aminopenicillins (12-24%) and fluoroquinolones (3-13%) were most common. Prescriptions were judged in complete accordance with consensus guidelines in 22% (aURTD), 24% (FLUTD) and 17% (abscesses) of the cases. Antibiotics were prescribed although not indicated in 34% (aURTD), 14% (FLUTD) and 29% (abscesses) of the cases. The presence of lethargy, anorexia or fever in cats with aURTD, and the detection of bacteriuria in cats with FLUTD were significantly associated with antibiotic therapy. Although diagnostic work-up was significantly more common (aURTD: university hospitals, 58%; private practices, 1%; FLUTD: university hospitals, 92%; private practices, 27%) and the use of critically important antibiotics significantly less common at the university hospitals (aURTD, 10%; FLUTD, 14%) compared to private practices (aURTD, 38%; FLUTD, 54%), the frequency of antibiotic treatment was not different between the university hospitals and private practices. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that overprescription of antibiotics in cats in Switzerland is common and accordance with guidelines is poor. The study highlights the need to promote antimicrobial stewardship in small animal medicine.

[Study on the current situation in farm animal medicine]. / Studie zur Versorgungslage in der Schweizer Nutztiermedizin.

INTRODUCTION: For a long time there has been a debate in Switzerland as to whether the veterinary farm animal service is still sufficiently guaranteed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the supply and demand of veterinary services for cattle and pigs through a representative survey of veterinarians and farmers. The results revealed that the veterinary farm animal service was rated by the majority of both, farmers and veterinarians, to be good or very good. Veterinary service shortages exist partly in mountain and peripheral regions, in small areas in otherwise well-served regions and in the canton of Ticino. By contrast, about one third of farm animal practices are rather underutilized and would prefer to increase livestock numbers. The emergency service is currently very well guaranteed. Ninety-five percent of veterinarians and farmers stated that on-site emergency service is provided within an hour or less. The quality of veterinary services were also assessed positively by the farmers. While a third of respondents said veterinary care improved compared to five years ago, only two percent felt that veterinary care had deteriorated. Almost all veterinarians stated that vacancies in farm animal practices were difficult to fill adequately. The majority of practice owners do not receive enough applications from suitable candidates. In addition, the majority of applicants were not trained in Switzerland. The security of farm animal veterinary service is currently mostly good to very well guaranteed. However, there is a lack of veterinarians trained to meet the future needs of farm animal veterinarians.

INTRODUCTION: On discute depuis longtemps pour savoir si l'offre de prestations vétérinaires pour les animaux de rente est encore suffisante en Suisse. Le but de la présente étude était de relever l'offre et la demande en matière de prestations vétérinaires pour les bovins et les porcs par le biais d'une enquête représentative auprès de vétérinaires et d'agriculteurs. Les résultats démontrent que l'approvisionnement en soins vétérinaires pour les animaux de rente est considéré, tant par les agriculteurs que par les vétérinaires, comme majoritairement bon à très bon. Il existe des carences en la matière dans les régions de montagnes et les régions périphériques, dans certains endroits de zones autrement bien desservies et dans le canton du Tessin. A l'opposé, environ un tiers des pratiques pour animaux de rente s'estiment sous-occupées et seraient prêtes à s'occuper de plus d'exploitations. Le service d'urgences est actuellement très bien assuré. Cinquante-cinq pour cent des vétérinaires et des agriculteurs ont indiqué qu'il fallait au maximum une heure pour que, en cas d'urgence, le vétérinaire soit sur place. La qualité des prestations vétérinaires a également été jugée de façon positive par les agriculteurs. Un tiers des sondés sont d'avis que la capacité professionnelle s'est améliorée dans les cinq dernières années contre seulement deux pour cent qui estiment qu'elle s'est détériorée. Presque tous les vétérinaires considèrent qu'il est difficile de repourvoir de façon adéquate les places vacantes dans le secteur de la médecine des animaux de rente. Une majorité des propriétaires de cabinets ne reçoit pas assez de postulation venant de candidats appropriés. Les propriétaires de cabinets déclarent également que la majorité des candidats n'ont pas fait leur formation en Suisse. La sécurité de l'approvisionnement en matière de médecine des animaux de rente est actuellement en grande majorité bonne à très bonne. Toutefois la Suisse ne forme actuellement pas assez de vétérinaires pour couvrir les besoins futurs en matière de praticiens ruraux.

[Deer farming in Switzerland - Current epidemiological situation with focus on husbandry, management and nutrition]. / Gehegewild in der Schweiz ­ Aktuelle epidemiologische Situation mit Schwerpunkt Haltung, Management und Fütterung.

