163 Best-practice framework for the use of vaccines in animals by EPRUMA – European Platform for the Responsible Using of Medicines in Animals (Tools & Checklists)

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163 ToolsChecklists – Best-practice framework for the use of vaccines in animals by EPRUMA – European Platform for the Responsible Using of Medicines in Animals

In Significant Impact Groups: Pathogen management \ Vaccination
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef; Sheep;
Age:
Summary:
Vaccination has been an essential tool over the years for preventing a wide range of infectious diseases. By helping to eradicate and control infectious diseases, vaccination improves animal health and reduces the need for treatment, while contributing to food safety and public health. Veterinary vaccination is also an integral part of overall One Health plans against infectious diseases. Within EPRUMA best practice guidelines, EPRUMA partners wish to raise awareness on the benefits of vaccination, and recommend best practices for vaccine use to ensure optimal animal health. These best-practice recommendations also aim to complement existing guidelines on vaccination, which are available in many European countries (France, UK (RUMA), Vetresponsable (Spain), AMCRA (Belgium)).

Where to find the original material: https://www.epruma.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-practice-framework-on-vaccines_23-APRIL-2019.pdf;
Country: EU

162 Alternatives to the use of antimicrobial agents in pig production_ A multi-country expert-ranking of perceived effectiveness feasibility and return (Research paper – Postma, 2015)

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162 Research paper – Postma – 2015 – Alternatives to the use of antimicrobial agents in pig production_ A multi-country expert-ranking of perceived effectiveness feasibility and return

In Significant Impact Groups: Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Nineteen alternatives to antimicrobial agents were ranked on perceived effectiveness, feasibility and return on investment (ROI) by 111 pig experts from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. The top 5 measures in terms of effectiveness were (1) improved internal biosecurity, (2) improved external biosecurity, (3) improved climate/environmental conditions,(4) high health/Specific Pathogen Free/disease eradication and (5) increased vaccination. The top 5 measures in terms of feasibility were (1) increased vaccination, (2) increased use of anti-inflammatory products, (3) improved water quality, (4) feed quality/optimization and (5) use of zinc/metals. The top 5 measures in terms of ROI were (1) improved internal biosecurity, (2) zinc/metals, (3) diagnostics/action plan,(4) feed quality/optimization and (5) climate/environmental improvements. Combining these results, the most promising alternatives to antimicrobial use in industrial pig production are: biosecurity improvements, increased vaccination, use of zinc/metals, improvement of feed quality and use of regular diagnostics testing and having a clear action plan.

Where to find the original material:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25650306; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.01.010

Country: BE; FR; DE; SE, CH, DK

161 Bacteriological evaluation of vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium with an attenuated vaccine in subclinically infected pig herds (Research paper – Peeters, 2019)

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161 Research paper – Peeters – 2019 – Bacteriological evaluation of vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium with an attenuated vaccine in subclinically infected pig herds

Pathogen management \ Vaccination
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Subclinical infections with Salmonella Typhimurium occur frequently in pigs, constituting a risk for human salmonellosis. In this study, an attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine (Salmoporc®, IDT Biologika) was evaluated in three pig herds. The excretion of Salmonella Typhimurium field strain was low and similar between farms and production cycles. Vaccination of either sows and piglets, sows and fattening pigs, or in piglets only, resulted in a smaller number of lymph nodes positive at slaughter, in pigs in the second production cycle only (but not on first production cycle). Marked reduction of positive lymph nodes at slaughter happened after vaccination of sows and piglets. The vaccine strain was detected in the lymph nodes of 13 pigs at slaughter. Because of study limitations, results should be interpreted carefully. Nevertheless, in sows and piglets (preferred), sows and fattening pigs, and piglets only, vaccination can (to some extent) support the control of Salmonella Typhimurium infections.

