Seroprevalence of Major Pasture-Borne Parasitoses (Gastrointestinal Nematodes, Liver Flukes and Lungworms) in German Dairy Cattle Herds, Association with Management Factors and Impact on Production Parameters

oleh: Andrea Springer, Daniela Jordan, Alina Kirse, Bettina Schneider, Amely Campe, Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer, Kerstin E. Müller, Martina Hoedemaker, Christina Strube

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2021-07-01

Deskripsi

Pasture-borne parasites adversely affect bovine health and productivity worldwide. In Europe, gastrointestinal nematodes, especially <i>Ostertagia ostertagi</i>, the liver fluke <i>Fasciola hepatica</i> and the lungworm <i>Dictyocaulus viviparus</i> represent the most important parasites of dairy cattle. The present study assessed exposure towards these parasites among 646 cattle herds in three parts of Germany during 2017–2019 via antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM). Overall, <i>O. ostertagi</i> levels indicative of production losses were detected in 41.2% (266/646; 95% confidence interval (CI): 37.4–45.1%) of BTM samples, while <i>F. hepatica</i> seroprevalence amounted to 14.9% (96/646; 95% CI: 12.2–17.9%). Only 2.3% (15/646; 95% CI: 1.4–3.9%) of samples were <i>D. viviparus</i> antibody-positive. Significantly lower <i>O. ostertagi</i> as well as <i>F. hepatica</i> seroprevalence was detected in dual-purpose breeds compared to high-performance breeds from the same region. Management factors related to parasite exposure included access to fresh grass and hay, silage quality and anthelmintic treatment. Furthermore, <i>F. hepatica</i> and <i>O. ostertagi</i> seropositivity was significantly associated with suboptimal herd-level body condition. Interestingly, the relationship between seropositivity and productivity differed between breed types. Negative impacts on milk yield were detected only in high-performance breeds, while <i>O. ostertagi</i> seropositivity was associated with a lower milk fat content in dual-purpose herds.