Parasite control practices on pasture-based dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland

Bloemhoff, Yris; Danaher, Martin; Forbes, Andrew; Morgan, Eric R.; Mulcahy, Grace; Power, C.; Sayers, Rí­ona

doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.05.029

Cited by 28 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…In contrast, most farming operations treat routinely against liver fluke once or twice a year using a range of products such as nitroxynil, triclabendazole, albendazole, oxyclozanide, clorsulon, closantel or rafoxanide [ 31 ]. Dairy cattle generally receive a single treatment during the dry period, at the beginning of housing [ 32 ], while beef cattle may receive several treatments. Sheep are much more likely than cattle to suffer acute losses due to the migratory behaviour of immature flukes [ 33 ], and also tend to be treated more frequently.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial patterns of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi infections in ruminants in Ireland and modelling of C. daubneyi infection

et al. 2018

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BackgroundFasciola hepatica has always represented a threat to Irish livestock because the Irish climate is highly suitable for the main local intermediate host of the parasite, the snail Galba truncatula. The recent clinical emergence of infections due to Calicophoron daubneyi has raised the question of whether the two parasites, which share a niche during part of their life-cycles, interact in some way. Here, we used geographical information systems (GIS) to analyse the distribution of both parasites in cattle and sheep. We also developed the first predictive model of paramphistomosis in Ireland.ResultsOur results indicated that, in cattle, liver fluke infection is less common than rumen fluke infection and does not exhibit the same seasonal fluctuations. Overall, we found that cattle had a higher likelihood of being infected with rumen fluke than sheep (OR = 3.134, P < 0.01). In addition, infection with one parasite increased the odds of infection with the other in both host species. Rumen fluke in cattle showed the highest spatial density of infection. Environmental variables such as soil drainage, land cover and habitat appeared to be the most important risk factors for C. daubneyi infection, followed by rainfall and vegetation. Overall the risk of infection with this parasite was predicted to be higher in the west of the country.ConclusionsThis study shows differences between the infection rates and spatial patterns of bovine and ovine infections with F. hepatica and C. daubneyi in Ireland. Whether the reasons for this are due to susceptibility, exposure and/or management factors is yet to be determined. Furthermore, the rumen fluke model indicates distinct risk factors and predicted distribution to those of F. hepatica, suggesting potential biological differences between both parasite species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial patterns of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi infections in ruminants in Ireland and modelling of C. daubneyi infection

et al. 2018

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“…This is not surprising given that the soil type is generally quite different between the two regions, with Region-1 containing a higher proportion of less well-drained soil compared to Region–3, where soil types are less heavy. It has also shown that farmers in Region–1 are more likely to use flukicides and anthelmintics for the treatment of F. hepatica [ 20 ] which suggests that these farmers in Region–1 are aware of F. hepatica as a problem in their area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A questionnaire was used to collect management data from ‘HerdAhead’ farms and has previously been described by Bloemhoff et al, [ 20 ]. Briefly farmers supplied information regarding general farm management, dosing and grazing management of cows, in-calf heifers, and calves (Table 1 ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Determining the Prevalence and Seasonality of Fasciola hepatica in Pasture-based Dairy herds in Ireland using a Bulk Tank Milk ELISA

Bloemhoff

Forbes²,

Danaher

et al. 2015

Ir Vet J

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BackgroundFasciola hepatica is a helminth parasite of global importance in livestock, with major economic impact. However information on F. hepatica infections in Irish pasture-based dairy herds is limited. Therefore this study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence, seasonality and management factors associated with F. hepatica. A total of 319 Irish dairy herds were selected for this study. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected from 290 dairy farms on a quarter year basis, while from a further 29 dairy farms BTM samples were collected on a monthly basis to provide a more detailed pattern of F. hepatica exposure in Irish herds. BTM samples were analysed using a commercially available F. hepatica antibody detection ELISA. Furthermore, within-herd prevalence of F. hepatica was assessed in a subset of these 29 herds (n = 17); both individual serum samples and bulk tank milk samples were collected.ResultsA within-herd prevalence of ≤ 50 % was found for herds with negative bulk tank milk samples. The mean prevalence of the 290 study herds was 75.4 % (Range 52 %–75.1 %), with the highest prevalence being observed in November (75.1 %). The seasonal pattern of F. hepatica shows elevated antibodies as the grazing season progressed, reaching a peak in January. A significant association was found between F. hepatica and age at first calving.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that F. hepatica is present in a large proportion of Irish dairy herds and provides a basis on which control practices, particularly in adult dairy cows, can be reviewed.

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“…Each year, 17,000 dairy farms produce 5.4 billion litres of milk (Teagasc). These figures provide a snapshot of how important the livestock industry, altogether valued at €5–6 billion per annum, can be to a small economy such as Ireland's with a population of under 5 million ( Bloemhoff et al, 2014 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fasciola hepatica vaccine: We may not be there yet but we’re on the right road

Molina-Hernández

Mulcahy

Pérez

et al. 2015

Veterinary Parasitology

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Major advances have been made in identifying potential vaccine molecules for the control of fasciolosis in livestock but we have yet to reach the level of efficacy required for commercialisation. The pathogenesis of fasciolosis is associated with liver damage that is inflicted by migrating and feeding immature flukes as well as host inflammatory immune responses to parasite-secreted molecules and tissue damage alarm signals. Immune suppression/modulation by the parasites prevents the development of protective immune responses as evidenced by the lack of immunity observed in naturally and experimentally infected animals. In our opinion, future efforts need to focus on understanding how parasites invade and penetrate the tissues of their hosts and how they potentiate and control the ensuing immune responses, particularly in the first days of infection. Emerging ‘omics’ data employed in an unbiased approach are helping us understand liver fluke biology and, in parallel with new immunological data, to identify molecules that are essential to parasite development and accessible to vaccine-induced immune responses.

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Parasite control practices on pasture-based dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland

Cited by 28 publications

References 40 publications

Spatial patterns of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi infections in ruminants in Ireland and modelling of C. daubneyi infection

Spatial patterns of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi infections in ruminants in Ireland and modelling of C. daubneyi infection

Determining the Prevalence and Seasonality of Fasciola hepatica in Pasture-based Dairy herds in Ireland using a Bulk Tank Milk ELISA

Fasciola hepatica vaccine: We may not be there yet but we’re on the right road

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