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Potential transmission routes of Dichelobacter nodosus.
Journal article

Potential transmission routes of Dichelobacter nodosus.

  • Locher I Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
  • Giger L Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
  • Frosth S Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P. O. Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
  • Kuhnert P Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland. Electronic address: peter.kuhnert@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.
  • Steiner A Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
  • 2018-04-25
Published in:
  • Veterinary microbiology. - 2018
Claw trimming
Culture
Lameness
Ovine footrot
Real-time PCR
Animals
Dichelobacter nodosus
Foot Rot
Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
Hoof and Claw
Lameness, Animal
Prevalence
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
Sheep
Sheep Diseases
English Footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting the claw of sheep and the main cause of lameness in these animals. It is not only an economic burden but also a serious animal welfare issue. More information about the transmission of D. nodosus is needed for effective footrot control programs. We therefore determined the prevalence of D. nodosus in sheep presented at shows and markets where commingling of animals occurs. Furthermore, possible transmission vectors during foot trimming were investigated and trimming knife decontamination protocols evaluated. Sheep at six markets and four shows were sampled and tested for the presence of D. nodosus by real-time PCR. Different vectors, such as trimming knives were tested by real-time PCR and for viable D. nodosus by culture. The prevalence of virulent D. nodosus in sheep presented at shows and markets ranged from 1.7% to 100%. Regions with an ongoing control program showed significantly lower prevalence. After trimming, positive real-time PCR and culture results were obtained from the knives, the hands of the claw trimmers as well as removed claw horn material whereas boots were only positive by real-time PCR. In conclusion, markets and shows pose a risk for transmission of D. nodosus. The risk of transmission is particularly high during claw trimming and recommended measures to limit this risk include wiping the knife with a disinfection towel, wearing and changing gloves after every sheep, as well as proper disposal of trimmed and infectious horn.
Language
  • English
Open access status
closed
Identifiers
Persistent URL
https://sonar.ch/global/documents/44389
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