Farm-level risk factors for digital dermatitis in dairy cows in mountainous regions.

Reduction of risk factors for bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is crucial in current disease control. However, risk factors that might arise especially in mountainous regions are unknown until now, and an adapted BDD control program is consequently missing. The objective of this observational case-control study was to identify farm-level risk factors for BDD in dairy herds in mountainous regions. To investigate predictors for the occurrence of BDD, 100 farms were visited and information about herd characteristics and management practices, potentially relevant explanatory variables for either introduction or establishment of BDD, were gathered by completing a questionnaire with the farmer or herd manager. Within-herd prevalences of BDD assessed during 3 routine claw trimmings with an interval of 6 mo before the survey were used to define cases (BDD within-herd prevalence of ≥26% during each claw trimming) and controls (no BDD cases in each of the 3 routine claw trimmings before the survey). Data were analyzed using 2 separate binomial generalized linear models according to either establishment or introduction of BDD. After prescreening, 15 of 23 explanatory variables were included in the final analysis, which showed 3 variables related to introduction and establishment, each being significantly associated with the occurrence of BDD within a farm. Results of model 1 (i.e., aspects related to BDD introduction) revealed that access to mountain pastures during the summer season (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.12, 0.04-0.35), participation in dairy shows (0.32, 0.11-0.94), and the number of new animals introduced into the farm during the last 2 yr (1.28, 1.12-1.52) were significantly associated with the occurrence of BDD. Model 2 (i.e., aspects related to BDD establishment) showed that cows kept in freestalls were at higher risk for BDD compared with those kept in tiestalls (20.65, 1.59-649.37). Furthermore, number of days between diagnosis and treatment of a BDD lesion (10.31, 3.55-81.21) and the amount of concentrate feeding (median 5 kg) per cow and day (7.72, 2.46-6.47) were positively associated with BDD occurrence. In conclusion, the findings of this study provide a set of risk factors that are associated with BDD status within herds in mountainous regions. These results may help in development of adapted control programs for BDD in dairy cows.

Associations of antimicrobial use with antimicrobial susceptibility at the calf level in bacteria isolated from the respiratory and digestive tracts of veal calves before slaughter.

OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial drugs are frequently administered in veal calves, but investigations on associations with antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria are scarce and convey partly contradictory findings. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of antimicrobial use (AMU) during the fattening period with antimicrobial susceptibility shortly before slaughter. METHODS: Detailed treatment data of 1905 veal calves from 38 farms were collected prospectively during monthly farm visits for 1 year (n = 1864 treatments, n = 535 visits); 1582 Escherichia coli, 1059 Pasteurella multocida and 315 Mannheimia haemolytica were isolated from rectal and nasopharyngeal swabs collected before slaughter and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by microdilution. Associations of antimicrobial treatments with resistant isolates were investigated at the calf level. RESULTS: Associations of AMU with antimicrobial resistance were observed using generalized linear models. For E. coli, the odds of being resistant were increased with increased AMU (OR 1.36 when number of treatments >1, P = 0.066). Use of tetracyclines was associated with resistance to tetracycline (OR 1.86, P < 0.001) and use of penicillins was associated with resistance to ampicillin (OR 1.66, P = 0.014). No significant associations were observed for P. multocida (use of aminoglycosides: OR 3.66 for resistance to spectinomycin, P = 0.074). For M. haemolytica, the odds of being resistant were increased with increased AMU (OR 4.63, P < 0.001), and use of tetracyclines was associated with resistance to tetracycline (OR 6.49, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of resistant bacteria shortly before slaughter was associated with AMU in veal calves. Prudent and appropriate use may contribute to limit the selection of resistant bacteria on veal farms.

Survey on the disposal of waste milk containing antimicrobial residues on Swiss dairy farms.