Where to find the original material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587719300480; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.04.016
Country: BE

160 Relationship between biosecurity and production antimicrobial treatment characteristics in pig herds (Research paper – Laanen, 2013)

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160 Research paper – Laanen – 2013 – Relationship between biosecurity and productionantimicrobial treatment characteristics in pig herds

Biosecurity
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
The biosecurity status of 95 breeder–finisher pig herds was quantified using the Biocheck.ugent scoring system. Data relating to herd-, farmer- and production-characteristics and to the preventive use of antimicrobials were also collected. The average external biosecurity score (measures to prevent pathogens from entering a herd) was 65 (range, 45–89) and the average internal score (measures to reduce the within-herd spread of pathogens) was 52 (range, 18–87). Scores indicated that biosecurity is generally better implemented in larger herds, in more modern facilities and by younger farmers. External and internal biosecurity scores were positively associated with daily weight gain and negatively associated with feed conversion ratio of fattening pigs. Internal scores were negatively associated with disease treatment incidence, suggesting that improved biosecurity may help reduce preventive use of antimicrobials. This study demonstrates and quantifies a clear link between biosecurity and both production- and antimicrobial treatment-related criteria in pig herds.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24268483; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.08.029
Country: BE

159 Pig cattle and poultry farmers with a known interest in research have comparable perspectives on disease prevention and on-farm biosecurity (Research paper – Laanen, 2014)

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159 Research paper – Laanen – 2014 – Pig cattle and poultry farmers with a known interest in research have comparable perspectives on disease prevention and on-farm biosecurity

Biosecurity \ Pathogen management
Species targeted: Pigs; Poultry; Dairy; Beef;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary:
Understanding farmer’s perception is crucial for implementing disease prevention measures. To study this, an online questionnaire was given to 218 pig, 279 cattle and 61 poultry farmers in Flanders, Belgium. The term ‘biosecurity’ was correctly explained by less than 10% of these farmers. In general, all farmers had similar knowledge on disease prevention and biosecurity. There were differences in what farmers found more important: cattle farmers favored animal welfare, and pig farmers, on the other hand, favored the stability of the farm. Insufficient motivation was the most likely reason for poor implementation of biosecurity measures. Across the species, farmers indicate that insufficient information on costs and benefit is the biggest problem in application of preventive measures. The veterinarian is seen as the main source of information concerning disease prevention and biosecurity. With more explanation by the herd veterinarian increases being a major factor in farmer’s interest in disease prevention.

Where to find the original material: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24703250; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.03.015
Country: BE

158 Dairy heifers – Lifetime value of respiratory health by Zoetis (Tools & Checklists)

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158 ToolsChecklists – DAIRY HEIFERS – LIFETIME VALUE OF RESPIRATORY HEALTH by Zoetis

SIG: Housing and Welfare \ Weaning age
Species targeted: Dairy; Beef;
Summary:
A UK study showed that on average, 14.5% of live born dairy heifers fail to reach their first lactation, with pneumonia the biggest known cause of mortality in calves aged 1 to 6 months. Another UK study examining calf lungs at slaughter showed that beef calves with healthy lungs gained 72g/day more than those with moderate lung damage, and 202g/day more than those with severe damage. The foundation of every calf’s lifetime performance begins at birth. The first two months are of particular importance – a direct link has been made between heifer growth rates during the first few months of life and age at first calving, first and second, lactation milk yield and longevity in the dairy herd. If a young reared calf does not grow effectively in the first months, it can be too late to simply ‘catch up later’. Therefore, careful, proactive management of the reared calf is critical to maximise future productivity.

