IYF 2021 Autumn Updated

AUTUMN 2021 Animal Welfare benefits all – National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS), bringing Ireland’s One Health veterinary prescribing regime to the next level Animals are sentient beings and society The strategic approach will focus on five has a reasonable expectation that their principles welfare will be at the core of animal related activities. Our agri-food sector makes a • Working in partnership significant contribution to the Irish economy • Science and evidence led policy with over €14.5 billion exports to over 180 making countries. The discerning attitudes and • Improving education and knowledge preferences of consumers are evolving and • Consistent approach to evaluation people are demanding greater assurances and assessment regarding animal welfare. Many of us • Effective regulation now keep animals as domestic pets. The Department of Agriculture Food and Marine has a long history of supporting the welfare of animals. Animal welfare is a complex and evolving concept and means different things to different people. There are different schools of thought Societal values and science are important The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is on how best to assess animal welfare. contributors to our understanding of currently developing a new National Veterinary Prescription System Obviously, the animal’s basic physical what animal welfare means. Working (NVPS) as part of its continued drive to improve customer online needs, their fundamental behavioural needs in partnership enables stakeholders digital services in line with the Government's National Digital Strategy and animal’s feelings must be addressed. with different views and perspective to objectives. Another view is that welfare must be seen participate in respectful dialogue while from the animal’s perspective – their own giving due consideration to others with The NVPS will be launched in January 2022 as part of rollout of the perception of their physiological and different views on this complex topic. new EU 2019/6 Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMP) and 2019/4 psychological state while yet another view Having regards for the deeply held views Medicated Feed Regulations, which come into effect next year. is that animal wellbeing is best assured if on animal welfare, an evidence-based they can live “as nature intended”. approach to public policy is necessary. Mr Peter Collins, Assistant Principal Officer DAFM pictured above Evidence based policy is based on high discusses how the new system will work on page 50 The five freedoms remain the critical quality, robust science. foundation but our understanding is now Improving education and knowledge CONTINUOUS enhanced by other more complex reflections encompasses education in formal academic on welfare such as the Five Domains and setting as well as providing education and VETERINARY a Life Worth Living. We are all familiar training in less formal ways to a wide range EDUCATION with the One Health concept where human of professional keepers of animals such as health, animal health and the environment farmers and others involved in the care of FOR VETS & VET NURSES are all interlinked. Now we have the One animal such as pet owners. Welfare concept which builds on the One Education is key in ensuring better animal Training Module 1 Health concept and further develops the welfare outcomes. Owners of animals thus idea that human health, animal health and bear primary responsibility for animals Prevention and environmental health are interrelated. in their care. Those of us in the animal treatment of bovine health industry can ensure the owners lameness Strategic Approach of animals have a good husbandry skill through knowledge transfer. Evaluation Training Module 2 The Animal Welfare strategy sets out five and assessment of animal welfare must be Plan for a \"smooth broad cohesive principles that will facilitate robust, consistent and holistic. In order weaning\" this respectful dialogue, enhance co-operation, for any strategy to work there needs to autumn increase capacity, improve coordination be effective regulation. Better regulation resulting in improving animal welfare in a works best with a partnership approach Essential reading for the Responsible Person wide variety of situations. encouraging best practice. The Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 IN THIS ISSUE... will enhance our reputation as a country that actively promotes and safeguards the welfare of animals. The Animal Welfare Strategy will benefit human health, animal health and the environment – One Welfare. COW TRACE CANINE RADIOGRAPHY - THE NOBLE COMFORT ELEMENT PARVOVIRUS THE FULL FALSE NUTRITION PICTURE WIDOWIt’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 1

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ContentsAutumn 2021 / ISSUE 43 Welcome to the Autumn edition of Its Your Field Nearly 90% of the adult population are senior lecture Dr Gareth Arnott in Animal fully vaccinated for Covid-19 allowing Behaviour and Welfare, Queens University some form of normality to return to our Belfast, Dr Andrew Crump from London daily lives. School of Economics and Francesca The public have a better understanding Johansen from Queens University Belfast. of immunology, antibodies, booster shots All three are passionate about cow comfort etc., which will make life a lot easier for and improving animal welfare. vets when discussing vaccination plans and protocols with their farmer clients – the Tied in with cow comfort is lameness. glass is always half full! Dr Tom Barragry consultant to Provita Preparation for the implementation of Animal Health discusses “New Effective EU Regulation 2019/6 continues and we Footbaths” while Dr Finnian Logan, UCD have an article on “Preparation for the School of Veterinary Medicine provides a implementation of Regulation 2019/6” training module that is accredited for CVE from the HPRA and an article from the credits by the VCI. DAFM on how the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) will operate Ciaran Lenehan, Chanelle Technical going forward. Specialist Ireland and UK has words of All stakeholders have a responsibility to wisdom on “Safeguarding out cattle look at the bigger picture of reducing our wormers”. Maura Langan of Norbrook has reliance on antibiotics and antiparasitics. some valuable advice on fluke treatment The Minister for Agriculture needs to following their launch of Solantel Pour lead from the front and have meaningful On – the single active flukicide pour on engagement with the various stakeholders for cattle. because right now no stakeholder is happy with the current proposal. There is renewed interest in the sheep Weaning season is upon us and Dr enterprise. Damian Costello, Teagasc looks Bernadette Early and Dr Mark McGee’s at preparing the breeding flock while Dr topic “Weaning management for optimum Renee Lodder discusses “Trace Element health of suckler beef calves” is topical Nutrition for Sheep”. Trace elements are Plan ahead to maximise young stock health & performance over the at this time. Sioned Timothy, BIAH also essential for the immune function compliments Dr Earley’s article in her and its response to vaccines. Kate Ingram, housing season 4 topic the need to “Plan ahead to maximise young stock health and performance over Virbac Animal Health has a thought- Top tips – a guide to improving the outcome when the housing period”. Aurelie Moralis from provoking article on the benefits of Zoetis has an interesting topic on the injectable mineral supplementation when advantages of a Pre-Housing Dose and “Vaccinating livestock this autumn”. advising on treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy herds 6 the importance of having a clean, healed and healthy pair of lungs before housing Preparing for the challenges of winter housing starts 8 for the winter. Jack O’Connor, Ruminant Marketing Manager with MSD explains the Stress is a normal human reaction that BEEP scheme. Kath Aplin, Veterinary adviser with BIAH happens to everyone. But stress becomes with a Pre-Housing Dose (PHD) “Top tips – a guide to improving the a problem when stress continues without outcome when advising on treatment relief or a period of relaxation. Covid Preventing new infection with blanket teat sealant 10 of clinical mastitis in dairy herds” is 19 tested everyone to the limit. James an excellent article for vets discussing Buick, Vet Support Northern Ireland kindly Weaning management for optimum health of mastitis with their clients. Transition into the dry period can be risky. There is a lot provides an article the whole area of suckler beef calves 12 of work still to be done to encourage all mental wellbeing. dairy farmers to teat seal all their dairy BRD a catastrophe: controlling Irish trends 14 cows and Charles Chavasse, Zoetis article There has been much publicity this “Preventing new infections with blanket summer on the presence and dangers of Lameness in cattle and new effective footbaths 16 teat sealant” is apt advice at this time the Noble false widow Steatoda nobilis. “BRD a Catastrophe – controlling Irish While spiders can cause heightened stress Training Module I 19-21 Trends” from HIPRA’s Ryan Duffy is in some people, Dr John P Dunbar & Dr an article that may be included in the Michel M Dugon from NUIG give some Intra Eco Bath – an organic hoof care solution 22 newsletter to clients – self explanatory and could form the basis of a good consultation background information on this spider. The Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme on BRD with your client. Following the growth of companion animal for sucklers (BEEP-S) 24 ownership and concerns around Canine Parvovirus, Helen Madden, Companion Safeguarding our cattle wormers 26 animal technical advisor MSD covers this topic and looks at “the latest advances in AHI 28 vaccination”. Introducing a novel single active flukicide for cattle 30-31 Rebecca Watson equine specialist provides a timely article on “Yearling Sales HPRA Affairs 32 Radiography – the full picture”. Trace Element Nutrition for sheep 34 “Cow comfort – a route to maximise “In the middle of difficulty lies Preparing the breeding flock 36 welfare and productivity” is provided by opportunity” – Albert Einstein Vaccinating livestock this autumn and winter 38 Cow comfort: a route to maximise welfare & productivity 40 Editor: [email protected] Training Module II 42-43 Sales/Marketing: [email protected] Vet Support NI 44 Advertising Enquiries: [email protected] Canine Parvovirus: disease overview and Technical Editor: Dr Theo De Waal, UCD. latest advances in Vaccination 46 It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Ind Estate Tuam Road, Galway. Tel 091 773734 IE-CPL-210600002 June 2021 Yearling Sales Radiography – the full picture? 48 Disclaimer: It’s Your Field. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part Department Matters 50 is forbidden except with prior permission in writing from It’s Your Field. The opinions expressed in this journal are those of the writers and services offered Product Focus 52-53 by advertisers are not endorsed by It’s Your Field. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, It’s Your Field accepts no responsibilty for any effects Risks of buying a pet online? 54 from errors or omissions. It’s Your Field is not able to provide instant replies to correspondence or phone calls, and cannot guarantee a personal reply. It’s The Noble false widow Steatoda nobilis: A new kid on the block 56 Your Field reserves the right to cut or edit letters for reason of clarity or space. Letters not intended for publication should be clearly marked. FAQ’s 58 It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 3

Plan ahead to maximise youngstock health and performance over the housing period Sioned Timothy | Technical Services Manager | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK The approach of housing provides an opportunity to review Youngstock are more susceptible to gastrointestinal nematode youngstock performance, to identify specific farm challenges, infection and are most likely to be carrying gut worm burdens and to ensure that a plan is put in place to maximise health and established at pasture. A strategic treatment at housing is typically thrive over the winter period. The transition to housing can be a necessary to remove the risk of poor thrive and clinical disease. pressure point for youngstock. Appropriate health planning can To reduce the risk of type 2 ostertagiosis, the product selected help to overcome this but it’s also important to review general should be effective against adult and immature stages of Ostertagia management. Stressful events such as weaning and castration ostertagi, including encysted larvae, particularly if the challenge should be planned ahead of the housing period and sudden dietary at grass was high. Products containing a macrocyclic lactone, such changes should be avoided. The risk of respiratory disease and poor as Ivomec® Classic Pour-On and Injection and the combination performance will be significantly increased if housing conditions product Ivomec® Super Injection, have the greatest efficacy against are not appropriate. encysted larvae. The BEEP-S scheme provides support to help maximise performance on suckler farms, promoting and incentivising key interventions at this time of year. These include BRD prevention, parasite monitoring and nutritional management to drive measurable improvements in productivity1. BRD control at housing BRD is the most common cause of death and disease in cattle from 1-12 months of age2, with cases peaking between September and February3. A range of bacterial and viral pathogens are implicated this disease. Mannheimia haemolytica is the bacterial pathogen most commonly isolated from the lungs of weanlings with respiratory disease, whilst bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and parainfluenza virus 3 (PI3) are the most commonly detected viruses2. Bovine herpes virus 1, the cause of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), is of increased pathogenic significance in weanlings than in younger calves2. Alongside appropriate management and housing, vaccination can Lungworm infection can occur late in the year and can compromise play an important role in reducing the risk of disease. Planning respiratory health following housing. Treatments administered for ahead to ensure that, regardless of the type of vaccine used, gut worms will control this parasite. immunity is in place before periods of stress is critical to maximise vaccine effectiveness. This imperative is reflected in the BEEP-S vaccination requirements outlined in Table 1.1 Tparobtleoc1o:lSsummary of BEEP-S BRD vaccine Liver fluke poses a risk to cattle of all ages. The later stages of the R Option 1 - If there is a short time before risk period parasite have the greatest impact on cattle health and performance, or if cattle can only be handled once and production losses are proportional to the level of infection4. B Diagnostic testing can help determine whether animals are infected p • A single BRSV and PI3 live intranasal vaccine with liver fluke. A fluke faecal egg count, conducted on fresh faecal r e.g Bovalto® Respi Intranasal administered 2 to samples collected from 10 animals in a group, can determine R 4 weeks before weaning/housing/sale. whether an adult fluke burden is present. Alternatively, serology b • At the same time, a single (or 2 dose program) performed on blood samples collected from 5 spring born calves/ B IBR live intramuscular injection. weanlings can assess exposure to the parasite. Option 2 - If there is more time before the risk In at-risk cattle, treating at housing using an active that is effective period or broader coverage including bacteria is against the later stages of fluke, such as clorsulon, which is present required in Ivomec® Super Injection, is a practical approach to managing • A two-dose primary course of an inactivated the risk of production loss. To ensure they remain free of infection, BRSV, PI3 and Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine cattle should either be tested and retreated if necessary, or e.g Bovalto® Respi 3, with the second dose strategically retreated later in the housing period. The timing of administered 2- 4 weeks before weaning/ follow-up will depend on the product used at housing. For Ivomec® housing/sale. Super Injection, an interval of 10-12 weeks should be allowed. Ensuring youngstock are appropriately prepared for the transition Parasite control to housing, free of parasites and fully vaccinated against the key Grazing livestock are exposed to a range of parasites, but the respiratory pathogens, will help maximise their health, wellbeing specific risks vary from farm to farm. A fluke or gut worm burden and productivity over the winter period and beyond. will reduce voluntary feed intake and the nutritional resource References available for biological functions such as growth, immunity and fertility. Consequently, removing parasite infections established 1. Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme Sucklers (BEEP-S) guidance: https://www. during the grazing period will help to maximise both productivity gov.ie/en/service/a52418-beef-environmental-efficiency-pilot-beep/(accessed July 2021) and resilience to other disease challenges. 2. All-Island Animal Disease Report 2019: All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance 2019 (agriculture.gov.ie) (Accessed July 2021) 3. O’Neill et al., (2014) Vet Rec 175, 351-354 4. Mazeri et al., (2017) Sci Rep 7, 7319-7324 4 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

otiuhnerthfhaearpmwpoiehrsladts! Cows A LITTLE BOOST MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE BRD PROTECTION DELIVERING A TO YOU AND YOUR HERDS BOVALTO® is the ONLY BRD VACCINE RANGE which provides ALL of these benefits: Efficacy proven by challenge studies1 Intranasal efficacy against BRSV and PI3 A duration of immunity proven by challenge: unaffected by MDAs, providing the optimal start to immune protection against BRD2 12 weeks for BOVALTO Respi Intranasal2 6 months for BOVALTO Respi injectables1 A PRIME-BOOST capability: Developed to enable sequential use of identical PI3 and RSV antigens in different forms for rapid, robust immunity3,4 References: 1. Philippe-Reversat et al. (2017) Acta Vet BRNO. 86: 325–332 2. Metcalfe et al. (2020) Vet Record Open 7: e000429 3. Ellis et al. (2018) Can Vet J. 59: 1311–1319 4. Metcalfe et al. (2019) Poster presented at EBC, Den Bosch, Sept 19 Bovalto® Respi Intranasal, nasal spray, lyophilisate and solvent for suspension contains Bovine 4 also contains inactivated bovine viral diarrhoea virus, strain BIO-25. UK: POM-V IE: POM (E). pRreeassrppaiiirna3ftlouSreyunszspayennc3syitoviainrlufvsoirr(uPsIIn3(jVeB)cR,tSiomVn)o, daminfiodeddBifoileivvdaelltivovi®eruRvsi,ersuspstri,a4sintrSaBuinisopBe2ino3s/i2oA4n/1Af0o5r1.00in4–j.0e1c–t0io17.n506Tc.0ConTIDCta5Ii0Dn5a0inn. daBcoBtivvoaavlttienode® Further information available in the SPCs or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd, RG12 bovine respiratory syncytial virus, strain BIO-24, inactivated bovine parainfluenza 3 virus, strain 8YS, UK. Tel: 01344 746960 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical), IE Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries) BIO- 23 and inactivated Mannheimia haemolytica, serotype A1 strain DSM 5283. Bovalto® Respi Email: [email protected]. Bovalto® is a registered trademark of the Boehringer Ingelheim Group. ©2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: May 2021. BOV-0112-2021. Use Medicines Responsibly. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 5

Top tips – a guide to improving the outcome when advising on treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy herds Kath Aplin, Veterinary Adviser, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health It isn’t uncommon for a farm client to report disappointing outcomes from Is bacteriology essential? the treatment of clinical mastitis cases, with many clinical cases recurring. But how we as vets respond to that, both in terms of managing expectations, Bacteriology is not essential but it is useful. The role of bacteriology is to looking at options going forward and understanding ‘what went wrong’ can understand the pathogen profile of the herd; submitting 10 CM samples make a real difference to the longer term mastitis situation in a herd. twice a year is a good way to achieve this. When put in the context of the Here, we discuss a structured approach to this common clinical scenario. herd SCC and estimated cure rates, the relative significance of certain pathogens can be better understood – for example one or two Staph. aureus Establish the specific nature of the problem cows are more likely to be significant in a high SCC herd with high numbers of repeat cases than in a low SCC herd with a good cure rate. Which cows is the client referring to? Establish at the outset whether the issue is with first cases of mastitis in a cow’s lactation, repeat cases or Management of first cases of CM in a lactation specific problem cows. What exactly is the disappointing outcome? Are apparently cured cases Armed with an understanding of first case incidence and cure rate and the recurring, are cases taking longer than expected to cure? What is the client’s likely relative prevalence of gram negative and positive bacteria, you are in definition of a cure? a good position to give advice on treatment. Practicalities such as prompt treatment, use of NSAIDs, aseptic infusion, duration of treatment and broad Establish a timeline or narrow spectrum treatment should be systematically addressed to ensure all the factors that influence treatment success are covered. The client may be expecting a quick solution such as a change of The Boehringer Mastitis Therapy Checklist* is a useful tool to help the intramammary tube. vet and farmer have this structured discussion and develop a treatment However, by agreeing at the outset that some investigation will be needed protocol that is optimised for the farm. in order to provide informed advice, whilst addressing any immediate concerns regarding individual cows, the client is more likely to engage Where do first cases originate? in the process. A conversation about the likely timescale and cost of the investigation may be useful at this stage. The investigation can be started Whilst an optimal treatment protocol is important, preventing first cases immediately by gathering initial information: occurring should always be the aim. By establishing where first cases predominantly arise, prevention measures can be targeted at the right area. Gather initial herd information If the majority of first CM cases occur in the first 30 days of lactation, the dry period should be the focus of attention (Bradley, 2000). It often seems that there is insufficient data to come to an evidence based solution, however there are certain minimal pieces of information that can Simplicity if often a key element to success and new easier-to-see be gathered relatively easily. Ubroseal® Blue has been helping farmers and vets in Ireland since the beginning of the year. • Herd somatic cell count (SCC). This basic piece of information can very quickly help to steer the The change from white to blue can help clients to be confident investigation. A high SCC herd (>200 0000 cells/ml) is likely to have a of best practice when it comes to teat sealant administration and relatively high prevalence of Gram-positive mastitis pathogens (Strep. removal. The improved visibility of Ubroseal® Blue makes it easier uberis, Staph. aureus, Enterococcus spp). In a low SCC herd (<200,000 to be sure that all teat sealant has been removed when stripping cells/ml) Gram-negative pathogens are likely to be more prevalent (E. coli, out before milking. Kelbsiella spp and possibly many others (Bradley, 2007). “The new blue colour also helps to differentiate traces of teat •Clinical mastitis case data sealant from mastitis clots and helps to highlight if traces are Gathering basic clinical mastitis (CM) data is an essential part of the getting through to the milk filters,” says Kath Aplin, veterinary investigation; it’s not possible to give properly informed advice on the adviser at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. treatment or management of clinical mastitis without this information. It’s The benefits of internal teat sealants for cows at drying off are relatively straight-forward to transfer basic data from a farm diary or from well established; the reduced risk of new infections during the dry on-farm software to an Excel spreadsheet for useful analysis. A photo of the period results in fewer cases of mastitis in early lactation1. For farm diary can be used to populate a spreadsheet back at the practice. some time now, mastitis experts have recommended teat sealants The minimum data required is cow ID, calving date and date of CM for for every cow, every dry period2. a 12 month period. Extending the period to 24m helps to show up any *Available from [email protected] or local seasonality effects. With this information in an Excel spreadsheet (Fig 1). Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health ruminant specialists References Fig 1. More in-depth information such as quarter, severity, treatment and Bradley, A. J. (2000). A study of the incidence and significance of intramammary. J. Dairy outcome are useful but not essential. Sci, 1957-. The incidence of first and repeat CM cases can give an indication of Bradley, A. J. (2007). Survey of the incidence and aetiology of mastitis on dairy farms in treatment success for first cases. If individual SCC data is also available, a England and Wales. Vet Rec, 253-7. more robust definition of a cure – such as SCC below 200 000 cells/ml for 1. Rabiee and Lean (2013) The effect of internal teat sealant products on intramammary 3 months following a clinical case and no recurrence of CM - can be used to infection, clinical mastitis, and somatic cell counts in lactating dairy cows: A meta- calculate a cure rate. analysis. J. Dairy Sci 96 (11) 6915-31 2. Bradley et al (2018) Consensus statement on dry cow therapy. Proc. NMC, Tuscon. 6 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 210x297m

