It's Your Field Autumn 22

AUTUMN 2022 New Veterinary Medicine Ireland’s first female veterinary Regulations take hold! surgeon remembered at the Atlantic Technological New Veterinary Medicine Regulation EU have as much information as possible on University (ATU) Mountbellew. 2019/6 which came into effect in January the individual cow, the herd and other risk 2022 changes how veterinary practitioners factors associated with the farm. Farmers Celebrated American scientist and approach prescribing antimicrobial dry will need to have records of all mastitis animal behaviourist, Professor cow therapy. Antimicrobial resistance is cases, previous treatments and related Temple Grandin (right) delivered a major concern and the World Health outcomes. the keynote address titled “Let’s Organisation (WHO) have developed a Milk quality data including somatic cell look at it from their point of view”. global action plan to target antimicrobial counts, bacterial culture and antibiotic Aleen Cust had all but been resistance. susceptibility testing will be needed in forgotten when three local vets, A blanket approach to drying off is order to make an informed decision. Brendan Gardiner, Ascinta Kilroy no longer permitted and veterinary Milk recording will be an important source and Donal Connolly decided practitioners must adopt a selective of data for the prescribing veterinary. to establish the Aleen Cust approach to dry cow therapy when The practice of selective dry cow therapy Memorial Society in 2020 with prescribing dry cow mastitis tubes. (SDCT) will be the new norm and two objectives; firstly, that Aleen’s represents a significant shift in practice in legacy would be remembered the dairy sector. and her name kept in perpetuity Moving from blanket dry cow therapy and secondly that her final resting (BDCT) to SDCT involves a new approach in place be located. They achieved terms of milk recording time and technique both objectives following a lot of of treatment which can affect SDCT hard work and dedication. implementation. Other speakers at the event included the first ever Chari of Animal Given that BDCT is habitually and Welfare and Ethics at UCD Vet School the first female president culturally ingrained on many Irish farms of the Veterinary Council of Ireland equine veterinary specialist the transition toward SDCT will require Meta Osbourne, the first president of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn and all significant behavioural change at an facilitated under the watchful eye of the first principal of the ATU, individual and industry level. There is Mountbellew, Dr Edna Curley. support from CellCheck Technical Working All speakers like Aleen Cust have a deep knowledge and interest Group and this group have produced in animals and animal welfare and all are females not that gender guidelines for farmers and their veterinary should come int it as Maria Walsh MEP stated when opening the practitioners. conference (see full report on page 42) What is a selective approach to Farmers are well aware of the challenges CONTINUOUS Dry Cow Therapy (DCT)? associated with antimicrobial misuse. There is however a fear that the producer VEDETUECRAINTAIORNY A selective approach to DCT is holistic in has the most to lose if SDCT does not the responsible use of antimicrobials. give the desired outcome. A veterinary FOR VETS & VET NURSES It endeavours to reduce the use of practitioner must be able to provide Training Module 1 antimicrobials by identifying as many justification for prophylactic prescribing Lungworm in suitable cows as possible to receive of dry cow antibiotics. Prophylaxis is not Beef and Dairy an internal teat sealant only and no legally permissible in a blanket approach to Cattle antimicrobial treatment at drying off. It dry cow therapy. Training Module 2 is the veterinary practitioner following consultation with the farmer that will Sheep determine if a dry cow tube is needed at Scab drying off. A selective approach involves doing a Essential reading for the Responsible Person risk assessment at the individual animal level to determine which cow will need antimicrobial treatment over the dry period. Dry cow tubes will be prescribed but on an individual cow basis where there is evidence of a risk of infection in that cow. For the veterinary practitioner to make an informed decision the vet will need to IN THIS ISSUE... RODENT WORM FLUKE THE WORMS EQUINE CONTROL IN SHEEP SHOCKARE TURNItIN’s YGour Field Autumn 2022 / 1 CONTROL IN WEANED CALVES

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 BVioruvisnetyHpeer1pe(sBoViHruVs-1t)yptoe r1e(dBuocHeVt-h1e), cstlirnaiicnaCl EsiDgDnEsLo:f1i0n6f.3e–ct1io0u7.3sCbCoIDv5i0n.eSorhlvineonttr:aPchhoesiptihsa(tIBeRb)uaffnedr sfoieluldtiovinr.uIsNeDxIcCrAeTtiIoOnN. SR:OFUoTr EthOeFacAtDivMe IiNmImSTuRnAisTaItOioNn: oInf tcraatmtleusfrcoumlar3. months OofFaIgMeMagUaNinITsYt :B2o1vindeayHsearpfteesr ONSET 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: D o 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: ROI: POM and Prescription only veterinary medicine for further information contact your veterinary medicine prescriber. 2 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 HIPRA UK AND IRELAND Foxhall Lodge · Foxhall Road · NG7 6LH · Nottingham · United Kingdom Tel (+44) 0115 845 6486 · [email protected] · www.hipra.com

ContentsAutumn 2022 / ISSUE 47 Welcome to the Autumn edition of Its Your Field There has been a noticeable drop in appropriate drug when necessary. Mark temperature and darkness falling a little O’Rourke, Univet highlights the benefits earlier each evening which means farmers, of rafoxanide for the specific treatment of vets, responsible persons and other animal immature and adult fluke. health care professionals will be engaging with their client on issues such as animal I am sure you will find Professor Eric welfare, nutrition and animal health. Morgan, Queens University Belfast“The Farmers are quite stressed at the moment worms are turning; why should we care with input cost sky rocketing and no sign about anthelmintic resistance in livestock!” of abating. It is at times like this that your of real value when discussing worming reassuring comment can make all the programmes with your clients. difference. Parasite control prior to housing and the Dr Tom Barragry’s focus is on vitamin, pre-housing dose using active ingredients mineral and trace elements as we approach with persistent activity appears to be the tupping season“Pre-tupping for a larger gaining some traction and in this issue and healthier lamb crop”. Tom acts as a Maura Langan from Norbrook examines Veterinary Advisor to Provita Eurotech Ltd. “The need to anticipate pre-housing and post housing for cattle during the late We had requests from our equine grazing season”. Lungworm can damage enthusiasts to provide an article on Equine the lungs thereby increasing the risk and shock or Systemic shock. Rebecca Watson severity of pneumonia. Aurelie Moralis, as ever provides an interesting article on Zoetis has timely advice in her article this topic. “An outbreak of pneumonia – every farmers nightmare”. Dr Becca Cavill The HPRA“Future direction regarding from BIAH takes a holistic approach to controls on the supply of veterinary pneumonia highlighting the importance of medicinal products”focuses on the colostrum management, nutrition and the application of Regulation 2019/6 within environment in order to make vaccination the EU. One World One Health”from APHA as efficacious as possible in her article -“The highlights the interconnectivity between role of BRD vaccination as part of your animal health system, environmental and An outbreak of pneumonia – every farmers nightmare 4 housing tool box to protect calf health\". human health. 6 Kate Ingram, Virbac Animal Health discusses Under the spotlight – a public view of animal welfare 8 the benefits of injectable trace mineral We also have had requests on an article 10-13 supplementation at vaccination time, in on rodenticides and Helen Hall with BASF Department Matters particular how it enhances the immune article“Prevent costly rodent damage and response to vaccination. Sarah Higgins control infestations in as few as seven days” Training Module I from MSD Animal Health in her article“Beef cattle: Autumn Ready?”has a clear message is timely The need to anticipate pre-housing and post-housing doses on the need for veterinary practitioners to engage and educate farmers on the The DAFM gives an update on the New for cattle during the late grazing season 14 importance of disease prevention strategies Bovine TB testing requirements for animal 16 to optimise health and welfare of weanlings movements while AHI focuses on BVD Why parasite control matters for weaned calves 18 this autumn. We wish Sarah well in her new eradication. role with MSD. Factors for effective liver fluke control 20-22 The implementation of EU Regulation Animal welfare standards are of increasing 24 2019/6 explicitly states that antimicrobials importance to consumers and Áine Regan The role of BRD vaccination as part of your housing toolbox are not to be used routinely to compensate for poor management. Dr Pablo Silva and John Hyland from Teagasc provides an to protect calf health Bolona, Teagasc Moorepark has good tips article on capturing public sentiment on in his article“Importance of selection of animal welfare standards in Ireland. a dry cow therapy and effective dry cow Cost of Respiratory Disease management”. “Is Mastitis bugging You?” asks Ryan Duffy, HIPRA. There is a huge Fortunately, in Ireland, vets, advisors and Beef Cattle; Autumn Ready? 26-27 opportunity for vets to engage with their the vast majority of carers of animals fully Vitamin, Mineral & Trace Elements: Pre-Tupping for a clients this autumn with a discussion understand the importance of animal 28 on milk recording, selective dry cow welfare. Aleen Cust was concerned about therapy, hygiene when administering animal welfare over one hundred years ago. Larger and Healthier Lamb Crop 30 intramammary products and the benefits of Bringing about positive change for better 32-33 mastitis vaccination. animal welfare will also mean we have a The worms are turning: why we should care about Sioned Timothy, BIAH focuses on“Why 34 parasite control matters for weaned calves” better society. Aleen Cust had values and anthelmintic resistance in livestock? and the importance of selecting the most virtues that set her apart. We are fortunate that the veterinary profession and other Training Module II carers have high standards and high regard for animal welfare in this country. Is Mastitis bugging you? ne deleted “If you embody the right virtues or The dry period: Importance, selection of an appropriate dry cow advocate them then the right actions will follow” - Dr Siobhan Mullan therapy and effective dry cow management 36-38 Equine Shock 40-41 Editor: [email protected] Aleen Cust Centenary Day 42 Sales/Marketing: [email protected] Advertising Enquiries: [email protected] HPRA Affairs 43 Technical Editor: Dr Theo De Waal, UCD. It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Ind Estate FAQ 44 APHA 45 Tuam Road, Galway. Tel 091 773734 Prevent costly rodent damage this autumn 46 AHI 48 Disclaimer: It’s Your Field. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part Product Focus 50 is forbidden except with prior permission in writing from It’s Your Field. The It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 3 opinions expressed in this journal are those of the writers and services offered 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 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 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.

An outbreak of pneumonia- every farmer’s nightmare Aurelie Moralis DVM Cert DHH MRCVS, Marketing and Technical Manager, Zoetis Ireland Pneumonia in calves is a‘multifactorial disease’. This means that besides When worming stock farmers should be given the following advice: infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria, a multitude of environmental • Weigh animals and dose to the heavier weight (if the weights are and management factors and their interactions are responsible for the outbreak similar) of disease. Any kind of stress will reduce the ability of the immune system to • Check dosing guns are calibrated fight infection. Common stressors in the autumn include weaning, dehorning, • Check the wormer you are using is within date and has been castrating, transport, and housing. stored correctly Pneumonia is typically started by viruses, including: • Ensure you are using the product within its shelf-life after first opening as this can differ between brands - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) • Make sure your equipment is fit for purpose - Parainfluenza type 3 (Pi3) virus • Check how you apply it (i.e. pour-on, subcutaneous injection) - Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus • Buy your products ahead of the housing season so you are well prepared. Severity can be increased by secondary bacterial infections. Tips for successful vaccination Mycoplasma bovis can cause pneumonia in calves from a young age to older weaned calves. It can cause pneumonia on its own or following a primary viral infection. In Ireland Mycoplasma bovis was involved in approximately 1 in 7 cases of death following pneumonia according to recent post-mortem findings1. Mycoplasma bovis can also live in the nose of apparently healthy cattle without causing harm, only becoming an issue if it enters the lungs. Pneumonia impact on welfare and production Vaccines take time to provide a sufficient protective cover. This can vary from 5 days to 3 weeks, so farmers should plan to use vaccines well in advance of when Pneumonia is the most common cause of death and poor performance in young animals need to be protected. cattle from weaning to 10 months of age1. Notwithstanding death, pneumonia is For home bred animals an injectable solution might be suitable as farmers can plan a very costly disease. The impact of respiratory disease can result in average daily to start the vaccination course one month ahead of housing. Rispoval® 2 provides liveweight gains (DLWG) reduced by up to 200g/day. Over a 10-months finishing protection for RSV and Pi3, 2 common causes of pneumonia in Ireland. It is a live period this mounts up to 61 kg reduction in DLWG and it therefore takes up to 2 vaccine and requires 2 injections 3-4 weeks apart. Rispoval 2 protects calves for up months longer to finish an animal which previously suffered a case of pneumonia. to 6 months against RSV. Other costs include poorer carcass classification at slaughter, increased labour and higher vet costs as well as increased antibiotic usage on farm. How a Pre-Housing Dose (PHD) can help to prevent pneumonia in the autumn All parasites have a negative effect on the cattle’s immune system and lungworm in particular can damage the lungs and increase the risk and severity of pneumonia. Treatment for lungworm 4 to 5 weeks ahead of housing with a persistent dose such as Cydectin or Dectomax allows time for dead worms to be coughed up. The benefit of this pre-housing dose is that all the worms can be removed from the animal, and the lungs can fully recover from the damage that the worms inflicted while they are still out in clean fresh air. When they are housed, they will have a clean, healthy set of lungs to combat the dust and viral infections they will encounter in the shed. Cydectin® and Dectomax® offer persistency against re-infection by stomach worms (Ostertagia) and lungworm (Dictyocaulus) of five weeks from a single dose. Therefore, animals treated with either Cydectin or Dectomax 5 weeks before housing will not need to receive another dose at housing. To find out more about the benefits of the Pre-Housing Dose, scan the QR Code below. Where a quicker onset of immunity is required, for instance close to housing or in bought-in animals, a single dose of Rispoval RS+Pi3 IntraNasal provides rapid onset of immunity against RSV and Pi3. Rispoval IBR-Marker live can be given either intranasally or intramuscularly and protects calves for IBR for up to 6 months. Farmers should talk to their vet now about treating their 1st and 2nd season grazers with a Pre-Housing Dose and autumn vaccination. References 1. All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report (2019) 2. Williams, P & Green, L (2007) Cattle Practice, Vol 15, part 3, 244–249 4 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

YOUR PARTNER IN PROTECTION AG A I N S T R SV, P i 3 A N D I B R I N F E C T I O N DAIRY AND BEEF FARMERS ZOETIS HAS A SOLUTION FOR YOU THIS AUTUMN RSV, Pi3 and IBR are Common It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 5 Causes of Pneumonia in Ireland 1 1All Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report (2019). Rispoval® RS+Pi3 IntraNasal, Rispoval® 2 & Rispoval® IBR-Marker live POM(E). For further information please contact your vet or Zoetis on (01)2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly. See www.apha.ie MM-21063 (Jul 2022).

CepraS Under the spotlight: a public view of animal welfare Áine Regan, Research Officer Teagasc John Hyland, Research Technologist, Teagasc Whilst perceptions of farm animal welfare are generally positive Any labelling scheme must be underpinned by a transparent and among consumers on the island of Ireland, there is a need to address evidence-based quality assurance scheme to build public trust. gaps in information and sector differences. Public engagement efforts, which seek to not only educate but Societal attention towards farm animal welfare is increasing also empower the public with information on farming and food and having an impact on consumer behaviour. To get a better production, will also be a vital strand required to support any future understanding of the public’s knowledge and opinions on this topic, labelling strategies related to welfare practices. researchers from Teagasc carried out fieldwork across the island of Ireland, as part of the Surveillance Welfare and Biosecurity of farmed As consumers self-report low knowledge on the subject of welfare animals (SWAB) project. and farming practices, it is evident that a vacuum of information exists relating to food production and farm animal welfare. This, alongside Capturing public sentiment the lack of awareness shown about hot topic welfare issues being discussed in the agricultural sector, is contributing to the consumer The project team ran focus groups and a survey in which almost 1,000 disconnect. members of the public participated. As demonstrated in Figure 1, this fieldwork revealed generally positive public sentiment about welfare Following on from the fieldwork with the public, work was carried out standards on Irish and Northern Irish farms in the dairy, beef, pork and to tackle some of the information needs arising. A co-design approach poultry sectors. was undertaken with public engagement and communication However, the results do show variation in perceived welfare experts, animal health and welfare scientists, policy-makers and conditions across sectors. Greater concerns arise for welfare in poultry graphic designers, to design an animated whiteboard video aimed at and pork production, whilst lower concerns appear for dairy and beef. the public. These sectoral differences are explained through a number of factors that consumers tend to use to assess welfare conditions. On the island The content of the video is about good welfare practices on Irish dairy of Ireland, cows and cattle are viewed by the public to be part of a farms. The information aims to break the citizen-consumer disconnect pasture-based, extensive system with high public visibility resulting in by empowering people with knowledge about what good farming positive perceptions of welfare. Conversely, poultry and pig farms are practices look like. By being better informed about farm animal viewed as intensive, having low public visibility with issues relating to welfare and what that entails in terms of farming practices, consumers housing and outdoor access. can make better choices. Across all sectors, however, the survey also showed that the public feel that welfare conditions have improved over the last ten years. You can watch the video by visiting At the same time, both the survey and the focus groups showed the youtube.com/watch?v=FodFmEuOVaY. public feels uninformed about farming practices and welfare-friendly foods, and that they are eager to seek out additional information. From concerned citizen to conscientious consumer Research shows a gap often exists between the concerns of citizens and the translation into shopping behaviour as a consumer. Advanced analysis of the survey data by the project team shed further light on this citizen-consumer disconnect. Using a form of analysis to group participants based on their responses to various attitudinal questions, three profiles of typical consumers were identified: ‘indifferent’, ‘engaged’ and ‘struggling’. The ‘indifferent’ consumer (69.1% of participants) had positive perceptions of farm animal welfare on the island of Ireland. But whilst they feel motivated to buy welfare-friendly produce, this attitude is less likely to translate to frequent purchasing behaviour. The ‘engaged’ consumer (16.5% of participants) is highly concerned about welfare standards in farming, and is highly motivated to purchase welfare-friendly produce. Unlike the ‘indifferent’ consumer, this motivation translates to frequent purchasing behaviour. The ‘struggling’ consumer (14.4% of participants) is also concerned Figure 1. Public perceptions of farm animal welfare on the island of IE-CPV-220600003 June 2022 about welfare standards on farms. But whilst they’re motivated to Ireland (n = 972) purchase welfare-friendly produce, this motivation doesn’t translate to behaviour. A lack of choice, dearth of information, inadequate Acknowledgements availability and difficulty using relevant labels represent significant hurdles for this type of consumer. Such consumers will need to be We’d like to acknowledge Sharon Sweeney (Teagasc), Alison Hanlon adequately supported through interventions focused on enablement, (University College Dublin), Doris Laepple (National University of such as the establishment of widely accessible and trusted front-of- Ireland, Galway) and Moira Dean, Claire McKernan and Tony Benson pack labelling for welfare-friendly produce. (Queen’s University Belfast) for their collaboration on this project. Funding Addressing public information gaps This research was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Research Stimulus Fund (project number: RSF Labelling can serve as an important platform for communicating 17/S/230). welfare information and lessening the gap between consumers and This article first appeared in Teagasc’s TResearch magazine.. farmers. However, as the public becomes more exposed to different forms of information through online and social media, there is intense scrutiny of labels: what they say, what they mean and how much they can be trusted. 6 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

