Update, November 2023 - No. 2, by Royal GD

AHEAD IN ANIMAL HEALTH

update November 2023 - No. 2

ANIMAL HEALTH MONITORING

Early detection of new diseases and working together for knowledge

MYCOPLASMA

Manage problems and stay in control

DIGITAL DERMATITIS

Diagnosis, treatment, and control

AHEAD IN ANIMAL HEALTH

Proficiency testing schemes in 2024 Closing Submission Final Shipment date of test report and of samples registration results certificate

Why participate?

1.

To evaluate laboratory performance

2.

To identify problems

3.

To maintain or achieve ISO 17025 accreditation

4.

To identify interlaboratory differences

Application and questions More information about our PTS and the application form can be found on our website www.gdanimalhealth.com/PTS.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via pts@gdanimalhealth.com.

Round 1 VLDIA234

PTS PRRSV antibody detection

VLDIA290

PTS PRRS virus detection

VLDIA225

PTS IBV antibody detection

VLDIA296

PTS IB virus detection

January 05

Week 4

March 15

Week 19

January 19

Week 6

March 15

Week 19

February 02

Week 8

April 12

Week 23

March 01

Week 12

May 10

Week 27

March 29

Week 16

June 07

Week 31

Round 2 VLDIA323

PTS Bacterial Identification cattle

VLDIA324

PTS Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial strains cattle

VLDIA323

PTS Bacterial Identification poultry

VLDIA324

PTS Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial strains poultry

VLDIA323

PTS Bacterial Identification companion animals

VLDIA324

PTS Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial strains companion animals

Round 3 VLDIA294

PTS App antibody detection

VLDIA340

PTS Mycoplasma Hyopneunomiae antibody detection

VLDIA345

PTS Mycoplasma Hyopneunomiae bacteria detection

VLDIA226

PTS Mycoplasma (Mg/Ms) antibody detection

VLDIA303

PTS Mycoplasma (Mg/Ms) bacteria detection

Round 4 VLDIA336

PTS Map antibody detection (serum)

VLDIA337

PTS Map antibody detection (milk)

VLDIA338

PTS MAP antibody detection (milk and serum)

VLDIA219

PTS NDV antibody detection

VLDIA328

PTS ND virus detection

VLDIA313

PTS EDS antibody detection

Round 5

View the entire schedule: www.gdanimalhealth.com/pts/timeschedule

VLDIA172

PTS IBDV antibody detection (Gumboro)

VLDIA314

PTS IBD virus detection (Gumboro)

VLDIA286

PTS BVD virus and antigen detection

VLDIA235

PTS SRLVs (MVV/CAEV) antibody detection

VLDIA344

PTS PCV2 antibody detection

VLDIA285

PTS PCV2 virus detection

foreword

COLLABORATION The new GD Update is ready. In this edition we again have a number of interesting topics and practical matters to share. The new calendar of the Proficiency testing schemes has been released. Register for the rounds in time. In this way we can provide the distributed samples and the associated reporting in a timely manner. Particularly interesting for ISO 17025 accredited laboratories. In this edition you will also find a contribution from Vaxxinova. We both share a strong focus on animal health.

What makes Royal GD special are the wonderful contributions of our specialists. The recently promoted Arne Vanhoudt has a nice contribution about diagnosis, treatment, and control of bovine digital dermatitis. The subject of Mycoplasma is further illuminated by Sjaak de Wit and Anneke Feberwee. They

indicate, among other things, that GD can provide important support in PCR lab analyses by submitting FTA cards. To stay in the poultry sector, a nice interview with Dionne Rauff, our partner in South Africa. Dionne explains more about how to use VIR-Check to achieve objective monitoring of the cleaning of a broiler house. Finally, a contribution about National and international cooperation when it comes to animal health monitoring. Collaboration is the key to success and results.

Finally, Jasper het Lam introduces himself, our cattle specialist in the field of respiratory problems. Enjoy reading and inspiration. We would love to get in touch with you to not only discuss the topics in this GD update, but also to talk about animal health in general.

