Publication Database

Seroprevalence of major pasture-borne parasitoses (gastrointestinal nematodes, liver flukes and lungworms) in German dairy cattle herds, association with management factors and impact on production parameters (2021)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Springer, Andrea

Jordan, Daniela

Kirse, Alina

Schneider, Bettina

Campe, Amely

Knubben-Schweizer, Gabriela

Müller, Kerstin E. (WE 18)

Hoedemaker, Martina

Strube, Christina

Quelle

Animals

Bandzählung: 11

Heftzählung: 7

Seiten: Artikel 2078

ISSN: 2076-2615

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

URL (Volltext): https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/7/2078

DOI: 10.3390/ani11072078

Pubmed: 34359205

Kontakt

Nutztierklinik

Königsweg 65
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62261
klauentierklinik@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

Pasture-borne parasites adversely affect bovine health and productivity worldwide. In Europe, gastrointestinal nematodes, especially Ostertagia ostertagi, the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus represent the most important parasites of dairy cattle. The present study assessed exposure towards these parasites among 646 cattle herds in three parts of Germany during 2017–2019 via antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM). Overall, O. ostertagi levels indicative of production losses were detected in 41.2% (266/646; 95% confidence interval (CI): 37.4–45.1%) of BTM samples, while F. hepatica seroprevalence amounted to 14.9% (96/646; 95% CI: 12.2–17.9%). Only 2.3% (15/646; 95% CI: 1.4–3.9%) of samples were D. viviparus antibody-positive. Significantly lower O. ostertagi as well as F. hepatica seroprevalence was detected in dual-purpose breeds compared to high-performance breeds from the same region. Management factors related to parasite exposure included access to fresh grass and hay, silage quality and anthelmintic treatment. Furthermore, F. hepatica and O. ostertagi seropositivity was significantly associated with suboptimal herd-level body condition. Interestingly, the relationship between seropositivity and productivity differed between breed types. Negative impacts on milk yield were detected only in high-performance breeds, while O. ostertagi seropositivity was associated with a lower milk fat content in dual-purpose herds.