CepraShort A4 Ad 6-22.qxp_Layout 1 05/08/2022 10:25 Page 1 CEPRASHORT™ Short. Effective. Responsible. For a short dry cow period with a short withdrawal time, making short work of pathogens. Contains Cefapirin 300 mg per syringe 36 cow bucket and 5 cow box 100% sensitivity of major Gram+ mastitis pathogens to Cefapirin (Staph. aureus, Strep. uberis and Strep. dysgalactiae1) Short dry cow period of 32 days (4.5 weeks) 1 day (24hr) milk withdrawal Talk to your MSD Animal Health Account manager about our udder health range IE-CPV-220600003 June 2022 Use Medicines Responsibly MSD Animal Health Ireland - Cattle & Sheep For further information see the individual product SPCs or contact MSD Animal Health, @msd_ah MSD Animal Health Ireland Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(1) 2970220. E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie CepraShort is indicated for the treatment of subclinical mastitis at drying-off caused by Staph. aureus, coagulase-negative staph., Strep. agalactiae, Strep. dysgalactiae and Strep. uberis susceptible to cefapirin Legal category: POM . Withdrawal period: 32 days plus 24 hours. 1. Bradley et al., 2020. Proceedings of the British Mastitis Conference, Sixways, Worcester, p 57– 58 It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 7

DEPARTMENT MATTERS New Bovine TB testing requirements for animal movements coming into effect from 01 February 2023 Rosanne Greene, Assistant Principal with ERAD Division Dept of Agriculture Food and the Marine The new Animal Health Law came into effect in April 2021. New You may also be allowed to move out animals under the age of C Regulations, regarding bovine TB, require that all animals moving 6 weeks but such animals are not eligible for export until the farm to farm or through marts must be tested within a certain time restriction on your herd has been lifted. All C frame. If you test the animal the restriction will be lifted automatically, tricl The requirements are that: provided the animal tests clear and there are no other reasons for ww your herd to continue to be restricted. Once the restriction has 1. All bovines that are moving farm to farm or through a mart been lifted you will receive a text and a letter to this effect. Zoetis_PH must be TB tested in the previous 6 months, and If after another 30 days the animal is alive and has not been tested 2. They must also be moving from a herd that have been tested then your herd will be scheduled for a full herd test. You will in the last 6 months. receive a letter notifying you about this test. Once this test has If they do not fulfil both these requirements then they must then been completed and is clear the restriction on your herd will be be tested, either within the 30 days prior to movement or within lifted and you will receive a letter to this effect. 30 days after movement into the new herd. The above requirements do not apply to controlled finishing units The Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum has agreed to the introduction (previously termed feedlots) who are continuously restricted of these requirements on a phased basis. Where animals that move under the Bovine TB Eradication Programme. do not fall within the two testing-interval requirements, the initial phase of implementation will see the requirement for pre or post Can I defer my annual round test? movement test be activated in respect of cows and male animals greater than 36 months of age. The requirement to ensure that Farmers either selling or buying animals can time their annual the animals are tested in compliance with these requirements herd test to coincide with the sale or purchase of animals. If you ultimately rests with the purchaser of the animals. wish to re-schedule your annual herd test to an earlier date, to Animals that require a test in the 30 days after movement will be facilitate the sale, or purchase of animals please contact your restricted immediately to the herd into which they have moved. Regional Veterinary Office. This herd has 30 days to carry out a test on those animals. Please note if you wish to defer your annual herd test to a later If after 30 days the animals have not been TB tested then the herd date your herd will be restricted from the original due date until that received them will be restricted. the test is completed. Farmers may also test these animals that If after another 30 days the animals have still not been tested then have been moved in as part of Department paid tests where one the whole herd will be scheduled for a test. is scheduled for completion, e.g., contiguous tests or post de- restriction check tests. So how will it work? How do I know if the animals I am moving in Every time a farmer moves an animal farm to farm or through will need a test? a mart the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine’s computer systems will check to see if the animal is a cow or a male Buyer beware. The current situation mart boards display the aged over 36 months. If it is, the Department will then check when earliest date of test for the batches of animals being presented for the animal was last tested and when the herd that is moving the sale, however, mart boards do not currently display the date of test animal out was last tested. for the herd selling the animals. If the animal that is moving has not been tested during the last 30 All farm-to-farm movement notification certificates display the days or has not been tested in the last 6 months and the herd from latest date of test for individual animals being moved however which it is moving has not been tested in the last 6 months, the they do not give the latest date of test for the herd moving the Department will restrict the animal to the herd that received it. animals out. If you receive one of these animals, you will get a text message If you are unsure, you should make enquiries with the person from to say the animal has been restricted to your herd. If your mobile whose herd the animals are being moved. number is not registered with the Department, you will receive a paper notification. This means the animal cannot move from your herd other than directly to slaughter. If you receive this notification you should arrange to have the animal tested within the following 30 days. If you test the animal the restriction will be automatically lifted, provided the animal tests clear and there are no other reasons for your herd to continue to be restricted. Once the restriction has been lifted you will receive a notification via text or letter. If you slaughter the animal the restriction may also be lifted. If after the 30 days, the animal is still alive and has not been tested then your herd will be automatically restricted and no cattle will be allowed move off your farm except directly to slaughter. You will receive a text message and a letter to this effect. This restriction does not apply to calves under the age of 6 weeks and you may be allowed to move animals into your herd. 8 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

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 2022 / 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

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Lungworm in Beef and Dairy Cattle Helminth infection have large negative impacts of production efficiency in beef and dairy cattle and their effective management is essential if livestock production is to increase to meet future human needs in dietary protein. The control of helminth relies heavily on routine use of N chemotherapeutics, but this approach is unsustainable as resistance to anthelmintic drugs is increasing. At the same time infection patterns are being altered by changes in climate, land use and farming practices. Social and economic pressures are going to demand not just more production to meet the protein requirements of a growing human population but also more efficient and more sustainable production while also ensuring animal welfare. All this is against the backdrop of the need to reduce green house gas Conditions that have led to an increased level of parasitic bronchitis in emissions from the livestock sector to meet internationally agreed dairy cattle are emission targets. • Climate change – higher rainfall In this training module Michael Coyle, TEAM LM will look at Dictyocaulus • Heavy or higher stocking densities viviparus and the importance of treating lungworm infection swiftly and • Lack of immunity due to prior low exposure of larvae effectively in beef and dairy cattle in order to help prevent major losses in Initial lungworm infection may occur from over-wintered larvae productivity. on pastures and carrier animals. This level of challenge may not be Lungworm (Dictyocaulus viviparus) is the cause of parasitic enough to cause clinical disease or to stimulate immunity. However, bronchitis in cattle, also known as husk or hoose. This parasite is sufficient numbers of larvae are seeded onto the pasture so that by widespread but tends to be more prevalent in areas with high rainfall, June/July the numbers are -large enough to produce clinical disease. mild climate conditions but outbreaks of the disease are extremely Outbreaks of the disease are most common during July, August and unpredictable. September but the threat of lungworm can continue until November The common clinical sign is coughing in grazing cattle but there can or even December as the disease favours mild wet autumns and also be significant impact on milk yield, loss in body condition score winters. With the cost of animal feed livestock producers will “graze and in the worst cases even death. In the past lungworm was usually on” for as long as possible this autumn increasing the risk of larvae seen by veterinary practitioners in cattle in their first grazing season. ingestion if present on the pasture. With changes in livestock production systems lungworm outbreaks are often seen in adult cattle. An outbreak of lungworm in dairy cows Life cycle of D. viviparus can have a catastrophic impact on herd milk yields in affected dairy cows. With milk prices at an all-time high the costs associated with an Grazing cattle are infected by picking up third stage lungworm larvae outbreak of lungworm could be as high as €200 per adult cow in 2022. L3 from the pasture, which then pass through the intestinal wall and Clinical signs of lungworm infection range from moderate coughing into the lymph nodes. Here they moult into L4 stage larvae and then with slightly increased respiratory rates to severe persistent coughing travel to the lungs. and respiratory distress or even death. The larvae cause an inflammatory response within the alveoli. Generally acquired immunity lasts for 6-12 months in the absence of Bronchitis follows, characterized by the presence of mucus in the reinfections. However, in immune cattle, high infection doses and airways containing immature adult worms L5 which travel up the consequently a large number of larvae invading the lungs can result bronchi. Animals which are heavily infected may have thousands of in the reinfection syndrome, a sever immune-mediated inflammatory developing worms in their lungs and airways, the result of which may response of the lower respiratory tract. be death from respiratory failure. Adult females lay eggs which hatch almost immediately, releasing first We have had a long dry spell followed by heavy stage larvae L1 which travel up the trachea, are swallowed and pass rains – an ideal set of conditions for lungworm. out in the faeces where they re-infect the pasture. Who are the Susceptible Animals and most at risk? First stage L1 larvae passed by infected animals migrate from the dung pat onto surrounding grass. With the aid of the fungus Pilobolus they With exposure animal will develop immunity to lung worm. Therefore, can be spread up to three metres when the ripe sporangium explodes the animals at greatest risk are first year grazers. The aim is to give to release its spores, thus improving the chances that larvae will be them enough exposure in their first grazing season to build up ingested by grazing cattle. immunity but not impact on performance. Autumn born sucklers and The speed of development of larvae on the pasture is dependent on dairy bred calves are most at risk in spring as they are eating a lot of the weather, with warm damp weather favouring development into grass but have very little immunity. infective L3. The risk of spring born calves increases as their grass intake increases. Survival time for L3 can be as short as two to three weeks in the D. viviparus is posing an increasing challenge to dairy cows. It is summer, but when conditions are favourable they are able to survive becoming more frequently diagnosed as a cause of severe respiratory on pasture and in soil over winter to infect cattle in the following year. distress in adult cows. 10 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

NEW DORAMAX® protects against reinfection after use NO OTHER POUR-ON WORMER OFFERS LONGER PROTECTION Lice Stomach Worm Lungworm 5-7 weeks 5 weeks 6 weeks Less treatments and handling required (8-10 week dosing interval) www.farmhealthfirst.com ASK YOUR ANIMAL HEALTH SUPPLIER ABOUT DORAMAX® AND OUR FREE APPLICATORS Use medicines responsibly. Doramax 5mg/ml Pour-on solution for cbaetftoleu.nCdoonnttahinesd:Datoarsahmeeect,tSinP.CTaorrgaettwswpewc.fieasrm: Chaetatlleth. Rfiersfet.rctoomp.rDodisutcritbpuatecdkabgyi:nCghaaIntnd’selleYleaoPfulheratsFrmfieoarlcdfeuAulltiunictdauilcsmaMtniaonn2us0f,2asci2dteu/reinf1fge1Lcttds,, precautions, warnings and contra-indications. Further information can Loughrea, Co.Galway, Ireland. UK: VM 40162/4038. Copyright ©Chanelle 2022 All rights reserved. POM-VPS

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 1 Timing of Lungworm Infection Penetration phase: Days 1 -7 During this phase the larvae are making their way to the lungs and lung lesions are not yet apparent. Pre-patent phase: Days 8 – 25 Larvae cause inflammation of the alveoli. The larger structures of the lung (bronchioles and bronchi) also become inflamed as the immature adults move up the airways. This phase is characterised by the presence of mucus containing immature worms in the airways. Heavily infected animals can have thousands of developing worms in Picture courtesy of Richard Irvine, University of Glasgow their lungs and such cases may die from day 15 of infection onwards, due The severity of the symptom relates to the number of larvae ingested to respiratory failure, secondary to severe interstitial emphysema and but the age of the host its nutritional status and weather conditions pulmonary oedema. can all affect the severity of the clinical disease. Patent phase: Days 26 – 60 Diagnosis of lungworm in beef and dairy cattle This is associated with parasitic bronchitis and parasitic pneumonia. The Baermann technique is the method of choice. This parasitological former is characterised by hundreds or even thousands of adult worms method of detecting disease is by detecting L1 stage in faecal in frothy white mucus in the bronchi. The second by dark red collapsed samples. It is however possible to get a false negative result in areas around infected bronchi caused by the aspiration of eggs and L1 the prepatent period as L1 are not yet passed. Samples should larvae into the alveoli be collected and processed as quickly as possible. Avoid carrying samples in jeeps or cars for long periods! False positive results can also Post-patent phase: Days 61-90 occur where the sample is left long enough for the gastrointestinal eggs to hatch out to L1. In untreated cattle this is normally the recovery phase after adult ELISA tests can be used to detect antibodies to D. viviparus but lungworms have been expelled. While clinical signs may be abating, antibodies are of limited diagnostic value because the bronchi remain inflamed and residual lesions may persist for several 1. Antibodies can still be detected for a few months after the host weeks or even months. Eventually the broncho-pulmonary system elimination of worms in primary infection and recovers and coughing stops. 2. Low or no antibody response will occur on reinfection. However, in approximately a quarter of animals that may have been heavily infected there is a reoccurrence of clinical signs which is often fatal. This is either caused by proliferative lesions which reduce gas exchange or by secondary bacterial or viral infections in imperfectly healed lungs. The former cause is most common and is often termed ‘post-patent parasitic bronchitis’. Signs and effects of lungworm Within any group of affected animals there will be typically a few The test used only detects an antigen that is extracted from L5 and so mildly affected, mostly moderately affected and a few severely will not detect the prepatent period. This diagnostic test is of limited affected. value in the face of a clinical outbreak. Bronchiolar lavage can be Mildly affected animal will only cough occasionally especially when useful in the prepatent period in the differential diagnosis. moving. Moderately affected animal will experience frequent bouts of coughing. Even at rest their breathing will be faster and more laboured. Severely affected animals show very fast laboured breathing, and in an attempt to get air into their lungs frequently adopt the classic “air hunger” position of mouth breathing with the head and neck outstretched. Animals often have a deep harsh cough, salivation and anorexia. The severity of the symptom relates to the number of larvae ingested but the age of the host its nutritional status and weather conditions can all affect the severity of the clinical disease. A small portion of severely affected animals may die. It has been shown that just 200 L3 larvae can develop into 70 adult worms which in turn can produce 2.5 million L1 larvae by 30 days post ingestion so it is easy to see how quickly pasture challenge can build up! 12 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

Control Options Aside from having knowledge of the anthelmintics and the categories of cattle that they are licensed to treat (e.g. calves A number of measures can be used to control lungworm and/or dairy cows), it is important to be also aware of whether challenge. These include the use of grazing management or not they have any persistent action, as in some cases treated strategies, anthelmintics or vaccination. cattle will be liable to re-infection shortly after treatment. With regard to pasture management, calves should not be Although the use of anthelmintics on a farm can be reduced by turned out onto pasture that was grazed by calves/cattle, both careful monitoring of cattle for clinical signs of lungworm the previous year. However, given the intensive nature of disease and grazing management, it is still imperative to ensure some enterprises more often than not this is not possible. that all purchased cattle are treated on arrival at the farm, as In circumstances such as this, calves should be turned out carrier animals are the most important source of infection. onto a different pasture each year. In addition to this, every Despite the effectiveness of anthelmintics, vaccination is the effort should be made to ensure that turnout of calves is preferred control option on farms where there is a high risk of not staggered as this can result in calves that are turned out dictyocaulosis occurring (i.e. those with a prior history). last being potentially exposed to considerable lungworm An issue with the use of vaccination in Ireland is that many challenge. calves are spring-born and so may not have completed their On farms such as this with staggered calving seasons, the vaccination schedule prior to turnout. calves that are last to go onto pasture at the end of the Therefore, vaccination is more likely suited to autumn- or calving season should be put onto a lower risk pasture (i.e. winter-born calves that are not turned out until the following not grazed by calves in the same or previous year). Although spring or yearling/adult cattle unless turnout of spring-born pasture management will help to reduce the risk of lungworm calves can be delayed in order to complete the vaccination infection, the sheer unpredictable nature of the disease, schedule. coupled with both the potentially rapid larval development Regardless of the control measure used, it is important times at pasture and the use of the sporangia of Pilobolus for that cattle are continuously monitored for clinical signs of dispersal of larvae ensures that pasture management cannot lungworm infection during both the grazing season and in the be expected to reliably control the disease alone. period shortly after housing. In cases where clinical signs of The three groups of anthelmintics available for use in cattle lungworm infection begin to appear, the entire group of cattle are all highly efficacious in the treatment of the disease due should be treated with an anthelmintic. to lungworm infection. These can also be used to control gastrointestinal nematode infections at the same time. TRAINING 1 // ASSESSMENT 93 Q1. Which of the following statements are true Q4. Which of the following would you agree with? The prepatent phase is generally associated with a) D. viviparus is widespread and is favoured by mild climates a) No clinical signs with high rainfall b) A negative Baermann faecal analysis b) D. viviparus is more common in young cattle in their first c) L1 in the trachea grazing season Q5. There are 3 groups of anthelmintics available for use in cattle c) D. viviparus can lead to a significant drop in milk yields – which group has persistent activity once administered? of the dairy cow Q2. What 3 strategies should be adopted in the control of _________________________________________________________ lungworm challenge? Full Name 1._____________________________________________________ Company 2._____________________________________________________ Email 3. _____________________________________________________ Address Q3. Name 5 active ingredients from the macrocyclic lactone Registration No. chemical family that are permitted for use in the treatment of lungworm in beef cattle 1._____________________________________________________ Send completed answers to: 2._____________________________________________________ It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, 3. _____________________________________________________ Tuam Road, Galway or [email protected]. 4. _____________________________________________________ 5. _____________________________________________________ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 13

