Suchergebnisse

To assist decision making regarding the National Equine Health Program in the state of Paraná, a study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of infected farms and seropositive animals for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and also identify possible risk factors for the disease. The state was divided into three regions, within which about 300 farms were randomly selected. On the selected farms, a minimum number of animals aged 6 months or older were examined to characterize them as infected or free of EIA. In the sampled farms, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to investigate possible associations between the disease and its characteristics, including sanitary practices and livestock management. The test used was the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test. A total of 2818 equids from 889 farms were tested. In the state, the prevalence of infected farms was 1.55% [0.92; 3.00] and the prevalence of seropositive animals was 0.55% [0.27; 1.00]. Introduction of equids showed an association with EIA (OR=5.5 [1.9; 15.9]). Paraná equine owners should be alerted to the need to observe health precautions regarding EIA when introducing animals to their herd. In 2018, the sensitivity of the Surveillance System for EIA in Paraná was only 1.36%, probably insufficient to change the endemic balance of the disease, therefore, needs to be re-evaluated involving in the process all public and private agents interested in the subject.

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply established the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT) in 2001. One of the main strategies adopted by the program is the mandatory vaccination of heifers between three and eight months of age with the B19 strain. In 2007, Brazil allowed the use of RB51 vaccine in bovine females over 8 months of age as an option for the producer, but kept the B19 strain as a mandatory vaccine. This decision is based on the assumption that combining the two vaccines allows to achieve significant vaccination coverage sooner and, consequently, accelerates the fall speed of prevalence. Thus, this study aimed to measure the impact of the combined use of these two vaccines in reducing the prevalence, using as a tool the mathematical modeling. It was concluded that vaccination by RB51, if adopted as a complement to vaccination by B19, mean decrease in the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in less time.

A cross sectional study was performed between June 2009 and March 2010 to determine the situation of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Rondônia. The state was divided into three regions and, in each of them, 300 farms with reproductive activity were randomly chosen and considered as primary sample units. In the selected farms, an epidemiologic questionnaire was applied. A fixed number of bovine females older than two years of age was randomly selected and tested through comparative cervical tuberculin test. Considering the State of Rondônia, the apparent prevalence of bTB positive farms was 2.3% (95% CI = 1.5–3.5%). The prevalence in the regions varied from 1.7% (95% CI = 0.7 – 4%) to 3% (95% CI = 1.6–5.7%). The apparent prevalence of bTB positive animals in the State of Rondônia was 0.12% (95% CI = 0.06–0.25%) and varied from 0.08% (95% CI = 0.04–0.18%) to 0.15% (95% CI = 0.07–0.33%) in the regions. The risk factor associated to tuberculosis in the State of Rondônia was the acquisition of animals (OR = 7.1; 95% CI = 1.6–31.1). The State of Rondônia should implement a surveillance system to detect bTB-infected herds to certify them as bTB-free. Moreover, an efficient health education program to inform farmers to test replacement animals for bTB prior to introduction in their herds should also be implemented.

In order to plan the fight against bovine brucellosis in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, a cross-sectional study was carried out between April and October 2018 to estimate the prevalence of infected herds and animals, as well as the risk factors associated with the disease. Through a two-stage sampling design, blood samples were collected from 3,046 bovine females aged ≥ 24 months from 634 herds, in two different regions of the state. A questionnaire was applied at each farm to assess the association of possible risk factors with the disease. All selected animals were screened by the Rose Bengal test followed by retesting of positives by the Complement Fixation test. For the state, the prevalence of infected herds was estimated at 3.2% [2.1; 4.9] and that of seropositive animals at 0.9% [0.5; 1.4], with no statistical difference between regions. The risk factors identified were pasture rent (OR = 3.11 [1.28; 7.37]) and herd size equal to or greater than 14 females aged ≥ 24 months (OR=4.91 [2.02; 11.66]). It was recommended that the state of Alagoas develop health education action with the beef and dairy cattle production chains, so that producers avoid renting pastures or start practicing it with sanitary care for brucellosis and that they also observe these same concerns when introducing animals in their herds. In addition, the state should consider the convenience of structuring a surveillance system aiming at the eradication of bovine brucellosis, given the low prevalence of infected herds and seropositve animals.