INTRODUCING ® THE TEAT SEALANT THAT TAKES THE GUESSWORK OUT OF THE DRY PERIOD THE UNIQUE BLUE COLOUR HELPS SUPPORT BEST PRACTICE AT ADMINISTRATION AND REMOVAL Speak to your Ruminant Specialist or email [email protected] to nd out more Ubroseal® Dry Cow 2.6 g Intramammary Suspension for Cattle contains bismuth subnitrate. UK: POM-V. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 7 IE: POM. Further information available in the SPCs or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK. UKTel: 01344 746960 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical), IE Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email: [email protected]. Ubroseal® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under licence. ©2020 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Dec 2020. BOV-0266-2020. Use Medicines Responsibly. 210x297mm Ubroseal Blue.indd 1 08/01/2021 13:21

Preparing for the challenges of winter housing starts with a Pre Housing Dose (PHD) Aurelie Moralis DVM Cert DHH MRCVS, Marketing and Technical Manager, Zoetis Ireland The transition into housing is a risky time for first and second Which wormers qualify to be used as PHDs? season grazing animals and there are so many things to consider; dietary change, weaning, grouping, respiratory disease, and how to Any dose that has a period of persistent activity against both control parasites specifically fluke and worms. In this case however, lungworm and stomach worms of 5 weeks or more. Cydectin a PHD is not an academic qualification to manage all the winter Pour-On, Cydectin 1% Injection, Cydectin TriclaMox Pour-On and housing challenges, but instead it is a highly practical solution both Dectomax Injection and Dectomax Pour-On all have at least which offers cattle both significant health and production benefits. 5 weeks persistent activity against both lungworms and stomach In this context, with a PHD we mean a Pre- Housing Dose. This is the worms from a single dose. As a result, cattle which receive a PHD treatment of cattle 4-5 weeks prior to housing with a product which with a Cydectin or Dectomax product and are dosed within 5 weeks has persistent activity against stomach worm (Ostertagia) and of housing, do not require another worm dose at housing. lungworm (Dictyocaulus). It is not an extra dose; it is the dose which is generally given at housing. DWohsaet?are the advantages of a Pre-Housing 1. Cattle are housed with a “clean set of lungs”, C are free of lungworm and have recovered from the damage that the worms have caused. This means All Cy animals are healthier and better able to fight off tricla the challenges of viral and bacterial pneumonia at www housing, resulting in improved welfare, productivity and reduced need to reach out for antibiotics. 2. Cattle will perform better for the last few weeks at grass in the autumn due to persistent control of stomach worm. As a result, they will have improved appetites and feed conversion efficiencies, leading to better daily live weight gains and a smoother transition to housing and the winter diet. 3. Cattle can be vaccinated against viral pneumonia at the same time as receiving their PHD, allowing the full onset of immunity to develop against the viral challenge they will experience as soon as they are housed. Why dose cattle at this time of year? 4. Lice control. If a pour-on product is used, it will kill off both the adult lice and the nymphs/larvae when they hatch from the eggs in the next 5 weeks resulting in lice-free cattle entering the sheds. These sheds will be free of lice, as they have been empty all summer, so no further lice treatments will be required this winter. Cattle will have acquired both a gastrointestinal worm and The dose given to cattle at the end of the season is likely to lungworm burden, along with fluke, during the grazing season. have the biggest impact on their welfare and productivity. We All parasites have a negative effect on the weanlings’ immune must therefore ensure that farmers do not compromise on their system and lungworm in particular can damage the lungs and housing treatment and get the most from their autumn dosing increase the risk and severity of pneumonia. programme by giving their cattle a PHD using either Cydectin Lungworm is therefore probably the most significant parasite or Dectomax products. for Irish cattle being housed in the autumn. Not only do adult lungworm cause irritation and obstruct the airways, the larvae damage the lung tissue while migrating through it before reaching the airways. This causes the lungs to function less efficiently and makes them more susceptible to invasion by both viruses and bacteria at housing. Lungworm larvae and adults are killed and removed quickly after dosing, but it can take 2 to 3 weeks for the lung tissue to heal. This is where the PHD comes in; the first step in successful pneumonia control is to ensure that cattle are housed with a clean set of lungs, free of lungworm larvae. Would it not be better to treat lungworm infections while the weanlings are still at grass, in a healthy outside environment and to allow healing to occur without the challenges of dust, ammonia, viruses etc.? This does not mean more doses because there are wormers that have a persistent effect against both lungworm and stomach worms, meaning they kill the worms at the time of dosing and for the following 5 weeks. 8 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 Zoetis_PH

CHOOSE CYDECTIN OR DECTOMAX AS YOUR PRE-HOUSING DOSE All Cydectin® products contain moxidectin. Cydectin® TriclaMox Pour-On Solution for Cattle contains 5 mg/ml moxidectin and 200 mg/ml It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 9 triclabendazole. All Dectomax® products contain doramectin. For further information please check the SPC or contact Zoetis (01) 2569800. www.zoetis.ie. Legal category LM. Use medicines responsibly. www.apha.ie. MM-15631 (Jul 2021) 21/07/2021 17:07:23 Zoetis_PHD_CyDec_A4.indd 1

Preventing new infection with blanket teat sealant Charles Chavasse BVMS CertDHH MRCVS , Area Veterinary Manager, Livestock Team Blanket antibiotic dry cow therapy is no longer justified, of broad spectrum antibiotic dry cow tubes has masked poor hygiene and 1 Hsuoswtaeivnearb, blelannokrerteuspseonosfiabnleinintetrhneaml toedaetrsneaIrliashntd(aei.rgy. hBeorvdis.eal®), at technique on insertion of teat sealants. Now that there will be less use of 2 drying off is both justified, sustainable and responsible! antibiotics at dry off, the procedure on many farms will need to be adapted. This will result in less cows being dried off on any given day and more man Antibiotic Dry Cow Therapy power and time being devoted to the process to ensure maximum hygiene and sterility. Blanket use of antibiotic dry cow therapy was one of the 5 pillars of the Five-point Mastitis Control Plan developed in the early 1960s. At that Best practice drying off technique time mastitis caused by bacteria like Strep agalactia and Staph aureus was much more prevalent. These infections were contagious and principally Below are some farmer guidelines to ensure the correct application of teat transmitted from one cow to the next during milking and chronically sealants: infected cows were the main source and reservoir of these bacteria. Antibiotics played a part in controlling these infections and they are now 1. Do clip the tails a few days before. Clipped tails are clean tails, and it is easier to much less common in Irish dairy herds, and Strep agalactia has all but been see what you are doing when drying off the cows. eradicated from dairy herds. 2. Don’t try to dry off dirty cows. Consider adding straw to the diet for a week In many herds where a few cows have been identified with these infections before drying off. It will ensure the milk yield drops below 12 litres per day and the either through the use of bacteriology or from regular milk recording dung will be drier and firmer, leading to cleaner cows. for somatic cell counts, there is still a role fo the targeted use of narrow 3. Do make sure you have at least one other person to help on the day to ensure the spectrum dry cow antibiotics (e.g. cloxacillin), but this should only be in a procedure is spotlessly clean and hygienic. small percentage of the herd. 4. Don’t try to dry off too many cows in one session. It takes a lot of effort to dry off cows in a hygienic fashion and to do the job well, CellCheck guidelines recommend The Importance of the Dry Period drying off no more than 20 cows per person at a session. 5. Do organise all your tubes, gloves, pre-and post-dip/spray, paper towels, cotton Bacterial infections that cause mastitis all enter the udder through the teat wool swabs and methylated/surgical spirits before you start. ends. Up to 70% of all new intra-mammary infections are acquired during 6. Don’t rush or have a mobile phone in the parlour!! Have a routine and make sure the dry period1. The dry period is the main time at which mastitis infections there are no distractions. are acquired on many Irish farms with infections entering the udder via the 7. Do take time to ensure the teats and teat ends are surgically clean before any teat end. Although the infections are acquired during the dry period, they tubes are inserted. do not manifest themselves as a clinical case or subclinical case of mastitis 8. Don’t forget your glasses and a good head torch. It is important that for every until lactation begins or even months into the lactation. We therefore can tube you “hit” the teat orifice first time, every time and not the skin beside it. There attribute many early lactation infections to infection acquired during the dry may be dirt and bacteria on this skin that could be picked up on the nozzle end and period. pushed up into the udder. 9. Do pinch the teat at the base of the udder to block the teat when inserting teat sealant. 10. Don’t try to push air out of the tube before insertion. There is air in the tubes, but this will not cause a problem in the udder. The less time the cover is off the nozzle of the tube, the less chance there is of it becoming contaminated with dirt and bacteria. 11. Do keep the teat pinched until you have removed the nozzle of the teat sealant. If there is any air or an increase in pressure in the teat, it can then exit down through the teat orifice. The dry period is a time of increased risk for the acquisition of udder 12. Don’t massage Boviseal up into the udder. 3 infections, but it is essential that all cows have an adequate dry period to 4 allow the cow to recover from the previous lactation and for the udder to In summary, all dairy cows should receive Boviseal at drying off. A few regenerate. Naturally during the dry period, a keratin plug forms in the teat may also require a narrow spectrum antibiotic to treat existing infections canal2 and acts as a physical defence mechanism to protect against bacterial that may have been detected through records of clinical mastitis or raised infections entering the udder. However, this natural protective mechanism is somatic cell counts through regular milk recording. The sterile application not always effective. Roughly a quarter of lower yielding dairy cows may fail of all intramammary tubes is essential to ensure that infections are not to develop a complete keratin plug in the dry period. Without this barrier introduced by the operator. there is a greater risk of bacteria entering the udder3. Boviseal replaces the REFERENCES natural keratin plug and has been proven to consistently prevent more than 1. Green MJ et al. (2002). Influence of dry period intramammary infection on clinical 1 in 3 cases of mastitis⁴. mastitis in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 85:2589-2599 2. Paulrud, C. O. (2005). Basic concepts of the bovine teat canal. Vet. Res. Commun. The role of dry cow therapy 29:215–245. 3. Dingwell RT et al. (2004). Association of cow and quarter level factors at drying-off The aim of dry cow therapy is to optimise the chances of a cow calving with with new intramammary infections during the dry period. Prev. Vet. Med. 63, 75-89. a low somatic cell count (uninfected) and being at low risk of developing 4. Rabiee AR & Lean IJ (2013). The effect of teat sealant products (Teatseal and clinical mastitis in the next lactation. The dry period represents the best OrbeSeal®)* on intramammary infection, clinical mastitis, and somatic cell counts in opportunity to CURE existing infection, however it is still essential to lactating dairy cows: A meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 96:1-17. PREVENT new infections. Dry cow therapy allows: • TREATMENT of existing intramammary infections – use of an antibiotic and an internal teat sealant • PREVENTION of new intramammary infections – use of an internal teat sealant such as Boviseal • It is essential that all other aspects of dry cow management are optimal. So, all cows in all herds should receive a teat sealant but therevwill be a few that also require an antibiotic prior to receiving the teat sealant. Correct application of all intrammamary products is essential. In the past, the use 10 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 Boviseal_

®MADE IN IR 1. PPRREPOARTEEACNTD 2. + Prevent new infections + Control mastitis + Improve milk quality ELAND 3. 4. Boviseal® Dry Cow Intramammary Infusion contains 2.6 g Bismuth subnitrate per syringe. Legal Category: LM. For further information please contact your veterinary surgeon or Zoetis, It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 11 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin D18 T3Y1. (01) 2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly (www.apha.ie). (Jul2020) MM-09981. Boviseal_step_by_step_A4.indd 1 23/07/2021 17:31:23

Weaning management for optimum health of suckler beef calves Dr. Bernie Earley and Dr. Mark McGee Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath Weanling management Prevention of pneumonia in weanlings In suckler herds, calves generally remain with the cows at pasture until The primary cause of pneumonia (respiratory disease) in weanlings is they are weaned usually between 6 and 9 months old. In addition to initially attributable to viruses such as bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHv-1/ removal from the cow, the weaning procedure may be compounded by infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)), bovine respiratory syncytial other stressors occurring around the same time, e.g. change of diet (grass virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (BPI-3 virus), and bovine virus and milk to conserved feed with or without concentrates), change of diarrhoea/mucosal disease (BVD/MD virus) and in many cases is followed environment (outdoors to indoors), and transport/marketing. Weaning by secondary bacterial infections usually caused by Mannheimia therefore can be a multi-factorial stressor, in which, nutritional, physical, (Pasteurella) haemolytica and Mycoplasma bovis. and psychological stress are combined. To ensure a healthy weanling, the aim is to Psychological stress is present in the form of maternal separation and minimise their exposure to disease, and maximise social disruption, whereas nutritional and physical stressors are often their defence against disease. present through the introduction and adaptation to a novel diet and environment. Research at Teagasc, Grange has shown that reducing the • Minimising a calf’s exposure to disease, may be achieved through cumulative effect of multiple stressors around weaning time results in a the use of a closed herd, screened replacements and positive herd less marked stress response in the calf. immunity. • Good housing conditions (e.g. adequate ventilation and space) Weanling health and good stockmanship also play a key role in preventing respiratory disease. An optimal herd health programme should be designed to prevent major • Outbreaks of pneumonia amongst weanlings are considered to disease and it is important to consult with a veterinary practitioner be highly associated with situations where the immune system is prior to weaning, to discuss the prevalent diseases and associated risks compromised. These risk factors include the stresses associated specific to the farm. Internal parasites (stomach worms, hoose and fluke) with weaning, as described above, and should be minimised and respiratory disease are the two main health concerns that affect where possible. Nutrient deficiency can significantly suppress the weanlings. immune system, resulting in a poor response to vaccination, as well as resulting in calves that are unable to fight off infections. Control of stomach worms, lungworm and fluke Furthermore, adequate nutrition minimises the long-term negative effects of disease and permits a more rapid recovery. Control programmes for stomach worms, lungworm and fluke should • A disease prevention programme for pneumonia usually be developed in consultation with a veterinary practitioner. The type of involves vaccination. Viral specific vaccines are available but their soil, grazing system, stocking rates, previous history of problems, faecal effectiveness is dependent on management procedures and timing testing and clinical assessment should be considered when determining of administration. Depending on the causative agent (virus) and when to dose and what product to dose with. The time interval between product, the vaccine should be administered prior to weaning, dosing will depend on the product used. bearing in mind that some products require a booster dose. Where possible, do not mix calves from different sources until after the • Weanlings should be dosed with an anthelmintic effective vaccinations have had time to produce immunity (2 to 3 weeks). against stomach worms (Ostertagia) and lungworm • It is vital, irrespective of the programme, that vaccines are stored (Dictyocaulus). Lungworm (hoose) infection is a major cause of and administered as per manufacturer’s instructions including disease and clinical signs are persistent coughing and severe being given at the right time, at the right dose and route of pneumonia. administration and right interval between primary and booster (if • Liver fluke (Fasciolosis) is a common parasitic disease caused required). by Fasciola hepatica. The disease manifests itself mainly in • It is also very important that vaccines are not given to sick calves two forms, acute and chronic. During wet summer conditions, as sick, or stressed calves will not respond appropriately to the grazing cattle ingest the intermediate stages of the fluke from vaccine. contaminated pasture with invasion of the liver causing disease • Work in close association with a veterinary practitioner. during the winter months. The major presenting clinical findings Collection of nasal mucous samples or swabs for laboratory are persistent diarrhoea and chronic weight loss with resultant diagnosis will direct the selection of the appropriate vaccine and/ poor thrive. A control programme should include a flukicide or antibiotic treatment. treatment. • Regular temperature checking is also useful for monitoring clinical problems. • Disbudding of calves at a young age is recommended. (Disbudding of calves means removing the very early developing horn base to prevent horn growth with a hot iron). It is much more desirable to disbud calves than to dehorn them at a later stage in life. • Castration: Castration should not take place within 4 weeks prior to or following weaning. • In summary, a programme for minimising the negative effects of disease in newly weaned calves includes: reduced exposure to disease, minimal stress, adequate nutrition, parasite control, and timely and appropriate vaccination and/or treatment of animals. Further reading - please see https://animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2021/04/AHI-CalfCare- Management-of-the-Suckler-Calf-at-Weaning-2021.pdf?dl=1 12 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