The need to anticipate pre-housing adnudrinpgostth-eholautseinggradzoinsegssfeoarscoanttle Maura Langan, Norbrook Vet Advisor In our previous article we looked at the importance of responsible use of anthelmintics and the use of fecal egg counts (FEC) in the early grazing period. Here we look at the increased risk to cattle in the late grazing season and the need to plan ahead for housing. One of the key principles of the responsible use of anthelmintics Looking forward to housing: to fluke or not to fluke? USE is to treat cattle only when necessary and to reduce numbers of treatments throughout the grazing period if appropriate. By allowing Cattle that have received a persistent wormer like Taurador Pour On 5 weeks (Irelan immunity to develop in young stock and leaving adult cattle untreated prior to housing should not need a further worm dose when they are housed. 200m wherever possible, we hope to achieve a balance between welfare and However, they may need to be treated for fluke, depending on the seasonal risk Produc performance and the need to preserve anthelmintic efficacy. and in line with a parasite control (herd health) plan. 5638- A fluke-only treatment is likely to be the most appropriate treatment for these Late summer brings increased risk cattle, and also for adult cattle that have good immunity to gut worms and may not have received a wormer. However, as the grazing season progresses it is important to acknowledge There are a range of different flukicides on the market and they are generally that the parasite burden increases throughout the summer. The infective classified according to the stages of fluke they are effective against. For this L3 gutworm larvae peak around late June/July depending on the weather reason, it is important that the most appropriate product is used at the correct conditions, meaning that by August/early September youngstock may be time in the fluke season. carrying a significant worm burden. Solantel Pour-on contains 200mg/ml closantel and is licensed for the Farmers may notice an effect on weight gain and development in growing treatment of late immature (>7 weeks) and adult Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) cattle at a time of the year when they would expect to see the benefits of late infestations in cattle. summer grass. Losses in a severe outbreak of ostertagiosis in growing cattle Treating cattle with Solantel Pour-On at least 7 weeks after they are housed have been estimated to reach €120/head. will mean any fluke ingested just before housing will then be susceptible to treatment and therefore lead to a more complete fluke kill. As the grazing season progresses, so too does the risk of lungworm Of course, it is always hard to predict exactly when cattle are housed, with the (Dictyocaulus viviparous). Lungworm causes coughing and laboured weather and availability of feed important factors in keeping herds at grass into breathing and if left untreated can result in death or long-term debility. the autumn. This protocol may need to be reviewed in cattle housed more than Lungworm in growing cattle can cause losses of between €60 and €120/head. 5 weeks after treatment with Taurador. It is important to monitor regularly for lungworm throughout the season: be Although as an industry we are trying to reduce the number of treatments vigilant for the first signs of coughing and monitor growth rates and treat the wherever possible, there will always be times of the year when cattle are more whole management group at the first sign of infection. at risk of fluke and worm and should be dosed accordingly. The role of a persistent wormer Maura Langan MRCVS, regular contributor to Its Your Field, recently graduated with the Graduate Certificate in Dairy Herd Health. Maura is also pictured with Some worming products have ‘persistency’, meaning that they continue to Michael Smyth MVB presenting the Norbrook prize for the best student in small protect cattle from infection after treatment. Taurador® Pour-on contains 5mg/ml doramectin and has persistent action against Osterstagia (35 days), animal surgery at the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine graduation. lungworm (42 days), as well as a range of other internal and external parasites. The use of Taurador Pour On up to 5 weeks prior to housing has several benefits to cattle and farmers: • Effective treatment of gutworms to maximise growth rates prior to housing • Protection from lungworm to ensure ‘clean lungs’ going into the house • Convenient timing for farmers as they may be handling cattle at this time • Could remove the need to worm cattle at housing 14 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

SINGLE SINGLE ACTIVE ACTIVE WORMER FLUKICIDE WEEKS WEEKS PRE- POST- HOUSING HOUSING The rules of the game It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 15 are changing and farmers adopting a responsible approach should consider a pre-housing dose of Taurador® Pour-On this autumn. Using a long-acting wormer 5 weeks before housing can prevent reinfection and remove the need to dose at housing. USE MEDICINES RESPONSIBLY. Manufactured and Distributed 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: UK: ROI: Taurador® 5mg/ml Pour-on Solution for Cattle contains 5mg/ml doramectin. Solantel® 200mg/ml Pour-On Solution for Cattle contains 200mg/ml closantel. For full details on these products please see the summary of product characteristics (SPC) available at: UK: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/ ProductInformationDatabase/search | ROI: www.hpra.ie/homepage/veterinary/veterinary-medicines-information/find-a-medicine/ Advice on the use of these products should be sought from the medicine prescriber. 5638-LA(C)-v1a-NI/ROI-28/07/22

Why parasite control matters for weaned calves Sioned Timothy | Technical Services Manager | Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK After a first season at grass, weaned calves will be carrying a parasite burden by housing time. This group of animals will have been particularly susceptible to a worm challenge during their time at grass, due to their lack of acquired immunity. A housing treatment is important for all youngstock, and The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica is endemic across Ireland, and especially weaned calves, to protect their growth over the winter, calves at grass will also have been exposed to this parasitic flat and prevent parasitic disease. Treating cattle at housing also worm prior to housing. Unlike in sheep, liver fluke rarely causes helps to break the parasite lifecycle by helping to prevent liver acute disease in cattle, however it can impair feed conversion fluke eggs being shed at turnout, and thereby reducing pasture ratios, growth rates, and reduce carcase quality. Liver fluke contamination in the following grazing season. infections can also lead to hormonal and metabolic imbalances, Parasite burdens in growing cattle are known to reduce feed affecting the reproductive rates of replacement heifers and future intake, lower average daily live weight gain, extend growth breeding cows. targets, increase production costs, and reduce profitability. Irish abattoir research from 2020 showed that a fattening steer Appropriate use of anthelmintics as part of a strategy to control with fluke infection will put on 36kg less live weight gain over its gastrointestinal worms has been shown to contribute to lifetime versus a healthy steer, costing the farmer on average of improvements in animal health, enhanced performance, and €70 per animal3. Scottish abattoir data from 2017 showed that productivity1. Gains in weaning weight of up to 13% following animals with between one and 10 liver fluke present in their anthelmintic treatment have been demonstrated in beef cattle2. liver took on average 31 days longer to reach slaughter weight. In strategically wormed dairy heifers, studies have shown Additionally, animals with more than 10 liver fluke present took increased mammary development and earlier onset of puberty, an additional 77 days longer to reach slaughter weight versus compared to untreated animals3,4. animals without any liver fluke infection4. Treating liver fluke is Young animals in their first and second grazing seasons will have therefore an important element in protecting the productive been exposed to the gutworm species Ostertagia ostertagi. potential of both beef and dairy calves. If these animals experienced a high worm challenge at grass, At housing, calves and first season grazing stock are likely to be particularly towards the latter-part of the grazing season, and carrying a fluke burden with a mixture of development stages, are not wormed at housing, they are at risk of developing Type from early immature to adult. If a flukicide is used which only 2 Ostertagiosis. This parasitic disease can occur in late winter or treats the adult stages of the parasite, a follow-up treatment early spring and results from the mass emergence of encysted may be required to treat remaining liver fluke at an appropriate worm larvae from the stomach wall. The disease causes severe interval after the initial housing dose. Regardless of the treatment scouring and can result in death. used at housing, it is good practice to carry out diagnostic To safeguard the productivity of young cattle and prevent this tests through pooled faecal egg counts later in the winter, to disease from occurring it’s important to use a wormer which is determine whether a second treatment is necessary, since no effective against the encysted stages of Ostertagia ostertagi flukicide is 100% effective. This approach will ensure that cattle as part of the housing treatment. IVOMEC® Classic injection, are turned back out onto pasture fluke free, and prevents early IVOMEC® Classic pour-on, and EPRINEX® Multi pour-on wormers pasture contamination from fluke eggs passed out in the dung. are all effective against the major cattle worm species, including Choosing a liver fluke treatment at housing is complicated the encysted stage of this parasite, and external parasites. by emerging resistance to triclabendazole. This is the only flukicide that treats the early immature stage of liver fluke which causes acute disease in sheep. Where circumstances allow, choosing an alternative flukicide for cattle at housing can help to reduce selection for resistance and preserve the efficacy of triclabendazole in sheep, while also ensuring effective control of the parasite in weaned calves and youngstock. Flukicides containing clorsulon (contained in IVOMEC® Super) will remove the adult stages of fluke in cattle, while those containing closantel are effective against both late immature and adult stages. In dairy heifers it is important to consider milk withhold times when making a product selection. Not all flukicides can be used in cattle producing milk for human consumption. Where cattle need to be treated for both gastrointestinal worms and liver fluke, combination products offer a practical treatment choice. IVOMEC® Super (containing ivermectin and clorsulon) is effective against the major cattle worm species, including the encysted stage of Ostertagia ostertagi; the adult stage of liver fluke, and external parasites. References 1. Larson, R. L., et al (1992). Effect of deworming with Ivomec on Iv reproductive performance of yearling beef heifers. Kansas Agricultural iv Expermiment Station Research Reports, 0 (1), 53-55. v 2. Stromberg, B. E., et al (1997). Production responses following strategic © parasite control in a beef cow/calf herd. Veterinary Parasitology, 68, 315-322. 3. Carroll et al., (2020). The impact of liver fluke infection on steers in Ireland: a meta-analytic approach. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 174: 104807 4.Mazeri et al., (2017). Estimation of the impact of Fasciola hepatica infection on time taken for UK beef cattle to reach slaughter weight. Scientific Reports 7: 7319 16 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

CRAFTED FOR SUCCESS YOUR BRAND OF GREATNESS Ivomec® Classic Injection for Cattle and Sheep 10 mg/ml and Ivomec® Classic Pour-On for Cattle 5 mg/ml contain ivermectin. Ivomec® Super Injection for Cattle contains ivermectin and clorsulon. POM. Further information available in the SPCs or from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd., RG12 8YS, UK.Tel: 01 291 3985 (all queries). Email: [email protected]. IVOMEC® and the steerhead logo are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal IHRt’esesaYplotohunrFsiFrbaileny.lcdeASuCtSu,musne2d0u2n2de/r 1li7cence. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd.All rights reserved. Date of preparation:Aug 2022. UI-MSP-0066-2022. Use Medicines

Rafoxanide – Factors for Effective Liver Fluke Control Mark O’Rourke, Technical Sales Manager, Univet Ltd Liver fluke disease is a parasitic infection in cattle and sheep which can cause during late summer to winter. Liver fluke infection occurs in all parts of serious production losses. It is estimated that liver fluke disease costs Irish Ireland but is more prevalent in the west and in years when there is high farmers up to €90 million annually in lost production. summer rainfall. • Once ingested the larvae penetrate the intestine wall and move to the Let us consider the effects in sheep liver. They travel through the liver for 8-12 weeks causing significant - this parasite causes considerable damage. damage in all animals resulting in • Immature fluke then reach the bile ducts where they mature into adults. reduced weight gains of up to 30%, If left untreated, flukes can live for months to years. They feed on blood reduced fertility both in terms of and produce thousands of eggs which are passed back onto pasture. conception and lambing rates, reduced • The eggs develop to a small larvae stage. They then must find and wool growth and diminished wool penetrate its intermediary host (the mud snail) which is more commonly quality and even deaths. While the found in wet areas. They develop through various larvae stages before latter may be more important to the leaving the snail. individual farmer concerned, overall, • Each infected snail can release up to 600 larval flukes back onto pasture the losses caused by the other effects from one fluke. is probably greater. Furthermore, these losses caused by non-fatal infections Lifecycle courtesy of NADIS - https://clients.nadis.org.uk/planner-articles/ are also ensuring that the pastures liver-fluke-in-cattle/ are re-contaminated with fluke eggs Infected animals at pasture, irrespective of the time of year, will pass out eggs thereby ensuring future infestations which if they fall on wet ground where the snails are present will continue the and continuing of the life cycle. A cycle. Control should therefore be directed at minimizing the number of eggs similar situation exists in cattle though reaching the pasture thus reducing the chance of infecting the snails and also in this species infection is rarely fatal. to reduce the presence of the snails on the pasture. In beef cattle - the main effect is a reduction in weight gain which can be as high as 20%. The problem is that the animal may still gain weight but less Controlling Liverfluke efficiently than if they were infection free. The damage to the liver is also an economic cost. Liver fluke is rarely fatal in cattle. In dairy cows, the damage is more extensive with reductions in milk yield of On the basis of the epidemiology of the disease and taking into account the up to 8% and impaired fertility, resulting in longer inter-calving intervals or environment and species the following can be used for the effective liver even sterility for the year. Furthermore, the more effective drugs cannot be fluke control for sheep and cattle. used in dairy animals. However, while individual animals (sheep or cattle) require treatment to • Improve drainage or fence off wet areas. Avoid poaching or grazing wet control infection, the most important reason for treatment in the long term is areas especially when fluke can be ingested, typically late summer to winter. the preventative control to reduce pasture infection so as to reduce exposure to the disease in the future. • Dose bought in animals with appropriate flukicide before letting out to pasture. Rafoxanide • It is recommended to dose in late spring / early to mid-summer to reduce Rafoxanide has been widely used for the number of eggs on the pasture and thus reducing the number of snails many years throughout the world for becoming infected. the control of liver fluke. This active has been in general use since the • Fluke burdens can be monitored by using fecal egg counts, bulk milk 1970s and has been shown to be an tank samples and information from meat factories regarding infected livers. effective and safe flukicide for general use - a claim which is extensively • In winter, dose animals at housing, 4-6 weeks after housing or both supported in the literature. depending on type of flukicide used. It is recommended to use a flukicide like Rafoxanide is one of the salicylanilides rafoxanide which also controls immature fluke at this time and no evidence of which have activity against the liver resistance demonstrated to this drug. fluke (Fasciola hepatica). Rafoxanide is highly effective against adult and • Rotation of anthelmintics is highly recommended to avoid the build-up immature fluke from 6 to 8 weeks of of resistance. The emergence of resistant strains of fluke to Triclabendazole age with action against fluke as young has been reported in Ireland. No known resistance has been reported to the as 4 weeks. use of Rafoxanide. In addition, it has an excellent safety record and no evidence of resistance in fluke has been demonstrated. • Rafoxanide based products cannot be given to dairy animals producing milk for human consumption including during the dry period. Points to consider What is the regime best suited to control the disease. Farmers should consult with their veterinary surgeon when deciding on the control programme best suited to them. It depends on a number of factors, the animals (sheep or cattle), the preceding weather, the type of land and farming practices. For example, wet versus dry weather, wet or poor draining soil versus dry free draining soil and whether animals are out wintered or housed. It should be noted that animals do not develop immunity to liver fluke so ongoing treatment is necessary. Life Cycle For effective control, it is vital to be familiar with the basic life cycle of the parasite and to determine the weak links in the chain of events. Liver fluke eggs are passed in the dung to pasture where they develop, infect the common mud snail (Lymnaea Truncatula) multiply and re-immerge and infest the pasture. When the grass is eaten, the young attached flukes penetrate the gut and make their way to the liver where they become adults and start laying eggs to restart the life cycle again. Life Cycle Summary: • Larvae are ingested on contaminated grass in typically wet areas mostly 18 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 19

The role of BRD vaccination as part of your housing toolbox to protect calf health Dr Becca Cavill Ruminant Veterinary Adviser at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Calf pneumonia or bovine respiratory disease (BRD) has a Objectives hugely negative impact which results both from the direct • An adaptive immunity which includes both humoral (B effects of clinical disease and longer-term consequences cell) and cellular (T cell) responses on health and productivity. In beef animals the reduction • Effective protection against key pathogens in average daily liveweight gain (ADLWG) can be significant • Rapid onset of immunity and long-lasting. This decrease in ADLWG has been shown • Long duration of immunity to be proportional to the number of lung lobes that • No immunity gap are consolidated- 3 consolidated lobes saw a 71g/day reduction whereas when 6 lobes were similarly affected Challenges the ADLWG drop was a massive 202g/day1. In dairy cattle • The calf’s immature immune system just a single outbreak of BRD can lead to a decrease of 4% • The effect of maternally derived antibodies and 8% decrease in milk yield in the 1st and 2nd lactations • Impact of external stress factors and environment respectively2. Prevention is always better than cure and developing an In the neonatal calf the quantity, quality and promptness integrated control plan with farmers that optimises calf of administration of colostrum has a huge impact on the health through provision of appropriate housing, nutrition susceptibility to infectious diseases such as scour and BRD. and veterinary care is crucial. An appropriate vaccination Quick feeding of clean, quality colostrum in the correct programme is generally a key component of this plan. In stark quantity is vital to confer immunity to the newborn calf contrast to the loss in ADLWG seen in animals with serious lung pathology in cases of BRD, vaccination against some of the major BRD pathogens was shown to increase weight gain in 8-month-old fully vaccinated Holstein-Friesian heifers by 47 kg compared to those who did not receive any pneumonia vaccine3. Figure 1. Mean 8-month heifer weights in BRD vaccinated and unvaccinated calves, Quick feeding of clean, quality colostrum in the correct quantity is vital to confer Re Atkinson (2016), Welsh Youngstock Project immunity to the newborn calf Bo With the Beef Environment Efficiency Programme- Suckler Colostrum provides immunoglobulins, immune cells and pa (BEEP-S) (visit gov.ie for further information) focussing heavily other protective substances that protect the calf via passive res on weighing of stock (this element being compulsory) in order immunity. Re to increase economic and environmental efficiency in suckler Failure of passive transfer (FPT) leaves calves at increased bo herds it highlights the importance of achieving a high and risk of morbidity and mortality in early life4. Maternally BIO consistent ADLWG. Furthermore, there is a BRD vaccination derived antibodies (MDA) are an essential part of the calf’s financial support offering on the scheme of €30 per calf immune system in the early days as transplacental transfer of weighed up to a maximum of 100 calves. By engaging with antibodies doesn’t occur, but they do present a problem when this and other elements of BEEP-S, producers not only help to it comes to vaccinating very young calves- high levels of MDA enhance the national herd dataset for genetic evaluations but can have a negative impact on the vaccine response. This can see a real and tangible way to improve both the welfare mechanism is not fully understood; however, it is surmised and productivity of animals on their own holding. that binding of maternal antibodies to vaccine antigens can interfere with the response to systemic (injectable) vaccines. For calves to receive the full benefit of BRD vaccination it This inhibits B cell activation and attenuates the initial is imperative that farmers work with their vet to produce a antibody response to vaccination, meaning that calves pneumonia control plan that examines not only the likely vaccinated in the face of vaccine antigen specific-MDA are causative agents and appropriate vaccination schedule but unlikely to undergo sero-conversion when defined as a 4-fold also the broader picture including colostrum management, increase in antibody level, however vaccination may still nutrition, the environment and treatment. induce a humoral response in addition to a B cell memory Vaccination response. T cell priming is also recognised to occur following There are some key objectives that we are trying to achieve vaccination against respiratory viruses in the face of MDA5. with the implementation of a farm specific and appropriate vaccination programme. In addition, we are faced with several challenges that need to be carefully navigated to make vaccination as efficacious as possible. 20 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

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 2022 / 21

A recent study demonstrated that MDA-positive calves The efficacy of mucosal vaccines in the face of MDA is due to It’s vaccinated with a live attenuated intranasal vaccine the presence of lower levels of pathogen-specific maternal ect containing PI-3 and BRSV were protected against challenge antibodies at the mucosal surface where the immune to with either PI-3 or BRSV at 12 weeks after initial vaccination. response is initiated compared to SC or IM injection sites. As an Both MDA-positive and MDA-negative vaccinated calves respiratory viruses initiate infection within the respiratory pr showed a comparable, significant level of reduction of tract, inducing immunity at the mucosal surfaces can optimise both viral shedding and clinical signs when compared to protection against infection: mucosal antibodies block virus Manufactu unvaccinated controls6. Seroconversion was also observed entry into cells, whilst cytotoxic T cells kill infected cells. Distributed in the vaccinated MDA-negative animals and circulating Legal Categ antibody titres were maintained at similar levels following Mucosal immunity develops rapidly, but typically provides a 4893-LA(C/S vaccination of the MDA-positive calves6. shorter duration of immunity than that conferred by systemic administration of injectable vaccines. Follow-up vaccination 22 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 can extend the duration of immunity against BRD pathogens and provide appropriate protection ahead of high-risk periods7,8. In addition to this, immunological priming can be induced by intranasal vaccination of both MDA-negative and MDA-positive calves7 which can enhance the serological response to subsequent administration of the same antigens by the injectable route. Clinical relevance and implementation of respiratory vaccination strategies On many farms the BRD risk begins early in life, and continues throughout the first year, peaking at times of increased stress such as weaning and housing. Vaccine selection should consider farm level risk. In many instances, administration of a single course of a respiratory vaccine will not provide the duration of protection and pathogen cover required to effectively reduce the risk of disease throughout periods of high challenge. An integrated approach which capitalises on the rapid onset protection against respiratory viruses provided by mucosal vaccines, even in young MDA-positive calves, and the longer- term protection offered by subsequent administration of a full primary course of an injectable vaccine can enhance the resilience of calves to infection and minimise the impact of respiratory disease on health and productivity. References 1. Williams and Green (2007) Cattle Practice 15: 244-249 2 Morrison (2011) Calf management for lifetime performance: Effect of pneumonia pre‐weaning 3 Atkinson (2016) Welsh Youngstock Project 4 Wells et al. (1996). Factors associated with mortality to 21 days of life in dairy heifers in the United States. Prev. Vet. Med. 29:9–19 5 Windeyer, M.C. and Gamsjager, L. (2019) Vaccinating calves in the face of maternally derived antibodies. Vet Clin Food ANim 35:557-573 6 Metcalfe et al. (2020) Efficacy of a live intranasal vaccine against parainfluenza 3 and bovine respiratory syncytial virus in young calves with maternally derived antibodies. Vet Rec Open 7:e000429 7 Windeyer, M.C. and Gamsjager, L. (2019) Vaccinating calves in the face of maternally derived antibodies. Vet Clin Food ANim 35:557-573 8 Ellis J et al. (2018). Comparative efficacy of modified-live and inactivated vaccines in boosting responses to bovine respiratory syncytial virus following neonatal mucosal priming of beef calves Can Vet J 59:1,311-1,319.