Wim Kieftenbeld, Director Business Development

content 04 Interview with Vaxxinova: Animal

CONTACT INFORMATION ROYAL GD

health is key

If you want to know more about what GD can do for you, please contact one of our staff members, responsible for international sales:

Wim Kieftenbeld

Berend Oosterhuis

Director of Business Development

Director of Contract Research & Consulting

w.kieftenbeld@gdanimalhealth.com

b.oosterhuis@gdanimalhealth.com

Annemiek Kolkman

Eveline Peereboom

Area sales manager

Business manager

a.kolkman@gdanimalhealth.com

e.peereboom@gdanimalhealth.com

Jarno Smit

Fanny Nieuwenhuis

Area sales manager GD Academy

Business manager

06 Diagnosis, treatment, and control of bovine digital dermatitis

07 Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae

04

10 Objective monitoring of cleaning with the VIR Check

12 Animal health monitoring. Interviews

f.nieuwenhuis@gdanimalhealth.com

with experts Angus Cameron and Henk Jan Ormel.

j.smit@gdanimalhealth.com

Mattheus Hekman

Ellen Koetsier

Area sales manager

Sales support

m.hekman@gdanimalhealth.com

support@gdanimalhealth.com

15 News & communications 16 GD Specialist Jasper het Lam on bovine

Sebastiaan Bierma

Frank Huis in ‘t Veld

Area sales manager

Sales support

s.bierma@gdanimalhealth.com

support@gdanimalhealth.com

Tetiana Kopniak

Janine Boertien

Area sales manager

Sales support

t.kopniak@gdanimalhealth.com

support@gdanimalhealth.com

respiratory disease

09

Nanda Pastoor Coordinator GD Academy GDAcademy@gdanimalhealth.com

Phone +31 (0)88 20 25 575 | E-mail info@gdanimalhealth.com | Website www.gdanimalhealth.com | Mail address GD P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands Editor Update Jessica Fiks | Delivery address for samples and post mortem material Royal GD, Attn. CMD, Rigastraat 25, 7418 EW Deventer, the Netherlands

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Update, November 2023 - 3

WORKING TOGETHER

Animal Health is Key

Vaxxinova offers a comprehensive portfolio of high quality vaccines, including a range of live and inactivated, mono- and combination vaccines. With over six decades of experience in disease prevention for production animals, Vaxxinova operates in more than sixty countries. Royal GD is an important key partner for Vaxxinova Formally established in 2010 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Vaxxinova’s predecessors have been involved in the livestock vaccine and diagnostics industry for over sixty years. The company has extensive experience in research and development, manufacturing, and the application of licensed and autogenous vaccines. “Our R&D teams work closely together to innovate licensed and autogenous vaccines, as well as to explore new vaccine technologies.”

Key Partnerships Working with partners, Vaxxinova is committed to disease prevention and supporting customers’ performance improvement programmes. “Since the establishment of our laboratory in

Stockphoto Shutterstock Vaxxinova has actively pursued a partnership with Royal GD, with a particular focus on poultry vaccine development.

4 - Update, November 2023

interview

Jessica Fiks, editor

Prevention as the foundation “Healthy animals starts with prevention. We see many opportunities today and in the future. The scope goes beyond Western Europe; it’s essential to take a broader view. What’s happening in the world? We are building a comprehensive range, focusing initially on poultry and aquaculture and see potential opportunities to expand into swine, cattle, and turkeys. Our ambition is to continue broadening the reach of our portfolio.”

The value of employees Vaxxinova’s workforce of more than 1.000 employees is central to the company’s effort to prevent animal disease. The company thrives on an open working culture where an entrepreneurial spirit prevails, avoiding top-down structures to ensure that all valuable ideas have a voice. “Our existing network includes production, research and development, sales, and diagnostic facilities in ten countries: Brazil, Chile, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Norway, the Netherlands, Thailand, and the USA.” Copyright Vaxxinova

Nijmegen in 2017, we have actively pursued a partnership with Royal GD, with a particular focus on poultry vaccine development. Royal GD has in depth knowledge, including renowned poultry expert Sjaak de Wit. This breadth of knowledge is invaluable. Recognising specific external know-how can be beneficial, the power of collaboration is evident. Royal GD is a sparring partner for poultry vaccine development because they know what is happening in the field.”