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BRD A Catastrophe: Controlling Irish Trends Ryan Duffy, Hipra Tech Services Vet I am sure everyone reading this is familiar with Bovine Respiratory Disease What are the main features of histophilosis? Complex (BRDC), aware of its multi-factorial nature, and its significant negative impact on animal health and welfare, on antimicrobial usage - Fibrinosuppurative/Caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia (especially HP-CIAs such as macrolides and fluroquinolones and in terms - Thrombotic meningoencephalitis (TME) – Sleeper Syndrome of prophylactic and metaphylactic use), and on a farm’s financial returns. In - Polyarthritis (Multiple Swollen Joints) Ireland there are many certainties in this occupation, including increasing - Otitis Media/Interna (Middle/Inner Ear Infections) respiratory issues towards the back end of the year1 with suckler calves being - Necrotizing myocarditis (Resulting In Sudden Death) weaned, autumn calving season taking off, and the necessary confinement of - Abortion stock as the inevitable cold and wet winter approaches. Conferring a broad and efficacious protection against the main pathogens identified on farm by Taking these two bacteria into consideration when investigating a respiratory vaccination, in combination with herd and environmental management (which issue this autumn/winter is key due to the trends seen within this country in minimise stress), produces best results. recent years with M. Haemolytica still sitting at the top but H. Somni being Reducing the incidence of respiratory disease will reduce its deleterious detected with a higher frequency. Understandably, with this data, it is clear consequences on achieving industry accepted targets of replacement heifers that a dual bacterial vyaocuciannedcyoonutraicnliienngttshfeorMt.hHeaceommoilnygticsae’assLoKnTaannddinHt.oSothmCeni being bred at 55-60% of their mature bodyweight at 15 months of age to may be of benefit to prepare for a healthy and economically efficient calving at 82% of their future. mature bodyweight between 22-24 months of age2. Hayes et al., (2019)3, M using 2018 data from ICBF, found that only 70% of heifers calved between 22 and 26 months of age with these authors suggesting that significant But that is really only looking at one piece of the puzzle – what about improvements here would limit the now astronomical cost of rearing viral pneumonia? BRSV has now been recognised as the predominant viral Y unproductive heifers. The same authors found that this would require an agent involved in BRDC in Ireland, and this is particularly evident in calves average daily gain of 0.68kg/d, which does not vary much from the 0.75kg/d and weanlings5. This pathogen induces lesions by infecting the ciliated CM suggested by AFRC back in 19934. Taking this into account how do we address bronchiolar epithelium of the upper respiratory tract resulting in denuding of the fact that pneumonia is the leading cause of mortality in Ireland in cattle the muco-ciliary escalator. On top of this, a significant synergy between BRMSYV over one month of age5and that it has been shown that daily liveweight and H. Somni in the lower airways opens the gate for H. Somni to gain entry gain can be reduced by up to 200g/calf/day depending on the number of to the pulmonary microvasculature, allowing it to disseminate and cause CY pulmonary lobes that have been consolidated? 200g/calf/day? This will septicaemic conditions14,15,16. clearly have a dramatic impact on the national beef industry. If we are to combat pneumonia, we must recognise the trends amongst the pathogens But let’s get back to what you will be facing this autumn/winter. For the CMY within the country and formulate an appropriate herd health plan to maximise young autumn born calves that will be hitting the ground they require a BRSK V protection.5 vaccine that has the following features: Cattle have next to no residual lung capacity so following infection there - Live BRSV vaccine is either a resultant reduction in production or an increase in mortality. - Early age mucosal administration (intranasal vaccine) Mannheimia Haemolytica is the undisputed heavyweight champion of - Work in the presence of maternally derived antibodies (MDAs) inducing pneumonic lesions in Irish cattle and has held this position for many - Confer heterologous BRSV strain protection (just think of the number of COVID-19 years. This bacterium proliferates in the nasopharynx following a stressor and strains that have emerged in recent times) elaborates a dose dependent pore-forming cytolysin (known as LEUKOTOXIN) which exerts its worst effects on ruminant leukocytes. Ultimately, this For weanlings (be they recently weaned or weaned months ago) they can now causes the degranulation of lysosomal contents resulting in fibrinous be vaccinated with the same live BRSV vaccine (Prime-Boost): bronchopneumonia +/- pleuritis. For this reason, many authors consider this leukotoxin (LKT) as the most important virulence factor7,8. - Intramuscularly (practically making life a lot easier) All 12 serotypes produce their own LKT9 with serotypes A1, A2, A5, A6, A7, A9, - Providing the option of sustained BRSV protection A11 and A12 being implicated in disease. It has been shown that antibodies - With heterologous BRSV strain protection against one LKT can cross neutralise LKTs produced by other serotypes and that these LKT-specific antibodies are crucial for establishing resistance7,8,10. As we all prepare for any weanling pneumonia, autumn enzootic calf Opperman et al., (2017)11 has stated that the LKT remains the most relevant pneumonia, a turn in the weather, and housing it is critical that we are all and successfully applied antigen for vaccination and these vaccines are aware of the main respiratory pathogens rearing their heads in recent years highly effective with Rice et al., (2007)12 concluding that modern vaccines and of the immunoprophylactic options available to vets. which utilise leukotoxin technology have a 50-70% efficacy in preventing References: mannheimiosis, whereas the authors questioned the value of M. Haemolytica bacterins. [1] O'Neill, R., Mooney, J., Connaghan, E., Furphy, C. and Graham, D.A., 2014. Patterns of detection of respiratory But is there an up-and-coming pathogen to keep an eye out for? If you have viruses in nasal swabs from calves in Ireland: a retrospective study. Veterinary Record, 175(14), pp.351-351. detected Histophilus Somni with greater frequency in recent years by using [2] Van Amburgh, M. and Meyer, M., 2005. Target growth and nutrient requirements of post-weaned dairy heifers. In PCR you are not alone, as this bacterium is being increasingly recognised Proc. Dairy Calves and Heifers Conference (pp. 128-139). as a significant pathogen nationally and internationally. The frequency of [3] Hayes, C.J., McAloon, C.G., Carty, C.I., Ryan, E.G., Mee, J.F. and O'Grady, L., 2019. The effect of growth rate on detection in the Republic of Ireland exceeded figures recorded in many other reproductive outcomes in replacement dairy heifers in seasonally calving, pasture-based systems. Journal of dairy regions, including Northern Ireland, the US and Canada (including feedlots)13. science, 102(6), pp.5599-5611. So histophilosis should not be thought of as ‘just a feedlot condition’ – it is [4] AFRC (1993) Energy and Protein Requirements of Ruminants. An advisory manual prepared by the AFRC Technical significant in our pasture-based system as many Irish veterinary practitioners Committee on Responses to Nutrients. CAB International, Wallingford, UK. will attest to, especially in the cases of weanling pneumonia13 that will be [5] Veterinary Laboratory Service and Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute. November 2020. All Island Animal Disease popping up in the coming weeks. It has arguably been under-reported in this Surveillance Report 2019. Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. [Online]. Available Via: http://www. country due to its characteristic lability, challenges with efficient laboratory animalhealthsurveillance.agriculture.gov.ie/media/animalhealthsurveillance/content/labreports/All-Island%20 diagnosis, and also due to its resemblance to the syndrome caused by Disease%20Surv%20Report%202019_10112020.pdf#page=98 Accessed 19/07/2021. Mycoplasmosis. [6] Williams, P. and Green, L., 2007. Associations between lung lesions and grade and estimated daily live weight gain in bull beef at slaughter. Cattle Practice, 15, pp.244-249. [7] Narayanan, S.K., Nagaraja, T.G., Chengappa, M.M. and Stewart, G.C., 2002. Leukotoxins of gram-negative bacteria. Veterinary microbiology, 84(4), pp.337-356. [8] Fedorova, N.D. and Highlander, S.K., 1997. Generation of targeted nonpolar gene insertions and operon fusions in Pasteurella haemolytica and creation of a strain that produces and secretes inactive leukotoxin. Infection and immunity, 65(7), pp.2593-2598. [9] Boyce, J.D., Lo, R.Y., Wilkie, I.W. and Adler, B., 2004. Pasteurella and Mannheimia. In Pathogenesis of bacterial infections in animals (pp. 273-294). Wiley-Blackwell. [10] Jaramillo-Arango, C.J., Tavera, F.J.T. and Suárez-Güemes, F., 2009. Bovine mannheimiosis: etiology, prevention and control. Veterinaria México, 40(3), pp.293-314. [11] Oppermann, T., Busse, N. and Czermak, P., 2017. Mannheimia haemolytica growth and leukotoxin production for vaccine manufacturing—A bioprocess review. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 28, pp.95-100. [12] Rice, J.A., Carrasco-Medina, L., Hodgins, D.C. and Shewen, P.E., 2007. Mannheimia haemolytica and bovine respiratory disease. Animal Health Research Reviews, 8(2), pp.117-128. [13] Murray, G.M., More, S.J., Sammin, D., Casey, M.J., McElroy, M.C., O’Neill, R.G., Byrne, W.J., Earley, B., Clegg, T.A., Ball, H. and Bell, C.J., 2017. Pathogens, patterns of pneumonia, and epidemiologic risk factors associated with respiratory disease in recently weaned cattle in Ireland. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 29(1), pp.20-34. [14] Agnes, J.T., Zekarias, B., Shao, M., Anderson, M.L., Gershwin, L.J. and Corbeil, L.B., 2013. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus and Histophilus somni interaction at the alveolar barrier. Infection and immunity, 81(7), pp.2592- 2597. [15] Grant Rowe, R., Keena, D., Sabeh, F., Willis, A.L. and Weiss, S.J., 2011. Pulmonary fibroblasts mobilize the membrane-tethered matrix metalloprotease, MT1-MMP, to destructively remodel and invade interstitial type I collagen barriers. American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, 301(5), pp.L683-L692. [16] Zekarias, B., Mattoo, S., Worby, C., Lehmann, J., Rosenbusch, R.F. and Corbeil, L.B., 2010 14 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

IBR MARKER LIVE Live IBR marker vaccine for cattle IBR MARKER LIVE Lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle. COMPOSITION PER DOSE: Each dose of 2 ml contains: Lyophilisate: Live gE- tk- double-gene deleted Bovine Herpes Virus type 1 (BoHV-1), cstlirnaiicnaCl EsiDgDnEsLo:f1i0n6f.3e–ct1io0u7.3sCbCoIDv5i0n.eSorhlvineonttr:aPchhoesiptihsa(tIBeRb)uaffnedr solution. INDICATIONS: For the active immunisation of cattle from 3 months of age against Bovine Herpes Virus type 1 (BoHV-1) to reduce the field virus excretion. ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION: Intramuscular. ONSET OF IMMUNITY: 21 days after completion of the basic vaccination scheme. DURATION OF IMMUNITY: 6 months after completion of the basic vaccination scheme. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Vaccinate healthy animals only. ADVERSE REACTIONS: A slight increase in body temperature up to 1 °C is common within 4 days following vaccination. Occasionally, an increase in rectal temperature up to 1.63 ºC in adult cows and up to 2.18 ºC in calves may be observed. This transient rise in temperature is spontaneously resolved within 48 hours without treatment and it is not related to a febrile process. A transient inflammation at the inoculation site is common in cattle within 72 hours post-vaccination. This slight swelling lasts for less than 24 hours in most cases. Vaccination might exceptionally cause hypersensitivity reactions. In such cases, an appropriate symptomatic treatment should be administered. USE DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION: Can be used during pregnancy and lactation. RECOMMENDED VACCINATION PROGRAMME: Cattle: from the age of 3 months onwards. The recommended initial dose is 1 injection of 2 ml of the reconstituted vaccine per animal. The animal should be revaccinated 3 weeks later with the same dose. Thereafter a single booster dose of 2 ml should be administered every six months. The method of administration is by intramuscular route, in the neck muscles. Reconstitute the lyophilized tablet with the entire contents of the enclosed solvent to obtain a suspension for injection. The solvent should be allowed to warm to a temperature between 15 ºC to 20ºC before reconstitution of the lyophilised tablet. OVERDOSE: No adverse reactions except those mentioned above were observed after the administration of a 10-fold vaccine dose. WITHDRAWAL PERIOD: Zero days. INCOMPATIBILITIES: Do not mix with any other veterinary medicinal product, except the solvent supplied for use with the veterinary medicinal product. SHELF LIFE: Shelf life of the lyophilisate as packaged for sale: 2 years. Shelf life after reconstitution: 6 hours. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STORAGE: Store and transport refrigerated (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Keep the bottles in the outer carton in order to protect from light. For veterinary use. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: 5 doses: EU/2/10/114/001; 25 doses: EU/2/10/114/002. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratorios Hipra, S.A., Amer (Girona), SPAIN. LEGAL CATEGORIES: UK: POM-V, ROI: POM and Prescription only veterinary medicine for further information contact your veterinary medicine prescriber. HIPRA UK AND IRELAND FoTxhela(l+l L4o4)d0g1e1·5F8o4x5ha6l4l8R6Iot·a’sudkY·aoNnuGd7rirF6elLiaeHnld·[email protected]··0Uwn2wi1twed./hKip1inr5ag.dcoomm

aLanmd NeneewssEfInfeCcatitvteleFootbaths. Dr Tom Barragry PhD, MSc.MVB, MRCVS Dip ECVPT (Registered Specialist in Veterinary Pharmacology) Lameness is not only a major welfare issue causing pain and Appearance of clinical signs and lesions of DD may well indicate distress to dairy cattle, but it also has a major negative impact that a proper prophylactic footbathing programme has probably on the overall productivity of the dairy operation. Surveys of not been in place. herds in Ireland & the UK have put the incidence of lameness in herds, as ranging between 20-40%. Lameness from various Foot Bathing causes is now a major problem in Irish dairy herds. It has become the second largest dairy cow health challenge after mastitis. An alarmingly high proportion of dairy cattle are affected specifically by Digital Dermatitis, more commonly known as Mortellaro or Italian Footrot. Overall lameness ranks as one of the costliest of all cattle diseases, and in a publication some years ago, it was estimated to be costing, directly or indirectly, at least 300 euro /cow/ per annum (Ryan & O Grady 2004, Cusack 2012)). In a 100-cow herd, with a 20-30 percent incidence and at a minimum cost of at least 300E/cow, that translates into financial haemorrhaging of thousands of euros per annum, in terms of lost production and overheads. (See fig 1) The pain and stress of foot problems coupled with limitations on mobility and feeding can weaken the immune system and lower disease resistance. Numerous papers demonstrate that clinical lameness will significantly reduce milk yield, as well as elevating the SCC and mastitis problems. In addition, foot lameness impacts negatively on fertility, with lame cows showing increased calving to first service intervals and calving to conception intervals. Culling of cows because of lameness is another expected detrimental outcome. Digital Dermatitis (DD), caused by infectious agents such as Copper sulphate and formalin have been the mainstays in spirochaetes/treponema, is now a major cause of lameness on footbathing solutions for many years. However, they are not ideal Irish and UK farms. Digital Dermatitis or Mortellaro's disease is and have several undesirable properties. a stubborn hoof disorder at the back of the heel that occurs on almost all cattle farms. It thrives in moist conditions. When spillages or residual footbath solutions of copper Characteristically it shows as a wound on the hoof claw skin, are deposited on soil, high levels of copper in the soil can usually where the skin between the claw merges into hoof horn. accumulate, which can have toxic and negative effects on plant The condition is red and strawberry-like and is very painful and growth. Copper is poisonous to plants, animals and the ecosystem highly contagious. and has residual activity. It also impacts negatively on bacterial flora and resistance. Formalin is known to harden the hoof; it Most research has indicated is also carcinogenic, and its toxic fumes are potentially very that the incidence of this type hazardous. Both can be adversely affected by the presence of of lameness in cows is now far organic matter in high concentrations. In addition, they are not higher than it was twenty-five very effective against active lesions and require a concentration years ago, and this undoubtedly considerably larger than the minimum inhibitory concentration is due to changes in the dairy (MIC) for their disinfectant action in many cases. industry such as herd size, housing, wetter conditions, New Footbaths for Cattle nutrition, and management. With more and more dairy cows In recent years, as the search for useful, safe, and effective living in confinement and on holistic products has intensified, a number of plant-based concrete for longer periods of flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, terpinols, and essential oils time, more and more cows are have been used successfully as routine footbaths for prevention suffering from lameness. of foot problems. Many of them possess antibacterial and anti- Proper claw trimming and a clean dry environment and daily foot inflammatory action in addition to enhancing hoof horn quality bathing at milking is an essential component of any footcare and displaying epitheliotropic properties. programme. Once again prevention of lameness by routine prophylactic foot bathing of “healthy cows” is economically far better than the very costly “cure”. 16 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

NATURALLY BETTER than formaldehyde and copper SPECIAL OFFER Increase productivity and reduce lameness with Hoofsure Endurance – the safe, clinically Purchase 3 x 20 litre proven and cost-effective footbath: Hoofsure Endurance Clinically proven – Active organic formulation that helps to clean feet and prevent lameness. Up to RECEIVE FREE 44% more effective than copper and formaldehyde.* 5 litre acid resistant sprayer Safe to use & dispose – Biodegradable, natural footbath solution that’s better for the environment Valid whilst stocks last. Terms and Conditions apply. and safer for animal and human health. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic Copper is illegal *References available on request 50 kg 25 litre 20 litre Hoofsure Endurance 5000 COWS COPPER SULPHATE FORMALDEHYDE MORE COWS PER LITRE! 300 COWS 375 COWS Contact Whelehan Animal Health on: (01) 468 8900 PROVITA EUROTECH Ltd. 21 Bankmore Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, BT79 0EU Tel: +44 (0)28 8225 2352 Fax: +44 (0)28 8224 1734 FREEPHONE 0800 3284982 Email: [email protected] www.provita.co.uk It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 17

A particularly interesting novel and natural compound in this Hoofsure Endurance, plus the added advantage of being safer phytochemical category is Tea Tree Oil (TTO) than formalin. TTO in combination with organic acids (Hoofsure Endurance) is (3). A peer reviewed published study from Iran in 2013, an environmentally friendly, holistic viable option, now available (Nourouzian et al, ref 4) described a farm study with 182 dairy as an effective footbath alternative to copper and formalin. Its cows with DD which were treated twice daily with TTO/organic positive effects have been widely documented in the scientific acid footbath over a two-week period with subsequent follow up literature. TTO is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Crucially it over three months. At the end of the trial period, using a scoring is also effective against bacterial biofilm formation, the protective system, the decrease in lameness, pain, lesion colour and size shield below which bacteria can replicate and invade further, in the animals treated with Hoofsure Endurance was seen to be and which is also a major mechanism of clinical resistance to significantly reduced (at the statistical level of P<0.05) when antimicrobials. TTO with organic acids has high penetrative compared to the lesion incidence at the beginning of the trial properties and is highly active in the presence of organic matter. period. In vitro microbiological comparative trials have shown TTO to be (4) In vitro published studies, (Mason et al ref 5) comparing more potent and more rapidly acting than either copper sulphate microbiological efficacy of TTO/organic acids, formalin, and or formalin, as well as maintaining higher efficacy in the presence copper sulphate, showed that TTO/Organic acids (Hoofsure of organic matter. Endurance) were more potent than either copper or formalin against bacteria, had a quicker onset of action, and was more Some Published Trials of TTO Footbaths in Cattle: effective in the presence of organic matter. In addition, the study confirmed that copper sulphate and formalin had a bacteriostatic (1) In a published trial in University of Kentucky, (Smith et al. effect whereas TTO had a bactericidal effect. ref 2), TTO was found to be non-inferior to copper sulphate in a comparative clinical evaluation of cattle footbaths. Over a 9-week trial period, both TTO and copper sulphate were effective in reducing digital dermatitis by 32%. At 18 weeks, TTO had reduced digital dermatitis levels by 49% while copper sulphate had reduced it by 46%. (Ref 2) Conclusion (2) A Royal Veterinary College trial (2014) in London, (Bell & Dyson, ref 3), compared the efficacy of cattle footbaths of TTO and The use of holistic environmentally friendly, but proven, formalin for management and prevention of DD. An evaluation effective phytochemical compounds offer a modern and more was performed on 90 lame cows in a 24-week split footbath enlightened way forward in the management of foot problems, study. Preliminary results showed TTO reduced digital dermatitis especially for DD in dairy cattle. Their high efficacy and safety by 51% whereas with formalin the reduction was lower at 43%. permit the avoidance of use of blunter instruments and more This equated to a 19% better reduction in digital dermatitis with toxic traditional chemicals such as formalin and copper sulphate. Additionally, when given used consistently and prophylactically, 18 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 daily, (at milking), they are hugely cost effective in reducing the clinical development, appearance and spreading of foot lesions, and all the associated negative financial impacts. Lameness is one of the costliest “gateway” diseases on farm. Being at least as effective as copper and formalin (more effective in some trials) TTO will also reduce reliance on antibiotics for treatment of clinical lesions, hence lowering antimicrobial usage (AMU) and contributing to the minimization of antimicrobial resistance development. (Dr T Barragry acts as independent veterinary consultant to Provita Ltd) References: 1. Wiltshire JA, Bell NJ, 2009. An economic review of cattle lameness. Cattle Practice 17:2 136-141 2. A. C. Smith, * C. L. Wood, † K. J. McQuerry, † and J. M. Bewley Effect of a tea tree oil and organic acid footbath solution on digital dermatitis in dairy cows J. Dairy Sci. 97 :1–4 2014 3. NJ Bell, SJ Dyson, The Royal Veterinary College London. A quasi-randomised, non-inferiority clinical trial comparing Hoofsuite Endurance with 4% Formalin 4. Nowrouzian, M, Nouri, F., Zibaee, and F Katouli. On farm evaluation of group treatment of digital dermatitis in dairy cows. Journal of Animal & Poultry Science 2013 (2) 65-72. 5. Mason, O.G., D.S. Jones, S. Gorman and J. Moore. 2004. A competitive bioassay to determine the antibacterial activity of Provita. Hoofsuite footbaths with commonly used foot bathing agents. The School of Pharmacy, The Queens University of Belfast, UKfas 6. Ryan, E.G. & O'Grady, L.E. (2004) The economics of infectious and production diseases in dairy herds. Herd Health Planning published by Veterinary Ireland 2013 CusacCuk G C2 (3): 7. Cusack, G. 2012 Economic cost of lameness in Irish dairy herds. XL Vets Forage & Nutrition Guide. 8. Cusack G. 2019. https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/cows-are-not-risk- takers-vet-explains-causes-of-lameness/

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Prevention & treatment of bovine lameness Courtesy of Finnian Logan, UCD Lameness is a major production disease of cattle in all dairy production systems, with a significant negative impact on production, fertility, and animal welfare. It contributes significantly to culling rates and has a serious impact on farm herd profitability. Most lameness arises due to problems in the feet and as a result this should be investigated prior to progressing with diagnostic evaluation higher up the limb. Lameness in the foot can be broadly categorised as infectious or non-infectious. Infectious causes of lameness Mortellaro, also called digital dermatitis, is one of the most significant causes of infectious lameness on Irish dairy farms. A treponema spirochaete is thought to be the main causative agent and is quite contagious, particularly in a housed environment. It typically presents as an erosive haemorrhagic lesion in the centre of the heel region in its acute form and is painful for the animal. It also presents on the interdigital skin at the dorsal aspect of the foot just above the junction between the claws. As the infection becomes more chronic it can appear as a more proliferative, hyperkeratotic type lesion, sometimes referred to as “hairy heel warts”. Treatment requires topical oxytetracycline spray and regular Image 2. Severe interdigital necrobacillosis foot-bathing to minimise transmission. In severe cases with raw ulcerative lesions, the use of parenteral antibiotics may be Superfoul indicated. Occasionally digital dermatitis can be aggravated by an additional bacterial infection with anaerobes such as Fusobacterium Necrophorum and Dichelobacter nodosus. Skin that has been eroded due to digital dermatitis is left vulnerable to severe infectious damage caused by these anaerobes, producing a painful and foul-smelling lesion that can cause severe lameness. Parenteral antibiotic treatment and an NSAID are required. Slurry Heel Occurs commonly with the accumulation of slurry in poor underfoot conditions in winter housing. The ammonia in slurry has an erosive effect on the soft horn – skin junction at the heel. The development of cracks and undermined skin facilitates the establishment of anaerobic infection such as Dichelobacter nodosus. If left to progress or if present in conjunction with a severe digital dermatitis, infection can penetrate to the underlying navicular bursa and superficial digital flexor tendon sheath. Image 1. Digital dermatitis, also called Mortellaro Carefully cutting away excess ridged soft horn from the eroded heel area, using the flat of the hoof knife, exposes the anaerobic Interdigital dermatitis & Interdigital necrobacillosis environment to air. Topical antibiotic spray should also be applied. Interdigital dermatitis is an infection of the interdigital skin that Non-Infectious causes of lameness does not cause ulcerative penetrating lesions. It presents as red, painful, and inflamed interdigital skin and is caused by the White line disease is an accumulation of dirt or grit at the anaerobic bacteria Fusobacterium necrophorum. This condition vulnerable white line junction between the lamellae of the hoof weakens the interdigital skin which predisposes to the more wall and the sole. Here, gravel can penetrate the white line and can severe interdigital necrobacillosis or footrot. This does cause predispose to dirt tracking up under the hoof wall causing infection. disruptive infectious damage to the interdigital skin and can if left In severe cases, this infection can progress dorsally beneath the unaddressed, penetrate deep into the tissue of the foot. Treatment hoof wall to emerge at the coronary band. It can also progress in involves the use of topical antibiotic spray, a course of parenteral an axial direction beneath the solar surface to cause a white line antibiotic such as Penicillin or oxytetracycline and an NSAID for associated abscess commonly known as a “drop”. pain relief. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 19