Iettapo’csnrtrodoiemdptduoapurcopcatrreisvteaitivtthniyecetnildtortoeismsstskreiueloskcaf.htalienacadserSwilnypefwoeigtsiihttnhatotgarion®anins Lapoircfdoehedotiurnuicfmseteiseodtnnacttaaaiontltndilmespbcpeayarncfcotahrouamnsviaetnhngec:e ••IbGriretiitnnaegtri,oasnlcuroanftttchhhreiinfstgkyiaannp,dpleerauadrbianbnignctgeo • Reduced feed intake • Preodourcpeedrfwoermighant gceaiannd Nex For fu conta on m Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 23 Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: ROI: Spotinor® 10mg/ml Spot-on Solution for cattle and sheep contains deltamethrin 10mg. 4893-LA(C/S)-v1a-ROI-12/11/19

Vaccinating livestock V this autumn and winter? Pre Kate Ingram BVetMed MRCVS, Ruminant Technical adviser , Virbac Animal Health Cost of respiratory disease: not. Blood samples collected from both groups showed that on day 14 a Studies have estimated that a case of respiratory disease costs, on average, greater proportion of the supplemented group were seropositive for BVD €93¹ per affected calf when considering the direct costs such as treatment type 1 than in the un-supplemented group¹⁰, suggesting that their immune and labour. The effect on growth rates can be an even larger (and often response to the vaccine was faster. hidden) cost – even a moderate case of pneumonia can reduce daily live In a 2012 study the effects of ITM supplementation with concurrent weight gain (DLWG) by up to 72g/day – equivalent to a 22kg loss over a 10 vaccination were measured. Compared to controls, animals treated with month period. The effect on DLWG in severe cases has been shown to be an ITM supplement at the time of vaccination had significantly greater even higher with affected cattle showing a reduction of 202g/day (61kg neutralizing antibody titres against IBR on days 14, 30, and 60 post over a 10 month period)². vaccination⁹ (Figure 4). Stress increases demand for trace minerals: During periods of stress such as weaning, grouping and housing, animals’ requirements for trace minerals increase. Stress often results in animals’ dry matter intakes (DMI) reducing which means that whilst demand for 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 Figure 4: IBR antibody titres following vaccination in cows concurrently housing. Vaccination increases the demand for systemic trace minerals as receiving ITM and those without. they are required for the body to effectively respond to a vaccine and create Strategic ITM supplementation bypasses the harsh rumen environment, antibodies which will then provide protection against specific diseases. rapidly raising circulating mineral levels in cattle within 8-10 hours, and after Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) in particular are vital for vaccine 24 hours the trace mineral concentrations in the storage organs like the liver response3, 4, 5. are at raised concentrations13. When a group of cattle are vaccinated the response to that vaccine by the Vaccination is a powerful tool to prevent infections; veterinary surgeons individuals within the group will vary (Figure 1). Factors such as nutrition, are working with their clients to explain how an injectable trace mineral stress, vitamin and mineral status, and the general health of the animal supplement could help to enhance vaccine response and therefore being vaccinated will affect how the immune system responds to the immunity in their herd. vaccine. Therefore, stressors such as weaning and transport can exacerbate trace mineral imbalances which could lead to reduced response to vaccines⁶. MULTIMIN™ now available in Ireland, is a unique combination trace mineral injection (aqueous solution) for cattle designed to supply trace minerals to correct concurrent clinical or subclinical deficiencies of selenium, copper, manganese, and zinc which can arise during critical phases of the production or breeding life cycle such as weaning, housing or vaccination. Figure 1: The variation in immune response to vaccination amongst a References population. Trace minerals such as Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), and 1. Andrews, A.H. (2000). Calf Pneumonia Costs! Cattle Practice. 8(2):109-114. Selenium (Se) are essential for optimal immune function, maintaining health 2. Williams, P. and Green, L.E. (2007). Associations between lung lesions and grade and and growth in cattle. They are particularly important in stressed cattle or at estimated daily live weight gain in bull beef at slaughter. Cattle Practice. 15(3):244-249. the critical phases in the production cycle, such as pre-calving, pre-breeding, 3. Maggini, S., Wintergerst, E.S., Beveridge, S., and Hornig, D.H. (2007). Selected vitamins weaning and vaccination. and trace elements support immune function by strengthening epithelial barriers and cellular and humoral immune responses. British Journal of Nutrition. 98(1):S29-551. Orally administered trace minerals are poorly absorbed: 4. Cerone, S.I., Sansinanea, A.S., Streitenberger, S.A., Garcia M.C. and Auza, N.J. (1998). The effect of copper deficiency on the peripheral blood cells of cattle. Veterinary Research It is worth emphasising that trace minerals have poor intestinal absorption Communications. 22(1):47-57. regardless of the source7. This poor oral absorption is further reduced by 5. Pinna, K., Kelle,y D.S., Taylor, P.C. and King, J.C. (2002). Immune functions are antagonists such as sulphur, molybdenum, calcium & iron⁸. Daily oral intake maintained in healthy men with low zinc intake. Journal of Nurition. 132(7):2033-2036. of trace minerals is essential to meet maintenance requirements in cattle, 6. Tomlinson, D.J., Socha, M.T. and DeFrain, J.M. (2008). Role of Trace Minerals in the but at high demand periods like pre-calving, pre-breeding, weaning or immune system. Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop, Nov 12-13 Grantville, PA pp. vaccination intake can fall in response to stress. Consequently clinical or sub- 39-52. clinical deficiency can develop. 7. Spears, J.W. (1996). Organic trace minerals in ruminant nutrition. Animal Feed Science Technology. 58:151–163. Cvaocncsiindaetriosnuptipmleem: enting with injectable trace minerals at 8. Spears, J.W. (2003). Trace mineral bioavailability in ruminants. Journal of Nutrition. 133:1506S–1509S. Studies from leading universities have demonstrated the beneficial effects 9. Arthington, J.D. and Havenga, L.J. (2012). Effect of injectable trace minerals on the of strategic injectable supplementation. In particular by enhancing the humoral immune response to multivalent vaccine administration in beef calves. Journal immune responses to vaccination9,10,11. of Animal Science. 90(6):1966-1971. In a 2016 study the effects of injectable trace mineral (ITM) supplementation 10. Roberts, S.L., May, N.D., Brauer, C.L., Gentry, W.W., Weiss, C.P., Jennings, P.S. and on response to vaccination was measured. Cattle that received ITM at the Richeson, J.T. (2016). Effect of injectable trace mineral administration on health, time of vaccination had higher antibody levels 28 days later than un- performance, and vaccine response of newly received feedlot cattle. The Professional supplemented cattle that had been vaccinated at the same time¹². Animal Scientist. 32(6):842-848. The results of another study that compared the response to vaccination 11. Arthington, J.D., Moriel, P., Martins, P.G.M.A., Lamb, G.C. and Havenga, L.J. (2014) of 2 groups of cattle. Both groups were vaccinated; one group received Effects of trace mineral injections on measures of performance and trace mineral status an ITM supplement at the time of vaccination whilst the other group did of pre- and post-weaned beef calves. Journal of Animal Science. 92:6:2630-2640. 24 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 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 5698.2

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 2022 / 25 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 26/07/2021 16:09 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 (dairy) A4 JULY'21 AW.indd 1

Beef Cattle: Autumn Ready? Sarah Higgins MVB Ruminant & Equine Veterinary Manager, MSD Animal Health Beef cattle are subjected to multiple stressors during the autumn period. Subclinical BRD Fundamental components of the beef industry such as weaning, sales It is reported that the prevalence of subclinical cases is and housing result in a stress response which negatively impacts cattle’s considerable at 23-67%. These cases were detected using thoracic cell mediated and humoral immunity. Cattle are then susceptible to ultrasonography4, results which are supported by a study which developing diseases namely bovine respiratory disease (BRD). This found that 64% of animals had at least one lung lesion present article will review BRD, it’s prevalence and impact then outlining disease at slaughter5. It is worth noting that detecting clinical respiratory prevention strategies to recommend to your suckler farmers to help signs by observation has limitations in relation to subclinical cases. mitigate stress and disease. Now more than ever disease prevention Identifying animals in the early stage of disease and treating for an strategies are paramount with the implementation of EU Regulation adequate duration is essential for successful intervention6. 2019/6. This legislation explicitly states that antimicrobials are not to Disease prevention strategies be used routinely nor administered to compensate for poor animal Animal husbandry practices husbandry and inadequate hygiene practices. Veterinary practitioners can play a pivotal role with these recent changes and help ensure farmers It is beneficial to engage with suckler farmers in advance of the risk respond and adapt accordingly. periods this autumn and advise practices outlined below. The following recommendations will help maximise calves’immunity and Bovine Respiratory Disease minimise infectious pressure at weaning; BRD is a complex multifactorial disease which involves interactions • Avoid abrupt weaning between the animal, infectious agents and the environment. BRD is • Avoid additional stressors such as dehorning, dosing or associated with significant economic implications worldwide. These are castration at weaning for example recommend to castrate 4 weeks not only restricted to treatment costs and deaths but decreased daily prior to weaning or 2 weeks post weaning weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. It can take 59 days longer • Introduce concentrates to calves 4 weeks prior to weaning, to finish cattle who present with obvious clinical signs of pneumonia1. gradually increasing to an allowance of 1 kg/day at weaning, Provide BRD is the most frequently diagnosed cause of mortality in cattle greater fence-line contact with cows or other methods of gradual weaning than one month of age in Ireland (Figure 1)2. To give an example of a such as drafting individual cows from a group or creep grazing specific age group, for cattle from six months to one year of age BRD calves prior to weaning, conduct a two-stage weaning approach accounted for a considerable 39.8% of cases diagnosed by post-mortem (anti-suckling device with fence-line contact) in 2020 in Ireland2. Dictyocaulus viviparus, M. haemolytica, H. somni, • Implement a strategic worming programme during the grazing P. multocida, respiratory syncytial virus and M. bovis were the most season particularly for lungworm common pathogens detected on post-mortem and associated with • Advise to carry out a vaccination programme for respiratory respiratory disease in 20202. disease. Bacteria and viruses often result in concurrent infections. A primary viral infection compromises lung defense mechanisms. Subsequently, cattle are predisposed to bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract. Commensal organisms are often associated with respiratory diseases; the principal bacterial pathogen implicated in BRD in weanlings in 2020 was M. haemolytica (17.4%)2, a commensal organism of the nasopharynx and tonsillar crypts. This opportunist commensal can result in fibrinonecrotic pneumonia3. Fungal BHV4 Salm onella dublin Coronavirus IBR virus Bibersteinia trehalosi Tru eperella pyogenes Other minor organisms Histophilus som ni RSV Myco plasm a bovis No agent identified Pasteurella multocida Ma nnheimia haemolytica Dictyocaulus spp 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Percentage Number of cases and relative frequency of the top ten pathogenic agents detected in BRD cases diagnosed on post-mortem examination (n=457). (All- Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report, 2020)2 PEOPLE ON THE MOVE MSD Animal Health strengthens key technical functions for further Outside of work Mary is an avid supporter of Gaelic football and hurling support of rapidly advancing product portfolio. and plays the piano, accordion and tin whistle. MSD Animal Health has strengthened its presence in Ireland with the Ms. Sarah Higgins, (photo to the right), from Ballaghaderreen, has joined appointment of three new technical veterinary practitioners. as Ruminant (Midlands Region) and Equine Veterinary Manager Ms. Mary O’Connor (photo to the right) from Cork has joined the to replace Ms. Sarah Campbell, who is moving to Companion Animals ruminant technical team in May, to cover Helena Madden’s maternity Marketing Management. leave, as Ruminant Veterinary Manager in the From a Roscommon veterinary family, Sarah Higgins southern region. has extensive experience in veterinary practice Mary qualified as vet in 2018 and has since gained in various locations including Northern Ireland, significant experience in different roles in practice Longford, Roscommon and more recently set up and in Cork, Carrick-On-Suir and most recently as a managed her own practice in Charlestown, Co. Mayo consultant vet with Munster Bovine. before completing a short term with the Department of Agriculture. Sarah enjoys farming, running and 26 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 reading.

The recommendations of meal feeding and vaccination are optional Bovilis IBR marker live can be administered intranasally or intramuscularly actions in the voluntary Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – two weeks before the risk period and provides six months protection. Suckler (BEEP-S)7. These measures in the BEEP-S will improve health and It provides the fastest onset of immunity of four days post intranasal welfare of calves by reducing both the incidence of BRD and stress at vaccination. Bovilis IBR marker live can be administered at the same time weaning. as Bovilis Bovipast RSP but in different sites. Like weaning, both housing and sales are major stressors to cattle. The A vaccine option to consider when there is a short time-frame before the following recommendations will optimise the weanlings immunity and/ known risk period is Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live. This live vaccine provides or decrease infectious pressure; fast protection against RSV and PI3 with an onset of immunity of 5 days and 7 days respectively. Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live is a single dose and can • Avoid overcrowding ( 1.2-2.5m2 for animals less than 275 kg)8 be administered at least one week before the risk period. • Avoid commingling different age groups in the same air-space Veterinary practitioners have an important role to educate farmers • Adequate feed space allowance (225-300mm for weanlings)8 on disease prevention strategies to optimise health and welfare of • Delay housing for a period post-weaning weanlings during the autumn period. Adopting or maintaining good • Quarantine newly purchased animals ( at least 4 weeks) farm management with an emphasis on disease prevention will not only positively impact productivity and profitability but will help address the global public health threat of antimicrobial resistance. • Dose animals after housing with an appropriate anthelmintic and consider fluke control if this is relevant to the animals’risk profile • Vaccinate all animals in a group pre-housing and newly purchased when settled • Sell at least 2 weeks post weaning • Have adequate lighting ( minimum 100 lux) in sheds so sick animals can be detected early while it also helps animals to find feed and water in their new environment and isolate sick animals. Vaccination References: Vaccination will enhance acquired immunity but alone it is not sufficient 1. Bareille, N, Seegers, H, Denis, G, Quillet, J.M, Assie, S. Impact of respiratory disorders in young bulls to prevent disease; it must be a component of a multifaceted approach. during their fattening period on performance and profitability. Recontres autour des Recherches sur Good husbandry practices outlined above in conjunction with a correctly les Ruminants, 2008, 11: 77-80 timed vaccination programme is key to reduce incidence and severity of 2. All- Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report, 2020. Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine respiratory disease. Vaccination programmes will vary depending on the of Ireland, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute and, Animal Health Ireland. product used. For example, Bovilis Bovipast RSP protects against both 3. Clawson, M.L, Murray R.W. Pathogen variation across time and space: sequencing to characterize viral and bacterial agents namely PI3, RSV and provides the broadest Mannheimia haemolytica diversity. Animal Health Research Reviews, 2014, 15(2):169-171 protection on the market against Mannheimia haemolytica. 4. Ollivett TL & Buczinski S. On-farm use of ultrasonography for bovine respiratory disease. Vet Bovilis Bovipast RSP is the only cattle vaccine licensed to protect against Clinics Food Animal 32 (2016) 19-35 serotypes A1 and A6. It is important not to underestimate the importance 5. Gagliazzo, L. et al., Impact of bovine respiratory disease on lung lesions, slaughter performance of serotype A6 as it was found to account for 63% of Mannheimia and antimicrobial usage in French beef cattle finished in North-Eastern Italy. Italian Journal of haemolytica infections in young beef animals9. The primary course for Animal Science, 2018, 17: 1065-1069 Bovilis Bovipast RSP involves two subcutaneous injections administered 6. Lorenz, I, Earley, B, Gilmore, J, Hogan, I, Kennedy, E, More, S.J. Calf health from birth to weaning. III. four weeks apart. For calves the second injection should be given two Housing and management of calf pneumonia. Irish Veterinary Journal. 2011, 64;1:14 weeks before the known risk period of weaning, housing or sale. For 7. Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme Sucklers (BEEP-S) as part of the Beef Sector bought-in weanlings Bovilis Bovipast RSP can be administered any time Efficiency Programme. Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Available at: gov.ie - Beef after arrival, ideally allowing a short rest period before handling, and Environmental Efficiency Programme Sucklers (BEEP-S) as part of the Beef Sector Efficiency followed up with a second dose four weeks later. Bovilis Bovipast RSP can Programme (www.gov.ie). Accessed: June 2022 be administered at the same time as Bovilis IBR marker live. 8. Ryan, T. Lenehan, J.J. Winter accommodation for beef animals. Section 8. Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Accessed: June 2022 9. Timsit, E, Christensen, H, Bareille, N, Seegers, H, Bisgaard, M, Assie, S. Transmission dynamics of Mannhaemia haemolytica in newly received beef bulls at fattening operations Veterinary Microbiology, Elsevier, 2013, 161 (3-4): 295-304. PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Ms. Oonagh Fitzgibbon (photo right) has been “I would like to thank Sarah Campbell and Sharon Magnier most appointed as Technical Advisor (Companion sincerely for their great work with the ruminant and companion Animals) to replace Ms. Sharon Magnier, who is animal business units as well as wishing all of these team moving to Regulatory Affairs. In this role Oonagh is members every success and happiness in their new roles” said responsible for technical support for the Company’s Bosco Cowley (Technical Manager). small animal. Mr. Fergal Morris (General Manager) commented: \"We are Oonagh previously worked successfully in this role in 2018-2019 and delighted to welcome these highly skilled veterinarians to the we are delighted that she is joining us again after a time in companion team. They have an excellent combination of academic knowledge, animal practice in Dubai, UAE. practical skills and experience which will prove an important Originally from Cork, Oonagh qualified as a vet in 2009 and has worked in asset to the team and will be of direct benefit to our customers.” various specialist companion animal roles in the UK, Ireland and Australia before moving to Dubai in 2019. In her spare time, Oonagh likes set- It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 27 dancing, walking and reading.