Feeding waste milk containing antimicrobial residues (WMA) to calves has been associated with increased antimicrobial resistance in calves' commensal bacterial flora. The objectives of this study were (1) to document practices related to the disposal of WMA on Swiss dairy farms and (2) to evaluate the association between farm characteristics and the feeding of WMA to calves. A web-based questionnaire on practices surrounding waste milk disposal was completed by 1,625 dairy producers (10.9% of solicited producers). Logistic regression models were built to evaluate the association between herd characteristics and the practice of feeding WMA. Waste milk produced during and up to the first milking after completion of antimicrobial treatment or during the withdrawal period was fed to at least some of the calves on 47.3% of respondents' farms. Farms in organic production had lower odds of feeding WMA to calves than nonorganic farms [odds ratio (OR) 0.59]. Farms located in the eastern region of Switzerland, as opposed to those in the western region, had increased odds of feeding WMA to calves (OR 2.01). A yearly average bulk tank somatic cell count ≥150,000 cells/mL was associated with increased odds of feeding WMA to calves compared with the reference category of <100,000 cells/mL (OR 1.62). An average cow-level annual milk production ≥8,500 L was associated with increased odds of feeding WMA to calves compared with farms in the interquartile range with a production of 6,500 to 8,499 L (OR 1.24). Further research is warranted to investigate dairy farmers' motivations affecting this practice, and to quantitatively define calves' exposure to antimicrobial residues and the resulting antimicrobial resistance in calves' commensal flora on these farms.

Component-resolved microarray analysis of IgE sensitization profiles to Culicoides recombinant allergens in horses with insect bite hypersensitivity.

BACKGROUND: Allergy to bites of blood-sucking insects, including biting midges, can affect both human and veterinary patients. Horses are often suffering from an IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis caused by bites of midges (Culicoides spp). With the aim to improve allergen immunotherapy (AIT), numerous Culicoides allergens have been produced as recombinant (r-) proteins. This study aimed to test a comprehensive panel of differently expressed Culicoides r-allergens on a cohort of IBH-affected and control horses using an allergen microarray. METHODS: IgE levels to 27 Culicoides r-allergens, including 8 previously unpublished allergens, of which 11 were expressed in more than one expression system, were determined in sera from 347 horses. ROC analyses were carried out, cut-offs selected using a specificity of 95% and seropositivity rates compared between horses affected with insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) and control horses. The combination of r-allergens giving the best performing test was determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Seropositivity was significantly higher in IBH horses compared with controls for 25 r-allergens. Nine Culicoides r-allergens were major allergens for IBH with seven of them binding IgE in sera from > 70% of the IBH-affected horses. Combination of these top seven r-allergens could diagnose > 90% of IBH-affected horses with a specificity of > 95%. Correlation between differently expressed r-allergens was usually high (mean = 0.69, range: 0.28-0.91). CONCLUSION: This microarray will be a powerful tool for the development of component-resolved, patient-tailored AIT for IBH and could be useful for the study of allergy to biting midges in humans and other species.

Hand or foot train-of-four tests and surgical site muscle relaxation assessed with multiple motor evoked potentials: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Intra-operative muscle relaxation is often required in orthopaedic surgery and the hand train-of-four (TOF) test is usually used for its quantification. However, even though full muscle relaxation is claimed by anaesthesiologists based on a TOF count of zero, surgeons observe residual muscle activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess if hand or foot TOF adequately represents intra-operative muscle relaxation compared with multiple motor evoked potentials. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: A single-centre study performed between February 2016 and December 2018 at the Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. PATIENTS: Twenty patients scheduled for elective lumbar spinal fusion were prospectively enrolled in this study after giving written informed consent. INTERVENTIONS: To assess neuromuscular blockade (NMB) with the intermediate duration nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking agent rocuronium, hand TOF (adductor pollicis) and foot TOF (flexor hallucis brevis) monitoring, and muscle motor evoked potentials (MMEPs) from the upper and lower extremities were assessed prior to surgery under general anaesthesia. Following baseline measurements, muscle relaxation was performed with rocuronium until the spinal surgeon observed sufficient relaxation for surgical intervention. At this timepoint, NMB was assessed by TOF and MMEP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was to determine the different effect of rocuronium on muscle relaxation comparing hand and foot TOF with the paraspinal musculature assessed by MMEP. RESULTS: Hand TOF was more resistant to NMB and had a shorter recovery time than foot TOF. When comparing MMEPs, muscle relaxation occurred first in the hip abductors, and the paraspinal and deltoid muscles. The most resistant muscle to NMB was the abductor digiti minimi. Direct comparison showed that repetitive MMEPs simultaneously recorded from various muscles at the upper and lower extremities and from paraspinal muscles reflect muscle relaxation similar to TOF testing. CONCLUSION: Hand TOF is superior to foot TOF in assessing muscle relaxation during spinal surgery. Hand TOF adequately represents the degree of muscle relaxation not only for the paraspinal muscles but also for all orthopaedic surgical sites where NMB is crucial for good surgical conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03318718).