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Dirt or blackness in the white line should be investigated with the hoof knife, using both the eye and the distal end of the blade intermittently to pare away the black necrotic debris. In cases where the white line lesion extends dorsally beneath the hoof wall to the coronary band, it is important to pare out the lesion, opening a smooth even grove in the overlying hoof wall, while being careful to maintain its structural itegrity. Abscesses are often associated with white line lesions towards the heel in hind feet and towards the toe in front feet. They are usually visible as a “drop” of dirt or fluid that needs to be pared further to allow drainage of the underlying abscess. Such abscesses can be associated with under- running of the sole. Any double sole needs to be pared away to the underlying deepest emerging fresh sole horn. Solar haemorrhage commonly Image 5. Showing toe necrosis in the claw to the left of image and a sole ulcer on the claw on the right of the image occurs as the result of poor altered weight distribution Control of Infectious causes of Lameness in feet that have become overgrown. As claws become Footbathing overly long, an increasing Solutions used include a 4% formalin solution and 5% copper amount of weight is placed on sulphate (preferred). Each of these solutions is helpful at reducing the caudal and axial part of the spread of digital dermatitis and will be help to counteract the solar surface. This causes the development of interdigital necrobacillosis and interdigital pressure on vascular corium dermatitis. However, what is more important than the product itself beneath the sole in the normally is the footbath design as this is crucial to ensure that the practice is non-weight-bearing axial grove worthwhile and effective. area. Solar haemorrhage is An important consideration is how often the footbath needs visible when paring feet as changed, usually around 150 cow passes but it depends on the pink, purple or striations of dark specific footbath and they are often too short to be fit for purpose. yellow. In the face of a severe outbreak of infectious foot lameness, twice daily for 3 consecutive days or daily for 7 days is recommended and Image 3.White line disease repeat this for 3 consecutive weeks. For moderate levels of digital dermatitis, a footbath 3 times per week is usually ok and after 1 This condition is also commonly associated with the development month, frequency may be reduced to 1 day every week or 2 weeks. of double sole with a layer of haemorrhagic debris accumulating With low level of digital dermatitis and good housing and slurry between the layers. Careful removal of any false sole with the hoof management foot-bathing can be carried out less frequently but knife is required to re-establish healthy solar horn growth. close monitoring of the prevalence of lesions when cows are being trimmed for lameness is necessary. Sole Ulcer Build-up of faecal matter in footbaths causes de-activation of most footbath solutions. Measures to minimise faecal contamination of As inappropriate weight- footbaths such as hosing feet in the parlour and the placing of a bearing progresses, the water-bath in front of the disinfectant footbath, can be effective to pressure on the corium enhance the practice of footbathing. increases to the extent that The design of footbaths is also a big factor in their efficacy. Ideally it ceases to produce the cells footbaths should be at least 3 metres long (ideally 3-3.7m), 0.5- necessary to maintain the 0.6m wide and 0.10-0.12 metres in depth with a 0.28m step in to sole. This eventually leads to promote adequate submersion of all four feet. Footbaths should a full thickness defect in the be easily filled, emptied and cleaned and the site of the footbath sole, exposing the underlying should be carefully thought out. sensitive corium. Proliferative granulation tissue often Well designed footbathing set-up, allowing for a slatted drainage area between protrudes from an ulcer. It is necessary to carefully pare Image 4. Sole ulcer in caudal axial groove region with a away any solar horn that shoe on the contralateral digit. is causing compressive pressure on the granulation tissue. The axial grooves should also be rendered non-weight bearing by carefully reducing the depth of the axial groove region with the knife. Care should be taken to avoid going too deep by feeling for softness with your thumb. Solar ulcers are a painful condition and cows benefit from the application of a block/cow shoe on the unaffected claw to ease weight bearing on the affected claw while healing as well as the use of an NSAID. Toe Necrosis manifests itself as an open defect in the toe, which allows dirt to progress deep into the claw. It usually develops from a white line lesion in the toe, although over-zealous use of the toe clippers also predisposes to it. A Weight distribution is moved caudally which further encourages the lengthening of the toe. An increasingly deep defect is left in the toe. This predisposes to accumulation of dirt and provides a suitable environment for the establishment of anaerobic infection which can put the pedal bone at risk of osteomyelitis if the infection is allowed to develop. Treatment involves shortening the toe with the hoof clippers and paring away all the necrotic black material. In severe cases with involvement of P3 osteomyelitis, digit amputation may be necessary. 20 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

Control of Non-Infectious Lameness The quality of the underfoot surface at feeding barriers, and adequate space of 0.6metres per cow (minimum) at feeding barriers is also Claw horn lesions result as a disease of damage/compression of the important to minimise bullying and increased standing times. horn producing area of the foot. Damage to the horn producing corium Cubicles need to be sufficiently long and well bedded with a suitable resulting in these non-infectious, claw horn lesions causing lameness is mat material to maximise lying time. There should be at least one largely related to the cows environment, abnormal hoof conformation cubicle per cow, but a 10% surplus is optimal. and changes associated with calving. Thin cows are more likely to be treated for lameness. A large body of Measures to minimise the development of such lesions involve work now concludes that due to the effect of calving where structures minimising excessive pressure on cows’ feet. This will encompass the in the hoof wall relax, compounded by the potential loss of fat in many factors in the cows daily routine, the time allocated to milking the digital cushion (an important support structure within the foot) and the environment. The distance being walked to the parlour and the associated with body condition score (BCS) loss, that good control of underfoot condition of roadways and yards are very important. BCS, and rather preventing excessive loss of BCS around calving is very Roadways should be slightly above the level of the surrounding topsoil important in the prevention and control of lameness. Body condition and should have a gentle slope to one or both sides to minimise surface scoring should be carried out pre-dry off and the herd should aim to damage due to water accumulation. they should be well maintained calve cows in target BCS 3.0-3.25. with regular attention to surface condition. The build-up of small stones A further risk for claw horn disease is abnormal hoof conformation. or gravel on concrete surfaces should be avoided and concrete surfaces Preventing overgrowth and addressing this in time with regular in yards and housing should neither be too rough nor too smooth. trimming and monitoring of feet so that early, effective treatment is Sharp bends and slopes are also best avoided. Roadways should have instituted coupled with good control of BCS are important measures in adequate width to allow for smooth cow flow and cows should not the maintenance of normal hoof function and conformation. be rushed with quads or dogs. In this manner they can maintain their Regular mobility scoring is an excellent way in which to assess the walking order, avoid pressure from more dominant cows and choose prevalence of lameness in the herd. This involves the use of a simple their footing. The transition to concrete is an important area to consider four-point grading scale from 0(sound) to 3(very lame). as this can be an area where the cow pulls stones/gravel onto the This should be carried out twice yearly, for example at the end of concrete. If they then walk on stones that are scattered on the concrete, housing period and at the end of the grazing period, or more frequently this can predispose to significant horn damage on the sole. if addressing a specific problem. Cows identified as lame should be recorded and treated accordingly at the next opportunity for hoof Well maintained AstroTurf type roadways are increasing in popularity. paring. Routine preventive hoof paring should be carried out twice yearly and visible lesions recorded, particularly for the lame cows. The detrimental effects of lameness such as reduced milk yield, reduced fertility, increased culling and the impact on profitability, can be addressed by regular assessment and recording of herd lameness. Mobility scoring and carrying out frequent routine preventive hoof paring identifies problem cows that need treatment. Addressing these cows’ lameness problems before the start of the breeding will help control the negative effects of lameness on fertility. A combination of good control of BCS, trimming to prevent abnormal hoof conformation, attention to detail in the cow’s environment to prevent prolonged standing/walking times and attention to the underfoot conditions all contribute to preventing non-infectious lameness or claw horn conditions. Infectious lameness is largely controlled with good biosecurity and regular and more importantly, effective foot bathing. TRAINING 1 // ASSESSMENT 85 Q5. Which of the following statements are true? a) Regular mobility scoring is an excellent way to assess and Q1. Is Mortellaro also known as digital dermatitis contagious? prevent lameness in the herd b) Cubicles need to be sufficiently long and well bedded with a Yes Name five non-infectious causes of lameness : suitable mat to maximise lying down time No c) Roadways should be slightly above the level of the surrounding top soil and should have a slope to one or both sides Q2. d) A well-designed foot bathing set up allowing for a slatted drainage area between the initial water bath and the water bath Q3. How often should a footbath be changed? containing the active ingredient should be encouraged 50 cow passes 150 cow passes 250 cow passes Q4. When designing a footbath what is the minimum length in Full Name metres the bath should be? Company Email Address Registration No. Send completed answers to: It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway or [email protected]. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 21

Intra Eco-Bath – AA tht An Organic Hoof Care Solution For Your Customers tot Intra Eco-Bath is an organic, antibiotic free solution for water retains a fresh green colour. This demonstrates Intra IN farmers looking for a natural, effective hoof care solution Eco-Bath's strong adhesion for fresh green hooves and long- F for their herds. Intra Eco-Bath is the latest addition to the lasting activity. Intra Hoof-fit range, a hoof care range made with completely Intra Eco-Bath contains peppermint oil which acts as an air In natural products which is supplied through Agrihealth. freshener, creating an attractive minty smell that reduces b Intra Eco-Bath contains a blend of 100% organic ingredients hesitancy in cattle in walking through the bath. This means d that prevent bacteria from growing in damp environments. it won't be a battle to take care of cows with Intra Eco-Bath, th This in turn prevents common hoof issues, such as cracks and and will make it easier for farmers to maintain excellent hoof Pa soreness. Intra Eco-Bath and the Intra Hoof-fit range have health. co also been proven to reduce lameness in herds to less than Stockists who offer Intra Eco-Bath can give their customers a Th 5%. guarantee that they are using 100% natural ingredients. This th When cows are lame, or their hooves are not in good unique combination of ingredients, including chelated zinc condition, their milk yield can be lower. By making Intra Eco- and essential oils, are sourced and mixed in accordance with E Bath available to their customers, merchants will help their the highest European standards. p customers boost the overall hoof health of their herds and Intra Eco-Bath's organic formula means that fewer harmful re contribute to a cleaner environment. emissions are produced, and this gives both stockists and g Intra Eco-Bath can be added to a foot bath and contains a their customers an opportunity to make a meaningful long-lasting agent which helps keep hooves healthy for the contribution in creating a safe environment for cow and LAL long term. When a cow's hooves are passed through a bath farmer. containing Intra Eco-Bath, they turn a fresh, green colour, which clearly indicates the cows that have been treated with Agrihealth is making Intra Eco-Bath available to vet Intra Eco-Bath. shops, merchants, Co-Ops and other agricultural outlets The long-lasting ingredients contained in the Intra Eco-Bath nationwide. If you wish to stock Intra Eco-Bath and other solution keep the hooves fresh and green for longer. Even Intra Hoof-fit products contact your local representative after 250 cows have passed through an Intra Eco-Bath the or call Agrihealth on 047 71800. www.agrihealth.ie PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Noel April McGrath Higgins We are pleased to announce that Mr. Noel McGrath, has joined MSD Animal Growing up on a farm in Co. Mayo, combined with a true passion for Health (MSD AH) Ireland on May 1st 2021, to support the Companion Animal livestock, naturally led April to the completion of Animal Science Business, as Account Manager in Munster and western counties. A native of BSc (Hons) from UCD in 2014. Tipperary and a renowned All-Ireland winning hurler, Noel brings to the role Following graduation, April joined Alltech’s International dairy extensive experience in various sales positions. graduate program for one year before subsequently securing a role “Noel is already a highly-respected account manager in Munster. His with their Irish sales team. results-oriented nature and entrepreneurial spirit will be of tremendous For the following five years, she worked with a portfolio of feed mill value in supporting his territory to continue to grow in line with our business customers throughout Ireland providing a range of feed additives aspirations” said Bosco Cowley, Companion Animals and Technical Services and nutritional support, before joining Chanelle in May 2021. Manager. In her spare time April enjoys pedigree sheep farming, with her For all companion animal (including equine) queries and orders, Noel’s most recent venture being a unique Swiss Valais Blacknose flock. contact details are as follows: Tel: 087-3599777 Email: [email protected] animal health & agri trade journal NEXT ISSUE... NVPS NEGATIVE DRY COW PARASITE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL USE OF UPDATE BALANCE AT HOUSING ANTHELMINTICS FOR THE VET AND VET NURSE V0720-EU V0720-EU 22 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

AArereyoyouufafammiliialiararwr wwithiitthh ththeeoorgrgaanniciccaalatelltterenrrnanataivttiievvee totobbfaoatotltetlbelaaltamhmesenoneluestsio?s?ns? INITNRTARAECEOCO-BA-BTAHT:HR:ERAEDAYDYFOFROAR A 5 R5ERAESAOSNOSNTSOTOCHCOHOSOESE FRFERSEHSHANADNDGRGEREENENFUFTUUTRUERE INITNRTARAECEOCO-BA-BTAHTH IntrIIannttErracaoEE-cBcoao-tB-hBaiasthtahisnisaeawnlenywedwlyelvydeeldoveepvleoedpl,oeipdnn,eoidnv,naointivvnaeotivhvaoeothivfoeof MaMinatAeinatuennncaeinqocuef eloafmolaernmgeesansen<sis5c<%c5o%mposition with batbhhoastoohflusbtoiaoluntthiotosnomtlouatmiinoatnainitnotaaimndaainsnudtpaspiunoprapt nohdretashluethpayplthooyrothvhoeeosavaeltnshdyand tdheertdPihmhEnaoeeuisrtsorhm.EsoveiBupinesraeg.Esosa.BupetnBarhedoasraooeposnrdugeenogadaonrhnnagnoitcatonnuhnafrreaanigtcurlaabmfritannaauignriltrcmhgairneiflhgnpadigorhniremiogpldnovrihtinesseeiogldnstohptissaepehotrnyhhppe.tiesrhloogytpds.hivroueoepcdnpthufryiacot.stdffirinuetscsithnfits A uAniqucunheiqeouleragoaterngidcancziocimcnopcmospaitoinosnidtiowenitshwscitehenclathietaeladlteozdinilczsinc PasPgsairnesgseintnhgectohbleaotbuhra,wthwillwhgiicilvlhegcitvhleeeathroelyohivoneodsviaceasfrtaeessfhrwegshhreicgehrneaennimals colochouarlvo, ewurph, iwachssicelhdea.clrelyarinlydincadtiecas tweshiwchiochneosnheasvheapveaspsaesds.ed. andanedssesnstieanltoiailsoils TheThfreesffhrreemsshihnmtmyinisntmytyeslmsl msetlielmlslutislmatiutmelasutalealsltecasollwaclsolwtcoosewtoasseitlayoswielyalwskilaylk StroSntrgSonatrgdohaendsghioensaiofdonrhfforeerssfhrieogsnhregefroneehronforhveoeosshvesgreen throtwhuragohlukgwthitrhwoouituhgtohuewtshiitteahstoiotaunt.iohne.sitation. LonLgo-nlhagos-tliaonsgvtineagcstiavcittyiv, idtye,tderemteinrmedinebdy by ISnatrfISaenatEarSfacenaodEa-fcBnferodaie-tBhafnradisnetlhnyrdidpsfoltsyrfrirpficoseorwnc,dofwaly,rmfafeorrmraenrcdaonbwdio,bgiafoasgrams er mamnuaraneundrdeigdebisgtieeorsgteras manure digester EvEBevnaeatnhftaerfrtee2mr52a05i0nCOsCfWOreWsh ThCTahnoaknnskttaos tiaonsUa NaUINQIUQEUE EssEEessnssetienatnliaPtliEaPPlEPPEPREMRMINITNT pap&sasasgsgareegseethsnethubepabthatoth OUROGNRAGINQAINCUIBCELBBELNLEEDNNDD OIOPLEIrLePlriPelvEieRvsejMos ijnoItNinatnTadnd rgermerg2eera5meniena0nsinfpsreafsrehsssahenadsnd pgraoopgthwrafoottchwhghoetihgseneislicsanuipsbtcuepapbdrcepatesrczesrteieisansdrleicadl amunamOsacuntlIsuaeLcrtalupealraapacilniartassinfiarseanfsardshenesadhnceatsnrceatsrsas and essential a natural air oils freshener LALMAMENEENSESSRSERDEUDCUTCIOTINONIMIMPRPORVOEVSEAS NAINMIMALAWL WELEFLAFRAERE ThTeheTInhInettrrIanatrHaHoHoofoo&offS&&kiSnSkCiknaiCrneaPrCeroaPgrrroeagmrPamrmeomignecrliunadcmleusdmpesroepdruioncdctsulcutsdes products totoaaptopppallyppiinlnyddinviidvdiiuvdiadululyaaalllysywaaseswll waelslepalsrlopadrusocdptsurcfotsrdffouurlclfhutsellrhfdoerrdfull herd mamianminteateninataennncacene.cT.eh.TisThhgiissreggernreeecenonnccoecnpoctenipsctfeaisrpfmaterimrsse’frafisr’rsftmircshetocrihcsoe’i!cfeir!st chLEoALRiEcNAeRMN!OMREORE V0720-EU For more information call Agrihealth V0720-EU Agrihealth on 047 71800 or email info@agrIit’hs Yeouar Flitelhd A.uiteumn 2021 / 23 Distributed in Ireland by Agrihealth. www.agrihealth.ie

The Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme for Sucklers (BEEP-S) Jack O’Connor, MSD Ruminant Marketing Manager The objective of BEEP-S is to further increase economic and environmental - First subcutaneous injection of RSV, Pi3 and Mannhaemia haemolytica dead efficiency in the suckler herd though improvement in the quantity and quality vaccine, six to eight weeks before weaning/housing/sale of performance data that is collected. The programme will target the weaning - Second subcutaneous injection of RSV, Pi3 and Mannhaemia haemolytica dead efficiency of suckler cows and calves through the collection of the live weights vaccine, two to four weeks before weaning/housing/sale of cows and progeny in the herd of each participant, improving the welfare of - At the same time as the second injection, a single IBR live intra-muscular, two to suckler calves at the time of weaning and controlling liver fluke in adult suckler four weeks before weaning/housing/sale cows. Option 2. (if there is a short time before risk period or if cattle can only be One of the voluntary measures under Action 2 of the BEEP S is vaccination. The handled once) objective of this action is for farmers to implement a vaccination programme - Single RSV and Pi3 Intranasal two to four weeks before weaning/housing/sale to reduce the incidence of bovine respiratory disease caused by certain viruses - At the same time, a single (or two dose programme) IBR live intra-muscular and bacteria otherwise known as pathogens. Bovine Respiratory Disease or injection (two to four weeks before weaning/housing/sale) BRD as it is also known, refers to diseases that affect the respiratory system of MSD Animal Health has the full portfolio of BRD vaccines to provide protection cattle. The best-known example of BRD in cattle is pneumonia. It is advised that against the four pathogens listed in figure 2. Figure 3 below displays the disease all applicants should consult with their attending veterinary practitioner for the pathogen each product provides protection against and the specific vaccination most suitable vaccination programme for their farm. To qualify for payment, protocol. MSD Animal Health are advising all farmers to implement a vaccination date of vaccine administration and purchase receipts must be kept on file and protocol using Bovipast RSP and Bovilis IBR Marker Live. Benefits of this made available to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) upon programme: inspection. - Combination of these vaccines will provide protection against all four pathogens Why is vaccination part of this programme? - The two vaccines are licenced to be administered on the same day - Bovipast RSP provides the BROADEST cover against Mannhaemia haemolytica A correctly timed vaccination programme in conjunction with correct animal that’s available on the market management can have both an economic and labour-saving result for the farmer. - Bovilis IBR Marker Live provides the FASTEST onset of immunity compared to Vaccination programmes can: competitor products - Improve the welfare of the animals. Vaccines can reduce the risk of an animal becoming infected by certain disease pathogens Figure 3. MSD Animal Health BRD vaccine portfolio - Reduce the risk of animals becoming ill which reduces the need for antibiotic treatment Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live - Protect animals during risk periods. Examples are weaning, housing, mixing of groups, transport, mart trade etc. - Provides the FASTEST onset of immunity against - Reduce sick days for animals while also maintaining thrive, allowing animals to RSV and Pi3 reach key target weights - Live vaccine Studies show beef cattle with obvious signs of pneumonia can take over 59 days - Single 2ml shot given at least one week prior to longer to finish than healthy animals. Even animals showing little or no sickness weaning, sale or housing can be suffering from subclinical respiratory disease which will increase finishing - Intranasal administration times to slaughter. See figure 1 below: - Provides 12 weeks protection against RSV & Pi3 - 5 dose and 1 dose packs Figure 1. Negative effects of BRD on finishing times1 Bovipast RSP Purpose of Action 2 - vaccination - Provides protection against RSV, Pi3 and the If you selected vaccination as part of Action 2 of the programme you will need BROADEST protection against Mannhaemia to familiarise yourself with the disease pathogens you are trying to protect your haemolytica cattle against, the vaccines suitable for the programme and their protocols. Let’s - Inactivated or dead vaccine start with the disease pathogens. The vaccination pillar of the programme aims - Two shot primary course given four weeks apart. at reducing the disease incidence caused by BRD. See figure 2 below which One shot is 5ml illustrates the most common BRD pathogens the programme aims to protect - The second shot must be given no later that two cattle against through vaccination. weeks prior to weaning, sale or housing - 1st shot six weeks prior to risk Figure 2. List of disease pathogens the programme aims to protect calves against through vaccination - 2nd shot two weeks prior to risk - Subcutaneous injection (under the skin) For the purpose of this programme, Teagasc are advocating the importance of vaccinating calves against all four pathogens listed in figure 2 where possible. If Bovilis IBR Marker Live inspected, you must provide receipts to show proof of purchase and a record of vaccine administration dates in order to satisfy Action 2 of the programme. - Provides the FASTEST onset of immunity against IBR Applicants must choose one of the following vaccination protocols to qualify for - Live vaccine payment: - Single 2ml shot given at least two weeks prior to weaning, sale or housing Option 1. (if there is adequate time before risk period or a broader coverage - Intranasal (up the nose) or intramuscular (into the muscle) injection including bacteria is required) - Both intranasal and intramuscular administration will give 6 months protection when given to stock over 3 months old. For more information on the BEEP S click here. MSD Animal Health are advising all farmers to consult with their attending veterinary practitioner prior to implementing a vaccination protocol. If inspected, you must provide receipts to show proof of purchase and a record of vaccine administration dates in order to satisfy Action 2 of the programme. References 1. Bareille et al. 2008. Impact technique et économique des troubles respiratoires des jeunes bovins lors de l’engraissement. Rencontres autour des recherches sur les ruminants: 77-80. 24 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 Bovivac S

Bovivac® S Salmonella* Infection costs Irish Dairy Farmers €112 per cow, per year1 Can you afford not to vaccinate with Bovivac S? The only vaccine for Bovine Salmonellosis IE/BVS/0815/0003 August 2015 See www.bovilis.ie for more information *Figures are based on profit reduction in a non-vaccinated dairy herds testing positive for exposure to Salmonella at a milk price of €0.34/L Bovivac S contains inactivated cells of Salmonella dublin and Salmonella typhimurium. Use medicines responsibly Legal category: ROI POM (E) NI POM-V Withdrawal period - Zero days Further information is available from your veterinary supplier, the product SPC, or MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)1 2970220 Email: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie 1. O’ Doherty et al., 2014, Effect of exposure to Neospora caninum, Salmonella and Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo on the economic performance of Irish dairy herds, J Dairy Sci, 98: 2789-2800 It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 25 Bovivac S IYF A4 9-21.indd 1 09/08/2021 17:34

Safeguarding our TO Cattle Wormers Use Ciarán Lenehan (BAgr.Sc, MAgr.Sc) Ch Chanelle Technical Specialist - Ireland & UK an con While Ireland’s warm moist climate is ideal for grass growth, flagged over 50 years ago and now advice to sheep farmers Ph it also creates the perfect environment for the proliferation in the UK and Ireland is tailored to discourage use of BZ at of pasture-dwelling ruminant gastrointestinal worms and certain periods in the grazing year when resistant worms their larvae. These parasites represent a significant threat to are likely present. Sheep farmers are also encouraged to use animal production and welfare in our livestock systems. more than one active ingredient class when treating multiple In cattle, there are two worm species we would classify times across a given season. Rotating chemical classes in this as having ‘high pathogenicity’ – Cooperia oncophora and way helps to slow the onset of resistance to a given class Ostertagia ostertagi. Both of these are generally involved in a among a worm population, as worms resistant to a single worm infection, with Cooperia being the main contributor to class will be eradicated if exposed to another. faecal strongyle egg counts. A significant infection with O. ostertagi disrupts digestion and reduces appetite – both disastrous scenarios in production systems which rely on achieving high levels of feed intake and in turn feed conversion efficiency. On farm, the resulting symptoms would include diarrhoeic animals, reductions in body condition and rate of live weight gain, production losses and, in severe cases, mortality. Animals become largely immune to the negative effects of On cattle farms there are more practicalities to take into these parasites after two full grazing seasons - though high account when worming. Animals are bigger and, depending burdens can affect production in adult animals and stressed on facilities and labour availability, mode of administration animals can exhibit clinical symptoms when exposed to high (e.g. oral versus pour-on) can be the main determinant of larval burdens. product selection. However, currently only one class of There are currently three classes of medicines (anthelmintics) wormer is available in pour-on format – the 3-ML. that are licensed to treat gastrointestinal worm infections in Recent Irish research has flagged an alarming level of Irish cattle: resistance against the three active ingredients available to - Benzimidazoles (1-BZ) – aka. ‘white wormers’. Active Irish farmers (with most resistance showing to ivermectin) - ingredients include albendazole, fenbendazole, oxfendazole, the most popular ML active ingredient – among O. ostertagi mebendazole and ricobendazole. and C. oncophora populations on Irish cattle farms2. Overuse - Levamisole (2-LV) – aka. ‘yellow wormers’. of single active ingredient classes is one of the principle - Macrocyclic Lactones (3-ML) – aka. ‘clear wormers’. Active drivers of resistance development. ingredients include ivermectin, eprinomectin, abamectin, Farmers can act to prevent and slow the onset of resistance doramectin and moxidectin. by using faecal egg counting and weighing to determine Currently in Ireland, benzimidazoles and levamisole are requirement for treatment, using FECRT to determine efficacy available solely as oral drench products for cattle (there of given wormer classes, leaving up to 10% of animals were previously pour-on and injectable forms of levamisole untreated when worming groups and by rotating between available). Both of these active classes kill mature and wormer classes in a given season. immature developing stages of the worm life cycle (note Given their indications against both internal worms and levamisole is not effective against inhibited Ostertagia nuisance external parasites such as mange mites and lice, worm larvae/Winter Scour Syndrome). In cattle, macrocyclic 3-ML pour-ons like ivermectin or doramectin are often the lactones also kill mature and developing immature stages of treatment of choice to ‘clean out’ animals at housing time the worm life cycle at treatment. Depending on formulation and protect against external parasites indoors. and mode of administration, macrocyclic lactone products If a pour-on is typically the product of choice at housing time also offer persistent activity – protecting animals against on a given farm, but cattle need to be wormed beforehand reinfection with worms for a period following treatment. during the grazing season on this farm, using a 1-BZ (white These products are available in pour-on or injectable format wormer) or 2-LV (yellow wormer) for this treatment at grass and also have indications for external parasites such as lice means that there will be rotation between wormer classes and mange mites. in a given season. This strategy will help to slow the onset Anthelmintic resistance is a term used to describe a scenario of anthelmintic resistance and maintain susceptible worm in which a correctly administered treatment using one of the populations on the farm. compounds outlined above fails to achieve a ‘kill’ of 95% For more information on best practice in cattle and sheep of indicated parasites present. It is an evolutionary process parasites, visit farmhealthfirst.com. which involves worm populations developing a hereditary References ability to survive treatment with a given anthelmintic class. Improper- and over-use of anthelmintics can actually 1. SCOPS Technical Manual 4th Edition. Dr K. A. Abbott, Prof. M. Taylor, speed up this evolutionary process. Resistance in a worm L.A.Stubbings. 2012 population is generally against a single class of anthelmintic – i.e. the use of another class may result in a successful 2. ‘Anthelmintic resistance in gut worms of cattle’ (Webinar) Dr O. treatment. However cases of resistance against multiple Keane. 2020 classes have been reported. In sheep systems, it is well documented that resistance to1-BZ products among certain worm species is widespread – occurring on over 80% of farms1. This problem was first 26 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 127863 Ch

OTHNEENDEOCWKN Aim to rotate between different wormer active ingredients in a given season on beef and suckler farms. This helps to protect the efficacy of our products. If pour-on is planned at housing, use Albex® or Chanaverm Plus® in rotation to worm beef/suckler cattle as needed during grazing. 1-BZ 2-LV wWorhmiteer Yeadllodwedwcoorbmaletr, Both are administered orally and treat the important worms that affect cattle. Use medicines responsibly. Albex 10% Oral Suspension for cattle and sheep. Contains: 10% w/v albendazole. IE: LM VPA10987/142/002. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 27 Chanaverm Plus Oral Solution. Contains: 1.5% w/v levamisole hydrochloride (with supplementary cobalt sulphate). Target species: Cattle and sheep. IE: LM VPA 10987/008/001. Refer to product packaging and leaflets for full indications, side effects, precautions, warnings and 30/07/2021 11:12:59 contraindications. Further information can be found on the datasheet, SPC or at www.farmhealthfirst.com. Distributed by: Chanelle Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Ltd, Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland. Copyright © Chanelle Pharma 2021. All rights reserved. 127863 Chanelle - Cattle Wormer A4 Advert (IE).indd 1

Beef HealthCheck - contributing to sustainable and profitable beef Natascha Meunier, Programme Manager, Beef HealthCheck Programme Liver fluke is a widespread parasite in Ireland, with 83% of Additionally, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) have developed dairy farms affected in 20121. More recent figures from the Beef breeding values for resistance to liver fluke using the slaughter HealthCheck programme indicate that 53% of all herds that sent data from the programme. Information on genotyped animals and animals to slaughter in 2020 had at least one animal with signs AI bulls is available on the website, identifying animals that are of liver fluke, although the animal level slaughter prevalence has genetically more resistant to liver fluke, as a tool to inform breeding been decreasing since the programme began in 2016 (Figure). decisions. Nevertheless, there are regional differences in liver fluke risk The programme promotes best practice with regard to parasite with up to 81% of herds affected in the northwest, decreasing control – treating when needed, effective timing of treatments to 39% of herds in the southeast last year. Liver fluke risk can be and using the correct product. Flukicide usage has two main highly variable depending on farm and management practices aims: reducing production losses and reducing infection pressure and only 10% of herds sending animals to slaughter have never by limiting pasture contamination. Dosing at housing is widely had an animal with signs of liver fluke in the last 5 years. Fluke promoted to address these aims and the product used depends on free slaughter reports, along with other tests such as faecal egg the timing of the treatments. Flukicides target different life-stages counts and coproantigen ELISAs, can provide supportive evidence of the parasites and may need to be repeated over housing. Reports that flukicide treatments may be unnecessary on a minority of of triclabendazole resistance are increasing in sheep and live liver low-risk farms that show no history of the parasite. In these cases, fluke parasites at slaughter in treated cattle may warrant further quarantine with appropriate treatments remains the most important investigations into the flukicide efficacy. management tool to prevent spread onto the farm. Photo courtesy of Donal Toolan, AHI Figure: Animal level slaughter prevalence of liver fluke reported as Endoparasites contribute to production losses and while not specific part of the Beef HealthCheck programme, quarterly. to liver fluke, a recent study estimated that 76% of losses due to helminths in Ireland were production-related, with 24% attributed References to treatment cost2. More specifically, cattle with liver fluke damage at slaughter have been shown to have on average 10 days greater 1) Selemetas N, de Waal T. Detection of major climatic and slaughter age than those with no evidence of liver fluke3. This leads environmental predictors of liver fluke exposure risk in Ireland to indirect costs due to feed and labour borne by the farmer. An using spatial cluster analysis. Vet Parasitol. 2015 Apr 30;209(3- alternative approach to examine the production losses was studied 4):242-53. by Rebecca Carroll who looked at steers in Ireland, estimating that 2) Charlier J, Rinaldi L, Musella V, Ploeger HW, Chartier C, cattle with liver fluke damage were on average 36 kg lighter than Vineer HR, Hinney B, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Băcescu uninfected animals at a standardised slaughter age – equating to B, Mickiewicz M, Mateus TL, Martinez-Valladares M, Quealy losses of €77 when the beef price is €3.904. In addition to cost S, Azaizeh H, Sekovska B, Akkari H, Petkevicius S, Hektoen savings, good animal health also has a role to play in the mitigation L, Höglund J, Morgan ER, Bartley DJ, Claerebout E. Initial of greenhouse gas emissions by improving efficiency. Liver fluke assessment of the economic burden of major parasitic helminth is estimated to increase greenhouse gas emission intensity by infections to the ruminant livestock industry in Europe. Prev Vet roughly 10% over healthy animals5, but treatment is cost effective Med. 2020 Sep;182:105103. to mitigate this. 3) Mazeri S, Rydevik G, Handel I, Bronsvoort BMD, Sargison N. Beef HealthCheck is an AHI led programme run in partnership with Estimation of the impact of Fasciola hepatica infection on time Meat Industry Ireland and beef processors across Ireland, with 17 taken for UK beef cattle to reach slaughter weight. Sci Rep. 2017 participating factories. The aim of the Beef HealthCheck programme Aug 4;7(1):7319. is to place slaughter health information in the hands of farmers 4) Carroll RI, Forbes A, Graham DA, Messam LLM. The impact and their veterinary practitioners, as a tool to aid decision making of liver fluke infection on steers in Ireland: A meta-analytic on animal health. The programme captures information on liver approach. Prev Vet Med. 2020 Jan;174:104807. fluke (indicating liver fluke damage only or if live parasites seen), 5) Lanigan G, Donnellan T, An Analysis of Abatement Potential liver abscesses and pneumonia. To date, 548,000 batch reports of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Irish Agricultre 2021-2030. for 53,950 herds have been issued, with all current and historic Teagasc. 2019 individual reports available online at ICBF for both veterinary practitioners and farmers (beefhealthcheck.icbf.com). Summary Please re graphs and trends are available to view for each farmer, highlighting Manufa any abnormalities that may indicate a need for review of the Monagh parasite control plan (where live liver fluke are frequently seen at slaughter), nutrition (in the case of liver abscesses) or respiratory health. The abattoir prevalence of liver fluke for each county is also summarised on a quarterly basis as maps available on the AHI website. 28 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

A top referee is always in control and, when necessary, trouble-makers are sent off the field. Closamectin Pour On® combines ivermectin with closantel to provide broad-spectrum efficacy against the majority of economically important stages of internal and external parasites in cattle. Please read the product data sheet and seek advice before use. The dosing programme should be established with your veterinary practitioner, animal health adviser or licenced merchant. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 29 Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: ROI: Closamectin Pour-on Solution for Cattle contains 200mg/ml closantel and 5mg/ml ivermectin. | 5078-LA(C)-v1a-ROI-22/10/20

Introducing a novel single active flukicide for cattle Maura Langan, Norbrook Technical Manager With the introduction of new veterinary regulations in January 2022, Diagnostic Tools there is increased focus on the responsible use of anthelmintics. Here we look at some key aspects of assessing the risk, suitable diagnostic Faecal egg counts (FEC) can indicate the presence of fluke on farm but tools, treatment choices and timings to demonstrate how a single-active will only identify adult fluke infection. Because of the long pre-patent flukicide, like new Solantel Pour-On, can offer targeted, effective fluke period (up to 12 weeks) timing is crucial as a negative result simply treatment as part of a strategic parasite control programme. indicates the absence of adult fluke. Faecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT) can be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment especially Liver fluke: assessing the risk where triclabendazole resistance is suspected. The prevalence of liver fluke (Fasciola Faecal Coproantigen tests are carried out on faeces for the diagnosis hepatica) in the UK and Ireland is of liver fluke infestation in cattle or sheep. It may be a more sensitive widespread. Once fluke are present on method of detecting fluke infestation in cattle from 6 weeks after a farm they are very hard to eradicate. possible exposure. The fluke life cycle is dependent on Elisa antibody tests (serum or milk) can be used as an early screen fluke environmental and climatic conditions. as high levels of antibodies are detectable 1-4 weeks post infection. While adult cattle may develop some Although Solantel Pour-On is not suitable for use in dairy cows, bulk milk resistance to fluke, the risks to growing tests can be a useful indicator of the presence of fluke on farm. cattle include reduced liveweight gain and poor carcase formation. The effects of sub-clinical liver fluke on breeding stock can also be significant, with studies showing reduced fertility, increased calving intervals and an increase in metabolic diseases post-calving and pre-disposition to Salmonella Dublin infection. Responsible and strategic anthelmintic treatment for liver fluke is beneficial for welfare and productivity in infected cattle. A fluke-only treatment may be appropriate in adult cattle that have good immunity to gut worms or that have received a persistent wormer. Young stock managed under a different regime may need to be treated at a different time to the rest of the herd. Because of concerns around resistance, it is recommended that triclabendazole is avoided in cattle and reserved only for sheep as they suffer the effects of acute fluke. Diagnosing fluke on farm Definitive diagnosis of subclinical infection can be difficult, so a range of factors should be considered: • Farm conditions and environmental risks • Pasture pressure, co-grazing carries increased risk • Fluke risk reports – national, regional • Liver condemnations from abattoir • History of fluke in herd • Risk from bought-in stock • Poor production performance, reduced feed conversion rate 30 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

Closantel: the active of choice Treatment options Closantel, belongs to the salicylanilides group of anthelmintics Autumn/Winter that binds extensively to plasma albumin. As a result, its Cattle are at the greatest risk of liver fluke infection from late activity is mainly directed against blood feeding internal summer/early autumn on. Housing marks the end point of parasites such as Fasciola hepatica. Closantel is absorbed exposure to new fluke infection and can be a good time to treat unchanged into the bloodstream, with limited distribution for fluke. into other tissues. Unlike triclabendazole, Closantel does not Cattle can be treated from 7 weeks after housing to ensure require metabolism by the liver to become active. that any fluke within the liver are susceptible at the time of It is also believed to have a significant neurotoxic effect treatment. In areas with severe pasture contamination treatment that causes spastic paralysis resulting in the detachment of prior to or at housing may require a second treatment later (a the fluke’s food source and therefore starvation. Exposure period of at least 10 weeks between treatments with Solantel to closantel during fluke early development stages, causes Pour On is required). stunting and reduced the size of the treated flukes by Outwintered cattle may need to be treated during the late 43.9%. Closantel, by interfering with the energy-demanding autumn and early winter and a further treatment in Spring. processes of gametogenesis and oogenesis, causes a decrease Spring/Summer in egg production from exposed flukes but does not appear In high-risk conditions, a treatment 8-10 week’s post turnout to induce functional defects in the gonads or accessory should be considered. This will be effective against early reproductive organs so does not affect egg hatchability*. infection from overwintered metacercariae or fluke that have *The effect of a parenteral ivermectin/closantel injection on survived a previous housing treatment. If correctly timed, a mid- the growth and reproductive development of early-immature summer treatment with Solantel Pour-On will kill late immature Fasciola Hepatica in cattle. R.E.B, Hanna, L. Cromie, S.M. Taylor, fluke before they reach sexual maturity, helping to break the A. Couper. Veterinary Parasitology 142 (2006) 78-90. fluke lifecycle and reduce reinfection of fluke eggs on pasture. Dairy Cattle Introducing Solantel Pour-On Solantel Pour-On is not suitable for use in dairy cattle but can be used in young stock and heifers up to the second half of Solantel Pour-On is the only single active flukicide available as a pregnancy. Because of the limited products available for dairy pour on for cattle and contains 200mg/ml closantel. cows and concerns about resistance, this may be an appropriate • Effective against adult and late immature liver fluke (from 7 option as part of a whole herd parasite control plan. weeks of age). Bought in stock • Easy to use pour on formulation is convenient for farmers and It is recommended that all bought-in stock be treated for liver less invasive for cattle fluke to prevent the introduction of fluke to ‘clean’ farms and to • Dose rate 1ml per 10kg reduce the risk of resistant fluke being introduced. Treated cattle • Meat withdrawal period 63 days should be kept separate for 48 hours before introduction to the • Suitable for use in dairy replacements up to the second half of rest of the herd and moved to new pasture. pregnancy • Effective against triclabendazole-resistant liver fluke It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 31