“Our collaboration with Royal GD is progressing well. Our agreements are clear, and our working relationship is very amicable. Administrative processes in the Netherlands can be time consuming. Nevertheless, we achieve favourable results. By closely monitoring trends and responding effectively, we are making significant progress. Such collaboration allows us to address real needs. Strong long-term partnerships are essential in this endeavour.”

Vaxxinova’s workforce of more than 1.000 employees is central to the company’s effort to prevent animal disease

Copyright Vaxxinova Vaxxinova offers a comprehensive portfolio of high quality vaccines, including a range of live and inactivated, mono- and combination vaccines.

Update, November 2023 - 5

animal health

Arne Vanhoudt, veterinarian

DIGITAL DERMATITIS IN DAIRY CATTLE

Diagnosis, treatment, and control of bovine digital dermatitis Our veterinarian, Arne Vanhoudt, has earned his doctoral degree. He received his doctorate on June 12th for his research on bovine digital dermatitis (DD). This research was carried out at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, under the supervision of Professor Dr Mirjam Nielen.

Arne: “Lesions of DD are the leading cause of infectious lameness in dairy cattle worldwide, thereby negatively affecting animal welfare and farm economics through production loss, decreased reproductive performance, treatment costs, and increased risk of culling. In Europe, about 85% of the herds are reported infected and within-herd DD prevalence ranges between 3 and 83%. This thesis focuses on the detection,

prompt effective treatment, and control of DD on dairy herds.

In Chapter 2, an overview of the status quo on management of DD on dairy herds is given. In the next chapter we demonstrated that experienced scorers Arne Vanhoudt are well able to differentiate between photographs of feet affected by DD and photographs feet unaffected by DD. On the other hand, they were less able to identify specific lesion stages, including the M2 and M4 stage which are considered important stages regarding clinical impact and infection reservoir, respectively.

In Chapter 4 we concluded that infrared thermography (IRT) is unlikely to be suited for automated identification of feet affected by DD due to the poor associations between maximum temperature of the plantar pastern region and the presence of M2 lesions or DD lesions in general.

In Chapter 5 we demonstrated that topical treatment of active, often painful, DD lesions with a copper and zinc chelates gel (coppergel) and bandage outperformed an enzyme alginogel and bandage in M-score improvement, with the majority of lesions transitioning to the chronic, often not painful, state. In contrast, treatment with the alginogel achieved improved wound healing progress compared with the coppergel. However, neither the coppergel nor the alginogel achieved high cure rates to healthy skin. In Chapter 6 we illustrated that a standalone identification of risk factors for DD together with associated advice to control these risk factors is insufficient to decrease the prevalence of DD in dairy herds. Chapter 7 concludes the thesis with a general discussion providing a reflection on insights gained and suggestions for future research on the diagnosis, treatment, and control of DD in dairy herds.”

READ THE FULL THESIS

6 - Update, November 2023

Anneke Feberwee, European Specialist in Poultry Veterinary Science

research

MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM AND MYCOPLASMA SYNOVIAE

Mycoplasma: how to manage the problems and stay in control?

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the most important avian mycoplasma species for the commercial poultry industry from a clinical economical point of view. The first case of MG and MS in poultry was recognized in the 1930s and 1950s respectively. Both mycoplasma species have shown to be of clinical economical relevance for the poultry industry. Both mycoplasma species are transmitted from parent to progeny through the egg (vertical transmission) and by horizontal transmission and after recovery lifelong carriership exist. The control of both mycoplasma species contributes to a more profitable poultry production. Control measures to achieve this however will depend on the prevalence, housing type (single versus-multi age), the geographical area (or integration).

Update, November 2023 - 7

horizontal transmission of MG and MS in a low prevalence situation. However slaughtering of infected parent stock in order to cut down the vertical transmission route is not economically sustainable in a situation of high prevalence. In a situation of high prevalence besides a good biosecurity, also antimicrobial treatment and vaccination programmes are important tools in the control of vertical and horizontal transmission. In geographical areas with a high poultry density and the presence of multi age sites MG and MS control will even be a bigger challenge. The approach in the control of MS and MG has to be tailor made and depend on the goals which are feasible under the geographical or integration prevalences.