Antimicrobial prescriptions in cats in Switzerland before and after the introduction of an online antimicrobial stewardship tool.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial stewardship activities are essential to improve prudent antimicrobial use. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in antimicrobial prescriptions in cats after the introduction of prudent use guidelines promoted by an online antimicrobial stewardship tool (AntibioticScout.ch) in Switzerland. Data from 792 cats presented to two university hospitals and 14 private practices in 2018 were included and compared to 776 cases from 2016. Cats were diagnosed with acute upper respiratory tract disease (aURTD), feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and abscesses. Clinical history, diagnostic work-up and antimicrobial prescriptions (class, dosage, duration) were assessed. Type and proportions [95% confidence intervals] of antimicrobial prescriptions were compared between the two evaluation periods and a mixed effects logistic regression model was applied to evaluate compliance with Swiss prudent use guidelines. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2018, the proportion of antimicrobial prescription in all included cases decreased from 75.0% [71.8-78.0] to 66.7% [63.3-69.9]; this decrease was most pronounced for treatments at university hospitals (67.1% [59.5-74.0] to 49.3% [40.9-57.8]) and for cats with FLUTD (60.1% [54.6-65.4] to 48.8% [43.2-54.4]). Use of 3rd generation cephalosporins in private practices declined from 30.7% [26.5-35.1] to 22.1% [18.4-26.2], while overall use of non-potentiated aminopenicillins increased from 19.6% [16.4-23.0] to 27.8% [24.1-31.9]. In cases where antimicrobial therapy was indicated, compliance with guidelines did not increase (33.3% [26.6-40.6] to 33.5% [27.2-40.2]), neither at universities nor in private practices. On the other hand, antimicrobial treatment was more often withheld in cases with no indication for antimicrobial therapy (35.6% [30.1-41.4] to 54.0% [47.6-60.4]); this was found for private practices (26.7% [20.8-33.4] to 46.0% [38.4-53.7]) and for aURTD cases (35.0% [26.5-44.2] to 55.4% [44.7-65.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Overall proportions of antimicrobial prescription, unjustified antimicrobial therapy and, in private practices, use of 3rd generation cephalosporins decreased from 2016 to 2018 for the investigated feline diseases. However, overall compliance with Swiss prudent use guidelines was still low, implying that further efforts are required to foster prudent antimicrobial use in cats.

Extreme long-term outcome of operatively versus conservatively treated patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: We report on outcomes of surgically versus (vs) non-surgically treated patients with moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) after minimum of 29 years. METHODS: AIS patients with a follow-up of ≥ 41 years in the surgical group and ≥ 29 years in the non-surgical group were included. Patients were treated surgically for primary curves ≥ 45° vs non-surgically for curves < 45° or refusal of surgery. Groups were matched for age, gender, comorbidities and primary curve severity. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to measure clinical outcomes and standard radiography to quantify curve severity at final follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 16 patients (8 within each group, 75% females) with a median age of 14 (interquartile range (IQR) 2) years could be included and were followed up after 46 (IQR 12) years. All matched variables were similar for both groups, including the primary curve Cobb angles of 48° (IQR 17°) (surgical) vs 40° (IQR 19°) (non-surgical); p = 0.17). At final follow-up after a median of 47 (IQR 5) years for the surgical and 39 (IQR 19) years for the non-surgical group (p = 0.43), the ODI was similar for both groups (15 (IQR 13) points (surgical) vs 7 (IQR 15) points (non-surgical); p = 0.17) with, however, a primary curve magnitude lower in the surgical compared to the non-surgical group (38° (IQR 3°) vs 61° (IQR 33°); p = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: After around 47 and 39 years, respectively, surgical and non-surgical treatment of moderate AIS showed similar subjective outcomes, but with a relevant smaller curve magnitude with surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

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.

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.

Risk Ranking of Antimicrobial-Resistant Hazards Found in Meat in Switzerland.

Human exposure to bacteria resistant to antimicrobials and transfer of related genes is a complex issue and occurs, among other pathways, via meat consumption. In a context of limited resources, the prioritization of risk management activities is essential. Since the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) situation differs substantially between countries, prioritization should be country specific. The objective of this study was to develop a systematic and transparent framework to rank combinations of bacteria species resistant to selected antimicrobial classes found in meat, based on the risk they represent for public health in Switzerland. A risk assessment model from slaughter to consumption was developed following the Codex Alimentarius guidelines for risk analysis of foodborne AMR. Using data from the Swiss AMR monitoring program, 208 combinations of animal species/bacteria/antimicrobial classes were identified as relevant hazards. Exposure assessment and hazard characterization scores were developed and combined using multicriteria decision analysis. The effect of changing weights of scores was explored with sensitivity analysis. Attributing equal weights to each score, poultry-associated combinations represented the highest risk. In particular, contamination with extended-spectrum ß-lactamase/plasmidic AmpC-producing Escherichia coli in poultry meat ranked high for both exposure and hazard characterization. Tetracycline- or macrolide-resistant Enterococcus spp., as well as fluoroquinolone- or macrolide-resistant Campylobacter jejuni, ranked among combinations with the highest risk. This study provides a basis for prioritizing future activities to mitigate the risk associated with foodborne AMR in Switzerland. A user-friendly version of the model was provided to risk managers; it can easily be adjusted to the constantly evolving knowledge on AMR.