HPRA update on preparations for T the implementation of Regulation • Introduction medicines. The elaboration of the list of classes of medicines involved • and underpinning criteria are currently being developed under • With less than six months to go until the date of application of the separate, secondary legislation, which is expected to be finalised in new veterinary regulation (NVR; Regulation 2019/6), the HPRA is busy the second half of 2021. The preventative use of antibiotics for group Manuf with preparations. The NVR introduces significant changes in how new therapy, as well as criteria that permit off-label use of antibiotics, are Distrib products will be authorised in the European Union, and in addressing also set to be restricted. In relation to group therapy, this is expected Legal C many of the barriers to availability, particularly in small markets. to be confined to use under the direction of a veterinary practitioner 5003-LA Furthermore, the prescribing and usage of veterinary antibiotics is set in exceptional situations where needed to safeguard animal health. for significant overhaul, and monitoring of their use will be initiated. Another goal of the NVR is to incentivise the development of While the national legislation is also set to change in January 2022, alternatives to antimicrobials (e.g. vaccines and other drugs). the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has Even as the regime for prescribing veterinary antibiotics becomes the task of elaborating the changes, and communicating them to more restrictive, over the coming five years it will be necessary stakeholders. Such matters are therefore not covered within this for countries to monitor the use of the medicines concerned in article. food-producing species. The insights gained from such detailed The sections below outline a number of the key areas of change information is expected to drive the elaboration of best practices contained in the NVR. for treatment protocols for individual species and to allow country comparisons on a per-species basis. New product development Antiparasitics The NVR provides additional incentives to the animal health industry to develop new medicines and to extend the indications Although the NVR aims to incentivise the development of for new species to existing ones. The incentives are in the form of antiparasitic medicines to halt the development of antiparasitic exclusive data protection of the scientific information submitted resistance, the underlying assumption is that the products concerned in the application dossier, which may be up to 14 years for new are regulated under veterinary prescription and used prudently. products for species other than cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, dogs Readers will be aware of the 2019 HPRA report on compliance with and cats, and 18 years for medicines for bees. Moreover, for existing the requirements of the NVR and the process underway to change products, exclusivity periods for a period of five years will apply any products for food-producing species that have been supplied to any new studies used to support the safety and efficacy of the under the ‘LM’ category to prescription control. That process is well extension application to new food-producing species. Finally, underway and manufacturers are managing the production of new where an applicant can demonstrate a reduction in resistance or batches to include the new labelling requirements ahead of the an improvement in the benefit-risk balance of the medicine, they deadline of 28 January 2022. can gain four years’ data protection for the underpinning scientific Pending the completion of the change-over, the relevant products studies. The HPRA is currently engaged with the European Medicines with either LM or POM method of supply may co-exist on retailers’ Agency (EMA) in fleshing out the necessary guidance to assist shelves until this deadline. They may continue to be supplied without applicants in understanding the new requirements. a veterinary prescription until 28 January 2022. However, from this For the first time, the EU legislation allows for authorities (including date a veterinary prescription will be required. Moreover, as with both the HPRA and the EMA) to grant a marketing authorisation other medicines that are subject to a veterinary prescription, from this for a limited market based on reduced data requirements (e.g. for date they should not be advertised or promoted to farmers or to the a rare disease where comprehensive data would not be possible) public. or in exceptional circumstances (e.g. in the face of a new disease DAFM has established a stakeholder group to address the position of epidemic). There are certain terms and conditions attaching to antiparasitic resistance at national level, and readers should follow such authorisation, but the fact that they are allowed recognises any advice being elaborated. More information is available on the the specific position of veterinary medicines and is a welcome DAFM website. development. Scope of the centralised procedure for authorising medicines HPRA preparations The centralised procedure is regulated by the EMA, and provides for a pan-EU marketing authorisation for a medicine (akin to the The HPRA has made detailed plans to implement the requirements of authorisation of Covid-19 vaccines for human use). Up to now, its the NVR, and is communicating them to stakeholders. This is a major mandatory use in veterinary medicine was limited to medicines event for the HPRA, and this is expected to be the case too for many derived from biotechnology or for growth promotion, and optional for animal health companies. The main conduit for communications novel medicines. In the future, its mandatory use is expanded to also is the HPRA website (www.hpra.ie/NVR) where monthly updates include: of national and EU developments are posted, and a questions and  - Medicines containing a new active substance, answers page is updated. However, the new national legislation that  - Biological medicines (e.g. stem cells), will replace the 2007 Regulation is not expected to become available  - Novel therapy medicines until towards the end of 2021. This means that finalisation of certain However, it may also be used for any new veterinary medicines not HPRA regulatory advice and guidance will not be possible until the yet authorised (e.g. new generics), whether or not the medicine is legislation is available. The HPRA urges stakeholders to keep up-to- intended for use only in a few Member States. This new provision date with developments. is expected to result in an increase in the authorisation of generic medicines under the centralised procedure, as it is expected to Conclusion simplify and streamline the administrative processes needed, and therefore to reduce the costs of gaining and maintaining marketing The legislation governing the authorisation, monitoring and use of authorisations in the EU. The reverse side of this development is the veterinary medicinal products is set for significant change in the impact on the business models of national competent authorities, and coming months, with the application of the NVR from 28 January this matter will be monitored in the months and years ahead. 2022. Ahead of this date, animal health companies will be busy preparing for implementation and in meeting the new requirements. Antibiotics While many of the changes are of a technical or procedural nature, those relating to the control of antibiotics and antiparasitics are One of the pillars underpinning the NVR is the ambition to address more pressing and far-reaching. Other changes, particularly those antimicrobial resistance. A key target is to ensure that veterinary relating to monitoring antibiotics use, are expected to take time antibiotics are reserved for use for disease treatment where they are to develop, but will in time be of great significance in the fight to necessary. In particular, certain classes (so-called critically important address resistance. Furthermore, the change in the method of supply antimicrobials) will be reserved exclusively for use in human of antiparasitics that were previously labelled ‘LM’ will have practical 32 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 implications for retailers and veterinary practitioners from 28 January 2022.

Takceontrol of fluke in sheep and lambs • Sheep drench containing closantel It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 33 • Targets adult and late immature liver fluke (from 5 weeks), barber’s pole worms and nasal bots • Effective against triclabendazole-resistant fluke Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: ROI: Solantel® 50mg/ml Oral Suspension for Sheep contains 50 mg/ml closantel. 5003-LA(S)-v1a-ROI-06/08/20

Trace Element Nutrition O for Sheep WA Nutrition plays a central role in the health and wellbeing of sheep, particularly when coming into the mating Do season. In the run up to tupping it can be very important for farmers to understand the nutritional status of All their ewes and whether there might be any trace element deficiencies, excesses or interactions which could be affecting health and fertility. C Dr Renée Lodder BVSc, BCom, MRCVS Bimeda Animal Health Ltd. Technical Veterinarian, Europe C Trace elements are sometimes called ‘micro-minerals’ as they are Understanding the Trace Element Status of Sheep • essential in very small amounts on a regular basis. The most common • trace elements to be considered commercially important for sheep are Trace element status will vary from year to year and from farm to farm. • copper, cobalt, selenium, iodine, and zinc. Here we explore the role of There is no way to know which deficiencies or toxicities exist without • these important trace elements in the health and reproduction of adult carrying out diagnostics. The effects of deficient diets may not be • sheep. immediately obvious and are considered subclinical. Bi Copper functions as an enzyme activator and enzyme constituent in a Forage forms the basis for all ruminant diets and knowing the levels of Fo broad range of enzymes which are vital to immune function, cell-building trace elements in your grass or preserved forages is a good place to start. em processes, bone and collagen development, red blood cell formation If you do not know which trace elements are already being supplied, or and melanin pigment (colour). One of the diseases which can occur with which are in inadequate supply, then it is impossible to make decisions Gl copper deficiency is sway back in lambs. on what should be used as an additional supplement. Further analyses of If copper deficiency is diagnosed it can be caused by insufficient copper water, soil, and animal tissues (blood and/or liver) might also be valuable MC in the sheep’s diet, however, it is also possible that a condition called to enable a diagnosis of deficiency to be made. Thiomolybdate Toxicity (TMT) is occurring. The absorption of copper can be significantly reduced by the ingestion of molybdenum and sulphur in the diet2. Molybdenum and sulphur combine in the rumen to form thiomolybdates. These react with copper to form copper thiomolybdates. This means that copper is lost from the animal via excretion in faeces3. Molybdenum excess in soils and pasture has been documented in many parts of Ireland1. Copper can also be highly toxic to sheep and so supplementation should only be considered where a deficiency is diagnosed. Also, breeds such as Bluefaced Leicester, Charollais, Zwartble and Texel sheep are particularly susceptible to copper toxicity. Boluses which include copper should not be administered prior to housing without evidence of deficiency and advice from a veterinarian or nutritionist. Cobalt is required for the synthesis of vitamin B12, which is essential Choosing the Right Supplementation for energy metabolism and the production of red blood cells. B12 is also essential for DNA synthesis and cell division which are both imperative for growth, also to the normal functioning of nerve tissue. Ruminants are particularly sensitive to deficiency of B12 and they have very little capacity to store cobalt, so a deficiency significantly affects the production of B12 very quickly. The supplementation of trace elements can be done via many different routes. Trace elements are commonly included in many fertilisers as well in meals and feeds. Trace elements can also be found in oral drenches, lick blocks, injectable products and in oral boluses. Therefore, when reviewing your diagnostic testing it is worthwhile thinking about all the sources of trace elements which your sheep could be ingesting. Selenium is vital for muscle function and deficiency can result in white A trace element bolus which releases the required trace elements over muscle disease. Selenium deficiency is also a cause of impaired fertility, several months can be a convenient supplementation option. These impaired growth, poor wool quality and reduced immunity. boluses release trace elements at levels that are compatible with an Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones which regulate the rate of animal’s daily requirements. They are a particularly good option for metabolism and control the rate of absorption of carbohydrate from the supplementation of trace elements such as cobalt and zinc, which the gastrointestinal tract. Iodine is therefore central to a good food cannot easily be stored by ruminants, making a continuous daily supply conversion ratio. The utilisation of iodine in the body also depends necessary to address any deficiency, especially when available in an on selenium, as selenium is critical to thyroid hormone synthesis and ionic or readily available form. activation. It is always worthwhile to consult your veterinarian or nutritionist to help Zinc operates as a co-factor in around 300 enzymes which are involved review the information, make an informed conclusion, and help choose in immune function, fertility (sexual maturity, reproductive capacity, the correct targeted approach to trace-element management in your the onset of oestrus), healthy hooves, bone and cartilage, udder and flock. skin health and wound healing. Like cobalt, ruminants have very little capacity to store zinc. References 1. McGrath, D., Fleming, G.A. and Culleton, N., 2008. Trace elements and heavy metals in Irish soils. Teagasc, Wexford, Ireland, 210. https://www. teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2011/Trace_Elements.pdf 2. Gould and Kendall. 2011. Nutrition research reviews. Role of rumen in copper and thiomolybdate absorption, 24, 176-182. 3. Grace, Knowles and Sykes. 2010. Managing mineral deficiencies in grazing livestock. New Zealand society of animal production, p203. 34 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

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Preparing the breeding flock Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Programme, Mellows Centre, Athenry Introduction lumps as well as checking for sores and pendulous udders that make suckling difficult for the lamb. The teats should be examined using Good husbandry and management in preparing the flock for breeding thumb and index finger to ensure the teat canal is free of any thread has a major impact on productivity and consequently profitability of like features which will ultimately end up in a blind teat. The teeth any sheep enterprise. The aim is to have the flock at optimum body condition including gaps, worn or broken teeth, uneven molars and condition score (BCS) at joining and to remove problem and poorly overshot or undershot mouths will usually result in a ewe presenting in performing ewes from the flock. poor BCS. Optimum Ewe Body Condition Score (BCS) As part of the health check it is good practise to separate and appropriately treat lame ewes, only returning them to main flock when The overall goal should be to reduce the variation in BCS across a flock they have responded to treatment. Where enzootic abortion has been and aim to have as high as possible the proportion of ewes at the target confirmed in the flock a vaccination program is a necessary control BCS at various times during the year. A report by Keady and McNamara, measure. (2012) stated that for every unit increase in body condition score The vaccine needs to be ordered from a veterinary practice. It is (between 2.5 and 4.0) at mating, litter size increased by 0.13 units and important to plan ahead as the vaccine has to be administered 3 weeks subsequent weaning rate increased by 0.1 units. The report also stated pre mating. A whole flock vaccination program is recommended in the that mating ewes at condition score of less than 2.5 increases the risk of first year with just replacements vaccinated in subsequent years. In barrenness, consequently, further reducing weaning rate. flocks where buying in female replacements is the only option they For many breeds of lowland ewes increasing one unit in BCS will be an should come from a source known to be free of enzootic abortion. increase in bodyweight of in the order of 10 to 12kgs. The ewe flock Where the status of the flock of origin is not known it may be prudent should therefore be body condition scored at or shortly after weaning to vaccinate for enzootic abortion. to allow sufficient time to build up BCS if necessary. A good target BCS for lowland ewes at joining is 3.5 with no ewes under 3.0. Putting ewes of lesser body condition on good grass for 8 to 10 weeks should achieve this. Ewes that fail to regain body condition should be culled as it is most likely a sign of an underlying condition. The group of ewes that are on target BCS should be maintained through to mating and not deliberately slimmed down as would have been practised in the past. A good option is using them as a follower group to clean off paddocks after lambs or a thin ewe group. Check ewe soundness for breeding Preparing rams for breeding season IE-OVL-210700009. JULY,2021 The aim here is to remove any potential problem ewes from the flock. As with ewes body condition of rams should be assessed at this stage. This involves an individual health check on each ewe allied to records It may be necessary to supplement grass with a concentrate suitable collated throughout the year where ewes with various issues are for feeding to rams to build body condition to between 3.5 and 4 in the identified for culling. In practical terms inserting a cull tag in ewes with lead up to turnout. Particular attention should be paid to any signs of issues such as poor milk supply, poor mothering ability, persistently ill health in rams ensuring any issues such as lameness are dealt with lame, blind teats etc is a good way to record sheep to be culled. promptly. Any infection that gives rise to even a slight temperature rise Ewes that encounter issues such as vaginal prolapse or ring womb (as little as half a degree Celsius) can render a ram temporarily infertile. should also be culled as they are likely to reoffend. The udder of each This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to source any ewe should be checked for defects associated with mastitis including replacement rams well before the intended start of breeding season. 36 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 Furthermore buying early gives a greater choice of rams and will allow replacements coming onto the farm a chance to settle in to the new environment well in advance of the mating season. The physical traits of any ram should be thoroughly checked before purchase. The other valuable information to consider before purchase is the Sheep Ireland €urostar ratings. A ram intended as a terminal sire with high terminal index figures should have lower lambing difficulty and progeny that will grow faster ultimately being ready for slaughter quicker. If you choose a high index ram to breed replacements from, you can expect daughters with lower mortality and higher litter sizes. MSD Foot

IS YOUR FARMER’S FLOCK AUTUMN READY? FOOTVAX® The only vaccine to protect against Footrot DIAGNOSING CAUSES OF LAMENESS GFOOT YOOUTRDOOWTN? ccaonntarnoleofrfetcrteiavtelcaomnetrnoelsps rinogaraflmocmkeisbteoiemsptalebmlisehnttheed.cause The first step in any attempt to of any disease - only then Scald CODD • COovinnteagDioiguitsal New farmer brochure Dermatitis NOW available (CODD) is a disease of the • cbtCqohauOerniocDtdknoDlapaysrnuotydanfrdittshseberi-nerhsutotnhodsefetcf’hoinpererowodnbaaallerlsymoabf.natnh‘odev,ebrut • SIaltacnmiasdldbaissp‘bfbroeeeudttwnwisdpeeoepensrneeosdtnohtoemeaFihnonoaodnottrtvholyerte.sine’ •••hIotFttVAthohfohieaoseotevrnhfytcel.rceahttocoechaootkrrer)nriu,aneottscaacasofttrigetdlayeetrieorindFsaeuodweisaasodetgaimnstalnbrlncoteoyoyhdtnsfettisthpsotmchoeaiabsiefenislnleCeeflh.vsueOoswolde.oDlivntfeDehta(mir.asailelty.fhnoaetrnr d • problem young months • oCoTwlrfldeaeh.aseastkiicssrubsbsieegctfenwopsreteaiebrtnelheeatfhlcroeeocdhnkdodseoiatnviroieonnsug.nnadonrtdmhrlaoellseys Lameness costs the sheep industry in Ireland approximately €5m* annually. • VACACGINAAINTESTAFNODOPTRROOTTECT appears. Footrot Shelly Hoof • Skliwdishnniisseoteyehlwlnayswnosehenphaoyiaisnotmref‘acwo(latiaunhitlostseilotene.’) •••TharJrcTeuhcuroneoooosoneldodreruuucdoifnawcldglltaneddsiuiehoanteaaeteblubgrrrltot,iryseatthoirbiihscnbpoeflwuhieaaanntaptenhenrkacbsuittdeadnelhssugdigcemsiosnreorwomeersbislusaiioaeattenflhyfvranocdeensabtrd,rhemscneeasueretmaerclg.otletayhxganiqiosegtehyeunseoasssit.rp.totifeoaarftdonnhcimsedsetoisinttgills **O*L’oLveaatrtyFC. C. Earuasdeisc,actioonntraonldancdonctorosltsofolfalmameneensesssininshseheepe.pV. IVJIJVo2l0415NoVo7l 5 No 4. As per exchange rate June 2017. R1LEeHFgiEanRldEcmaNtaCerEgsSho.ryV:eRteOrIinPaOryMRecord (1989) 125, 128-130. @msd_ah MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep Talk to your vaegtaainbsotuFtovoatcrcoitnating sheep • Fruonontriontgisofathhoeohfodoisfeaansde with under- IE-OVL-210600010 JUN 2021 UFMLTWoeesSroleeD:fpb+uMa:A3rrwtn5dhe3wismed(tw1roai)wci.lnm2iHnfn9so,e7derDa0-msal2utnah2Rbit0,lmeii.oRnsaEnep1l-d-Ms8hoeO,eaneIaairsltelk:thilvhbaNee.nliotiyedn-rs.tduhipv, [email protected],t foul • sApivfnmoracowcoeogcthlribrlnpoiaanaolmtegtrhiamof.itnlnoieng,cgwkaanniadlltdiicscboecoiaomunstltlbeiircnoinmgtlra.Faetonaiootanmtgreooemntf,tFe,onottrot Protect store lambs with For more information, talk to your Territory Manager *These products are not licensed to be administered at the same time. Please refer to the product SPC for full details. @msd_ah MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep **Lovatt F. Causes, control and costs of lameness in sheep. VIJ 2015 Vol 5 No 4. As per exchange rate June 2017. IE-OVL-210700009. JULY,2021 Legal Category Footvax: R.O.I: POM NI POM-VPS . Withdrawal period: Zero days bovilis.ieFor more information visit Footvax is indicated for the active immunisation of sheep against Footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus for the purposes of reducing the risk of a clinical infection due to Dichelobacter nodosus. Legal Category Heptavac-P plus: R.O.I: LM NI POM-VPS . Withdrawal period: Zero days Heptavac P Plus is indicated for the active immunisation of sheep to reduce mortality and clinical signs of clostridial diseases such as lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney, struck, tetanus, braxy, blackleg and black disease, and to reduce mortality and clinical signs of pneumonic and systemic pasteurellosis in sheep. Use Medicines Responsibly. For further information, please consult the product SPC, your veterinary practitioner or MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(0)1 2970220 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 37 MSD Footvax-Heptavac A4 IYF 9-21.indd 1 09/08/2021 17:31