A study was conducted to verify that the State of Santa Catarina has maintained a low prevalence of bovine brucellosis, which would allow the state to move forward with implementing strategies for disease eradication. The state was divided into five regions. In each region, a predetermined number of randomly selected properties was sampled. In each property, blood samples were collected from randomly selected cows with ages equal to or greater than 24 months. Sera from the animals were submitted to a serial testing protocol, with screening by the buffered acidified antigen test and confirmation by the 2-mercaptoethanol test. In each property, a questionnaire was used to identify the risk factors associated with the disease. In the state, the prevalence rate of infected herds was 0.912% [0.297 - 2.11] and infected animals was 1.21% [0.09 - 4.97]. Relative to the earlier study in 2002, there was no difference. The risk factors associated with the condition of a herd infected with brucellosis were as follows: herd size ? 12 cows (OR = 7.47 [2.14 - 34.34]) and the presence of flooded areas (OR = 5.68 [1.62 - 26.13]). In view of the low prevalence, it is recommended that the state proceed with the implementation of eradication strategies that are based on a surveillance system structured to detect and eliminate infected herds, and supported by an effective compensation fund for the replacement of seropositive animals. Additionally, the State should make a significant effort to educate and supervise producers to ensure the testing of breeding animals for brucellosis before introducing them into their properties.

In 2009, the epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis was studied in the state of Mato Grosso, which is a traditional beef exporter. The state was divided into four regions. In each region, properties were selected randomly. A predetermined random number of animals were chosen from these properties, and comparative cervical tuberculin tests were conducted. In total, 28,878 animals from 1,133 properties underwent examination. The animals with inconclusive results were reexamined with the same diagnostic procedure in a minimal interval of 60 days. In each sampled property, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted to identify possible risk factors for the disease. In the state, the prevalence of infected herds and animals was 1.3% [0.7; 2.4] and 0.12% [0.03; 0.44], respectively. Further, the prevalence of infected herds and animals were 0.0% [0.0; 2.0] and 0.0% [0.0; 0.08] in the Pantanal region, 1.3% [0.5; 3.1] and 0.04% [0.01; 0.17] in the dairy region, 0.7% [0.2; 2.7] and 0.01% [0.003; 0.04] in the fattening region, and 1.7% [0.7; 4.1] and 0.24% [0.06; 0.90] in the breeding region, respectively. It was observed that the condition of the herds infected with bovine tuberculosis was associated with milk production, European or mestizo breeds, degree of sophistication in the production mode, and herd size of up to 486 animals. Therefore, the implementation of a monitoring system for detection and elimination of the residual infected herds along with incorporation of risk-based monitoring elements is the best strategy for the state.

In light of recent efforts in Brazil to increase B19 strain vaccine coverage of heifers, this study proposes a standardized methodology for the calculation of vaccination coverage among the Federal Units. To illustrate its use, the method was applied to data from the state of Mato Grosso to calculate vaccination coverage from 2006 to 2010. The results provide the best estimate based on data currently available in most states and can be easily adapted to situations in which the cattle registries use different age categories from those used in the state of Mato Grosso.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination program against bovine brucellosis, implemented by the State of Rondônia, using prevalence rates as an indicator. The State was divided into three regions. For each region, a pre-determined number of herds were selected and at each herds, blood samples were collected from randomly chosen females with 24 months age or more. Sera from animals were submitted to a serial testing protocol, with screening performed using the buffered acidified antigen test and confirmation by the complement fixation test. A epidemiological questionnaire was administered to each farm property to identify the risk factors associated with the disease. The prevalence rates of infected herds and infected animal at the state were 12.3% [10.3–14.6] and was 1.9% [1.4–2.5], respectively. Between the regions, the prevalence of infected herds varied from 11.6% to 12.8% and the prevalence of infected animals ranged between 1.4% and 2.6%. Bovine brucellosis in Rondônia State is associated with the beef herd, a larger number of cows and the presence of flooded pastures. There was an important reduction in prevalence rates of infected herds and infected animals since 2004, however further reduction could still be achieved with vaccination. Thus, the State should continue its vaccination program, placing emphasis on ensuring the quality of the process. In addition, it should also promote the use of a vaccine that does not induce antibody formation. Additionally, the State must carry out a great effort of education so that producers test breeding animals for brucellosis before introducing them onto their properties and, where possible, prevent calved cows from having access to areas that are flooded.