Sjaak de Wit

There is no doubt about the clinical-economical relevance of MG. MG is regarded as a risk for commercial poultry especially in the presence of other respiratory agents and is responsible for respiratory disease, increased mortality and increased condemnation rates at slaughter. The clinical economical relevance of MG for the commercial poultry industry has already been recognized 70 years ago and also control programmes have been running since then. MS is different from MG and it has always been present in commercial poultry but the clinical economical relevance has been subject for debate. The developments in diagnostic tests and information from research has given more insight in the clinical economical relevance of MS for the poultry industry. New diagnostic tests and research evidenced the presence of MS strains related to respiratory disease, infectious synovitis, eggshell abnormalities and egg production losses. The worldwide prevalence of these pathogenic strains is not clear. Subclinical infections are still frequently reported.

Due to the increasing reports on primary pathogenic MS strains the clinical-economical relevance has become less subject for debate. The latter has also led to more focus on the control of MS in in the poultry industry.

Control MS & MG high prevalence versus low prevalence MS and MG are transmitted from parent stock to progeny (vertical transmission) and horizontal transmission (direct, indirect contact). The highest rate of vertical transmission occurs in the acute phase of the infection. The approach in control will be different in a situation of low or high prevalence.

Slaughter of infected parent stock and biosecurity measurements are important in the control of vertical and

8 - Update, November 2023

Diagnostic tests MG and MS diagnostic tests play an important role to develop further action plans in control strategies. Commercial serological tests (RPA and ELISA-tests) as well as commercial PCR tests, including PCR tests, able to differentiate between vaccine and field strain (DIVA) are available nowadays. Serological tests are the most common used tests as serology is quick and inexpensive. Although more expensive then serology, also PCR tests have also become important in the control of MG and MS. Furthermore, sequence based strain typing techniques are available nowadays which can help you to monitor the persistence or the introduction of new infections which can be of help to monitor the effectiveness of control strategies. PCR

To make a good start in determining the nature and extent of the Mycoplasma problem, it is advisable to perform laboratory analyses by a leading laboratory tests and molecular typing tests are not always available on location so sampling of FTA cards to perform a PCR test or to perform molecular typing test can be regarded as a good and valuable alternative. In a situation of low prevalence the focus will be on the detection of absence or low level of infection. In a situation of high prevalence diagnostic tests play an important role to monitor the effect of measurements implemented to control MS and MG, to monitor MS or MG status before vaccination or to monitor the status of parent stock by one day old chicks.

Sample frequency and size and test- characteristics play a role in the efficiency of the monitoring programmes. Also other factors (circulating Mycoplasma species, used vaccination programme, immunity etc) can be of influence on the performance of the tests. These factors can even differ per geographical area or integration. Also the application of MS and MG vaccines and use of antimicrobial treatments will influence results of diagnostic tests.

Anneke Feberwee

Expertise Royal GD The approach to managing the vertical and horizontal transmission of MG and MS will depend on the prevalence in a geographic area or within an integration. Diagnostic tests play an important role in the management of MS and MG. Setting up baselines, proficiency testing (PTS) and knowledge about the use and interpretation of diagnostic tests and epidemiology can be of value in setting up monitoring programmes. Our poultry experts Dr. Anneke Feberwee and Prof. Dr. Sjaak de Wit have extensive knowledge of Mycoplasma.

To be able to perform laboratory tests properly and with reliable results, we would like to refer to the MG and MS products in our PTS and Diagnostics (antigen and anti-serum) program. Since good management and biosecurity is an important key, it is important to keep knowledge up-to-date through Royal GD. To make a good start in determining the nature and extent of the Mycoplasma problem, it is advisable to perform laboratory analyses by a leading laboratory. With our FTA card service, Royal GD can offer an adequate service.

More details can be read in this scientific publication: Decrease of Mycoplasma gallisepticum seroprevalence and introduction of new genotypes in Dutch commercial poultry during the years 2001–2018 C. ter Veen, R. Dijkman, J. J. de Wit, M. Gyuranecz, A. Feberwee.

