Mireille Meylan, Prof.Dr.med.vet., MS, PhD, Dr Habil, DACVIM (LAIM), DECBHM: No financial relationships to disclose
The poor diagnostic accuracy of the tests used for the diagnosis of bovine paratuberculosis has hampered the success of control measures to limit the disease in affected herds or to eradicate it in a region or country. This problem is particularly relevant in small countries with small farms, like e.g. Switzerland where the average herd size in dairy operations is 23 cows. Such low numbers of animals limit the possibilities of targeted testing to assess the paratuberculosis status of a herd, however it may be an advantage in herds identified as positive in order to find the positive animals, as less animals will need to be tested individually to identify the infected ones. Therefore, other approaches may be needed in small herds than in large herds with several hundreds or even thousends of animals. It is important to assess any given situation carefully before starting implementing diagnostic investigations or control measures against bovine paratuberculosis. Most recommandations for the control of bovine paratuberculosis in the literature are based on data obtained in large herds, that may not be applicable in smaller herds. Therefore, the specific objectives to be pursued (diagnosis, control, eradication of the disease?) must be considered critically in order to chose the best option possible for any given situation and objective. Strategies in use or under planification in different areas under different conditions wll be discussed and compared based on available data from the literature and, for Switzerland, from the results of a recent study.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to reflect on the opportunities and challenges met by the managers and veterinarians of small and large herds, respectively, in the face of a slowly progressing infectious disease such as bovine paratuberculosis
Upon completion, the participants will have acquired sufficient knowledge to be able to assses and develop adequate diagnostic strategies for the type of bovine herds in their care in order to achieve objectives defined with the farmers
Upon completion, the participants will have acquired sufficient knowledge to be able to assses and develop adequate control strategies for the type of bovine herds in their care in order to achieve objectives defined with the farmers