Vitamin, Mineral & Trace Elements: Pre-Tupping for a Larger and Healthier Lamb Crop Dr Tom Barragry PhD, MSc.MVB, MRCVS Dip ECVPT (Registered Specialist in Veterinary Pharmacology) Maintenance of a stable trace element status can be a challenge in The quality of the colostrum is also affected by the ewe’s trace mineral many sheep flocks. Late in the season, many sheep are exposed to status during late pregnancy through the effect it has on the number poor quality grazing and forage which has quite low trace element of antibodies in the colostrum. and nutritional values. Sheep are also subjected to the stresses of harsh outdoor conditions Adequate trace element nutrition also ensures good quality and exposed on hillsides to extreme weather variations. Foot colostrum, rich in gamma globulin antibodies for the problems are also very common occurrences in flocks and this painful immunodeficient newborn lamb. lameness can significantly impede mobility and grazing and lead to This is important since it kick starts the lamb’s immune system and inadequate nutritional intake. Soil and herbage composition can vary optimises the early (maternal) immunity of the lambs. in different geographical areas and can determine the various specific trace element deficiencies that are found in local regions. Vitamins All these factors acting together can contribute to deficiencies of B vitamins are important for making sure that all the body’s cells are selenium, vitamin E, vitamin B12, copper, cobalt, selenium, zinc, and functioning properly, and they also act as co-factors for trace element iodine in sheep. This deficiency is made worse during pregnancy enzymes. when higher than normal nutritional and metabolic drains are being Many of these B vitamins act as triggers to ensure optimum fat, made on the ewe, because of the extra demands from the developing carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, thereby indirectly and foetus. The tupping season brings many extra demands on the positively affecting ovulation, foetal development, foetal size, and requirements for adequate trace elements and vitamin intake for the ewe health. ewe. Ovulation and multiple ovulations in the ewe are dependent on Vitamin A (and beta carotene) are required by sheep for a variety high-quality nutrition and supply of key trace elements and certain of functions throughout multiple body systems. Plants produce vitamins such as, folic acid and beta carotene. Vitamin B12, selenium carotene, which the ruminant then converts in the intestine into and vitamin E are required for ovulation and good fertility status. vitamin A. To facilitate the possibility of multiple ovulations of healthy ova in the The greenness of the plant is a relatively good indicator of the cycling ewe, these trace elements must be supplied pre-tupping in carotene content. Fresh forages and early cut, leafy, green hays have quantities to compensate for their likely shortfall on herbage in late high carotene content. Vitamin A together with zinc directly affects summer/autumn. Selenium governs foetal growth and immunity, immunity through both production of antibodies and through but in deficiency states it may give rise to muscle stiffness and white maintaining an adequate barrier to infection with healthy skin cells. muscle disease in young lambs. Selenium and vitamin E serve as potent antioxidants, lowered incidences of retained placentas, mastitis, metritis, and cystic ovarian disease and improve immunity, conception rate, fertility, and production. A deficiency of zinc compromises sperm production and quality; In summary, the essential trace elements for supplementation before “Th and is also necessary for antibody production. Cobalt promotes tupping include cobalt, (Co), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), wer foetal production and lamb vigour after birth. Manganese and iodine (I) and selenium (Se). the zinc are involved in the synthesis of bone, teeth, and hormones. These six trace minerals play an important role in the ewe’s fertility prod Even if the animal is only deficient in one of these minerals, the status at tupping and later during pregnancy. A deficiency in any prod overall production and reproduction can be negatively affected. of these during late pregnancy can have a negative effect on the the Supplementation given before lambing season will have a definite development and survival of the lamb(s). into positive impact on the number of lambs born, number of weaned Lamb growth, survival, viability and especially immunity will be to 1 lambs (survival) and their weaning weight. optimised by vitamin E, selenium, vitamin A and zinc. Pre-tupping all t Copper plays a key role in development of the foetal lamb and copper dosing is thus a sound financial investment. imp deficiency in pregnancy can result in swayback in the newborn lamb. The pregnant ewe may also need trace element supplementation Like cobalt, iodine is a trace element that ruminants have no capacity during pregnancy, as the foetal lambs increase in size in the uterus, to store, and a continuous supply must therefore be available. Iodine thus making greater nutritional demands upon the dam. is essential for normal foetal growth and development. Abortions in Hoofcare must not be overlooked in all this reproductive sector, as it is sheep are often associated with iodine deficiency. a major determinant of sheep mobility, grazing ability, and ultimately, it’s nutritional intake. Colostrum Dr Barragry acts as Veterinary Advisor to Provita Eurotech Ltd. Trace minerals are transferred from the ewe to the foetus and ensure that lambs are born with optimal levels of trace minerals. Milk does not contain significant quantities of trace minerals; therefore, it is important that lambs are born with an optimal level. 28 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

“The results obtained with ProVitaMin were nothing short of remarkable. Of the two ewes flushed that year, one produced 25 embryos which the other produced 19. Subsequent to this 23 of the embryos produced were implanted into commercial recipients leading to 18 lambs scanned. Also used on all the flock, fertility has dramatically improved.” It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 29

The worms are turning: Why we should care about anthelmintic resistance in livestock? Eric Morgan, Professor in Veterinary Parasitology, Queen’s University Belfast The advent of effective anthelmintics (dewormers) has brought huge benefits to animal welfare and production. From being a scourge of livestock farming, internal parasitic infections became quite rare as causes of clinical disease on farms. Now, although parasite control is far from perfect, most disease is sub-clinical and impacts on production manageable. This situation is rapidly changing, most noticeably among the nematode (roundworm) parasites but also in liver fluke, while external parasites such as mange mites (sheep scab) are also developing resistance to chemical antiparasitics. The evolution of resistance is practically inevitable following repeated administration of anthelmintics: a small proportion of the parasite population carries genetic mutations that enable them to survive treatment, and these will be left to reproduce and increase the frequency of those mutations in subsequent generations. The wormer will kill less and less of the worm population over time, and eventually will have no effect at all. This situation is already advanced for benzimidazoles (white drenches) in sheep, with nematode faecal egg counts following treatment reduced by less than the target of 95% on the vast majority of farms sampled, and no reduction observed on some farms. Other anthelmintic groups generally show better effect but resistance H to all four main groups has been described in Ireland and the UK, the W number of farms affected is increasing, and on some none of the wormers work as they should. Given the toll that nematode infections take on H production, sheep farming without effective anthelmintics is unlikely to be economically viable without large changes to management, and t wormer resistance has driven farms out of business on a large scale in some parts of the world. There is less information in cattle but resistance b has been detected and is more common than supposed. So, what can be done? Firstly, find out how well wormers are currently If the whole group is treated, it should be done after a reservoir has working on your farm. It is striking that while most sheep farmers, for been set up on pasture from untreated animals, and the animals kept instance, recognise the problem of wormer resistance for the industry, on that pasture for a while to allow remixing of treated and untreated far fewer consider it an issue on their farm. This is probably because very populations. few attempt to measure it. Conducting nematode faecal egg counts on For this reason, dose-and-move should not be practised: although the day of treatment and then 7-14 days later (depending on the wormer effective at controlling worms, we now know that this strongly selects for used) will indicate the percentage reduction, which should be at least resistance. 90%. Anything less is a cause for concern. Faecal samples can be collected from the ground when fresh, and Climate and management can strongly affect reservoirs of susceptible samples from 15 or so individuals pooled together to generate a single worms and the development of wormer resistance. Prolonged hot and average count, decreasing effort and costs. This process should be dry conditions kill off the reservoir of susceptible worms on pasture and repeated regularly, ideally at every treatment, since the result will vary treatment during such periods, including by long-acting wormers, will seasonally and in different animal groups as the parasite species mix strongly select for resistance. This has led to rapid emergence of resistance changes. Wormer treatment checks should therefore be used not as a in more arid areas such as parts of Australia, but is an increasing risk also one-off test to determine a farm’s resistance status, since this will change, in Ireland and the UK as these conditions become more common. but rather a monitoring tool to identify problems with particular wormers, Grazing management can assist or get in the way of reservoir-based and with the way in which they are used. management: for example, precision grazing to maximise grass utilisation Secondly, adopt more sustainable worm management practices. This frequently involves re-grazing of plots at 16-21 day intervals, and this is should be done pro-actively, regardless of whether or not a problem how long infective larvae take to develop in summer, so such rotations are has been detected. If wormer resistance is suspected, the wormer group only viable with frequent or long-acting wormer treatment. Alternatives (and not just the drug name, since there are several different individual such as long spelling or resting periods are often impractical given drugs and brands in each group) should be changed. However, it is also demands on grazing land. important to make changes to wormer use, otherwise resistance will There is increasing interest in mixed species swards, which show some be selected to the new product also. There are simple steps that can promise for reducing reliance on chemical dewormers, along with other be taken to reduce selection pressure for wormer resistance, including technical solutions such as feeding bioactive fungal spores, vaccinations, accurate dosing to weight, and treating only when necessary. Clear and and breeding animals that are more resistant to or tolerant of worm comprehensive guidance is available through the industry-led non-profit infections. It is unlikely, however, that current production levels can be organisations Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (www.scops.org. met without some use of wormers. uk) and Control of Worms Sustainably (www.cattleparasitres.org.uk). Although some of the principles seem complex, anything that reduces Thirdly – and this is where it gets complicated – it is vitally important to reliance on wormers is likely to help push back the day when resistance conserve genes for anthelmintic susceptibility in the worm population. takes hold. Pasture management, meanwhile, should aim to ensure that This means ensuring that some worms on the farm do not get exposed to when animals are treated, they are reinfected with a low level of worms treatment. Although it seems odd to allow worms to survive when they from a susceptible source, i.e. a reservoir of infective larvae generated by could cause disease, provided numbers are kept low overall this can be careful grazing management. done safely. These untreated worms are a reservoir of susceptible genes Exact solutions will differ between farms, but working to the above to mix back in after treatment and prevent the monopoly by survivors of principles gives the best chance of continuing to farm with effective treatment that leads to resistance problems. Worms in untreated animals, wormers available for as long as possible, and avoiding a return to the and life stages on the pasture that they produce, comprise the reservoir days when parasite infections, including roundworms, were a dominant and hence the buffer against resistance. This reservoir can be increased by problem for farm animal health and welfare. treating only some individuals within the flock or herd, which is termed targeted selective treatment, for example in relation to performance (such as weight gain) or signs of ill health (e.g. dag scoring). 30 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 M4884 Winter

Available in ½ gallon (2.27L) and 1 gallon (4.54L) sizes Hygeia Winter Dip Highly effective for treatment and control of blowfly and sheep scab M4884 Winter Sheep Dip A4 Ad.indd 1 For more information speak to your supplier or call Hygeia on 091 794722 www.hygeia.ie Hygeia Sheep Dip contains 10% Diazinon w/v. See packaging for safety information. Seek advice from prescriber before using. Legal Category POM. For full product information including contraindications, see SPC which can be found on the HPRA website. Use medicines responsibly. Manufactured and marketed by Hygeia Chemicals Limited. It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 31 11/08/2022 16:57

IT’S YOUR FIELD // TRAINING MODULE 2 Sheep Scab Sheep scab is traditionally regarded as a winter disease. In the autumn when the temperature drops in the fleece and the intensity of the Did you know the mite is less than 1mm in sunlight decreases and the moisture of the wool increases the mites size in its adult form and is very difficult to see thrive and an infestation often turns into an“outbreak”in late autumn/ early winter. Outbreaks are however not confined to winter and can also with the naked eye? occur in the summer months and these may be associated with sheep that are in poor condition or under nourished. Scab mites live and feed on the surface of the skin. The mites prick the Autumn usually heralds the start of the sheep scab season with high risk skin with their mouth parts and feed off the lymph and tissue fluids continuing through winter and into the spring. which flow from the pricks. The lymph and fluid mixed with the dead tissue, dust and dirt, What is sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis)? secretion of the mites, strands of wool and oil dries to form the characteristic scabs from which the condition derives its name. Sheep scab is a contagious, highly Lesions formed by scabs have a rosette like shape because the scabs pruritic disease caused by a mite. It hamper the feeding of mites so that they have to continuously move is a major source of economic loss out from under the scabs to new areas of skin. in affected flocks and is a serious Dormant mites can survive for 10 months in the folds of the sheep’s threat to sheep welfare. Sheep scab skin around the base of the horns and in the sheep’s ears. is actually an acute or chronic form of Scab is accompanied by intense irritation and sheep tend to rub allergic dermatitis. themselves against objects causing the wool to become ragged. Psoroptes ovis causes intense irritation of the skin surface. Instead Usually lesions first appear on the shoulders and flanks of the sheep. of piercing the skin the mites begin to abrade the skin surface with Among rams, lesions often appear first in the parts around the neck their mount parts while feeding and also deposits allergen rich-faecal and chest due to infection which takes place when they service the pellets directly onto the skin, bring about an allergic reaction. This ewe. During the time of service infected rams will in turn cause the results in sheep rubbing; kicking; scratching and nibbling the affected first lesions to appear on the rumps and hips of ewes. area with inflammation and a scab to form at the site infestation causing the sheep to suffer from disrupted feeding and resting patterns due to the intense irritation caused by the disease. Accurate Diagnosis There are only two treatment options for sheep scab and both pose issues. One difficulty vets and other animal health professionals 1. Plunge dipping face is convincing farmers it is worth investing in veterinary Plunge dipping using either organophosphates (OP’s) or synthetic intervention immediately to have pyrethroids (SP’s). the best chance of reaching an accurate and quick diagnosis Dipping is extremely effective at controlling sheep scab if it is done therefore starting the correct properly. Many farmers find it labour intensive and hazardous. treatment course as soon as possible. With concerns growing over potential resistance developing to Farmers and sheep producers macrocyclic lactones there may well be a greater return to using dip. very often make the wrong diagnosis and it is difficult to Organophosphorus and synthetic pyrethroids pose health hazards distinguish the clinical signs to the operator if the operator is not using functioning personal of sheep scab and lice – hence protective equipment. the importance of an accurate diagnosis. Organophosphates and synthetic pyrethroid dips have the additional Correct diagnosis is essential to avoid:- environmental concerns of disposal of spent dip. • Increased labour costs and medical costs associated with wrong treatment • Further compromises to animal welfare and production due to delayed diagnosis • Further disease spread • Further development of anthelmintic resistance by not using macrocyclic lactones (3-MLS) unnecessarily when lice is the issue requiring treatment. Responsible advice Farmers should be encouraged to submit scab material and skin scrapes for examination under the microscope to get a definitive diagnosis. Wool plucks containing scab material and skin scrapes should be taken from the edge of the lesions where mites are most likely to feed 32 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

On the plus side dipping remains the gold standard approach to It is important to make the end user aware that some but not all ectoparasite control and is the only way of preventing and treating macrocyclic lactones have a licenced claim for both prevention and blowfly strike, tick, keds and scab infestations with a single product in treatment while some macrocyclic lactones have a contra-indication addition to having a relatively short withdrawal period compared to where foot vaccination products have already been administered. macrocyclic lactones. For non-persistent products ensure sheep are moved the same day so they are not returned to pastures where mites will be surviving off the SynOthregtaicnoppyrheothsprohiadtse(sC(yDpiaezrminoenth)r-in3)5-d1a4yds ays host for up to 17 days. Macrocyclic lactones Biosecurity Ivermectin, doramectin and moxidectin may be used to treat for scab. In the autumn there is increased movement of sheep in particular Their use while potentially more convenient than plunge dipping there is bringing in of replacements to the flock and this poses considerable risk the“drawback”that they are not selective. Macrocyclic lactones are also of the spread of sheep scab. effective against intestinal worms. Therefore, their use when scab is the Buying in animals is a risk factor for bringing scab into a flock as well only intended target also results in exposure of gut worms to these drugs. as other parasites and diseases. Knowing if sheep are already carrying Anthelmintic resistance is a major concern in the Irish sheep industry mites is impossible so treatment should always be given as part of the and non-targeted use of anthelmintics can speed up the development of quarantine protocol. Quarantine protocol should be part of a herd health resistance. plan drawn up by the client’s veterinary practitioner in consultation with the client. Operator's responsibility when treating for scab The quarantine protocol should among other things included strategies to address lameness, sheep scab and the introduction of resistant fluke If dipping it is important the correct concentration and worms onto the farm. as per manufacturer’s instructions is maintained for effective dipping. Of equal importance and often Summary overlooked is the time spent in the bath at least one minute so dip solution can make skin contact. Despite being a well-known disease, diagnosis and treatment of sheep Dunking of the head at least twice to ensure mites in the ears are treated. scab can be problematic. Early intervention is critical and without formal When using macrocyclic lactones it is important to check the route of certification that sheep are scab free (certified by a vet), the only safe administration. Check the injectors are calibrated correctly and checked assumption about incoming sheep is that they present a risk of bringing regularly. It is important to read the label of all animal remedies before sheep scab onto the farm. In such circumstances the farmer should use for example some macrocyclic lactones require two injections to treat be advised to take preventative action. However, the best advice is to the condition. Check for route of administration. have the veterinary practitioner to check the animals – if scab free it could mean one job less to do and stop the unnecessary used of animal remedies. TRAINING 1 // ASSESSMENT 94 Q1. List two advantages of why it would be more prudent that Q4. What time of the year is sheep scab most likely to occur? a veterinary practitioner certify “bought in sheep” are scab free ____________________________________________________________ rather than assume they may have sheep scab and as precaution treat them. Q5. Fill in the route of administration opposite the actives below: 1._____________________________________________________ 2._____________________________________________________ Active Ingredient Route of Administration Qan2d. Ngaumtweotrhmreseinacsthieveepin?gredients that may be used to treat scab 1._____________________________________________________ Doramectin _______________________ 2._____________________________________________________ Ivermectin _______________________ 3. _____________________________________________________ Moxidectin _______________________ Q3. Operators using animal remedies must take responsibility for their correct usage. What advice would you give to a client Full Name when using either sheep dip or macrocyclic lactones in order to get optimum value from the treatment? Company Email Address Registration No. 1._____________________________________________________ Send completed answers to: 2._____________________________________________________ It’s Your Field, Unit 5 Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, 3. _____________________________________________________ Tuam Road, Galway or [email protected]. 4. _____________________________________________________ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 33