INTRODUCTION: Between September 2016 and February 2017 a survey in Swiss deer farms were conducted to gain information about their husbandry. Questions about the business, feeding, management, health and deworming strategies were asked. 98 (19%) out of 527 registered farms (2016) participated in the survey. The farms were often run on a sideline business, had an average used agricultural area of 7.3 ha with an average of 38 deer. Pasture access was the preferred feeding strategy followed by offering first and second cut hay. Between 2013-2015 the most common causes of death were sudden death and injuries. Parasites were classified as no or rather small problem by 91 out of 102 deer owner. Fecal parasitological examinations of fecal samples were conducted in 36 (35%) of the responding farms. Gastrointestinal roundworms (Trichostrongylidae) were identified as the most common pathogens (in 42-59% of sampled farms), in addition large lungworms (Dictyocaulus sp.) and coccidia were detected. 45% of the participating farmers conducted at least one treatment against parasites between 2013 and 2015.

INTRODUCTION: Dans le but d'avoir une vue d'ensemble sur la détention du gibier d'élevage en Suisse, une enquête a été menée entre septembre 2016 et février 2017, comprenant des questions relatives à l'exploitation, à l'alimentation, à la situation sanitaire et aux stratégies en matière de vermifugation. 98 des 527 exploitations annoncées en 2016 (19%) ont participé à cette étude. Ces exploitations, qui constituent fréquemment un gain accessoire, avaient une surface agricole d'en moyenne 7,3 ha avec 38 cervidés. En matière d'alimentation, c'est le foin et le regain qui étaient le plus souvent utilisés en complément du pâturage. Les causes de pertes dans les troupeaux entre 2013 et 2015 étaient principalement les cas de mort subite ainsi que les blessures. 91 de 102 détenteurs de cervidés considéraient les parasites comme n'étant pas un problème ou n'étant qu'un faible problème. Des échantillons de selles, prélevés dans 36 (35%) des exploitations ayant répondu au questionnaire, montraient que les nématodes gastro-intestinaux (Trichostrongylidae) étaient les plus fréquents (présents dans 42-59% des exploitations testées); des vers pulmonaires (Dictyocaulus sp.) et des coccidies ont également été trouvés. Environ 45 % des détenteurs de cervidés ayant participé à l'enquête avaient effectué, dans la période comprise entre 2013 et 2015 au moins un traitement antiparasitaire.

Optimization of analgesia for piglet castration under isoflurane anaesthesia with parenteral butorphanol, meloxicam or intratesticular lidocaine.

INTRODUCTION: This blinded prospective study investigated analgesic effects of intramuscular (IM) butorphanol, meloxicam or intratesticular (IT) lidocaine for castration of 7-14 days old piglets under isoflurane anaesthesia. 66 piglets were randomly injected with: meloxicam IM (0.4 mg/kg; group M), butorphanol IM (0.2 mg/kg; group B), or both (group BM) 20 minutes prior to castration, or lidocaine IT (4 mg/kg (group ML4) or 8 mg/kg (group ML8)) together with meloxicam IM (0.4 mg/kg) under anaesthesia with 1.8% end-tidal isoflurane. Heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide were recorded. Anaesthesia quality was scored and postoperative behaviour assessed. As butorphanol caused unacceptable side effects, its use was stopped. Group M showed worse anaesthesia quality than ML4 and ML8 (higher incidence of movements: 11/17, 3/18 and 4/17, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups regarding parameters measured during castration. Postoperative behaviour did not differ between groups. For castration of 7-14 days old piglets under isoflurane anaesthesia, IT lidocaine provides an additional side effect free analgesia.

INTRODUCTION: Cette étude prospective en aveugle étudie l'effet analgésique de l'injection intramusculaire (IM) de butorphanol et de méloxicam ou de l'injection intra-testiculaire (IT) de lidocaïne pour la castration, sous anesthésie à l'isoflurane, de porcelets âgés de 7 à 14 jours. Soixante-six porcelets ont reçu de manière aléatoire soit du méloxicam IM (0.4 mg/kg; groupe M), soit du butorphanol IM (0.2 mg/kg; groupe B), soit les deux substances (groupe MB) 20 minutes avant la castration, soit de la lidocaïne IT (4 mg/kg (groupe ML4) ou 8 mg/kg (groupe ML8)) ainsi que du méloxicam IM (0.4 mg/kg), avec une anesthésie à l'isoflurane à 1.8% en fin d'expiration. Les fréquences cardiaques et respiratoires, la pression artérielle moyenne et le CO2 en fin d'expiration ont été documentés. La qualité de l'anesthésie a été estimée et le comportement post-opératoire observé. Le butorphanol a causé des effets secondaires inacceptables et son usage a été stoppé. Le groupe M montrait une plus mauvaise qualité d'anesthésie que les groupes ML4 et ML8 (plus grande incidence de mouvements : 11/17, 3/18 et 4/17). Les autres paramètres intra opératoires ne présentaient pas de différences significatives et on a pas constaté de différences entre les groupes dans la phase postopératoire. Pour la castrations de porcelets âgés de 7 à 14 jours sous anesthésie à l'isoflurane, l'utilisation intra testiculaire de lidocaïne représente une analgésie supplémentaire dépourvue d'effets secondaires.