Vaccinating livestock this autumn and Ve winter? Pres Kate Ingram BVetMed MRCVS, Ruminant Technical adviser , Virbac Animal Health Cost of respiratory disease: Studies have estimated that a case of respiratory disease costs, on average, €93¹ per affected calf when considering the direct costs such as treatment and labour. The effect on growth rates can be an even larger (and often hidden) cost – even a moderate case of pneumonia can reduce daily live weight gain (DLWG) by up to 72g/day – equivalent to a 22Kg loss over a 10 month period. The effect on DLWG in severe cases has been shown to be even higher with affected cattle showing a reduction of 202g/day (61Kg over a 10 month period)². Stress increases demand for trace minerals In a 2012 study the effects of ITM supplementation with concurrent vaccination were measured. Compared to controls, animals treated with During periods of stress such as weaning, grouping and housing, animals’ an ITM supplement at the time of vaccination had significantly greater requirements for trace minerals increase. Stress often results in animals’ neutralizing antibody titres against IBR on days 14, 30, and 60 post dry matter intakes (DMI) reducing which means that whilst demand for vaccination⁹ (Figure 2). trace minerals has increased, intakes have actually decreased, and it is not uncommon to see weanlings in particular, fall into poor trace mineral status during this period. Many animals will also be vaccinated at the same time as weaning and housing. Vaccination increases the demand for systemic trace minerals as they are required for the body to effectively respond to a vaccine and create antibodies which will then provide protection against specific diseases. Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) in particular are vital for vaccine response3,4,5. When a group of cattle are vaccinated the response to that vaccine by the individuals within the group will vary (Figure 1). Factors such as nutrition, stress, vitamin and mineral status, and the general health of the animal being vaccinated will affect how the immune system responds to the vaccine. Therefore, stressors such as weaning and transport can exacerbate trace mineral imbalances which could lead to reduced response to vaccines⁶. Figure 1: The variation in immune response to vaccination amongst a Figure 2: IBR antibody titres following vaccination in cows concurrently B population. receiving ITM and those without. a Strategic ITM supplementation bypasses the harsh rumen environment, Trace minerals such as Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), and rapidly raising circulating mineral levels in cattle within 8-10 hours, and R Selenium (Se) are essential for optimal immune function, maintaining health after 24 hours the trace mineral concentrations in the storage organs like 3. and growth in cattle. They are particularly important in stressed cattle or at the liver are at raised concentrations.13 M the critical phases in the production cycle, such as pre-calving, pre-breeding, Vaccination is a powerful tool to prevent infections; veterinary surgeons fr weaning and vaccination. are working with their clients to explain how an injectable trace mineral IP supplement could help to enhance vaccine response and therefore U Orally administered trace minerals are poorly immunity in their herd. absorbed MULTIMIN™ now available in Ireland, is a unique combination trace mineral injection (aqueous solution) for cattle designed to supply trace minerals It is worth emphasising that trace minerals have poor intestinal absorption to correct concurrent clinical or subclinical deficiencies of selenium, regardless of the source7. This poor oral absorption is further reduced by copper, manganese, and zinc which can arise during critical phases of the antagonists such as sulphur, molybdenum, calcium & iron⁸. Daily oral intake production or breeding life cycle such as weaning, housing or vaccination. of trace minerals are essential to meet maintenance requirements in cattle, but at high demand periods like pre-calving, pre-breeding, weaning or References vaccination intake can fall in response to stress. Consequently clinical or sub-clinical deficiency can develop. 1. Andrews, A.H. (2000). Calf Pneumonia Costs! Cattle Practice. 8(2):109-114. 2. Williams, P. and Green, L.E. (2007). Associations between lung lesions and grade and Consider supplementing with injectable trace estimated daily live weight gain in bull beef at slaughter. Cattle Practice. 15(3):244-249. minerals at vaccination time 3. Maggini, S., Wintergerst, E.S., Beveridge, S., and Hornig, D.H. (2007). Selected vitamins and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and Studies from leading universities have demonstrated the beneficial effects humoral immune responses. British Journal of Nutrition. 98(1):S29-551. of strategic injectable supplementation. In particular by enhancing the 4. Cerone, S.I., Sansinanea, A.S., Streitenberger, S.A., Garcia M.C. and Auza, N.J. (1998). The immune responses to vaccination9,10,11. effect of copper deficiency on the peripheral blood cells of cattle. Veterinary Research Communications. 22(1):47-57. In a 2016 study the effects of injectable trace mineral (ITM) 5. Pinna, K., Kelle,y D.S., Taylor, P.C. and King, J.C. (2002). Immune functions are maintained in supplementation on response to vaccination was measured. Cattle that healthy men with low zinc intake. Journal of Nurition. 132(7):2033-2036. received ITM at the time of vaccination had higher antibody levels 28 days 6. Tomlinson, D.J., Socha, M.T. and DeFrain, J.M. (2008). Role of Trace Minerals in the immune later than un-supplemented cattle that had been vaccinated at the same system. Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop, Nov 12-13 Grantville, PA pp. 39-52. time¹². 7. Spears, J.W. (1996). Organic trace minerals in ruminant nutrition. Animal Feed Science Technology. 58:151–163. The results of another study that compared the response to vaccination 8. Spears, J.W. (2003). Trace mineral bioavailability in ruminants. Journal of Nutrition. of 2 groups of cattle. Both groups were vaccinated; one group received 133:1506S–1509S. an ITM supplement at the time of vaccination whilst the other group did 9. Arthington, J.D. and Havenga, L.J. (2012). Effect of injectable trace minerals on the humoral not. Blood samples collected from both groups showed that on day 14 a immune response to multivalent vaccine administration in beef calves. Journal of Animal greater proportion of the supplemented group were seropositive for BVD Science. 90(6):1966-1971. type 1 than in the un-supplemented group¹⁰, suggesting that their immune 10. Roberts, S.L., May, N.D., Brauer, C.L., Gentry, W.W., Weiss, C.P., Jennings, P.S. and Richeson, J.T. response to the vaccine was faster. (2016). Effect of injectable trace mineral administration on health, performance, and vaccine 38 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 response of newly received feedlot cattle. The Professional Animal Scientist. 32(6):842-848. 11. Arthington, J.D., Moriel, P., Martins, P.G.M.A., Lamb, G.C. and Havenga, L.J. (2014) Effects of trace mineral injections on measures of performance and trace mineral status of pre- and post- weaned beef calves. Journal of Animal Science. 92:6:2630-2640. 12. R.A. Palomares, R.A., Hurleya, D.J., Bittar, J.H.J., Salikic, J.T., Woolumsd, A.R., Molierea, F., Havenga, L.J., Norton, N.A., Clifton, S.J., Sigmunda, A.B., Barbera, C.E., Bergera, M.L., Clark, M.J. and Fratto, M. A. (2016). Effects of injectable trace minerals on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to Bovine viral diarrhoea virus, Bovine herpes virus 1 and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus following administration of a modified-live virus vaccine in dairy calves. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology. 178:88-98. 13. Pogge, D. and Richter, E. (2012). Mineral concentrations of plasma and liver following injection with a trace mineral complex differ among Angus and Simmental cattle. Journal of Animal Science. 90:2692–2698. VIR 5698.21 M

PreVsectrOipntlyion Prescription Trace Mineral Injection 30 29 Zn Cu High demand pe riods 25 Mn 34 Se Boost trace mineral supply and get cattle ready to perform! Unique combined trace mineral injection Fast acting, convenient and reliable1 Enables strategic top-up of cattle during Shown to improve cattle health, high demand periods performance and immunity2,3,4 References. 1. Pogge, D et al. J. Anim. Sci. 90, 2692–2698 (2012). 2. Machado VS et al. Vet. J. 197:451-6. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 39 3. Mundell LR et al. The Profess. Anim. Sci. 28, 82–88. 4. Arthington J. et al. J. Anim. Sci 90, 1966–1971. MULTIMIN™ solution for injection for Cattle. IE: POM .Further information on the SPC available from: Virbac Ltd. Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Woolpit, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP. Tel: +44 (0) 1359 243243 Email: [email protected] www.virbac.ie. Use medicines responsibly www.apha.ie VIR 5698.21 Multimin Ad (beef) A4 JULY'21 AW.indd 1 26/07/2021 16:09

Cow comfort: a route to maximise welfare and productivity Dr Gareth Arnott, Senior Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast Dr Andrew Crump, Postdoctoral Research Officer,Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science Francesca Johansen (Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast) Cow comfort has become a buzzword in the dairy industry, but what does Cow comfort indicators it mean, and how can we maximise it? Cow comfort is achieved through minimising stress, allowing cows to Lying behaviour is often used as the most sensitive measure of cow perform at their maximum capability. comfort: If 10-15% of the herd are standing two hours post-feeding, the As farmers start to make plans for the autumn housing period, this article herd may have a comfort issue. The issue could relate to comfort in the focuses on cow comfort in indoor housing systems. cubicles or total space availability in the shed, as the standing cows may be low ranking and unwilling to move past dominant cows. Improving cow comfort Inappropriate lying behaviour may also indicate a cow comfort issue. If cows are lying in passageways or “perching” in the cubicle with their hind Sufficient lying time, and appropriate lying surfaces, are essential to dairy legs in the passageway the cubicles may lack comfort. cow health, wellbeing, and productivity. Lying time should ideally be Cubicle comfort can be assessed by examining cows behaviour in cubicles; around 12-14 hours per day and should not drop below 10 hours. are the cows lying down immediately or “perching”? Do they stand up Cows are highly motivated to achieve these lying times1 and will perform and lie down smoothly or are these behaviours interrupted by breaks? Are complex tasks (e.g., pushing heavy gates, repeatedly pressing levers) they knocking into the sides of the cubicles as they stand? when the reward for these is lying time. This underlines its importance If most of the herd are lying in the cubicles for the recommended amount for comfort. Decreased lying time is also associated with higher risk of of time, that indicates good cow comfort. lameness and reduced milk yields. Therefore, facilitating adequate lying time is - and should be - a priority for farmers. Good cow comfort To optimise lying times, good cubicle design and bedding are vital. Well-placed neck-rails, sufficient lunge space for when the cow stands Comfy cows are healthy cows; as mentioned previously in this article, up, and ventilation near the lying cow’s nose are all features that improve clean, comfortable lying surfaces and sufficient resting times can result comfort. Comfortable lying surfaces and bedding types are also key in increased milk yields, and reduced risk of lameness, environmental factors affecting comfort – they can increase cubicle usage, improve udder mastitis, and hock lesions. hygiene, and reduce leg lesions. Cows prefer deep-bedded cubicles, which A recent study explored links between welfare indicators, productivity can reduce lameness and hock lesions, and increase lying time – every and profitability of dairy cows. They found that lower prevalence of hock additional kilo of bedding increases daily lying time by 12 minutes2. lesions, dirty cows, and lameness led to increased milk production, and However, deep-bedded cubicles must be well-managed – without regular that farms with higher economic margins had longer lying times, clean cleaning, they can damage cow health and comfort. bedding, and fewer hock lesions, meaning that comfortable cows have Cleanliness is vital to maintain good hygiene. Dirty cubicles cause poor improved welfare, are more productive, and lead to increased profits for udder and abdomen hygiene, linked to high milk somatic cell counts (SCC), the farm7. lower milk yield, and environmental mastitis, whilst dirty passageways In summary, ensuring that every cow always has access to lying and may lead to poor leg and foot hygiene - a risk factor for digital dermatitis. feeding space is crucial for ensuring cow comfort, health, welfare, and Flooring surface also impacts cow comfort. Cows generally prefer softer farm profitability. floors: spending significantly more time standing on rubber mats than on concrete when given a choice between the two3. This preference can References also benefit farmers. Cows kept on rubber mats had fewer days to first breeding4 and lower SCC5 than those managed on concrete flooring. 1. Jensen, M. B., Pedersen, L. J., & Munksgaard, L. (2005). The effect of reward duration on Given the increasing herd sizes on Irish and UK dairy farms6, stocking rate demand functions for rest in dairy heifers and lying requirements as measured by demand is another factor to consider. This applies to general space allowance, functions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 90(3-4), 207-217. stocking rates of cubicles, and along feed barriers. 2. Tucker, C. B., Weary, D. M., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G., Beuchemin, K. A. 2009. Cow comfort in tie-stalls: Increased depth of shavings or straw bedding increases lying time. Journal of Dairy Overstocking may seem like a good way to improve farm profitability, Science 92(6), 2684-2690. but ultimately leads to poor outcomes at the individual cow level, with 3. Telezhenko, E., Lidfors, L., Bergsten, C. 2007. Dairy Cow Preferences for Soft or Hard Flooring subsequent economic and animal welfare costs. when Standing or Walking. Journal of Dairy Science 90 (8), 3716-3724. Overstocking reduces lying time as more cows must compete for cubicles, 4. Kremer, P., Scholz, A., Nuske, S., Forester, M. 2012. Do mats matter? – Comparison of ferility as well as increased aggressive social interactions over limited resources traits and milk yield in dairy cows on rubber or concrete flooring. Archiv Tierzucht 55, 438-449. (lying and feeding space). This increased competition may exacerbate 5. Kremer, P., Nuske, S., Scholtz, A., Forster, M. 2006. Effect of soft flooring in free stalls on milk negative energy balance, with some cows unable to consume enough to yield, fat, protein, and somatic cell counts in dairy cattle. Archiv Tierzucht, Dummerstorf 3, maintain their body condition. Competition can also cause acidosis as 250-258. cows rush their meals due to limited time at the feed barrier. Pushing up 6. Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 feed more regularly may mitigate this issue. Cows that typically suffer 7. Robichaud, M., Rushen, J., de Passile, A., Vasseur, E., Orsel, K., Pellerin, D. 2019. Associations from overstocking are often the lower ranking or ill animals that are between on-farm animal welfare indicators and productivity and profitability on Canadian already most at risk. dairies: I On freestall farms. Journal of Dairy Science 102, 4341-4351. 40 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 zoetis

DON’T PAY FTHORROPUGNHEUTHMEONNOISAE BEEP-S SCHEME COMPATIBLE Protect your cattle against RSV & Pi3 infection with a single dose live intranasal vaccine* *RSV and Pi3 are two of the most common causes of pneumonia in Ireland1 Rispoval RS+Pi3 Intranasal POM(E). For further information please contact Zoetis, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, (01)2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly. See www.apha.ie MM-09807 (Jul 2020). 1All-Island Disease Surveillance Report (2019) It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 41 zoetis_rispoval_intranasal_A4.indd 1 21/07/2021 17:08:28

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Plan for a “smooth weaning” this autumn Courtesy of Michael Coyle, Team LM One of the most costly and deadliest diseases of weanlings’ cattle purchase weanlings from the one source and have the calves is bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. weaned according to the recommendations above so that calves are Keeping weanlings protected against respiratory disease this settled. Purchasing calves at a sale that are vocalising excessively winter means less reliance on antibiotics to treat the disease after may be just weaned prior to the arrival at the sale such animals are it strikes. Preparation for weaning calves or for buying weanlings distressed and should be avoided. should include a programme for minimising the risk of an outbreak Ideally all purchased stock should be screened for disease on of respiratory disease. A programme or plan to minimise the or prior to arrival – this should be carried out by the veterinary risk of an outbreak of disease must include the use of vaccines. surgeon. Vaccination of calves is one of the best known practices that can help reduce the incidence or severity of BRD. Housing Incidence of Disease Once weaned home bred calves should be given a few weeks before being housed. Purchased calves should be housed in Respiratory disease accounts for the greatest number of deaths in batches of similar age in an environment that is comfortable. A all age groups of cattle over three months of age according to the comfortable environment means a dry lying area, draught free in All Island Animal Surveillance report 2014. The incidence of BRD the pens and good air quality. It is important to ensure that calves has not changed much over the past few years. Producers need being housed are given every chance to make the transition from to engage with veterinarians on all aspects associated with BRD un-weaned to weaned as stress free as possible. Once housed as losses associated with pneumonia range from at worst death calves need to be checked morning and evening for signs of to treatment costs, to the cost of labour and inconvenience of disease. treatment and hidden cost of recovered cattle failing to reach their Farmers should be encouraged to keep an eye out for respiratory true production potential. diseases, raised temperatures, discharges from the nose, increased Producers can have a strategy in place prior to weaning which is speed and depth of breathing. Any indication of respiratory disease conducive to a “smooth weanling” thereby reduce the incidence requires prompt professional assistance otherwise the problem and/or severity of BRD. Lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparous) is could in a short space of time explode into a serious situation with the cause of parasitic bronchitis in cattle, also known as “hoose” expensive treatment, loss of productivity or even death. or “husk” and mainly affects (but not exclusively) first season Well set up sheds allow weanlings to thrive by using energy for grazing animals or semi-permanent pastures between the months growth. Weanlings can deal with the cold but not with drafts. of July and October. A suitable dosing programme should be in place throughout the grazing (or a vaccination programme prior to What is BRD? turnout) season with a dose given at least 2 weeks prior to weaning. Gradual separation of calves and their dams reduces the level It is a multifactor disease that results from the interaction of:- of stress calves experience at weaning time. Creep grazing can • Infectious agent be used in the separation process; it involves no extra cost while • The immunity of the calf allowing the calves access to fresh grazing via a creep gate ahead of • Environmental factors their dams. In some situations creep feeding may be justified but does not involve the added cost of concentrate feed. Creep grazing BRD is usually caused by a variety of pathogens, both viral and or feeding should be in place at least one month prior to weaning. bacterial that interacts with each other to cause full blown disease Other routine procedure such as castration must be carried out at and the behaviour of these pathogens follow a sequential step by a separate time to weaning ideally 4 weeks prior to housing or 4 step process that results in sick animals. weeks after housing. Weaning Spring calvers this time of the year are contributing very little towards the performance of their calf. Abrupt weaning where all dams are removed at one time is not to be recommended as this only serves to increase the stress levels of the calves which negatively impacts on the calves’ immune system. Removing a portion of the dams every 5 days from the batch is the preferred option reducing the maternal bond between cow and calf. The remaining dams have a calming effect on the weaned calves and by the time the final group of dams are removed the majority of the weaned calves are settled. Once removed the dams should be out of sight and sound of the weaned calves. Weaning should where possible be carried out in good weather. The weaning process if carried out as discussed above will undoubtedly contribute to improved calf health and growth after weaning. Susceptible Host + Infective Agent = Disease Bought in Weanlings Farmers buying in weanling should seek professional advice as to their health status. Buying in animals from an “unknown” source is a herd health hazard. In addition to being unsure of their health status there is also the added stress of transport, initial mixing, adjustment to a new environment and diet. Multi sourcing calves can add to the increased risk of disease. It is always better to 42 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 BRD is a complex disease where viruses are the primary pathogens. Viruses can cause disease on their own but often act as door openers to the secondary bacterial infections. Preceding and contributing to the viral infection is the stress of weaning, mixing, transport, change of feed and variations in ambient temperatures and humidity all of which tend to reduce energy reserves. Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and Parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3) cause damage to the animals immune defences and allow bacteria including Mannheimia haemolytica to invade the respiratory tract to cause more severe disease. Prevention of these viruses is a key factor in the control of pneumonia in calves and weanlings M. haemolytica are the most frequently diagnosed causes of fatal pneumonia but when combined with good management, it greatly respiratory disease in Irish cattle. M. haemolytica previously known reduces the risk of respiratory problems. Producers are realising the as Pasturella haemolytica is a bacteria that commonly lives in the value of supporting the animals immunity/immune system. There throat of cattle and must be considered in a pneumonia control is no doubt that producers are moving to more judicious use of plan. antibiotics. While antibiotic treatment will kill the bacteria, the inflammation Vaccination is the way forward and vaccination programmes should may continue. The resultant lung damage can be severe and at best be put in place in consultation with the veterinary practitioner. The restrict growth rates but death is a common sequel. vaccine should cover the viruses discussed above but also should include the bacteria M. haemolytica. Timing of the vaccination Farm practices and environment process is critical so as to allow the vaccinated animals to develop a protective immune response before the stress of weaning has an Weanlings need adequate space over stocking or keeping animals impact on the immune function. of different ages in the same pens must be avoided. Homebred weanlings should be vaccinated at least six weeks Draughts – calves need good ventilation but not draughts. The before housing with a booster at least two weeks before housing. producer should be able to light a match without it going out in the Purchased weanlings that are being housed should receive a live pen. Avoid ground draughts and down draughts. Weanlings will not vaccine intra-nasally after arrival and this will provide protection thrive in a wet draughty environment. in as littles as 4 days. Some vaccines are POM while others fall into Hospital pen/area for sick of underperforming animals the POME category. Animal movement – control direct and indirect introduction of disease to a herd – this is an area where farmers should consult Storage of vaccines with their vet. The need to maintain a refrigeration “cold chain” is crucial so that Vaccination the vaccines efficacy is maintained. Vaccines particularly live ones need to be treated with great care when handling, transporting and Failure to vaccinate puts more reliance on antibiotics to treat the administering them. Manufacturers' instructions must be followed disease after it strikes. Vaccination on its own will not prevent at all times. TRAINING 2 // ASSESSMENT 86 Q1. What is the biggest killer of calves over 3 months of age? Q4. Why is it important to vaccinate against viruses in weanlings prior to housing? Q2. Which of the following statements would you agree with: - Recommend abrupt weaning where all dams are Q5. What temperature range must vaccine be stored at in your removed at once store or on the farm? - Remove only a portion of dams every 5 days from the batch Full Name - Farmers buying in weanlings should have them checked Company by a vet to establish their health status Email - Buying in weanlings from an unknown source can be Address risky Registration No. Q3. What is the most frequently diagnosed cause of fatal Send completed answers to: respiratory disease in Irish cattle? It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway or [email protected]. It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 43