With the aim of supporting the strategic planning of the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis, different Brazilian states have been conducting cross-sectional studies, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply and with scientific support from the University of São Paulo and the University of Brasilia. In Santa Catarina, the State Animal Health Agency (CIDASC) conducted a study on bovine tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and assessment of risk factors in 2012. The state was divided into five regions and, in each region, independent sampling was performed in two steps: (i) cattle herds with reproductive activity were randomly selected; and (ii) in each herd, a sample of females aged 24 months or older underwent the intradermal comparative tuberculin test. A questionnaire was used to collect data on production characteristics and management practices that could be associated with the tuberculosis infection. Herd prevalence of bovine TB was 0.50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.074–0.93%) while the prevalence of TB in adult females was 0.06% (95% CI: 0–0.12%). No significant difference in the prevalence of infected herds and of positive females was observed among the five regions. The logistic regression model revealed that herds with 19 or more females showed an odds ratio (OR) of 7.68 (95% CI: 1.22–48.39) compared to smaller herds, while dairy herds presented an OR of 10.43 (95% CI: 2.00–54.25) relative to beef or dual-purpose herds. The results suggest that dairy herds, in which animals are kept in partial or total confinement, and larger herds, which tend to acquire animals more often, are at a higher risk of bovine TB. Given the low prevalence and the type of higher-risk properties, a bovine TB surveillance system should be targeted at the state's dairy basins, particularly the western region that accounts for the major industries and more intensive dairy farms.

An epidemiological study was carried out in order to characterize the bovine tuberculosis situation and to support the planning and implementation of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis in the State of Bahia, owing to the importance of the disease in causing economic burdens and its impact on public health. The State was divided into four regions. In each region, properties were randomly chosen and, a pre-established number of animals was also randomly selected; these animals then subjected to the intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin diagnostic test. Animals with inconclusive test results were retested with the same diagnostic procedure within a minimum interval of 60 days. Within each sampled property, a questionnaire was administered to verify possible risk factors for the disease. In the State, the prevalence of infected herds was 1.6% [1.0–2.6] and that of infected animals 0,21% [0,07; 0,60]. In the regions, the prevalence of infected herds and infected animals were, respectively, 2,0% [1,0; 4,2%] and 2,0% [1,0; 4,2%] in region 1; , 2,9% [1,5; 5,5] and 0,66% [0,20; 2,16] in region 2; 0,3% [0,04; 2,1] and 0,02% [0,002; 0,12] in region 3; and 0,6% [0,2; 2,5] and 0,05% [0,01; 0,20] in region 4. The risk factors associated with tuberculosis infection were dairy farm (odds ratio [OR] = 9.72) or mixed farm (OR = 6.66), and size of herd ? 18 cows ? 24 months of age (OR = 8.44). In conclusion, it is recommended that the State of Bahia implement a surveillance system for the detection of herds with bovine tuberculosis to certifying them in free herds, with special attention to dairy properties, and develop a solid program of health education so that producers test animals for bovine tuberculosis before introducing them into their herds.

A study was conducted to determine the epidemiological status of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The state was divided in seven regions, and in each of them, a pre-established number of farms was randomly sampled. In each farm, cows with age equal to or greater than 24 months were selected at random and submitted to the comparative cervical tuberculin test. The animals whose tests were inconclusive were retested with the same diagnostic procedure within a minimum interval of 60 days. In all, 9,895 animals from 1,067 farms were tested. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied in the farms in order to identify risk factors associated with bovine tuberculosis. The prevalence of infected herds in the state was 2.8% [1.8; 4.0] and that of infected animals was 0.7% [0.4; 1.0]. There was a trend towards a concentration of infected herds in the northern part of the state, with a predominance of dairy and mixed herds. The risk factors associated with the condition of infected herds were being a dairy herd (OR = 2.90 [1.40; 6.13]) and herds with 16 or more cows (OR = 2.61 [1.20; 5.49]). Thus, the best strategy to be adopted by the state is the implementation of surveillance systems to detect and remediate the infected herds, preferably incorporating elements of risk-based surveillance. In addition, the state must carry out a solid action of health education so that the producers test animals for bovine tuberculosis before introducing them in their herds.

