Dermatitis shed

[Dr. Alkathene]

Went to a Roger blowey talk a few years ago and he was convinced DD was spread by knives and anything metal.Makes you wonder about metal automatic scrapers when they come into contact with the cows feet!!(just a thought)

Have tried to keep separate cubicle sweeping brush and hand scraper for young stock, but your still imho taking digi in when you scrape out with same tractor as scrapes milkers out.

I have an idea for a separate 'clean' scraper for young stock that doesn't involve buying another scraper tractor and box scraper.

 

[Chae1]

@Chae1 apart from the DD are there any other health differences between these and your other groups? And how do you select which cows go to this shed?

No other health differences .They are just grouped by what bull we will put to them really as breed own replacements.

 

[Blod]

So the only exclusive detail that separates these cows from the others apart from rhe shed is the bull?

 

[Chae1]

So the only exclusive detail that separates these cows from the others apart from rhe shed is the bull?

Bull hadn't even went in at this point. It's definitely something in shed. Old silage pit with 40 ft lean to with centre pass. No problems in silage pit court side.

 

[Blod]

@jimmer @bovine is there any suggestion that individuals can be subclinical and therefore carriers?

 

[bovine]

@jimmer @bovine is there any suggestion that individuals can be subclinical and therefore carriers?

Yes. That is where the infection survives long term. Some cows may carry forever. We assume previously infected animals are more likely to be carriers. We know immunity plays a role. There is so much we don't know about this very common disease, it's not clear cut.

 

[Blod]

Yes. That is where the infection survives long term. Some cows may carry forever. We assume previously infected animals are more likely to be carriers. We know immunity plays a role. There is so much we don't know about this very common disease, it's not clear cut.

Is there a blood or swab test to identify them?

 

[bovine]

Is there a blood or swab test to identify them?

Not that I am aware of. The bacteria are hard to grow, but can be visualised under a light microscope (using phase contrast) as they are motile.

I was talking to a bacteriologist a few years ago and they were debating if there could be a non motile (non moving) version that could live longer, but I've not seen anything published.

 

[Blod]

I suppose the commercial gain isn't there to encourage support of research although it could make a huge difference to production in beef and dairy if carriers could be identified.

 

[bovine]

The research at the moment is looking at a vaccine.

The majority of herds are affected so the value in identifying carriers is limited.

 

[jimmer]

the prof at liverpool uni doing the reaearch into a vaccine says it is al least 15 years away

there is a vaccine in the states , but it simply doesnt work

 

[bovine]

the prof at liverpool uni doing the reaearch into a vaccine says it is al least 15 years away

I've spoken to them recently about it and was given an estimate less than 1/3 of that time frame. They are testing whether it works (and it seems to) now.

 

[jimmer]

fingers crossed then

 

[Blod]

The research at the moment is looking at a vaccine.

The majority of herds are affected so the value in identifying carriers is limited.

Hmm, I'm not sure I agree with that statement though there is obviously no value to the manufacturers of the vaccine.