[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.

[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.

Influence of border disease virus (BDV) on serological surveillance within the bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) eradication program in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: In 2008, a program to eradicate bovine virus diarrhea (BVD) in cattle in Switzerland was initiated. After targeted elimination of persistently infected animals that represent the main virus reservoir, the absence of BVD is surveilled serologically since 2012. In view of steadily decreasing pestivirus seroprevalence in the cattle population, the susceptibility for (re-) infection by border disease (BD) virus mainly from small ruminants increases. Due to serological cross-reactivity of pestiviruses, serological surveillance of BVD by ELISA does not distinguish between BVD and BD virus as source of infection. RESULTS: In this work the cross-serum neutralisation test (SNT) procedure was adapted to the epidemiological situation in Switzerland by the use of three pestiviruses, i.e., strains representing the subgenotype BVDV-1a, BVDV-1h and BDSwiss-a, for adequate differentiation between BVDV and BDV. Thereby the BDV-seroprevalence in seropositive cattle in Switzerland was determined for the first time. Out of 1,555 seropositive blood samples taken from cattle in the frame of the surveillance program, a total of 104 samples (6.7%) reacted with significantly higher titers against BDV than BVDV. These samples originated from 65 farms and encompassed 15 different cantons with the highest BDV-seroprevalence found in Central Switzerland. On the base of epidemiological information collected by questionnaire in case- and control farms, common housing of cattle and sheep was identified as the most significant risk factor for BDV infection in cattle by logistic regression. CONCLUSION: This indicates that pestiviruses from sheep should be considered as a source of infection of domestic cattle and might well impede serological BVD surveillance.

Technical note: Effects of attachment of hind teats before cleaning and attachment of front teats on milking characteristics in automatic milking systems.

Milking characteristics differ between the 4 quarters of a dairy cow udder. In particular, milking time is mostly prolonged in hind quarters compared with front quarters because of the usually higher amount of stored milk. The standard milking routine (STDMR) in both conventional and automatic milking systems (AMS) consists of teat preparation of all 4 quarters, followed by attachment of the 4 teat cups, regardless of the distribution of milk between quarters. In the current study, an alternative teat preparation and milking routine (ALTMR) in AMS was tested, which consisted of cleaning and starting the milking of hind teats before cleaning and attachment of front teats. The hypothesis was based on the fact that hind quarters have usually a longer milking time than front quarters. Starting the milking of hind quarters while the front teats are being cleaned may reduce the difference in the end of milking between front and hind quarters and thus reduce total milking time. Both routines were tested on 5 Swedish dairy farms equipped with AMS in a 4-wk experiment in which treatments were alternated weekly. Total milk yield did not differ between treatments. Machine-on time (MOT) was longer in ALTMR than in STDMR because the difference in milking time between hind and front quarters was less than the time needed to prepare the front teats. However, the longer MOT in ALTMR was compensated by a shorter total preparation time, including the attachment of the first teat cup, as only the hind teats (instead of all 4 teats) were cleaned before milking was started. This resulted in a similar total milking time from start of cleaning of the first quarter until the end of milking of the last quarter in both treatments. Because of the prolonged MOT, average milk flow rate was lower in ALTMR than STDMR. Peak flow rate was higher in ALTMR than STDMR, but only in teat cups 1 (first attached, hind quarter) and 3 (third attached, front quarter), whereas main milk flow was higher in ALTMR than STDMR in both front quarters. In conclusion, splitting teat cleaning and the start of milking between hind and front quarters does not prolong total milking time, including teat cleaning. The partially positive effect on peak and main milk flow indicates that the ALTMR is a suitable milking routine in AMS. In herds with a greater difference of milk stored in hind compared with front quarters, a reduced total milking time can be expected for ALTMR.

Locomotion characteristics of dairy cows walking on pasture and the effect of artificial flooring systems on locomotion comfort.

