Open AccessA survey of biosecurity measures and serological status for bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 on dairy cattle farms in north‐west and north‐east Spain
Author(s) -
Villaamil Francisco J,
Arnaiz Ignacio,
Allepuz Alberto,
Molins Miquel,
Lazaro Mercedes,
Benavides Bibiana,
Moya Sebastián J,
Fabrega Jordi Casal,
Yus Eduardo,
Dieguez Francisco J
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
veterinary record open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.504
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2052-6113
pISSN - 2399-2050
DOI - 10.1136/vetreco-2020-000399
Subject(s) - biosecurity , herd , veterinary medicine , cluster (spacecraft) , population , environmental health , animal husbandry , transmission (telecommunications) , dairy cattle , biology , medicine , zoology , agriculture , ecology , computer science , electrical engineering , programming language , engineering
Background Biosecurity is a key measure to reduce and prevent the introduction of diseases to farms and minimise spread of diseases within a herd. The aim of the study was to characterise the current application of biosecurity measures on dairy cattle farms in Spain along with their bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis status. Methods Data on biosecurity measures for 124 dairy herds were collected using a questionnaire. The sanitary status of these farms for bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis was also assessed using antibody ELISA. Data were analysed using multiple correspondence analysis and a two‐step cluster analysis. Results Three main clusters of farms were identified: clusters 1 and 2 included herds of small and intermediate sizes. These, particularly cluster 1, showed the most deficiencies in the control of vehicles and visitors. However, laboratory tests were always performed on purchased animals. Cluster 3 had the largest herd sizes, with somewhat better biosecurity control of vehicles and visitors. However, farms in this cluster also purchased the most animals, sometimes without testing, and hired external workers more often. Conclusion The study indicated that, in the study population, there are serious shortcomings in the application of biosecurity measures on dairy farms, exposing them to disease transmission. This survey also highlights regional and herd size‐related differences in the implementation of biosecurity. Collecting data is an important first step to identification of specific weaknesses in different farm typologies, and an adequate follow‐up is needed to ensure that measures are implemented correctly on farms.