Where to find the original material:

https://www.zoetis.co.uk/_locale-assets/pdf/rispoval-dairy-calves-leaflet-clean.pdf;
Country: United Kingdom;

157 Excential Butycoat by Orffa (Industry Innovation)

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157 Industry Innovation – Excential Butycoat by Orffa

SIG: Feed / gut health \ Feed additives and supplements
Species targeted: Poultry;
Age: Adult;
Summary:
Banning preventive in-feed antibiotics has increased risks for outbreaks of necrotic enteritis, predisposing from coccidiosis and overloads of nutrients in the intestine. Coated butyrate can be a valuable in-feed additive for broilers to prevent feed intake reduction as a consequence of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis (NE). Different dietary strategies can be used to fight coccidiosis. Some products act antimicrobially against Eimeria species, e.g. essential oils and herbal extracts. Other products beneficially modulate the immune status of the chicken, whereas prebiotics and probiotics improve microflora to reduce the chance of secondary infections. The immunological challenge from coccidiosis and C.perfringens, makes the barrier function of the gut layer extremely important. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that enhances the chickens’ intestinal functioning, promoting development, maintaining the barrier functioning and acts as anti-inflammatory agent. Proper coating results in butyrate reaching both upper and lower parts of the intestine to exert its positive effects.

Where to find the original material:

https://www.poultryworld.net/Nutrition/Articles/2016/2/Dietary-treatments-for-major-poultry-diseases-2764118W/;
Country: NL

156 Reducing antibiotic use in lameness cases using the Healthy Feet Programme by AHDB Dairy (Tools & Checklists)

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156 ToolsChecklists – Reducing antibiotic use in lameness cases using the Healthy Feet Programme by AHDB Dairy

SIG: AMU reduction strategies \ Monitoring and surveillance
Species targeted: Dairy;
Summary:
The aim of the UK Healthy Feet Programme and this checklist is to help you make the necessary changes to reduce lameness and improve your business performance. Rather than using antibiotics, it is better to treat certain forms of lameness, such as sole ulcers and white line disease with a foot trim, block and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. For infectious lesions, such as digital dermatitis, antibiotics may be entirely appropriate. Ensure all medicines used are licensed products and you have a discussion with your vet about treatments. Antibiotics for footbaths are not licensed and are inappropriate.

Where to find the original material:

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/reducing-antibiotic-use-in-lameness-factsheet;

Country: United Kingdom;

155 Introduction to Johne s Disease by National Milk Recording UK (Tools & Checklists)

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155 ToolsChecklists – Introduction to Johne s Disease by National Milk Recording UK

SIG: Pathogen management \ Eradication
Species targeted: Dairy;
Summary:
Johne’s disease is a chronic intestinal disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). There is no treatment or cure for Johne’s disease and infected animals will scour, waste away and eventually die if not culled. The progression of the disease is usually very slow with most animals becoming infected as young calves (often in the first 24 hours of life) but not becoming clinically ill until they are adults. It is a disease that causes considerable economic losses through decreased productivity and increased wastage of adult cattle, as well as the cost of monitoring, diagnosis and control. There is a strong association between Johne’s disease and production problems – with Johne’s cows being much more likely to have poor yields, mastitis, lameness or high somatic cell counts, all of which lead to premature culling. This tool provides a guide to starting to understand and control the disease on dairy farms.

Where to find the original material: https://www.nmr.co.uk/uploads/files/files/johnesintro.pdf;
Country: United Kingdom;

154 Testing for Johne s Disease by National Milk Recording UK (Tools & Checklists)

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154 ToolsChecklists – Testing for Johne s Disease by National Milk Recording UK

SIG: Pathogen management \ Eradication
Species targeted: Dairy;
Summary:
Due to the nature of Johne’s disease, accurate identification of infected animals is often difficult, especially in the early stages of the disease. Infected animals in the early stage of the disease are unlikely to shed the MAP organism or produce a detectable antibody response. In the later stages of Johne’s disease, cows will often intermittently shed MAP and exhibit peaks and troughs of antibody production until reaching the clinical stage of the disease. This tool for understanding Johnes testing schemes focuses on two major principles: identifying the map organism itself and looking for the animal’s antibody response to the disease.

Where to find the original material: https://www.nmr.co.uk/uploads/files/files/testingforjohnes.pdf;
Country: United Kingdom;