The prevalence of BRD associated pathogens in calves on Dutch veal farms.

Abstract

AIM: We researched the prevalence of BRD associated pathogens in calves in The Netherlands and compared two groups with different origin (BG: Benelux group and EE: East European group). METHOD: 212 calves from 10 veal farms were included, 120 calves from 6 farms included in the BG group and 92 calves from 4 farms in the EE group. A BAL was preformed and 6 ml blood was taken from the calves. ELISA was used for viral detection (BRSV, BHV, BVDV, BPI) and bacterial culture and PCR was used for bacterial detection (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, Trueperella pyogenes). RESULTS: The found prevalence ranged from lowest for BRSV with 0,5% up to Pasteurella multocida with 15,1%. Positive test results for Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica occured more often in the EE group compared to the BG group (P<0.01).