Vet Support NI James Buick In recent years, there has been an increased focus by the veterinary profession on the area of emotional and mental wellbeing. There are many stresses and strains of everyday work imposed on us as a vet, nurse or member of the veterinary team. Following extensive consultation with the local veterinary community and a call for volunteers, Vet Support NI, our very own local support network of has been providing peer support and a listening ear to members of the veterinary family in Northern Ireland since 2017. Of course the past year will not easily be forgotten. Covid 19 and Brexit have brought many challenges to us all- -Practice principals worried about their financial future. ‘How long can the business be sustained without routine procedures and treatments?’ ‘How will we cope with the backlog of work and undiagnosed illness that the pandemic brings?’ ‘How do I keep my staff safe?’ -Some practice employees were kept in work, exhausted with trying to keep up with the demands of ‘the new normal’, working in PPE, with the threat of sickness hovering. Others were on furlough, wondering how long their financial support would last and concerned about their safety on emerging from their ‘bubble’ to re-enter the workplace. -Locums wondered where their next job was coming from as practices battened down the hatches financially and physically, closing their doors to ‘outsiders’. -Government veterinary staff experienced new working conditions, -Remember to take as much regular exercise as possible. This burns on and off farms, with more uncertainty from farmers as TB testing up the cortisol in the blood stream that keeps us stressed, as well as was interrupted along with a general fear for the future among food producing endorphins to reward our achievement. producers as closed restaurants and cafes affected demand across We recommend 2.5 hours per week, outdoors if possible. the industry. The trials and tribulations of new rules relating to Brexit added to an already difficult burden. -Colleagues in the pharmaceutical industry adapted to a life of -Try to eat well and keep hydrated. As we get stressed it’s easy to restricted client contact, online working and loss of commission as slip into habits of poor diet and drinking too much alcohol. While the profession changed so dramatically inside a few short weeks there’s nothing wrong with treating ourselves, it’s important to last spring. maintain healthy habits. Watch the sugar and alcohol intake, while keeping up the vitamins and fatty acids that will come from a balanced diet. These have effects on our brain chemicals ams immune system, keeping us happy and healthy. -Try to get enough rest. Anxiety can disrupt sleep with restlessness, nagging thoughts and troublesome dreams, leading to further tiredness and all its effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. We can advise on different techniques to help you get a good quality, restful night’s sleep. The common threads were anxiety and uncertainty. As Covid cases By far the main thing we would advise would be to reach out. Share reduced last summer, the sigh of relief was palpable and we all the load and don’t suffer in silence. If you are feeling anxious and started to make some transition back to normal, only for the second stressed, talk to your colleagues, your boss or your friends. If this wave to emerge through the dark days of winter. seems impossible, the peer supporters in VSNI are only an email Most of us are social animals. We share the load. A quick cuppa away. We are drawn from all aspects of the profession and are grabbed between consults on a hectic day, a welcoming bowl of available to chat with you by phone, email or WhatsApp in strictest soup with a farmer on a miserable November afternoon, a catch-up confidentiality. We are trained to provide a non-judgemental ear with friends over a coffee or a pint at the end of a long week. and to signpost you to other sources of help, should you require it. As well as chatting on an individual basis, we can arrange zoom calls for practices and workplaces to advise on all the tips and techniques mentioned above. Just drop us a line at [email protected] or check our website to find out how to contact us individually. These are the things that keep us going. We are all journeying through these strange times and to repeat an So how are we supposed to react when our support structures are overused phrase, ‘we are all in this together’. pulled from under us and the very word ‘contact’ takes on a whole Our profession is small and imperfect in many ways, but perhaps new meaning as something to be feared, tested and traced? with each other’s help we might also find ways to support each There are some practical steps you can take to reduce anxiety at other until better and more normal times. this time. 44 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 45

CanadnilnaetePsatravdovvairnucse-sdinisveaacsceinoavteirovniew Helena Madden MVB MRCVS MSD Companion Animal Technical Advisor Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious and deadly virus affecting dogs and in particular young pups. It typically causes severe gastrointestinal disease and can often be fatal. Parvovirus is a DNA virus which is non-enveloped, making of dogs and personnel, maintaining washing and disinfection it extremely resistant to dessication and allowing it to be points and isolation facilities are pivotal in preventing the stable and remain in the environment for up to 5-7 months, spread of disease. and for up to a year in contaminated soil. It is also resistant Outside of breeding facilities the risk of contracting parvovirus to many household disinfectants. is a reality for all dogs regardless of whether they meet other Parvovirus is highly contagious and is readily transmitted dogs. Socialisation of puppies should be restricted until they are from one dog to another through contact with infected adequately protected through vaccination. faeces. This includes transmission via clothing and footwear, on the coat and pads of dogs, surfaces, soil, and any environment that has been contaminated with infected faeces. One gram of faeces from an infected, virus-shedding dog is thought to contain enough viral material to infect over 10 million susceptible dogs by oral exposure! Clinical signs and treatment The incubation period of parvovirus is classically 5 to 7 Fig. 2 Puppies are at particularly high risk of infection and disease prevention in young days. Gastrointestinal symptoms usually appear over the pups can be challenging. subsequent 2 to 3 days. Faecal shedding occurs from 4 to 6 days to several weeks following infection. Vaccination The typical clinical signs in a dog infected with parvovirus include anorexia, depression, vomiting, profuse and often The protective immunity that dogs have against parvovirus haemorrhagic diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, pyrexia, primarily revolves around solid vaccination protocols. Maternal dehydration and cardiovascular shock. antibodies from the dam’s colostrum will provide varying History and clinical signs will often point toward a diagnosis amounts of protection in the early weeks of life. However, this of parvovirus. Parvovirus antigen can be identified in faeces wanes exponentially each week. As maternal antibodies drop through ELISA and PCR tests. so too does the pup’s protection against parvovirus. Maternal Treatment revolves around good supportive care of the antibodies can however remain at a level which will interfere patient with fluid therapy, analgesia, antibiotics, anti-emetics with early vaccination. They can also affect the primary immune and early nutritional support. response meaning that vaccination at a young age may provide little or partial protection. This period when maternal antibody is no longer at a protective level but is still high enough to prevent vaccinal immunity developing is referred to as the immunity gap. This gap in protection persists until the onset of immunity of the puppy vaccine (which is dependent on reaching a time when vaccination is finally permitted to be effective due to maternal antibody levels declining to a level at which they no longer interfere). Currently, available parvovirus vaccines can overcome a moderate level of maternal antibody but there is still a window of susceptibility. Fig.1 Severe gastrointestinal signs are often seen. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hal Thomson, Another factor that is important in immunity to any disease is SA-21-88 IE-NOV-210700001 JULY 2021 Canine Infectious Diseases Research Unit, University of Glasgow Veterinary School. the onset of immunity of a vaccine; that is the amount of time post vaccination that must elapse before immunity to disease Prevention and control develops. Puppies can be incubating the virus at the time of vaccination and come down with disease before the vaccine’s Strict isolation and barrier nursing are required to prevent onset of immunity. spread of the virus. Until now the immunity gap and the time to onset of immunity Due to its resistant nature and ability to spread the risk of has meant that there has been a critical risk period for young contracting parvovirus is ever present and therefore control pups when susceptibility to parvovirus is particularly high. This measures to protect dogs are essential, particularly given the has presented a key challenge in effectively protecting young severity of disease it causes and the potential for mortality. pups and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks in the most The prevention of parvovirus infection depends on vulnerable group of dogs. environmental factors and the immune status of the dog or pup. Latest innovation Environmental control factors are particularly important in breeding facilities. Thorough cleaning and disinfection Thankfully science has prevailed and MSD Animal Health have procedures are vital to decrease the risk of parvovirus persisting recently introduced Nobivac® DP PLUS to the market. This in the environment. Strict biosecurity measures are essential to revolutionary vaccine overcomes maternally derived antibody and prevent disease introduction to any breeding facility. Measures its ability to induce a protective response in pups removes the to prevent disease spread including restrictions on movement immunity gap. The onset of immunity of Nobivac DP PLUS is also unrivalled at only three days. This short onset of immunity gives this vaccine the potential to prove useful in outbreak situations. The vaccine can be administered from four weeks of age therefore providing reliable early protection against parvovirus with no interference from maternally derived antibody. 46 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 Nobiva

REVOLUTIONARY PUPPY PROTECTION DP PLUS Puppies change lives This changes everything Introducing NEW Nobivac® DP PLUS— The first vaccine capable of breaking through any level of maternally derived antibody (MDA) against canine parvovirus from four weeks of age. Nobivac® DP PLUS is also the first vaccine based on a parvovirus 2c field strain. Offering fast onset of immunity and break-through protection, Nobivac® DP PLUS marks a new era in puppy protection. To learn more, contact your MSD Animal Health Account Manager or visit www.msd-animal-health.ie/nobivac-dp-plus-vet SA-21-88 IE-NOV-210700001 JULY 2021 Nobivac® DP PLUS for dogs contains live recombinant canine parvovirus strain 630a (105.1 – 106.7 TCID50) and live attenuated canine distemper virus strain Onderstepoort (105.1 – 106.5 TCID50) and is indicated for active immunisation of dogs from 4 weeks of age onwards to prevent clinical signs and mortality of canine parvovirus infection and canine distemper virus infection and to prevent viral excretion following canine parvovirus infection and following canine distemper virus infection. Legal category: ROI: POM NI: POM-V For further information about side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please consult the product SPC, packaging, leaflets or: MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)1 2970220. Email: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 47 NobivacDP-PLUS A4 IYF 8-21.indd 2 21/07/2021 10:22

EQUINE NURSING Rebecca Watson MSc RVN Yearling Sales Radiography – the full picture? With the thoroughbred yearling sales approaching, it is the time of price at auction, will be presented with a full set of radiographs, A year when equine veterinary staff look out the lead protective gear but radiographs may also be taken at the sale at the request of a and step boldly into the X-ray room. potential purchaser. C The amount of information the consignor (especially if they bred However, does a ‘clean’ set of radiographs equate to a successful or raised the youngster) and the buyer have about a yearling at racehorse? th the sales is asymmetric; the buyer knows far less than the seller. A three year American study examined the sales survey radiographs Radiographs attempt to provide buyers with a little more information of 1,200 thoroughbred yearlings and studied the resulting racing about the potential purchase. performance of those individuals. Perhaps not surprisingly it found Advances in veterinary imaging technology mean that you can now that some radiographic changes can hinder an athletic career, take a ‘full set’ of yearling radiographs (generally 36 exposures, however there were some changes which had no bearing on future depending on the particular sales specifications) and have images athletic performance. The study also found that natural variation is ready to view in a very short period of time. Acquiring the images can wider than originally thought. take less than ten minutes, with experienced staff and a co-operative About half of the horses in the study were found to have radiographic yearling, with the time it takes to view the actual images depending changes, but only 9% had lesions that affected their ability to race on the modality, i.e. whether it is DR (digital radiography) or CR optimally. The joints that had the most changes were the fetlocks, (computed radiography). followed by the hocks, then the knees and the stifles. Digital imaging technology not only offers high speed, but also high- Changes that were not associated with lesser racing performance quality images, with excellent definition of orthopaedic structures in young thoroughbreds were flattened areas on the sagittal ridge at lower radiation exposure settings (which is good news for the or condyles of the third metacarpus, circular lucencies and vascular veterinary staff). Images can be manipulated to lighten or darken channels (linear lucencies) in sesamoids, and circular lucencies in the them, to increase or to decrease contrast and even magnify areas, ulnar carpal bone. allowing for meticulous examination of every inch of the joint. Changes that were associated with poorer performance in young thoroughbreds were bone resorption just above and behind However, a non-diagnostic image is still possible to achieve, the condyles of the cannon bone (the third metacarpus), and positioning is of utmost importance. A careful dose of a short acting mineralization of the proximal sesamoids, where ligament attaches sedative (you don’t want the yearling to be too unsteady on its feet, to bone. Horses with fragmentation at the top of the long pastern equally you don’t want it to be aware enough to aim a kick) will be bone on the front of the hind limb were half as likely to start a race, necessary to obtain good quality radiographs. Even the quietest and horses with changes at the dorsal medial inter-carpal joint (front of yearlings may object to placement of the x-ray plate and the inside area of the knee) were one-third as likely to start as unaffected aforementioned advances in technology can be expensive to replace! horses. Have a competent person at the head of the yearling to control Buyers may rightly argue that certain radiographic changes indicate it; keep the youngster standing square on all four limbs, this will reduced likelihood of a successful racing career, however consignors minimise movement ‘wobbles’ and blurred images. A good square may also argue that some radiographic changes are unlikely to affect footing will also make it easier for the radiographer to ensure that an athletic career. good quality images are obtained of each joint first time round, thus Buyers are best served by getting an objective reader to evaluate the reducing the risk of time consuming ‘re-takes’. images rather than relying on consignor information; there are many Radiographs may show up a number of abnormalities or ‘changes’, very experienced and knowledgeable veterinarians to choose from. for example saggital ridge Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in the Let whomever you choose know what your intended use of the horse fetlocks, bone cysts in the ulnar carpal bones (in the knees) or the is, and how comfortable you are with risk. medial condylar ridges of the stifle joints or medial malleolus defects Subjectivity of the ‘reading’ of the radiographs also comes into play; (in the hocks). This is why all of the joints are screened, changes veterinary surgeons can and will disagree (‘doctors differ, patients can occur anywhere (it is possible to have changes in the elbow die!’) Additionally, people make honest errors – in a high-quality and shoulder joints too, although these are less common without sale a veterinary surgeon can have literally thousands of images to associated lameness, so are not routinely screened for). examine and assess, veterinary surgeons are human too. The phrase ‘radiographic change’ was carefully selected by the veterinary profession; it suggests a deviation from the normal, but Buying a yearling at the thoroughbred sales can be a gamble, there not necessarily one that is significant. is a lot that can go wrong before you get your horse to the track. You Many commercial consignors will radiograph all potential sales can reduce the risk of the unknown; radiographs offer another insight yearlings early in the year, this allows for any necessary surgical into examining your potential purchase, however, they are only one intervention to be performed well in advance of the auction. part of a bigger picture. Most sales will specify that radiographs must be taken within 14-21 days of the auction – so that an accurate portrayal of the ‘Lot’ is presented. Any quality yearling expected to fetch a high 48 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021

Fluconix 340 A trusted flukicide for Cattle & Sheep this autumn and winter · Fluconix 340 injection for the treatment of immature and mature fluke For further information please contact: · Fluconix 340 for the treatment of triclabendazole resistant fluke Acravet Ltd, · Fluconix 340 fast acting and highly effective Unit 9 & 10, Newberry Industrial Estate, · Fluconix 340 - no reported resistance Mallow, Co Cork · Fluconix 340 is available in 100ml, 500ml & 1L · Fluconix 340 - 34% w/v, 340mg/ml solution for injection contains nitroxynil. Tel: 022 53553 Email: [email protected] It’s Your Field Autumn 2021 / 49 LEGAL CATEGORY: LM USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY

DEPARTMENT MATTERS S a National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) F The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is If the medicines have not been dispensed directly by the vet, w currently developing a new National Veterinary Prescription the animal keeper is free to bring their Prescription ID to any System (NVPS) as part of its continued drive to improve registered dispenser, such as a Licensed Merchant premises, a S customer online digital services in line with the Government's Co-Op or a Pharmacist. Medicated Feed operators will receive National Digital Strategy objectives. scripts from the practicing vet. The NVPS will be launched in January 2022 as part of rollout of When the Prescription ID is presented to the registered the new EU 2019/6 Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMP) and dispenser, the details will be made available to the dispenser 2019/4 Medicated Feed Regulations, which come into effect via connectivity to the NVPS either through the NVPS portal/ next year. App or via backend technology which will upload the necessary The Regulations themselves set out rules for the sale, information to their usual dispensing software. manufacture, import, export, supply, distribution, advertisement, The system will facilitate more than one VMP being written on control and use of VMPs and Medicated Feed, aiming to: a script. It will also allow 'part-dispensing'. Functionality will allow a keeper to bring a part-dispensed prescription to other 1. Modernise legislation dispensing agents to dispense some or all of the remaining 2. Stimulate innovation in and increase the availability of medication if they so wish. VMPs The NVPS will include antiparasitic prescriptions thus allowing 3. Strengthen the EU's campaign against antimicrobial for the continuation of supply of these particular VMPs from resistance (AMR) their current supply channels. 4. Reduce administrative burdens NVPS will provide functionality for dispensing agents to easily It is envisaged that the introduction of the NVPS will create identify generic products. This materialises due to the EU efficiencies within the overall veterinary prescription and Regulatory requirement (Article 105(5)(f))) for all actives to be dispensing process and will have the co-benefit of reducing included on all prescriptions. administrative burdens. One of the key aims of the new system In essence, the NVPS provides animal keepers with full control will be to provide greater choice to the farming community on the decision-making process on where they purchase their around the dispensing of VMPs and Medicated Feed. VPM's and what kind/brand of VMPs they purchase. On a broader perspective, global market confidence in Ireland's The system also introduces digital prescribing and dispensing world-class food production operations will also benefit with of medicated feed. From January 28th 2022, Veterinary Written recognition of the increased regulatory oversight of the entire Directives (VMD) will no longer exist and all medicated feed VMP prescription and dispensing process via the NVPS. This is requests will be generated in prescription format. hugely important considering Ireland exports more than 90% of In facilitating the development, design, integration, and our overall produce. implementation of the NVPS, DAFM has been working and Phase I of the project will involve prescriptions for eight main consulting with stakeholders at all levels of the process. These animal species, bovine, ovine, porcine, avian, piscine, caprine, include the Irish Licensed Merchants Association (ILMA), the Irish equine and cervine. Companion animal prescriptions will be Pharmacy Union (IPU), the Irish Grain Feed Association (IGFA), incorporated in a later phase. the Irish Co-Op Society (ICOS), Veterinary Ireland and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), to name a few. How will the NVPS work? DAFM has engaged in extensive discussions with Prescription and Dispensing software providers in an effort to build seamless Presently most non-digital scripts are generated in triplicate integration between all currently used software and the new and copies are retained by the animal keeper, the veterinary NVPS. practitioner and the dispensing agent. More recently, It is important to recognise that the NVPS will not be replacing some veterinary practices have commenced using bespoke any software which any veterinary practice or dispensing agent prescription software to create ‘dispensed’ digital prescriptions, is currently using. The NVPS will be a 'free to use' service, in line with Regulation 4 of SI 558/2017. From January 28th next available to download directly from a DAFM or Government year, all information on all prescriptions for VMPs and medicated website page. feed will be required to be submitted to DAFM's new central At present, the NVPS development team are hosting workshops database. This will allow for ‘non-dispensed’ prescriptions with system users to optimise the useability of the system. to be made available online via a web-portal, website or app Detailed User Acceptance Testing will take place towards the end for all registered dispensing agents to access. This will be of the year; all concerned parties will be contacted and made vitally important, especially with antiparasitics (wormers, aware of the details. lice treatments etc) being up-regulated to Prescription Only If there are any queries concerning the development, Medicine (POM) status from January next year. introduction of the system or registering for access to the The NVPS app itself will include both Prescribing and Dispensing system, please contact the NVPS team at the dedicated email modules. These will facilitate a veterinary practitioner address: [email protected]. generating a prescription and marking it as ‘dispensed’, if completed, with relative ease on their phone, tablet or back at the practice on a desktop device. Once generated, all of the prescription information is automatically submitted to the NVPS database. At the same time, the animal keeper will immediately receive an electronic notification with the necessary Prescription ID information. 50 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2021