A survey to determine the prevalence of Theileria spp. in beef cattle in the northern tablelands of New South Wales. Issue 10 (23rd September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Biddle, A; Eastwood, S; Martin, L; Freeman, P; Druce, E
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 91:Issue 10(2013)
• Page Start: 427
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2013-09-23
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="avj12105-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To estimate the within and between herd prevalences for <italic>Theileria orientalis</italic> in beef herds in the eastern section of the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12105-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>Stratified random survey.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12105-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>From each of 46 randomly selected beef cattle herds, 10 cattle were randomly selected and blood sampled. Packed cell volumes (PCV) were calculated and the number of <italic>Theileria</italic> organisms in blood smears was counted. Within‐herd results were grouped into zero, low, medium or high prevalence based on the number of positive smears. A questionnaire was completed by the farmer at the time of sampling and responses to variables such as farm location and management strategies were compared with the laboratory findings.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12105-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p> <italic>Theileria</italic> species at varied levels on smears were found in 33 of the 46 herds sampled, which gave a herd prevalence of 72% for this study. Approximately 18% of herds were in the medium or high prevalence group. Half of the properties reported tick activity and 70% of those used tick control.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12105-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The 72% herd prevalence of <italic>Theileria</italic> spp. found in this study shows that infection is widespread in beef herds in the northern tablelands of New South Wales. Although 82% of the sampled herds had low or zero within‐herd prevalence estimates, a significant number of herds had medium or high levels of <italic>Theileria</italic>. The risk factor questionnaire has provided some associations, such as the link between tick treatment and <italic>Theileria</italic> detection, that require more targeted studies.</p> </sec> </abstract>