In 2001, Brazil launched the National Program for Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT). After 15 years, After 15 years, it can be checked that there was mistakes and successes in driving the program, but it is undeniable that in this period, a series of structuring actions was initiated. In addition, a large volume of high-quality epidemiological data were produced, which will allow the country to move forward more rationally and safely in combating these two diseases. Today, Brazil have a sufficient contingent of veterinarians to develop the accreditation of farms and vaccination against brucellosis in all States; all batches of vaccines against brucellosis produced by private laboratories are controlled by an official laboratory; the brucellosis vaccination program is well established in most States and it has produced a decrease in prevalence in Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondônia and Minas Gerais; there are two ongoing eradication experiences: of brucellosis in Santa Catarina and of tuberculosis in Mato Grosso; nowadays there is a culture to combat brucellosis and tuberculosis in the Brazilian Official Veterinary Services. The epidemiological situation of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis is well known in the major part of the country. However, progress has been limited by the difficulty in engaging the beef and dairy productive chains as true partners in the process.

A cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2012 and May 2014 to investigate the status of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Espírito Santo. The state was divided into two regions, and in each of them, 300 farms with reproductive activity were randomly selected and considered as the primary sampling units. In the selected farms, a fixed number of female bovines aged over 2 years were randomly selected to undergo a comparative cervical tuberculin test; an epidemiologic questionnaire was also applied. In the state of Espírito Santo, the apparent prevalence of tuberculosis-positive farms was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.7-9.9). Prevalence at the herd level varied from 4.6% (95% CI = 2.6-7.3) in region 1 to 11.1% (95% CI = 7.7-15.3) in region 2. The apparent prevalence of tuberculosis-positive animals was 0.7% (95% CI = 0.3-1.1) in the state, and the prevalence varied from 0.3% (95% CI = 0.2-0.6) in region 1 to 1.2% (95% CI = 0.3-2.9) in region 2. The risk factors associated with tuberculosis prevalence in Espírito Santo were the number of adult females ? 10 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.40; 95% CI = 1.17-5.31) and milking type (milking machine/milking parlor) (OR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.36-5.86]). The state of Espírito Santo should set up a surveillance system to detect and control bovine tuberculosis, taking into account the importance of dairy farms and animal trade in the state.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a bovine brucellosis vaccination program in Rio Grande do Sul, with prevalence as the indicator, and to identify risk factors for the disease. The state was divided into seven regions. For each region, a predetermined number of properties were randomly sampled, in which a pre-established number of randomly selected females aged over 24 months were tested. The serodiagnosis protocol consisted of a screening test using buffered acidified antigen, followed by a confirmatory test using 2-mercaptoethanol. An epidemiological questionnaire was utilized to identify possible risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the prevalence of infected herds was found to be 3.54% [2.49-4.88], and the prevalence of infected animals was 0.98% [0.57-1.57]. In assessments of specific regions, the infected herd prevalence ranged from 0.66% to 3.09%, and among the animals, from 0.06% to 2.03%. In herds comprising 15 or more cows, beef type and pasture sharing emerged as risk factors for bovine brucellosis in the state. The epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in Rio Grande do Sul has remained unchanged since 2004, even though adequate vaccination coverage has been recorded since 2009. Thus, the state should continue its vaccination program, with emphasis on the quality of the process and on encouraging the use of non-antibody inducing vaccines. In addition, the state must make a greater effort to educate producers on the importance of testing for brucellosis in breeding animals before introducing them onto their properties, and on the importance of avoiding shared grazing among herds whose health conditions are unknown.