Understanding molecular epidemiology is essential for the improvement of lumpy skin disease (LSD) eradication and control strategies. The objective of this study was to perform a molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) isolated from dairy cows presenting LSD-like clinical signs in northern Thailand. The skin nodules were collected from 26 LSD-suspected cows involved in six outbreaks during the period from July to September of 2021. LSDVs were confirmed from clinical samples using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR-positive samples were subsequently amplified and sequenced using a G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) gene for molecular characterization and phylogenetic analyses. All 26 samples were positive for LSDV by PCR. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 24 LSDV isolates obtained from cattle in northern Thailand were closely related to other LSDV sequences acquired from Asia (China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam). On the other hand, two LSDV isolates of the cows presenting LSD-like clinical signs after vaccination were clustered along with LSDV Neethling-derived vaccines. The outcomes of this research will be beneficial in developing effective control strategies for LSDV.
Background and Aim: Consistency in producing raw milk with less variation in bulk tank milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) is important for dairy farmers as their profit is highly affected by it in the long run. Statistical process control (SPC) is widely used for monitoring and detecting variations in an industrial process. Published reports on the application of the SPC method to smallholder farm data are very limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the capability of the SPC method for monitoring the variation of BMSCC levels in milk samples collected from smallholder dairy farms.
Materials and Methods: Bulk tank milk samples (n=1302) from 31 farms were collected 3 times/month for 14 consecutive months. The samples were analyzed to determine the BMSCC levels. The SPC charts, including the individual chart (I-chart) and the moving range chart (MR-chart), were created to determine the BMSCC variations, out of control points, and process signals for each farm every month. The interpretation of the SPC charts was reported to dairy cooperative authorities and veterinarians.
Results: Based on a set of BMSCC values as well as their variance from SPC charts, a series of BMSCC data could be classified into different scenarios, including farms with high BMSCC values but with low variations or farms with low BMSCC values and variations. Out of control points and signals or alarms corresponding to the SPC rules, such as trend and shift signals, were observed in some of the selected farms. The information from SPC charts was used by authorities and veterinarians to communicate with dairy farmers to monitor and control BMSCC for each farm.
Conclusion: This study showed that the SPC method can be used to monitor the variation of BMSCC in milk sampled from smallholder farms. Moreover, information obtained from the SPC charts can serve as a guideline for dairy farmers, dairy cooperative boards, and veterinarians to manage somatic cell counts in bulk tanks from smallholder dairy farms.
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