We present a simulation model which explicitly captures the movement of wild animals over the landscape and the effect which herd mobility has on the temporal and spatial course of an epidemic. Using the example of classical swine fever in feral pig populations in the tropical savannas, we demonstrate that seasonal factors influencing population density and movement patterns are an important fa...

The purpose of this study was to assess the association of bulk tank milk standard plate counts, bulk tank coliform counts (CC), and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in bulk tank milk with various management and farm characteristics on organic and conventional dairy farms throughout New York, Wisconsin, and Oregon. Data from size-matched organic farms (n=192), conventional nongrazing farms...

The aim of this survey was to identify spatial clustering of bovine cysticercosis-positive herds in the state of Paraíba. The state was divided into three sampling groups: sampling stratum 1 (Sertão mesoregion), sampling stratum 2 (Borborema mesoregion) and sampling stratum 3 (Zona da Mata and Agreste mesoregions), and 2382 cows aging ≥ 24 months from 474 farms were sampled. Serological diagnos...

During these years, eradication based on test and treatment was the major method of control. The introduction and widespread adoption of teat dipping and dry treatment greatly reduced the number of infected cows and herds. As a consequence, many researchers, mastitis consultants, and dairymen have begun to consider Strep ag merely a historical curiosity. However, in many herds (including low bu...

Results from the Arkansas Beef Audit indicated producers with small cow­calf herds placed a high value on the lifestyle, and it was clear from the findings that they managed their herds as much for heritage’s sake – or family legacy – as for profitability. This group understood they make up the largest volume of beef producers in Arkansas and indicated the belief that the public had a posi­ tiv...

Results: The study showed wide variation across different farm sizes with respect to total economic cost and net return per 100 lb (45.4 kg) of live hog produced. The total economic cost was negatively correlated (r = -.318, P = .016) and net return was positively correlated (r = .336, P = .011) with farm size. The average net return for large herds (> 75 sows) was higher (P =.003) than for sma...

1The authors thank A. L. Archibald, M. F. Rothschild, and the EC PiGMaP group for distribution of DNA from the PiGMaP reference families, and D. Nicholson, C. Haley, and G. J. Lee for provision of database services and linkage analyses. Published as paper no. 11989, Journal Series, Agric. Res. Div., Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583-0908. 2To whom correspondence should be addressed: phone: (402)...

An epidemiological survey, accompanied by a serological analysis,was conducted on samples taken from Lebanese goat herds in order to determine the prevalence of infection with the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) in Lebanon. The results of the survey provided information on various livestock production, animal health and herd management factors. Serum samplesfrom 952 goats, including...

Laboratory workers, in resource-poor countries, still consider PCR detection of Giardia lamblia more costly and more time-consuming than the classical parasitological techniques. Based on 2 published primers, an in-house one-round touchdown PCR-RFLP assay was developed. The assay was validated with an internal amplification control included in reactions. Performance of the assay was assessed wi...