Is Mastitis bugging you? Ryan Duffy, Ta HIPRA Technical Services Vet,Ruminant Ireland Vi You are not alone. Bovine mastitis is one of the most common diseases experienced on Irish dairy farm, and one of the most frequently discussed Stre conditions in veterinary practices throughout the country. Due to its contagious and environmental epidemiological features it can be Fro extremely difficult to control, which is all too evident with the stagnation STA in milk quality improvements at a national level (McGrath, 2022). As SP HIPRA’s technical vet in Ireland I acknowledge that we all appreciate this, dos but it does not mean that Irish milk quality advisors cannot be the vehicle pro to drive further improvement in milk quality on Irish dairy farms. coa So, what are the bugs causing this incessant itch? According to the annual to 1 All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance Reports over the last decade, and refe a variety of other publications (Barrett et al., 2005; Keane et al., 2013) the Hip three predominant mastitis bugs in Ireland are: UB 907 1. Staphylococcus aureus Encourage your clients to take an aseptic milk sample from all clinical Stre 2. Streptococcus uberis cases of mastitis before any antibiotic therapy. These bottles can be kept infe 3. Escherichia coli in the freezer for 3-4 months without compromising the diagnostic quality pac of the sample. It is a lot easier to send samples direct from the freezer to Sel Unlike the recent world rugby team rankings there has not been any the lab in a timely fashion than it is to obtain aseptic milk samples when The fluctuation in the top spot in the last decade with S. aureus being found frustrated, time-wary clients are experiencing a mastitis outbreak. As to be more persistent than the All Blacks at No.1. But what moves can we antibiotic susceptibility testing will also be performed decisions can be make to mitigate mastitis, identify patterns on your client’s farms, and made as to what is the best therapy now and at drying off the herd. dampen the influence of these bugs? Mastitis Vaccination Promote Milk Recording We can all recognise that we are still fighting against the same mastitis According to ICBF 49.7% of herds milk recorded in 2021, reflecting 61.45% bugs our parents and our grandparents did. We need to review this of the dairy cows in Ireland (ICBF, 2022). Although this is a substantial situation, surely? increase from previous years it is critical that dairy farmers get value for For this reason, Hemling., (2017) proposed a new, modern-day approach their buck, which requires: to dealing with mastitis – A 7-point mastitis control plan. Not only does this promote practices to limit environmental mastitis, but it also - Timing Recordings Appropriately to accurately assess which animals focuses on the role of nutrition on transition cow disease incidence, and require antibiosis and sealers, those that require to be teat sealed the positive impact of vaccinating against mastitis to improve health only, and to evaluate the success of the dry period. Ultimately this on dairy farms and to future proof these herds. At present, HIPRA have means farmers need to record as much of the herd as possible within the only two bovine mastitis vaccines licensed in the European Union, 60 days post-calving and within 60 days prior to drying off. If this namely STARTVAC and UBAC. STARTVAC allows you to START VACcinating is not done, an incredible amount of valuable information is lost against mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, (arguably the most valuable for many herds!). whereas UBAC can get UBAC on track in herds that have experienced - Recordings At Regular Intervals, namely 6-7 times a year in a spring Streptococcus uberis infections. calving herd. I cannot stress enough how critical milk recording Don’t let mastitis bug you. Reach out and contact your local HIPRA frequency is in picking up most milk quality trends in time and space representative to learn more about mastitis vaccination. [what I refer to as “heifers, cows, at grass, or when housed”]. - Acting On The Data is frequently one of the biggest obstacles but References it brings immense value to farms that do it. Milk recording has been shown to increase gross margins by 11.3%, milk yield by 13.5% Balaine, L., Dillion, E., Lapple, D., 2019. Teagasc. [Online]. Available via: https:// (McGrath., 2021), and returns of €42 per cow (Balaine et al., 2019), www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2019/TResearch_Spring2019_ while also decreasing bulk tank SCC by 26.3% (McGrath., 2021). Geary MilkRecording_p32-33_proof.pdf et al., (2012) has outlined the economic benefits of maintaining a low Barrett, D.J., Healy, A.M., Leonard, F.C. and Doherty, M.L., 2005. Prevalence of bulk tank SCC with net returns of €31,252 if it is kept below 100,000 pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in 15 dairy herds in the Republic of cells/ml in contrast to just €16,936 if found between 301,000-400,000 Ireland. Irish veterinary journal, 58(6), pp.1-5. cells/ml, a level which is frequently accepted. Geary, U., Lopez-Villalobos, N., Begley, N., McCoy, F., O’brien, B., O’grady, L. and Everyone knows that comprehensive decision-making processes on dairy Shalloo, L., 2012. Estimating the effect of mastitis on the profitability of Irish farms cannot be made without accurate, reliable, and up to date data. Milk dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(7), pp.3662-3673. recording can assist herds experiencing mastitis outbreaks by identifying Hemling, T., 2017. 7 Point Plan For Mastitis Control. M2-Magazine. [Online]. problem cows and assist milk quality advisors in determining the best Available via : https://m2-magazine.org/7-point-plan-mastitis-control/ foot forward. Dairy farms experiencing mastitis outbreaks do not want Icbfherdplus. 2022. Milk Recording Data 2020 v 2021. Irish Cattle Breeding to wait 2 weeks until they can get a recording and so it is of paramount Federation. [Online]. Available via: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYYrs5mqTaH/ importance that we act on regular recordings carried out at the right time. Keane, O.M., Budd, K.E., Flynn, J. and McCoy, F., 2013. Pathogen profile of clinical It’s a no brainer. mastitis in Irish milk‐recording herds reveals a complex aetiology. Veterinary Record, 173(1), pp.17-17. Aseptic Milk Cultures and Antibiotic McGrath, M. 2021. CellCheck Tip of the Month September: Getting ready for Susceptibility Testing the 2021 dry period. Animal Health Ireland. [Online]. Available via: https:// animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2021/09/CellCheck-Tip-of-the-Month- Like many, I often reflect on my college days and when my parents would September-2021-FINAL.pdf?dl=1 regularly fund my weekly galivanting by transferring money into my bank McGrath, M. 2022. CellCheck Tip of the Month April: As a farmer, why is mastitis account saying: “You’d rather have it, than be looking for it”. Granted this control important to you? Animal Health Ireland. [Online]. Available via: https:// was to fund a student lifestyle but the words still ring true for mastitis animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2022/04/AHI_Monthly_Newsletter_ control. You’d rather know your enemy than have a frustrated farmer April_2022_FINAL_CellCHeck.pdf?dl=1 trying to obtain non-contaminated milk samples during an outbreak! 34 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

Take the next step with Mastitis Vaccination Visit mastitisvaccination.com 14,8% 30,4% Others Staphylococcus aureus 1,8% Trueperella pyogenes 2,5% Bacillus spp. Streptococcus dysgala5c,t7ia%e 23% 21,8% Streptococcus uberis Escherichia coli Froehlick-Kelly., R. 2020. Bovine mastitis. All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance, p.31. STARTVAC® Inactivated vaccine, Bovine mastitis, in injectable emulsion. COMPOSITION PER DOSE (2 ML): Inactivated Escherichia coli (J5) 50 RED60*; Inactivated Staphylococcus aureus (CP8) SP 140strain expressing SAAC** 50 RED80***. Adjuvant. * RED60: Rabbit effective dose in 60% of the animals (serology). **SAAC: Slime Associated Antigenic Complex. ***RED80: Rabbit effective dose in 80% of the animals (serology). INDICATIONS: Cows and Heifers: To prevent Mastitis. For herd immunisation of healthy cows and heifers, in dairy cattle herds with recurring mastitis problems, to reduce the incidence of sub-clinical mastitis and the incidence and the severity of the clinical signs of clinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, coliforms and coagulasenegative staphylococci.The full immunisation scheme induces immunity from aproximately day 13 after the first injection until approximately day 78 after the third injection (equivalent to 130 days post-parturition). Further information available from the SPC or on www.hipra.com. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the SPC, the packaging or product leaflet. LEGAL CATEGORY: POM - Veterinary medicinal product under veterinary prescription. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: Laboratorios Hipra, S.A. la Selva, 135, 17170-AMER (Girona) SPAIN. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: EU/2/08/092/003-6. Use Medicines Responsibly. UBAC®, emulsion for injection for cattle. COMPOSITION PER DOSE: Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Biofilm Adhesion Component (BAC) of Streptococcus uberis, strain 5616 ≥ 1 RPU. Montanide ISA 907.1 mg. Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MPLA). INDICATIONS: For active immunisation of healthy cows and heifers to reduce the incidence of clinical intramammary infections caused by Streptococcus uberis, to reduce the somatic cell count in Streptococcus uberis positive quarter milk samples and to reduce milk production losses caused by Streptococcus uberis intramammary infections. Further information available from the SPC or on www.hipra.com. For more information about side-effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications please refer to the SPC, the packaging or product leaflet. LEGAL CATEGORY: POM - Veterinary medicinal product under veterinary prescription. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER: LABORATORIOS HIPRA S.A. Avda. la Selva 135. 17170 Amer (Girona) Spain. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS: EU/2/18/227/001-004. Use Medicines Responsibly. These products are not licensed for concurrent use. A decision to use either of these vaccines before or after any other veterinary medicinal product therefore needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. Foxhall Business Centre, Foxhall Lodge, HIPRA UK and IRELAND Tel.: (+44) 0115 8F4o5xh6a4l8l6Ro· uakda, nNdoitrIttei’nlsagYnhodau@mrh,FiNpieGral7d.c6oALmuHt.·uUwmnwitnwed2.h0Kip2inr2ag.dc/oomm35

The dry period: Importance, selection of an appropriate dry cow therapy and effective dry cow management Pablo Silva Boloña, PhD. Dairy cow mastitis research officer, Teagasc Moorepark • Cull high SCC and chronically mastitis-infected cows Using internal teat sealants in uninfected cows has been studied as they are not likely to cure and will spread infection to by several research groups with varying results. Researchers from other cows the UK and the US, showed that treating uninfected cows at the • At dry-off decide between antibiotic plus teat seal or end of lactation with an internal teat seal was equally as effective in teat seal alone using cow level SCC information preventing new infections over the dry period as applying antibiotic • Apply dry-off treatment as cleanly as possible, house treatment. cows in sheds with >1 cubicle per cow and clean twice Research conducted by Teagasc in 5 commercial herds however, daily showed that treating low SCC (< 200,000 cells/mL) cows with an The non-lactating (dry) period is a very important period for the cow’s internal teat seal caused more new infections over the dry period and mammary gland to prepare for the subsequent lactation. The dry an overall higher average SCC in the following lactation compared to period is also equally important regarding mastitis control, because cows treated with antibiotic. it provides the best opportunity for curing existing infections and The main differences between the Irish and international research was it represents a high risk period for acquiring new infections. The that the main bacteria affecting the Irish herds was Staphylococcus purpose of this article is to review the importance of the dry period aureus and that infection levels at dry-off were high (average of 20%). for mastitis control and explore management practices that can The Teagasc research showed however important differences optimise udder health in the following lactation. between herds. In two of the studied herds there were no differences in SCC in the following lactation between cows treated with internal Ipmhpysoirotlaongcyeoofftthheemdraympmerairoydg, laannadtomy and teat sealant and cows treated with antibiotic. This highlights the importance of farm management and mastitis control during the When the cows are ceased to be milked, several processes occur in lactation. the mammary gland that help the gland recover from the lactating period. For example, lactoferrin, a protein from the milk that has the The use of milk recording SCC’s when managing ability of inhibiting bacterial growth, increases its concentration in mastitis and in decision making before drying off the mammary gland in this period. Immune cells (somatic cells) concentration is also increased in the dry At the end of lactation comes a crucial time to make decisions that mammary gland which can help remove infections and promote the will have consequences on mastitis prevention and control over the involution of the mammary gland. dry period and in the following lactation. These decision are: which The most important factor, related to why the dry period is one of cows to cull, which cows to treat with an antibiotic (plus an internal high risk for new infections is the function of the teat canal and teat teat seal) and which cows to treat with an internal teat sealant alone. end. The teat canal produces keratin which can prevent bacterial Conducting several milk recordings during the lactation is a very growth. useful tool for mastitis control. Additionally, having SCC information Keratin is constantly being produced in the teat canal and is partially from the milk recording is fundamental to make drying-off decisions. removed at every milking. When milking stops, keratin continues to Some cows will never cure, regardless of antibiotic treatment at be produced and eventually forms a plug. dry-off. Usually, these are older cows (from 3rd or 4th lactation This structure forms a physical barrier against the entrance of bacteria onwards), cows with an average high SCC, cows with several high in the mammary gland. However, this plug can take around 7 to 10 SCC recordings (more than 3) and cows with several previous cases days to be fully formed (in some cows it is never completely formed) of clinical mastitis. These cows should be culled from the herd as and can also disappear before calving due to the resumed production they are a reservoir for bacteria and will spread infections over to of milk. These events correspond with the highest risk periods for new uninfected cows in the herd. infections (see figure 1). To decide which cows should receive antibiotic treatment at dry- off, SCC from the milk recording is one of the most valuable pieces The role of antibiotics in the dry cow period, new information. Both international and Teagasc research have shown legislation on veterinary medicines and use of that the SCC from the last milk recording is the most useful variable internal teat seals alone to predict infection in late-lactation, provided this is done close to dry-off. However, the lactation SCC history of the cow should also be The practice of treating all quarters of all cows with antibiotics at considered. the end of the lactation has been used for over 5 decades. This was recommended as researchers noted that treating cows at the end of the lactation was more effective in curing infections than doing in- lactation treatment. Antibiotic treatment at dry-off has also shown the potential to prevent new infections over the dry period. In Ireland, it was estimated that roughly 95% of all cows received antibiotics at dry-off in 2019. The European Union’s regulation of veterinary medicinal products, which came into effect in January 2022 in Ireland, mentions that the preventive use of antibiotics should be avoided. This means that treating all cows with antibiotics at dry-off is a practice that should be reconsidered. The use of internal teat sealants in uninfected cows at dry-off is also a practice available to prevent new infections over the dry period. These are inorganic non-antibiotic products that mimic the physiological mechanisms that close the teat canal, therefore creating a physical barrier preventing the entrance of bacteria to the gland. 36 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

TERREXINE DC 250mg New from Univet Celalonium TERREXINE DC Cefalonium 250mg Intramammary Suspension for Dry Cows TERREXINE DC Contains :Cefalonium A proven antibiotic for long acting Dry Cow Therapy ( DCT) TERREXINE DC is AVAILABLE FROM Tel: 00 353 (0)61 509800 For further information contact UNIVET 049 555 3203 www.univet.ie It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 37

Using the traditional SCC of 200,000 cells/mL might not be This study also showed that SCC was lower in farms where O a good discriminator of infection anymore. Especially, if the cubicles were cleaned/disinfected twice per day compared p herds are mostly affected with infections caused by Staph. to only once. For more specific drying-off and dry cow aureus. This bacteria can escape the immune response and not management information check the CellCheck guidelines for 1Kyne cause such a high increase in SCC. mastitis control. clinica Therefore it is important to regularly take quarter milk samples Intram of both clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis to understand Figure 1. Illustration of the rate of new intramammary infections during different 10, Ch the bacterial profile of infections in the herd. stages of lactation. Source: Bradley and Green (2004, see references) The SCC cut-off for giving antibiotics at dry-off should be lower for first than for later lactation cows, as first lactation Figure 2. SCC (log 10 transformed) in the first milk recording of the following cows (even infected ones) have lower SCCs. Teagasc research lactation for cows treated with antibiotic plus teat seal (AB+TS, green) or with found that the farm average cow SCC for cows treated with teat seal alone (TS, red) at dry-off, for different categories of SCC in the last milk antibiotics was 45,000 cells/mL (the farm with the highest recording of the previous lactation (<50,000, 50,000-100,000, 100,000-150,000, average was 75,000 cells/mL) in 21 commercial farms that were 150,000-200,000 and >200,000 cells mL). selecting between antibiotic or teat seal treatment at dry-off. This research also showed that there wasn’t an important Figure 3. X-ray plate illustrating the correct position of teat seal. Source: Crispie difference in SCC in the following lactation between cows et al. treated with antibiotic and cows treated with teat seal alone References: for cows with a last milk recording SCC in the previous Animal Health Ireland. CellCheck Farm Guidelines for Mastitis Control. 2021. lactation of < 50,000 cells/mL and between 50,000-100,000 Available at: https://animalhealthireland.ie/programmes/cellcheck/farm-guidelines cells/mL (Figure 2). Bradley, A. J., and Green, M. J. 2004. The importance of the nonlactating period in the Drying-off technique and dry period management epidemiology of intramammary infection and strategies for prevention. Veterinary Administering intramammary products to an uninfected Clinics: Food Animal Practice, 20(3), 547-568. quarter is an area of hazard, therefore hygiene and cleanliness Clabby, C., McParland, S., Dillon, P., Arkins, S., Flynn, J., Murphy, J., and Silva Boloña, in the drying-off procedure is key. If drying-off is done after P. 2022. Internal teat sealants alone or in combination with antibiotics at dry-off–the milking, make sure you still apply post milking disinfection effect on udder health in dairy cows in five commercial herds. Animal, 16(2), 100449. immediately after the last milking. Use a head torch to dry-off Crispie, F., Flynn, J., Ross, R., Hill, C. and Meaney, W. 2004. Dry cow therapy with cows to make sure the desired level of cleanliness is achieved. a non-antibiotic intramammary teat seal - A review. Irish veterinary journal. Doi: Use a new set of disposable gloves for drying the cows and 57.412-8.10.1186/2046-0481-57-7-412. attempt to dry your hands regularly with a paper towel. Scrub the teat ends with wipes or cotton balls dipped in methylated alcohol. Repeat the process with a new wipe until absolutely clean. Start this process from front teats (those closest to the cows head) to rear teats, trying not to touch the other teat ends with your arms or hands. When infusing either antibiotic or teat seal, start infusing from rear teat to front teats. Make sure you don’t insert the nozzle fully into the teat as this can cause damage to the teat canal and affect keratin plug formation. Antibiotic needs to be massages upwards into the teat, but when you do, make sure not to touch the teat ends. Teat seal, should not be massaged into the gland and should remain in the bottom half of the teat to effectively act as a barrier (Figure 3). To do this, pinch the base of the teat to avoid the teat seal to move up the gland. Finish by thoroughly spraying teat disinfectant to the cows teats. Dry cow environment is very important for mastitis control and should not be disregarded. The principle should be that dry cow housing should be kept ‘‘Clean, dry and comfortable’’. Dry cow management and housing should be at least as good as that of lactating cows (at the time of the year they are being housed). Teagasc research showed that SCC was lower in the following lactation when cows were in farms that had more than 1 cubicle per cow compared to 1 or less than 1 cubicles per cow (recommended is 1.1). 38 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 Boviseal_A4_V

BOVISEAL THE NUMBER 1 TEAT SEALANT IN IRELAND1 ELAND ® MADE IN IR Only BOVISEAL is proven to prevent 1 in 3 cases of mastitis2 1Kynetec Report ROI July 2021 – Boviseal is Market Leader 2Rabiee AR & Lean IJ (2013). The e ect of teat sealant products (Teatseal and OrbeSeal®)* on intramammary infection, It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 39 clinical mastitis, and somatic cell counts in lactating dairy cows: A meta-analysis. J Dairy Sci 96:1-17. Boviseal is marketed as Teatseal/ OrbeSeal in other countries. 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, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin D18 T3Y1. (01) 2569800 or www.zoetis.ie. Use medicines responsibly (www.apha.ie). ZT/19/35/1. MM-05304. Boviseal_A4_VA.indd 1 16/09/2021 09:44:22

