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Variables Associated with Infections of Cattle by B rucella abortus ., L eptospira spp . and N eospora spp . in A mazon Region in B razil
Author(s) -
Chiebao D. P.,
Valadas S. Y. O. B.,
Minervino A. H. H.,
Castro V.,
Romaldini A. H. C. N.,
Calhau A. S.,
De Souza R. A. B.,
Gennari S. M.,
Keid L. B.,
Soares R. M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
transboundary and emerging diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.392
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1865-1682
pISSN - 1865-1674
DOI - 10.1111/tbed.12201
Subject(s) - serotype , herd , leptospirosis , brucellosis , leptospira , veterinary medicine , biology , cattle diseases , abortion , brucella , serology , virology , pregnancy , zoology , medicine , antibody , immunology , genetics
Summary The frequency of N eospora spp., L eptospira spp. and B rucella abortus infections in adult cattle was determined in herds of the S tate of P ará, B razil, which is an important region for cattle production located in the A mazon region. A total of 3466 adult female cattle from 176 herds were tested, leading to a frequency of seropositive animals of 14.7%, 3.7% and 65.5% and a herd positivity of 87.4%, 41.3% and 98.8% for infections caused by N eospora spp., B . abortus and L eptospira spp., respectively. The five most frequently diagnosed serologic responses to L eptospira spp. were those against serovars hardjo, wolfii, grippotyphosa, hebdomadis and shermani. The following associations were found: practice of artificial insemination, large farm size, large herd size, large number of dogs and high number of total abortions per year with the presence of antibodies against serovar hardjo; positive results to serovar grippotyphosa with the presence of dogs; inappropriate disposal of aborted foetuses with positivity to serovar hebdomadis. Serovar grippotyphosa was also associated with number of episodes of abortions. N eospora spp. positive herds were associated with episodes of abortion and B . abortus infection with the disposal of dead animals and aborted foetuses on pastures and with the use of artificial insemination. In conclusion, the high frequency of brucellosis, leptospirosis and neosporosis in the region may be a consequence of social, natural and raising conditions as: (i) climate conditions that favour the survival and spread of pathogens in the environment; (ii) farms located in regions bordering forest areas; (iii) farms in areas of difficult access to the veterinary service; (iv) extensive beef herds raised at pastures with different age and productive groups inter‐mingled; and (v) minimal concerns regarding hygiene practices and disease prevention measures.