Serological survey to determine the occurrence of respiratory Mycoplasma infections in the Polish cattle population

Abstract

Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony (MmmSC) are causes of bovine mycoplasmosis and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), respectively, and are responsible for serious economic losses in cattle around the world. CBPP was last reported in Poland in 1939 but bovine mycoplasmosis is believed to be endemic. A survey of 3670 serum samples for antibodies to M bovis and MmmSC from 361 herds in 16 Polish provinces Poland between 2007 and 2010 found no evidence of CBPP. The seroprevalence of M bovis, however, appeared high with 76.7 per cent of samples giving a positive reaction in the ELISA test, which did not appear to reflect the clinical disease status of the cattle. Adjusting the sensitivity of the test reduced the prevalence to 28.2 per cent and reflects the levels reported in other European countries.

Mycoplasma bovis in Australian feeder cattle

“…This indicates that in the current study population, there was more similarity between groups from the same PIC than groups from different PICs. This finding suggests that M. bovis can persist on a property and that not all properties have M. bovis circulating in their herds which is in line with findings from other studies (Bednarek et al, 2012, Nicholas and Ayling, 2003.…”

“…It has been suggested that the intensity of the breeding and production system is associated with M. bovis sero-positivity (Bednarek et al, 2012). It is possible that the intensity of farming in Australia is less than that seen in Europe and some parts of the USA and this factor could provide one possible explanation for the lower apparent sero-prevalence reported here.…”

“…Other studies report a higher sero-prevalence of M. bovis antibody. Bednarek et al (2012) reported that 78.2% (n = 3,670) of clinically healthy cattle from 361 herds covering 16 Polish provinces were sero-positive for M. bovis using a BioK162…”

“…Some studies have defined certain cattle management practices that are often associated with an increased seroprevalence of M. bovis-specific antibody among cattle herds. Bednarek et al (2012), found that M. bovis sero-positivity was associated with more intensive levels of cattle breeding and production. Tschopp et al (2001) reported mixing of calves from different age groups and contact of naive animals with sero-positive animals was associated with sero-conversion.…”

“…In Europe, M. bovis is estimated to be a causative agent in 25 -30% of respiratory disease outbreaks in feeder calves equating to total economic losses estimated at 600 million euros per year (Nicholas and Ayling, 2003). In Poland, the direct cost of respiratory related morbidities without treatment has been estimated to be 10 million euros per year (Bednarek et al, 2012), while in the UK the total cost of BRD to the UK feeder cattle industry has been estimated at £54 million per year (Bednarek et al, 2012). In Australia the direct cost of MbAD is unknown, however using data from 2001, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) found that BRD accounted for an alarming 60 -70% of all feedlot morbidity and mortality equating to an estimated national economic loss of AS$40 million to the Australian feedlot industry each year (Sackett, 2006).…”