Evaluation of anaesthesia and analgesia quality during disbudding of goat kids by certified Swiss farmers.

BACKGROUND: Certified Swiss farmers are allowed to disbud their goat kids using a standard intramuscularly administered anaesthetic mixture. This mixture, containing xylazine and ketamine, is officially distributed with the goal to provide a painless disbudding. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of analgesia and anaesthesia achieved during disbudding, when performed by Swiss farmers. To assess this, 174 goat kids at 31 different farms were observed and filmed during cautery disbudding. RESULTS: The standard anaesthetic mixture (0.05 mg/kg xylazine and 20 mg/kg ketamine) was used only in 71 goat kids. Fifty-eight goat kids were anaesthetised with different dosages of xylazine (median 0.18 mg/kg) and ketamine (median 10 mg/kg), 22 with xylazine only (median 0.61 mg/kg), 20 with xylazine (median 1.84 mg/kg) and perineural lidocaine (median 1.23 mg/kg), three with acepromazine (dosage unknown) and ketamine (10 mg/kg). Based on vocalisation, limb movement and head lifting during disbudding, a general reaction score was attributed to 168 goat kids (six were excluded due to firm restraint): 56.5% were scored zero (no limb movement, no vocalisation), 7.7% one, 17.3% two and 18.5% three (strong movements, vocalisation). Significant risk factors for higher reaction scores were the type of anaesthetic protocol and manipulation by the farmer during induction. Significant risk factors for longer recoveries were use of xylazine alone or xylazine in combination with perineural lidocaine, breed, younger age and recovery underneath heat lamp. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that anaesthesia and analgesia of goat kids disbudded by Swiss farmers is inadequate, as 35.8% of the animals showed moderate to strong behavioural reactions during the procedure. Unexpectedly, only 40.8% of the goat kids were anaesthetised with the standard anaesthetic mixture and several other protocols were used. A refinement of the recommended protocol is urgently needed to guarantee animal welfare.

[AntibioticScout.ch: Decision support for the prudent use of antimicrobials: Application in cattle]. / AntibioticScout.ch: Entscheidungshilfe für den umsichtigen Einsatz von antimikrobiellen Wirkstoffen: Anwendung beim Rind.

INTRODUCTION: The administration of antibiotics in livestock has been criticized for many years, in particular because of an inappropriate use and the appearance of antibiotic residues in the environment, which can promote the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. However, antibiotics are essential for the successful and sustainable control of bacterial pathogens. With the aim of optimizing the use of antibiotics in food animals and minimizing the prevalence of resistant bacteria, AntibioticScout. ch provides a decision aid for the prudent use of antimicrobial drugs. This approach emphasizes the importance of supportive therapy and the hallmarks of preventive concepts. Procedures to improve animal health and animal welfare in accordance with the principles of good veterinary practice are primary and effective tools to reduce the use of antimicrobial drugs. The necessary reduction in the use of antibiotics must, therefore, be accompanied by appropriate management strategies in animal husbandry. In particular, hygiene, animal welfare and biosecurity measures are crucial to ensure an optimal health status in farm animals.

INTRODUCTION: On discute depuis des années de l'usage des antibiotiques dans l'élevage des animaux de rente, en particulier en ce qui concerne leur utilisation incorrecte et la charge environnementale liée à des résidus d'antibiotiques susceptibles de favoriser l'apparition et la propagation de résistances. Toutefois les antibiotiques sont essentiels pour assurer une lutte efficace et durable contre les maladies d'origine bactérienne. Dans le but d'optimiser l'usage des antibiotiques dans l'élevage des animaux de rente et, par conséquence, de réduire le développement de résistances, AntibioticScout.ch propose une aide à la décision pour un usage prudent de ces substances ("prudent use"). Parallèlement, on attire l'attention sur les traitements adjuvants et sur les mesures de prévention. Des mesures visant à améliorer la santé et le bien-être des animaux en tenant compte des fondements d'une bonne pratique vétérinaire sont des instruments efficaces pour réduire l'usage des antibiotiques. Cette réduction indispensable doit donc être combinée avec des mesures de gestion adéquates dans les élevages. Ce sont en particulier l'hygiène et les conditions d'élevage correctes ainsi que la mise en place de mesures de biosécurité qui sont décisives pour l'optimisation de la santé des troupeaux.