The locomotion comfort of dairy cows depends on the floor of the walking alleys. Optimal locomotion comfort is given when cows walk on pasture, allowing freedom from discomfort and pain and the expression of normal behavior. This study examined the characteristics of locomotion behavior on pasture (gold standard with optimal locomotion comfort) and compared it with behaviors of cows walking on mastic asphalt or solid rubber mats before and after a routine claw trimming session. Our hypotheses were (1) that gait variables were different on pasture versus mastic asphalt and on mastic asphalt versus rubber, and (2) that claw trimming had an effect on gait variables of cows walking on mastic asphalt. Twenty-four dairy cows kept in a tiestall facility were enrolled in this experimental trial. The pedogram was measured using 2 standalone 3-dimensional accelerometers (400 Hz), attached to the metatarsus of both hind limbs. The extracted pedogram variables included temporal events (kinematic outcome = gait cycle and stance-phase and swing-phase durations) and peaks (kinetic outcome = foot load, toe-off). The cows were further video-recorded to calculate walking speed and stride length. Locomotion score was performed on mastic asphalt to enroll only nonlame cows (locomotion score <3). For comparison between different floor types, repeated-measures ANOVA was performed with the cow as a subject variable, session time of measurement as within-subject variable, and flooring type as a fixed effect. Three separate analyses were performed: pasture versus mastic asphalt (analysis I), solid rubber versus mastic asphalt (analysis II), and the effect of claw trimming on the kinematic and kinetic variables on mastic asphalt (analysis III). All tested gait variables were significantly different between pasture and mastic asphalt floor. The optimal characteristics of locomotion comfort on pasture included shorter duration of gait cycle, longer stance-phase duration, shorter swing-phase duration, higher walking speed, longer stride length, and higher peaks of foot load and toe-off. However, gait variables of cows walking on rubber mats did not show any significant difference compared with the mastic asphalt floor; only stride length tended to be longer on rubber mats. In addition, the stance- and swing-phase durations significantly improved shortly after trimming. The left-right differences of the stance- and swing-phase durations tended to decrease after claw trimming when cows walked on asphalt floor. The results of this study show that solid rubber flooring does not result in significant improvement of the evaluated variables of locomotion comfort compared with mastic asphalt.

Approaches for quantifying antimicrobial consumption per animal species based on national sales data: a Swiss example, 2006 to 2013.

Antimicrobial use in animals is known to contribute to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, it is critical to monitor antimicrobial sales for livestock and pets. Despite the availability of veterinary antimicrobial sales data in most European countries, surveillance currently lacks consumption monitoring at the animal species level. In this study, alternative methods were investigated for stratifying antimicrobial sales per species using Swiss data (2006-2013). Three approaches were considered: (i) Equal Distribution (ED) allocated antimicrobial sales evenly across all species each product was licensed for; (ii) Biomass Distribution (BMD) stratified antimicrobial consumption, weighting the representativeness of each species' total biomass; and (iii) Longitudinal Study Extrapolation (LSE) assigned antimicrobial sales per species based on a field study describing prescription patterns in Switzerland. LSE is expected to provide the best estimates because it relies on field data. Given the Swiss example, BMD appears to be a reliable method when prescription data are not available, whereas ED seems to underestimate consumption in species with larger populations and higher treatment intensity. These methods represent a valuable tool for improving the monitoring systems of veterinary antimicrobial consumption across Europe.

[AntibioticScout.ch: A decision supporting tool for antimicrobial stewardship: application to companion animal medicine]. / AntibioticScout.ch: Eine Entscheidungshilfe für den umsichtigen Einsatz von antimikrobiellen Wirkstoffen: Anwendung in der Kleintiermedizin.

