June 2019
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection has worldwide distribution in both dairy and beef herds. Our study was initiated in order to encourage control of BLV infection by using milk samples, in lieu of serum samples, to readily test lactating animals prior to dry-off and calving. Two Holstein dairy herds (A and B), with known status of BLV infection as determined by serology, were sampled by the collection of serum and fresh milk samples. Selected samples were tested using a USDA-licensed BLV antibody ELISA kit (Bovine leukemia virus antibody test kit; VMRD, Pullman, WA) for serum. Forty-one lactating cows from each herd were sampled. Herd A was confirmed to have endemic BLV infection; herd B was confirmed to be free of BLV infection. The milk ELISA results demonstrated 100% identification of positive and negative animals compared with the serum results. The correlation of the ELISA values between serum and milk samples was 97%, which supports the use of this BLV ELISA on milk samples.
James F. Evermann1, David M. DeAvila, Steven M. Parish, Catherine H. Merritt, Katherine C. Noble, Sampath Srikanth, Amanda L. E. Bronowski
Research Article https://doi.org/10.1177/1040638719860487
June 2019
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A cow naturally infected with M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis. |
A team of Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university scientists is investigating a new “ingredient” for use in vaccinating cattle against Johne’s disease, a chronic wasting affliction that costs the U.S. dairy industry more than $200 million per year.
Read more … Vaccine Investigators Use Bacterium's Own Protein Against It
November 2018
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Research gets closer to identifying susceptible animals. ( Farm Journal Media ) |
Johne’s disease, also called mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, results in inflammation and damage to the intestinal wall and negatively affects absorption of nutrients and overall cattle performance. The disease is present on dairies around the world, causing significant economic and animal welfare losses. A 2007 USDA study showed 68% of U.S. dairy herds have at least 8% of animals affected by the disease.
February 16, 2018
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus is a devastating disease in cattle. But many producers may not realize that Type 1b is the most common subtype of the disease. Dr. Steve Foulke with Boehringer Ingelheim said many vaccines do not even cover Type 1b.
January 17th, 2018
Roger S. Thomson and Holly Sutcliffe for Progressive Dairyman
Happy cows have healthy teats. Keeping your herd’s udder health in tip-top shape, however, is proving to be more challenging. If your cows are experiencing dry and cracked teats, you can guarantee two things are happening:
Read more … Got teat issues? The top five offenders you can combat
January 12, 2018
Mastitis is the most common bacterial disease on most dairy farms. According to Pamela Ruegg, a veterinarian for Michigan State University, 65 to 85 percent of all antibiotic handlings on-farm are used to treat and prevent mastitis.
Read more … Six criteria for justifiable antibiotic use on mastitis
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