EQUINE NURSING RebeccaWatsonMScRVN Equine Shock In medical terms,‘shock’, or more accurately‘systemic shock’is Normal mucous membranes (conjunctiva, nares and gums) are pink, defined as an acute condition related to a drop in blood pressure, shiny and moist and have a CRT of <2 seconds – any deviation from resulting in circulatory failure. If not treated or prevented it this should be investigated. Pale or grey mucous membranes, with can disturb the equilibrium of fluid balance in the body and in a delayed CRT could be an indicator of hypovolaemic shock, due to extreme cases can cause organ failure and death. blood loss. Bright or brick red or purple, with a delayed CRT could be an There are four stages of shock: indicator of septic shock. 1. Initial If you suspect your horse is suffering from shock, seek veterinary help 2. Compensatory immediately. 3. Progressive 4. Refractory • If it is safe to do so, transfer your horse to a stable or barn with During the initial stage of shock, there is diminished cardiac output sufficient lighting for the attending veterinary surgeon to safely without any clinical symptoms. carry out an examination In the compensatory stage, the body responds by trying to increase • Any obvious wounds or injuries should be treated appropriately, cardiac output; sodium and water are retained, blood flow to the whilst keeping the horse calm extremities is reduced (vasoconstriction) and the heart beats harder in a • If the horse is showing signs of low body temperature, keep him bid to maintain blood flow (increased myocardial activity) and therefore warm in a stable with rugs, but make sure he does not become oxygen and other nutrients, to the vital organs. overheated The progressive stage occurs if there is no medical intervention, or if the • Ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh, clean water and offer intervention fails to reverse the inadequate tissue perfusion of oxygen him hay (although he may show little or no interest in either) and other vital nutrients. If tissue perfusion remains inadequate, the The treatment plan will depend upon the cause of shock, but primarily cells of the body will begin anaerobic metabolism, leading to metabolic restoring the circulatory volume is of paramount importance. Unless a acidosis, fluid leakage from the capillaries and a continuing, decreasing specific cardiac problem has been identified, fluid therapy is indicated circulatory volume as the blood viscosity increases. As the blood along with associated supportive therapy; bacterial infections will need ‘thickens’ clotting may occur in the capillaries causing blockages, thus antibiotics and possibly other medicines, while any source of bleeding preventing tissue oxygenation, and ultimately resulting in tissue death. will need to be found and stopped. As the body releases fibrin, to break down these clots, disseminated Blood sampling and interpretation can be a vital tool in the diagnosis of intravascular coagulation (DIC) may occur. Lactic acidosis will cause shock; not only haematocrit and total protein values, but lactate can be further depression of the myocardium and vasoconstriction, thus an important indicator. A horse that has inadequate tissue perfusion will further reducing cardiac output. If there is no effective intervention be hyperlactataemic (normal lactate concentration for the horse is <2 at this point, the shock will progress to the refractory stage, when the mmol/L); lactate is a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism demonstrated chances of survival are extremely limited. in the progressive stage of shock. Reasons for a horse going into shock are many (see table 1), but most If shock is caused by severe haemorrhage, a blood transfusion may common causes involve rapid depletion of circulating blood volume or be necessary. Horses do have different blood types, but in emergency acute dehydration, e.g. haemorrhage or acute diarrhoea, but it can also situations, it is possible to perform a ‘one off’ transfusion from a donor be caused by pain, trauma or infection. horse without cross matching. Symptoms of shock are often confused with colic (see table 2) as the An unrelated gelding or a mare that has not had a foal make the best clinical signs are very similar. type of blood donors. Mares that have had foals experience mixing Capillary Refill Time (CRT) is an indicator of tissue perfusion. To check of blood with their offspring, which means that the mare carries CRT, press a thumb or forefinger against the horse’s gums for 2 seconds antibodies other than her own. Blood from a mare that has had a foal is and count how long the blanched capillaries take to refill with blood more likely to cause, a potentially life threatening, transfusion reaction. when you release your thumb / finger. A prolonged CRT is an indicator Hospitalisation may be necessary if continued intravenous fluid therapy of shock. is required, particularly if the horse is not able or willing to drink, to deliver sufficiently large quantities (can be up to 40-80 litres per day). Early intervention is the best form of defence. If you think your horse is exhibiting symptoms of shock, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately. 40 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

Causes of shock in the horse include: Considehroartsioentshfisorauwtourmmning your • Haemorrhage 1. Should all horses kept together be wormed - External together? - Internal • Acute diarrhoea (acute dehydration) It was once standard practice to worm all the horses on a yard • Colic – usually involving a twist or displacement of intestine at the same time. However, treating all horses with the same • Sepsis / SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) product at the same time means that some horses may get • Neurogenic wormed unnecessarily. It is estimated that in many groups of - Caused by damage to the nervous system due to horses, only 20% of the group will carry 80% of the worm burden. severe trauma, pain and stress Merial recommends creating a worming strategy for each horse to • Cardiogenic determine their true need, and only worm an individual as needed - Caused by heart problems or liver failure – if a worm egg count (WEC) is under 200 epg (eggs per gram), it • Hypoxic may not be necessary to worm that horse at that time. - Caused by respiratory disease • Cytopathic shock 2. Do Worm egg counts identify all worms? - Caused by cellular dysfunction, e.g. in the case of ischaemia-reperfusion injuries WEC have been presented as an important method in a targeted worming strategy, and their use is thankfully becoming far more Symptoms of Shock widespread. However, WECs do not identify immature or encysted worms or tapeworms, so treatments should be planned into the • Anorexia worming programme if you believe they may be at risk from these. • Depression Tapeworms are a common parasite in the horse. While signs of • Signs of colic infection are not obvious and often go undiagnosed, tapeworms • Sweating or shivering can cause potentially serious health problems including colic, • Rapid, shallow breathing irritation and inflammation of the intestine, especially the colon. It • Increased heart rate is therefore advised that owners consider treating their horses for • Weak, thready, pulse tapeworm twice yearly, in the spring and the autumn or ask their • Cold extremities (ear / limbs) vets about an ELISA antibody test to determine need. • Abnormal mucous membrane coloration • Prolonged capillary refill time 3. Are WECs and targeted treatments really difficult to • The horse may appear anxious, agitated or confused manage? Anaphalactic Shock: Incorporating WECs into your worming programme at the time • Anaphylactic shock is a very rare, potentially life- when re-treatment would normally be due will determine the worm burdens of each horse and will help you identify which threatening, allergic reaction to an antigen (a foreign horses are the high egg shedders (following the 80:20 rule, whereby substance that stimulates the immune system). 80% of worms tend to be in just 20% of horses). Treating only these • It is most commonly seen in horses after they have received horses will reduce the number of wormers you use and should an injection of a medication or vaccine, but it can be a reduce the total costs of your worming programme. response to any allergen, like an insect sting. • When the body is exposed to the antigen, histamine and 4. How important is Pasture management to help other chemicals are released into the bloodstream. They control worm burdens? cause the blood pressure to drop rapidly and can cause other symptoms, such as respiratory distress, diarrhoea, Poo-picking regularly (approximately twice weekly) is one of the hypersalivation, seizures / coma and even death. most effective ways to control worms. Parasites on the pasture are • Clinical signs begin within minutes to hours after injection. ingested by grazing horses, so removing them is a practical way to • This condition is sometimes confused with injection reduce pasture infectivity. Co-grazing with sheep or cattle may also reactions, e.g. procaine reaction or intracarotid injection. help – the majority of equine parasites will not survive being eaten Anaphylaxis is a true allergic reaction, whereas a procaine by these species. Rest the pasture if you can, and only harrow in reaction is a neurologic reaction to the penicillin carrier hot, dry weather. procaine. • True anaphylaxis is a veterinary emergency – contact your 5. Do all horses need only one tube of wormer? vet as soon as possible. If your horse is exhibiting violent or erratic behaviour, exercise extreme caution and do not place Giving a reduced dose of wormer increases the risk of resistance yourself or others in danger. because the worms may be exposed to the wormer at a level • Diagnosis is usually clear from these signs following recent that does not kill them, but allows them to develop resistance. use of medication. If no medication has been given recently, Additionally, giving too large a dose of wormer to a horse will not then anaphylaxis can be hard to differentiate from other deliver any extra benefit. Use accurate dosing based on the weight severe and acute systemic disease. of your horse, calculated either using a weighbridge or a weigh • Treatment starts with recognition and removal of the tape. trigger, +/- epinephrine, steroids, NSAIDs, intravenous fluid therapy, intensive nursing care and supportive therapy. It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 41

Aleen Cust Centenary Day Who was Aleen Isabel Cust? Aleen was born in Tipperary in 1863 to English parents Be an agent for change with strong aristocratic ties. Her father Leopold Cust was employed as an “agent” by Lord Barrymore a prominent Aleen Cust was an agent for change, a reformer in her own landlord in County Tipperary. He died when Aleen was quiet way. In order to gain trust from others one has to be a ten years old. Her mother, Aleen and her four brothers good citizen and lead by example. returned to England. Aleen was a remarkable character who Dr Mullan went on to say “we all can be inspired by Aleen succeeded as a veterinary surgeon against all the odds. Cust, we can bring about change for better animal welfare Aleen was an articulate intelligent, determined, resilient and a better society by emulating Aleen”. Dr Mullan person whose passion for animal’s and animal welfare saw concluded her most interesting and interactive presentation her enter the New Veterinary College, Edinburgh to study by encouraging people to be advocates for positive change. veterinary medicine. She came up against many obstacles “We can all fulfil an activism role, working within systems within the college the greatest arguably was the Veterinary and to bring about changes” Council of that time. One month before her first-year exams, the Veterinary Council refused her admission to sit these Meta Osbourne exams clearly on the grounds she was a woman. Aleen Cust was only allowed to sit her final exams in 1920 Meta Osbourne spoke about Animal Welfare and Ethics. after the passing of the “Sex Discrimination (Removal) Act She highlighted the difference between Animal Ethics and 1919. She received her long-coveted diploma twenty-two Animal Welfare and how the two are interlinked. Meta years after she completed her studies. spoke on Positive Animal Welfare and asked “how do we assess positive animal emotion and apply this knowledge?” She received praise from the Council and was lauded in the \"Our interaction with horses and animals in general is Veterinary Record though a note of caution was added “... something we impose on them, so it beholds us whether nor does one lady with exceptional physical endowment vets or carers or owners that the interactions is positive.\" prove that the veterinary profession is one suitable for Meta said “if we can focus on the positive emotions it makes women”. the difference between just surviving and actually thriving. Remarkably from the time Aleen left University in 1900 to Animal welfare is becoming more scrutinised, it is what the time of her graduation, she managed to practice as a animals have (provided by us).\" veterinary surgeon. Cattle and horses were her principal Animal Ethics is what we have “Legislation sets the practice. minimum standards that society expect about what our Aleen was hugely popular within the veterinary profession animals should be treated and are based on values we all in Ireland. Mr William Byrne veterinary practitioner in share” she concluded. Athleague Co Roscommon and president of the Irish Central Veterinary Society was most supportive of Aleen giving her Professor Temple Grandin employment without her qualification being recognised by the veterinary council. Aleen Cust and Dr Temple Grandin have one thing in Aleen drove her own car to Abbeville, France in 1915 to common. They both made global history in their love for help colleagues treat wounded horses during the Great War animals and animal welfare. Temple is a globally respected (1914-1918). After the war Ireland was a very different place animal behaviourist, scientist and neurodiversity professor for Aleen. Given her background, her nationality became an at Colorado State University. Temple is a prominent issue and her safety was a cause for concern. Aleen decided proponent for the humane treatment of livestock for to return to England in 1924. Aleen Cust, unorthodox to the slaughter and is also an autism spokesperson. last died while on holidays in Jamaica in 1937. Like Aleen, Temple Grandin had many obstacles put in her Maria Walsh MEP opened the conference by asking “What way having been diagnosed with autism and was non- can we learn from Aleen Cust?” She continued by saying verbal until she was aged four. “You should always follow your passion for something, if it Her presentation “Lets look at it from their point of view” has not been done before then be the first to do it, never had the delegates in awe as she informed them she was a asking why but rather when and how”. visual thinker which helped her in her work with animals. Maria encouraged veterinary surgeons to be brave and “To understand an animal, you got to get away from words stand up for what is right in particular in the areas of animal they don’t think in words”. Temple urged carers of animals welfare and mental health. Mental health and equality for “to look at animals through the eyes of the animal”. She all in society is what Aleen Cust would like to see today. spoke of how “animals can relate and remember a bad The second speaker at the conference was Dr Siobhan experience. The importance of reducing fear in an animal Mullan, European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare, attending a veterinary clinic cannot be over emphasised. Science Ethic and Law. Siobhan said that Aleen Cust was an An animal reacts badly when in fear because it is scared” advocate for change “and she did this in her own particular In terms of animal welfare auditing Temple had this advise way by being that very act of quiet being”. Aleen Cust had “Manage what you can measure, for example, mobility value and virtues that set her apart. “If you embody the scoring. Some simple changes can make all the difference right virtues or advocate them then the right actions will such as better lighting, better handling equipment, walking follow”. surfaces, all simple things that can be measured first then managed all feed into the positive emotions of the cattle” 42 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

Future direction regarding controls on the supply of veterinary medicinal products Summary • Neither the medicine itself, nor similar medicines containing the same active substance, has previously New guidance concerning the classification of certain been subject to frequent adverse event reporting, veterinary medicines that are currently supplied without prescription is being developed by the European Medicines • There is no risk for consumers even if the medicine is Agency (EMA). The scope, relevance and expected timeframe used incorrectly for the elaboration of the guidance is discussed below. • There is no risk as regards the development of Background resistance Regulation 2019/6 (the Regulation), which applies since The above list is exemplary and not exhaustive. If these criteria January 2022, governs the authorisation, use, supply and are not satisfied, the product in question may only be supplied monitoring of veterinary medicinal products throughout the subject to prescription. European Union. Unlike EU Directives, Regulations are directly Although the requirements of the legislation in relation to applicable in their entirety in each country, meaning that there prescription control are not intended to be applied to existing is no room for national interpretation or discretion. veterinary medicines, they will apply to new products that may be the same or very similar to existing authorised products. Under the legislation in place prior to January 2022, the Application of criteria to veterinary medicines classification of a product as a prescription medicine or as a The European Medicines Agency is currently elaborating a non-prescription medicine was left to Member States to decide guideline to set out a common scientific understanding of in accordance with national legislation. the precise legal text in the Regulation, which will enable a consistent decision-making process throughout the EU when That has changed with the application of the Regulation, and determining prescription status. a harmonised approach to the classification of new veterinary This guideline is available for public consultation with medicine as either subject to veterinary prescription or not stakeholders currently and is expected to come into effect by is now mandatory within the EU. This means that in future it January 2023. will no longer be possible for a new medicine to be subject to When the new guideline comes into effect, it is expected veterinary prescription in one Member State but not subject to that this will result in harmonisation of prescription status for veterinary prescription in another. individual products across Member States. However, this may result in a new product (authorised under Criteria for setting product prescription Regulation 2019/6) being classified as subject to prescription, requirements where similar existing products are classified as not subject to prescription. The Regulation requires that a number of categories of veterinary medicines be always subject to prescription: • Those containing narcotics or psychotropic substances, • Antimicrobials • Medicines for euthanasia Any such disharmony at a national level may trigger a review • Medicines that have hormonal or thyrostatic action, or of prescription status of existing products with a view to harmonisation and avoiding market distortion. beta-agonists A possible outcome of such an exercise would be that products • Medicines containing a new active substance that has currently supplied in Ireland without prescription might be reclassified as prescription only medicines. not been authorised in the EU within the last five years However, products not included in the categories of veterinary Conclusion medicines listed above may be supplied without prescription only if they meet all the specified criteria in the Regulation, e.g. Even as the national regulatory framework for the supply of veterinary medicines is being developed by the Department of • No particular skill or knowledge is needed to administer Agriculture, Food and the Marine, further European restrictions the medicine seem inevitable. Although existing national supply channels for veterinary • The medicine does not present a direct or indirect risk, medicines that have been already allocated a non-prescription even if administered incorrectly, to the animal being status are unlikely to be threatened immediately, over the treated or to other animals, to the person administering longer term (5 to 10 years) they are expected to come under it, or to the environment pressure. It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 43

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Keep those questions flowing… Question of season Q2. What does HIPRABOVIS Q4. When should a flukicide SOMNI/LKT offer me in terms that is effective against the Q1. What can the producer gain by moving of pneumonia protection? later stages of liver fluke be away from routine (or blanket) worming to Conferring protection against administered as part of a targeted selective treatment (TST)? mannheimiosis and histophilosis housing treatment? via vaccination can be a critical Treatment decisions should be The idea of treating just individual animals within the flock is management tool in minimising based on farm history, forecasts, and known as targeted selective treatment (TST). We are aiming to losses attributable to respiratory diagnostic testing. target wormer treatments to selected animals within a group. disease on your client's farms. A product that targets the adult Only animal that are under performing i.e. not achieving HIPRABOVIS SOMNI/LKT is the stage of liver fluke, such as the minimum target weight gains should be considered for only dual bacterial pneumonia IVOMEC Super Injection, can be an worm treatment. Before treatment a fecal egg count should vaccine for cattle in Ireland, eliciting appropriate choice at housing since be carried out to give a guide on possible level of infection an efficacious immune response the later stages of fluke are typically and if it is parasites that are causing the underperformance in to both Histophilus somni and most numerous come late autumn. the first place. The aim of TST is to reduce selection pressure the leukotoxin of Mannheimia Treating at housing will also by maintaining susceptible worms to dilute out the resistant haemolytica. ensure that adult fluke, which worms. The benefits of TST are massive including Q3. How can non-healing hoof have the greatest impact on lesions be controlled? cattle productivity, are removed • Prolonging the efficacy of current active ingredients “As treatment appears to have a immediately. Follow up testing • Maintaining a “refugia” population of worms which low response rate, prevention is two to three months later will help help dilute out the resistant worms clearly vital. Prevention is based determine if a further treatment is • Reduces cost for both wormer and labour on the control of digital dermatitis, required to ensure cattle are fluke • By adopting TST the producer is reducing excess use i.e. keeping underfoot conditions free. which also reduces environmental contamination for the cows as clean and dry as Q5. How can I highlight the possible, and by frequent foot- necessity to switch from bathing. blanket dry cow therapy to An increasing number of herds are selective dry cow therapy at now foot-bathing cows daily, often drying off? twice daily, and this includes foot- The main aim of dry period bathing dry cows and transition antibiotic tubes is to cure existing cows at least once daily. As in and subclinical infections. Antibiotic teat dipping for the prevention of treatment of uninfected cows is mastitis, it is clearly much more unnecessary. Hence, we select effective to foot-bath cows to “worthy candidates” for antibiotic prevent infection from becoming treatment at drying off and this is established on the foot than to based on milk recording and other wait until infection is present and data. hoping you can do something It is the veterinary practitioner that about it. As one person suggested, prescribes and decides what product foot-bathing is no longer optional to use and which animal should be in herds where these lesions exist, treated based on somatic cell count it is now a necessity!” and clinical mastitis data. Drying Roger Blowey BSc, BVSc, FRCVS, off technique and hygiene around FRAgS, RCVS Specialist in Cattle dry off are vital. Poor hygiene, Health (Dairy). particularly in cows receiving only teat sealant can result in sever mastitis at drying off. We welcome all questions from our readers. We will benefit of all our readers, with the ultimate objective try to answer them as best we can and if we are unable of providing good advice to the producer/farmers, thus to answer your question to your satisfaction we can ensuring better livestock production and SAFER FOOD. point you to experts on the topic raised. Remember, So keep them flowing… the questions asked and the answers given are for the Send your questions to: It’s your Field, Unit 5, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbaun Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Galway or email: [email protected] 44 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