INTRODUCTION: Bacterial resistances to antimicrobial drugs pose serious public health challenges. The observed increase of resistances is attributed to the uncontrolled, massive and often unnecessary administration of antibiotics both in human and veterinary medicine. To support the responsible use of antimicrobials in animals and help veterinarians selecting the most suitable antimicrobial drugs, we developed the AntibioticScout.ch as a comprehensive decision supporting tool providing online access to the current knowledge of rational antibiotic prescription practices. User-friendly search functions allow for the fast and efficient retrieval of information that is structured in this database by animal species, organ systems and therapeutic indications. In addition, an online form allows to report treatment failures in order to identify problematic cases as well as ensuing risks and take appropriate mitigation measures. The present report describes the workflow of this decision support system applied to the prudent use of antimicrobials in companion animal medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Les résistances bactériennes face aux substances antimicrobiennes placent le système de santé face à de grands défis. L'augmentation des résistances est attribuée à une utilisation mal dirigée, massive et souvent inutile d'antibiotiques tant en médecine humaine qu'en médecine vétérinaire. Afin d'encourager une utilisation responsable des substances antimicrobiennes en médecine vétérinaire et pour soutenir les vétérinaires lors du choix de l'antibiotique adapté, on a créé, avec AntibioticScout. ch, une aide à la décision de grande envergure qui permet de recourir à chaque instant aux principes de prescription reconnus de la médecine fondée sur les faits (Evidence Based Medicine). La banque de données est structurée par espèces animales, systèmes d'organes et indications et un moteur de recherche intuitif garantit de trouver rapidement et efficacement les informations. D'autre part un formulaire en ligne pour l'annonce d'une inefficacité est proposé afin de reconnaitre les cas à problèmes et les risques en vue d'améliorer l'aide au diagnostic. La présente contribution pour but de démontrer l'utilisation d'AntibioticScout pour un usage prudent des antibiotiques en médecine des petits animaux.

[Impact of entry age and veterinary care on health and performance of veal calves. I. Mortality and antimicrobial use]. / Einfluss des Einstallalters und der tierärztlichen Betreuung auf die Gesundheit und Leistung von Mastkälbern. I. Mortalität und Antibiotikaeinsatz.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this field study was to describe the impact of the entry age and intensive veterinary care on mortality and antimicrobial use of veal calves in Switzerland. From July until October 2012, a total of 316 young calves (aged ø 10.8 days) and from November 2012 until May 2013 a total of 425 market calves (aged ø 39.5 days) were housed on a welcome-farm, where they obtained daily veterinary care during the first 6 weeks of the production cycle. As a 3rd category 2 groups of 34 and 31 old calves (aged ø 61.5 days), respectively, were housed on a commercial farm. From entry to slaughter the daily doses of antibiotics on group level averaged 35.6 in young calves, 26.2 in commercial calves, and 21.0 in old calves. On the welcome-farm 45.9% and 48.5% of the young and market calves, respectively, were individually treated, and in the finishing period of the production cycle 10.4% and 3.3% of the young and market calves, respectively. Of the old calves 16.9% were individually treated. Mortality was 6.7% in young calves, 8.2% in commercial calves, and 4.6% in old calves. Intensive veterinary care guaranteed early recognition of disease and euthanasia of terminally morbid calves. The different entry ages did not lead to any reduction in mortality or in antimicrobial use compared to previous studies.

INTRODUCTION: Le but de cette étude pratique était de décrire l'effet de l'âge de mise en lot et d'un suivi vétérinaire intensif sur la mortalité et l'usage d'antibiotiques chez des veaux d'engraissement suisses. Pour cela on a mis en lot chaque mois, de juillet à octobre 2012, de jeunes veaux (au total 316 animaux d'un âge moyen de 10.8 jours) puis, de novembre 2012 à mai 2013 au total 425 veaux d'âge usuel pour le marché (âge moyen 39.5 jours). Ces deux catégories d'âges ont passé les 6 premières semaines d'engraissement dans l'exploitation d'accueil et ont été contrôlés journellement du point de vue vétérinaire. Le troisième groupe était composé de 65 veaux plus âgés (âge moyen 61.5 jours) et a été mis en lot sur une exploitation d'engraissement conventionnelle. Les doses quotidiennes d'antibiotiques au niveau du groupe depuis la mise en lot jusqu'à l'abattage s'élevaient chez les jeunes veaux à 35.6, chez les veaux d'âge de marché usuel à 26.2 et chez les veaux plus âgés à 21.0. Sur l'exploitation d'accueil, 45.9% des jeunes veaux et 48.5% des veaux en âge de marché ont reçu un traitement antibiotique individuel, sur les exploitations d'engraissement 10.4% respectivement 3.3%. 16.9% des veaux plus âgés ont reçu un traitement individuel. La mortalité s'est élevée chez les jeunes veaux à 6.7%, chez les veaux en âge de marché usuel à 8.2% et chez les veaux plus âgés à 4.6%. Le suivi vétérinaire intensif a permis la reconnaissance précoce de maladies et la mise à mort des veaux avec un mauvais pronostic. Toutefois la modification de l'âge de mise en lot n'a pas permis de réduire la mortalité et l'emploi d'antibiotiques en comparaison avec des études antérieures.