Bovine Fasciolose in bayerischen `Bio-Milchkuhbetrieben`: Prävalenz und Risikofaktoren

Summary

This study about fasciolosis in Bavarian dairy farms is part of the project “Tackling the parasitological challenges in organic ruminant farming systems (ProPara)” (Core Organic Plus).The first aim of this project was to analyse the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in Bavarian organic dairy farms in comparison to conventional farms. For this purpose, 366 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples of Bavarian organic cattle herds and 366 BTM samples of Bavarian conventional farms were collected in October 2015.
Seroprevalence of each BTM sample was estimated using the `IDEXX Fasciola hepatica Antibody Test Kit`. The second aim of this project was to identify risk factors for the transmission of F. hepatica, which are important especially for organic cattle farming. In order to exclude pasturing as a risk factor, only herds with grazing were included in the study. A questionnaire, including 37 questions, was discussed with each participating farmer by telephone. BTM or fecal samples of every herd was examined to assess the infectionstatus. Thus, the herds were divided into 4 groups:
- organic Fasciola-negative,
- organic Fasciola-positive,
- conventional Fasciola-negative,
- conventional Fasciola-positive.
As risk factors in all herds breed, the collective grazing of different production groups (e. g. dairy and dry cows), grazing depending on the weather, and the percentage of pastures with wetlands.