APHA AFFAIRS Investment in animal health systems is essential for our future One Health “We are only as strong as the weakest health system in our And highly effective parasite controls have also helped farmers to interconnected world” combat the huge losses that can be caused by worm infections. This sentence uttered by UN Secretary-General António Guterres This helps the food processing industry to reduce food losses during the pandemic has resonated around the globe and from products that are unacceptable for human consumption, brought decision-makers and the private sector together to devise contributing to a more sustainable food production and lessening innovative, forward-looking and multisectoral solutions to the the environmental footprint. challenges we face now and in the future. The One Health concept has been operative in animal health We are living in a time of ‘One World, One Health’, and recent innovations for decades, but there remains a clear need for public events continue to highlight the interconnectivity and inter- investment in animal disease surveillance and prevention. dependence of our world today. Just as we know that disease This includes increased investment in the least developed knows no borders, so we realise that humanity faces many countries – those most threatened by animal diseases and from challenges that require global, joined-up and actionable solutions. where many viruses emanate. Protecting animal health is an important action for addressing The global pandemic has demonstrated to the entire world that some of these challenges and it is a step that deserves greater trying to solve today’s issues and preparing for those arising attention. The increasingly crowded nature of our planet – on tomorrow cannot be accomplished with yesterday’s approaches. which man and animals live in increasingly close proximity If more people working in the animal, public health and – has enhanced the potential for zoonotic diseases to jump environmental sectors adopt a One Health mindset, and if between species. And with today’s evolving ecosystems, trade governments adequately invest in ALL health systems, there will globalisation, increasing urbanisation and an ever-expanding be a greater opportunity to address the challenges occurring at population, diseases can spread as never before. the interface between humans, animals and ecosystems. It has long been noted that around 60% of human infectious diseases have an animal source, with around 72% of the newly It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 45 emerging infectious diseases stemming from wildlife. This is why the animal health industry has been a long-term supporter of ‘One Health’, a concept raised centuries ago by Hippocrates and reaffirmed in the 1800s by Dr. Rudolf Virchow, which highlights the need for a joined-up approach to tackling health-related issues. In today’s Europe, veterinarians, farmers and other animal owners, are facing never-before-seen animal diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease or African Swine Fever. And in a One Health spirit they are also faced with dealing with climate change impacts, trying to mitigate environmental impacts and emissions from livestock farming, and playing their part in addressing the rise of antimicrobial resistance. All these challenges mean one thing: we must do more to prevent diseases in animals from the outset. Better animal health plays a key role in protecting our collective health in a number of ways: Innovation in preventive veterinary medicines, the widespread use of vaccines and the development of vaccine banks are playing an increasingly important role in combatting infectious diseases that can pass between people and animals. Other animal health tools such as ectoparasiticides also play an important role in helping to stop the spread of infectious diseases transmitted by insects like ticks and mosquitoes, protecting the health of both animal and human populations at the same time. From a food safety, security and affordability perspective, better animal health also supports public health. We know that preventing disease in animals plays a key role in delivering higher quality and safe meat, fish, eggs and dairy produce to market. And as today’s consumers are increasingly interested in having information on the provenance and quality of their food, digital traceability tools allow the agri-food sector to access important information on the animal from farm to fork. From an environmental perspective, better animal health can also help to prevent food losses and farm inefficiencies. Use of modern animal health technologies make it easier to control and eradicate disease without having to slaughter healthy animals, by making it possible to differentiate vaccinated animals from infected animals.

Prevent costly rodent damage and control infestations in as few as seven days Helen Hall, Key Account Manager at BASF Rats and mice can cause all kinds of problems for Irish farmers, contaminating grain What’s more, cholecalciferol is readily metabolised, and non-bioaccumulative, C stores and animal feed, damaging buildings and machinery, and spreading disease. meaning there is no build-up of rodenticides within the body, which can occur M In fact, it is estimated that one rat eats and contaminates 100 kg of stored grain and with repetitive feeding on rodenticide bait. This means fewer, less harmful residues Y feed annually, with 200 rats destroying a massive 20 tons – that’s a lot of profit to be in the rodent’s body, which further reduces the risk to non-target species who may CM losing with current market costs! feed on poisoned rats. MY And with rats carrying 45 diseases, not only does an infestation pose huge financial Despite this, it goes without saying that all non-target species should be prevented CY loss, but it also presents a serious risk to the biosecurity of the whole food chain. from accessing the rodenticide bait, either by using secure bait boxes or a covered CMY A recent rodent control survey by pest control solutions manufacturer, BASF, and protected approach, attaching bait to an object and covering with a sturdy K showed that 92 % of farmers have used rodenticides on their farm in the last year, item such as palettes, timber or tyres. Frequent searching for and disposing of but with so many rodenticides on the market, how do you choose which bait is dead rodents throughout the rodenticide treatment helps to prevent secondary best? poisoning, and ensuring all bait is removed following the treatment plan is From anticoagulants to non-anticoagulants, and hard blocks, soft blocks, pellets, essential. paste and grain available, is can be difficult to decide which is the most effective To help raise awareness of rodenticide resistance and encourage best practice solution. One of the most important factors to consider, though, is the speed of across Irish farms, BASF has launched a new digital portal offering farmers an control. interactive rodent control training programme. Anticoagulant rodenticides usually take 21 - 28 days to control an infestation, The Real Results Virtual Farm CPD portal, which has been developed in partnership which means that these risks of damage, loss and contamination continue to occur with experienced industry instructor and rodent infestation problem-solver, around a site for some weeks after the initial treatment. Oliver Madge, guides users through various modules exploring different areas of BASF has introduced a new non-anticoagulant rodenticide, Selontra®, to combat rodent control, before completing the CRRU-recognised exam for the Safe Use of this, using the active ingredient cholecalciferol to stop rodents in their tracks. Rodenticides. The soft block bait causes death from hypercalcaemia; the accumulation of too Find out more about Selontra® and gain your Certificate for Responsible much calcium in the blood. This results in rodents stopping feeding, on both the Rodenticide Use at www.basf-ruralhygiene.com bait and any available food on the farm, 24 hours after consuming a lethal dose, Find out if you are in an area of known rodenticide resistance by visiting https:// quickly putting a stop to contamination, damage to the site and loss of earnings. rrac.info/ Thanks to its fast-acting results, Selontra® offers the added benefit of further To find out more and become a certified Selontra® user at https://www.training. reducing the likelihood of any accidental exposure to non-target species, as the selontra.com/ baits can be applied on site for shorter-periods of time – typically no more than seven days. This also means that farmers’valuable time can be spent focusing on their many other daily tasks. Resistance to rodenticides is also a growing issue across Ireland, with many rats showing resistance to first generation baits and second-generation anticoagulant baits containing difenacoum and bromadiolone as the active. This means that many farmers using anticoagulant baits may be unknowingly contributing to the spread of“super rats”on their farms, breeding more rats with the mutated gene. With no known resistance to Selontra®’s active, cholecalciferol, farmers can gain complete control of a colony quickly, breaking the cycle of resistance. What’s more, cholecalciferol is readily metabolised, not persistent in the environment and non- bioaccumulative, meaning there is no build-up of rodenticides within the body. This means that Selontra® balances performance and environmental impact. 46 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

ai166090226113_Selontra_Ad_210x297mm.pdf 1 19/08/2022 10:44 Now HACCP certified Switch to Selontra® © 2018 BASF Corporation. Selontra® is a registered trademark of BASF. All rights reserved. Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. The speed baiting technology • Stop rodent damage quickly • Rodent-free in as few as 7 days • Balancing performance and environmental impact • Breaks the cycle of resistance C M Y CM MY CY CMY K www.agricentre.basf.ie It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 47

The Irish BVD journey Maria Guelbenzu BVD Programme Manager, Animal Health Ireland The Irish bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) eradication The compulsory phase programme has introduced a change in the approach to the control of endemic diseases in Ireland, being the first disease A mandatory national BVD eradication programme eradication programme lead by industry. As it nears the goal commenced in 2013 supported by legislation (Graham et of eradication, we reflect on the journey taken so far. al., 2021). The prevalence of BVDV positive (BVD+) calves The start of the Irish BVD programme is closely linked to that in 2013 was 0.66% within 11.3% of herds, reducing each of Animal Health Ireland (AHI). AHI, a not-for-profit public- subsequent year to 0.03 and 0.51% respectively at the end of private partnership, was established in 2009 to improve the 2021. profitability and sustainability of the Irish farming and agri- In the earlier years of the compulsory programme, the food sector through improved animal health, by providing a retention of BVD+ calves were identified as one major partnership approach to addressing non-regulatory animal challenge to the progress of the programme. A series of health issues (those not subject to national and/or EU measures were introduced, including herd restrictions regulation). and tiered financial supports for removal of animals within defined time periods, and have largely resolved this issue. Why BVD? Recognition at EU level In 2009, a study was undertaken to obtain opinion from experts and farmers about non-regulatory animal health A series of enhancements to the programme were issues facing Irish livestock industries, including prioritisation introduced in 2021 in order to progress to eradication and to of animal health issues (More et al., 2010). BVD was identified align the programme with the new European Animal Health by industry and animal disease experts as a priority disease Law (AHL). to be addressed by AHI. In addition, other European The AHL, which came into force in 2021, sets out the countries had been successful controlling and eradicating requirements for approval of national BVD eradication BVD and new diagnostic advances meant that new, cheaper programmes at EU level for the first time, and the conditions methods could be applied. that an approved programme must then meet for recognition of freedom. The voluntary BVD programme In July 2022, the Irish BVD programme has been approved by the EU as a recognised BVD eradication programme. The development and implementation of the programme in 2012 was informed by a review of current and prior What next? eradication programmes elsewhere in Europe and extensive stakeholder consultation (Graham et al., 2014). This The next goal for the programme is to achieve recognised information was supported with a study on the economic BVD-freedom at EU level. The conditions for freedom in an impact of BVD in Ireland that estimated the annual losses approved programme according to the AHL include a ban in to farmers due to BVD to €102 million (Stott et al., 2012). vaccination, not having a confirmed case in the previous 18 This led to the establishment of a voluntary national BVD months and having 99.8% of all herds representing at least eradication programme in 2012. 99.9% of cattle free from BVD. A key feature of the national BVD eradication programme in Ireland is that it is industry-led. The decision-making body Obtaining recognition of BVD freedom will lead to a change for the programme is a cross-industry BVD implementation in emphasis to surveillance testing to demonstrate ongoing Group (BVDIG), with membership open to representatives of freedom and detect any new introductions. This in turn will all AHI stakeholder organisations. bring with it a change in the testing regime, moving away These include farming and veterinary organisations, breed from tissue tag testing in all herds and the introduction societies, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), Teagasc of new ways of monitoring herds including bulk tank milk the School of Veterinary Medicine at University College surveillance, young stock check tests (YSCT) and abattoir Dublin, AHI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and surveillance. the Marine (DAFM). A technical working group (TWG) on BVD was established by AHI in 2009, to provide ongoing Bulk tank milk surveillance is already running in the technical input and advice to the BVDIG on the development background of the programme. As a further step in and implementation of a national programme. preparation for this new phase, a young stock surveillance The programme was based on tissue tag testing of new- pilot will take place in the autumn of 2022 to test the born calves in participating herds, with the status of the logistics for the implementation of YSCT surveillance in dairy mothers of calves with positive or inconclusive results and beef herds. requiring clarification. Testing was carried out in laboratories designated for this purpose and results were reported to It will entail the sampling of herds that are undertaking a a central database managed by the Irish Cattle Breeding bTB test by trained BVD-TASAH vets. Only vets that have Federation. The majority of results were reported to farmers’ undertaken the ‘BVD Young Stock Training’ will be able to mobile telephones by SMS message. participate. 48 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022

QQI LEVEL 6 RETAIL SALE AND SUPPLY OF ANIMAL REMEDIES COURSE TO BE HELD AT A VENUE NEAR YOU. Galway Tipperary Donegal Limerick Cavan Kilkenny Cork Kildare Kerry TEAM LM Training & Unit 5, Kilkerrin Park, Education in Liosbaun Ind Estate, Animal Medicine for Tuam Rd, Galway Licenced Merchants Tel: 091 753375/091 773734 Email: [email protected] To book your place on next course contact Martina Grealish on 091 753375 Continuous Professional Handling and Education (CPE). Distribution of As a condition of your continuing Pesticides DAFM registration as a Pesticide Distributor (PD) you are required to For details on this course which will participate in Continuous Professional be held at a venue close to you contact Education (CPE). Your CPE commenced Martina Grealish, Team LM by email at on 1st January 2018. [email protected] or 091 773734 • Achievement of 25 credits It’s Your Field Autumn 2022 / 49 annually is mandatory for continued DAFM registration of distributors. • Failure to maintain CPE will result in your name being removed from the DAFM register. Team LM is offering a workshop style course on elements of the knapsack sprayer from the point of view of the vendor (PD). This is a practical hands on, interactive course. It is run over 4 hours and on successful completion the PD will receive sufficient credits to meet the mandatory 25 credits for the year. The course will be at a venue near you and will be filled on a “first come first served” basis. In order to avoid missing out on this opportunity to do the courses locally contact [email protected]. We will facilitate you so your remain compliant 48 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2020

PRODUCT FOCUS NNeeww mRooddeenotifcaidceti:on Smoa,nwahgaetm’sennet?w in dry cow BASF have recently launched We are delighted to announce the recent addition to our udder health a new rodenticide to the Irish product portfolio with a new short acting dry-cow tube, CepraShort DC 300 market, named Selontra. This mg. is the biggest development in This is a welcomed addition as we now offer the full range of solutions for rodent control this century and vet and farmer at drying off. CepraShort DC contains cefapirin and is unique represents a new mode of action due to the short duration of activity which is 32 days plus 24-hour milk and alternative treatment to the withhold. CepraShort DC is a responsible choice of dry-cow product as it long-established anticoagulant contains cefapirin which is a first-generation cephalosporin. poisons that the market has The product is in the C or Caution AMEG category. Where a short acting become reliant on. dry cow tube is required, choosing CepraShort DC is a responsible choice Importantly, it offers a more as cefapirin is proven to have better sensitivity than cloxacillin to Strep. environmentally acceptable uberis.1 When CepraShort DC is used in conjunction with a teat sealant like option for rodent control. In CepraLock, the cure rate against all mastitis causing pathogens is greater addition, it works significantly than 90%.2 faster than current products, controlling even large populations of CepraShort DC complements our existing dry-cow products which include rodents within 7 days and there is no known resistance to the new bait. our teat sealant, CepraLock and our longer acting dry cow tube, Cepravin DC. sDterachnrgalelasuvnacchcienseg, rSoturanndg-bvareca®king Please reach out to your local MSD Animal Health Account Manager for questions you may have on CepraShort DC, our udder health range and pricing. Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a ground-breaking new protein-based strangles vaccine for horses and ponies, Strangvac®. Strangvac has been in wDSoeitlcuhhttrihaoenexl3at.ue5nnmcdhsg/ComfarlCdairsduirseu®rerOanragle development for over 25 years and is the first and only intramuscular vaccine to help protect against strangles, which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. Strangvac contains recombinant proteins CCE, Eq85 and IdeE from Streptococcus equi and it features DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability. The vaccine contains no live bacteria or bacterial DNA, so will not trigger positive culture or PCR tests, a key feature in outbreak management. The vaccine, which trials demonstrate can protect more than 94 per cent of Dechra Veterinary Products has extended horses1, reduces the clinical signs of strangles including a high temperature, its popular Cardisure range with the launch of Cardisure Oral Solution 3.5 mg/ coughing, inappetence, difficulty swallowing and changes in demeanour, ml. while also reducing the number of lymph node abscesses. Licensed for the treatment of canine congestive heart failure originating It can be given to foals from eight months of age and two injections should from valvular insufficiency (mitral and/ be given at a four-week interval. Horses at high risk of Streptococcus equi or tricuspid regurgitation) or dilated infection, such as those in livery, should be revaccinated after two months. cardiomyopathy, Cardisure Oral Solution is Based on measured antibody titres, immunological memory was found in a new formulation of pimobendan to aid horses following repeated vaccination six months after primary vaccination. compliance in cases where administration of tablets is a challenge. The innovative vaccine has received over €20million of funding and has It is available in two bottle sizes - a 42 ml bottle and 168 ml bottle - each with been in development since 1995, initially at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) an easy-to-use dosing syringe, and has a 60-day shelf-life once opened and two and more recently by Swedish company Intervacc AB. year unbroached shelf life. Dr Andrew Waller, chief scientific officer at Intervacc AB, the company Dogs with congestive heart failure will be treated with multiple medications that developed the vaccine, comments: “Strangvac is a ground-breaking and may also be receiving tablets for other concurrent diseases. If an owner is new vaccine which, alongside good stable management and biosecurity struggling to administer tablets, replacing one of these with an oral solution procedures, can play a really important role in improving herd immunity could result in better overall compliance with treatment. and reducing the number of strangles cases in the equine population, The Cardisure product range now includes Cardisure Oral Solution and Cardisure thereby preventing major economic loss to the equestrian industry.” Flavoured Tablets 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. “Strangles is highly contagious and is one of the most common equine Alison Casey, Ireland commercial manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, respiratory diseases,” comments Sara Barker BVSc CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, says: ‘Cardisure Oral Solution is a new formulation of pimobendan that equine field support manager at Dechra. “Feared by horse owners due to aids compliance in cases where giving tablets can be a challenge. The new the potential severity of clinical signs and the infectious nature of strangles, presentation provides vets with more options for treating dogs with congestive we are sure that the new strangles vaccine will be a vital tool in disease heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy and is a welcome addition to our prevention and a huge benefit to the equestrian industry as a whole.” cardiology range.” Cardisure Oral Solution is available in wholesalers now. For further information on strangles and the Strangvac vaccine please For further information please contact your local Dechra territory sales manager contact your local Dechra territory sales manager or visit www.dechra.ie. or visit www.dechra.ie. 50 \\ It’s Your Field Autumn 2022