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Nematodirus battus infection in calves
1Department of Veterinary Parasitology, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden.
The Veterinary Record
|October 3, 1987
Summary
Young cattle can act as reservoirs for Nematodirus battus, a parasite typically affecting lambs. Their infections contaminate pastures, posing a risk to both calves and lambs in subsequent grazing seasons.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Animal Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Parasitic gastroenteritis is a significant concern in young ruminants.
- Nematodirus battus is a nematode parasite commonly affecting lambs.
- Pasture rotation is a common strategy for controlling parasitic infections in livestock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of young cattle in the epidemiology of Nematodirus battus.
- To assess the potential for cross-species transmission and pasture contamination.
- To understand the development of immunity in calves to N. battus.
Main Methods:
- Annual pasture rotation involving calves and sheep.
- Monitoring of N. battus burdens in young cattle.
- Assessment of pasture larval contamination.
- Necropsy examinations of calves.
Main Results:
- Young cattle acquired significant N. battus infections.
- Calf infections led to substantial pasture contamination with N. battus larvae.
- Contaminated pastures posed a risk to both calves and lambs in the following year.
- Calves developed strong immunity to N. battus by the end of the grazing season.
Conclusions:
- Young cattle play a crucial role in N. battus epidemiology.
- Cross-species transmission and pasture contamination by cattle are significant.
- Immunity development in calves can mitigate self-infection but not eliminate pasture contamination risk.