Erfahrungen von Tierhaltern in niedersächsischen Milchkuhbetrieben mit der Impfung gegen Q-Fieber

Q fever is a zoonotic disease that has been associated with reproductive problems in animals. As there is little epidemiological data regarding the distribution and risk factors of this disorder in cattle, the objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii among dairy herds in the northwest of Spain, and to determine the on-farm risk factors associated with the disease and its effects on reproductive performance. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected from 262 commercial dairy herds from A Coruña, Lugo, and Pontevedra provinces. Data about location, mean age, and herd management features were obtained. A commercial indirect ELISA kit was used to determine the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii in BTM samples. The relationship between seropositivity to C. burnetii and the risk factors was checked using a Pearson’s χ2 test and a classification tree analysis. In addition, a one-way ANOVA test and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to check the impact of seropositivity to C. burnetii on reproductive performance. A total of 60.1% of the farms tested positive for coxiellosis, the herd size, the external purchase of livestock, and the geographical area were identified as the main risk factors. Conception rate and first-service conception rate were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in positive farms (37.1 and 32.9%) compared to negative farms (39.8 and 36.1%). Similarly, positive farms had significant higher incidence of endometritis (13.7% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.05). Consequently, a high seropositivity and slightly negative effects of coxiellosis on reproductive performance were observed, which intensifies the need for further research, including the identification an active infection in positive herds and the characterization of the genotype.

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Relationship between Reproductive Performance and the Presence of Antibodies against Coxiellosis in Dairy Farm Milk Tanks in the Northwest of Spain

Yáñez,

Álvarez,

Pisón

et al. 2024

“…This is in line with the findings of [22], who found reduced pathogen shedding and consequently a lower rate of new infections after Q-fever vaccination. In the study by [23], the reactions of the livestock owners to the effects of vaccination with COXEVAC ® were almost all positive. In 84% of the cases, the owners noticed a clear improvement in the health problems that had previously occurred in their herds.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Which Factors Influence the Consumption of Antibiotics in Q-Fever-Positive Dairy Farms in Northern Germany?

Huber,

Gundling,

Thurow

et al. 2024

It was the aim of this study to examine whether the usage of the vaccine COXEVAC® (Ceva Santé Animale) could reduce the consumption of antibiotics in Q-fever-positive dairy farms. Additionally, the effects of other herd-level factors on the consumption of antibiotics were investigated. A total of 36 farms with vaccination and 13 farms without vaccination participated in this longitudinal cohort study. In all herds, Coxiella burnetii had been directly or indirectly diagnosed. To compare the treatment frequency of antibiotics between the vaccinated group and the non-vaccinated group, the consumption of antibiotics for each farm was collected using the veterinary documents about the application and delivery of antibiotics. To gather detailed information about herd data, nutrition, milking management, housing, and animal health, the farmers were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire. The results thereof suggest that there might be an association between the vaccination against Q fever and a reduced consumption of antibiotics. Neither herd size nor milk yield level influenced the consumption of antibiotics in the study herds. Type of flooring and udder-cluster disinfection while milking were associated with a lower and higher therapy frequency, respectively. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the cause–effect relationship between vaccination and the consumption of antibiotics.

“…In the survey conducted by Lehner and colleagues [44] across 50 cattle farms, half of the farmers did not notice any side effects of vaccination, while 18% of them reported classical signs (i.e., slight weakness lasting less than 2 days, slight elevation of rectal temperature) which usually occur after vaccination regardless of the type of vaccine. About 20% of the farmers noticed a slight and transient drop in milk yield.…”

Section: Safety and Side Effectsmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…A survey [44] has been carried out in Germany among farmers whose herds had been diagnosed as infected with Q fever and who had been implementing vaccination for at least three months. Fifty farmers, with a total of 10,408 cattle, were interviewed about the benefits of vaccination.…”

Section: Other Impacts Of Vaccinationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Efficacy and Safety of an Inactivated Phase I Coxiella burnetii Vaccine to Control Q Fever in Ruminants: A Systematic Review

Gisbert,

Hurtado,

Guatteo

2024

Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii that affects many animal species and humans. In ruminants, the disease is responsible for several reproductive disorders (such as abortions, stillbirths, premature births, weak offspring, retained foetal membranes and infertility). An inactivated vaccine based on a phase I antigen of C. burnetii is available for cattle, goats and sheep. This review aims to summarise the scientific literature regarding the efficacy and safety of this vaccine to control the infection in these three domestic ruminant species. Forty-five publications and one experimental veterinary thesis reporting on experimental studies, case reports, mathematical modelling and intervention studies were selected according to the PRISMA guidelines. Although some studies lack control groups or statistical analyses, for all three species, published data show that vaccination often results in a reduction in abortions and an improvement in reproductive performance in comparison with absence of vaccination. There is also evidence, including in infected herds and animals, that vaccination is associated with a reduction in bacterial shedding, both in intensity and duration in comparison with absence of vaccination. For these reasons, in case of human outbreaks, vaccination is one of the pillars of control measures. Vaccination is generally well tolerated, despite the rare occurrence of mild, transient side-effects, such as hyperthermia and reduction in milk yield.