Update, November 2023 - 9

SOUTH AFRICA

Objective monitoring of cl Dionne Rauff is Royal GD Animal Health’s distributor in South Africa and sells, in addition to the PTS and diagnostics, the VIR check. “The VIR Check is a fantastic and objective tool to independently check the effectiveness of cleaning in broiler houses.”

Dionne Rauff

10 - Update, November 2023

Dionne: “About 50% of the poultry vets that I work with, currently use the VIR check on their clients’ farms. Especially where the broilers are experiencing growth problems. We are currently carrying out at least two VIR checks a week, for a large integrated operation and for a number of smaller poultry farms”.

Monitoring cleaning companies In South Africa, broiler houses are cleaned by specialised cleaning companies, Dionne explains, not by the farmers themselves. “One client is currently putting in a regulatory system, where two of their houses get a VIR check every cycle. This way, they can monitor the cleaning companies. Previously, those companies were basically monitoring themselves, checking bacterial load only. With the VIR Check, viruses are also included. Clients are extremely happy with the results.

Veterinarians can link poor outcomes of a VIR Check to poor performance on the farms. They can then act, before the next cycle starts. Farmers are happy to use the VIR Check as they are often weary of the tests the cleaning companies do. Cleaning companies might be biased in judging their own bacteriological samples and their own work. The VIR check is an objective evaluation of the cleaning process.”

distributor

eaning with the VIR Check Samples to the Netherlands “Vets advise the farm managers, who carry out the test. The VIR Check is easy to do. I have developed a five point procedure that I always provide to first-time users” Dionne explains. “Subsequently, I organise the collection of the samples and send them to Royal GD in The Netherlands. The service is fantastic, it takes four to five days to get the tests to The Netherlands and then four days later I receive the test results. We slaughter early in South Africa, usually at 33 days, so a total time of two weeks for testing is great. Once the results are in, the farm managers can talk to their cleaning company and check on chemicals and procedures.”

mend going through the veterinarians, instead of approaching farmers directly. Once they see the results of the VIR Check, they will recommend it for use at their clients farms.

In South Africa a number of pharmaceutical companies now also recommend the use of the VIR check.”

Approach the vets Dionne’s has some words of wisdom for other distributors of the VIR Check outside of the Netherlands: “I would recom-

1 7

Take care of proper cleaning and disinfection in your houses.

2

Decreasing the viral load supports a good start of the broilers in the next cycle.

Check with bacteriological tests if cleaning and disinfection was performed properly.

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3

The result: a clear report with a short explanation, the test result and a visual of the VIR-check score.

What is the viral load of the (cleaned) houses? VIR-check

by GD measures five contagious and resistant viruses.

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Push the ten swabs on one spot of the FTA-card and send this to Royal GD. You will get a result per house.

4

The VIR-check is an easy to perform test: take cloacal swabs of ten broilers aged 6 or 7 days.

Update, November 2023 - 11

ANIMAL HEALTH MONITORING

National and international cooperation United we stand stronger and know more. That’s why it’s important for different organisations to work together when it comes to monitoring animal health. Within the Netherlands, but also internationally. Over the years, an extensive network has developed and is still expanding.

Animal health monitoring is an initiative led by the government and the livestock industry. The parties involved jointly determine how the monitoring is to be carried out and seek advice from Royal GD. This cooperation between private and public bodies is one of the key success factors of the monitoring effort. One of the ways in which government and industry organisations work together is through the Monitoring Advisory Committees. These committees meet four times a year to discuss monitoring results and decide whether further action is needed, such as additional research, communication with veterinarians or policy adjustments.

In addition, cooperation with other institutions plays an important role, as they bring additional knowledge and information or use different laboratory techniques, especially in cases of suspicion or outbreaks of notifiable diseases. If such a disease is suspected during animal health surveillance, Royal GD, in consultation with the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, sends the research material to Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, where laboratory analysis is carried out

12 - Update, November 2023

and a final diagnosis is made. We also exchange knowledge with the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre and the Vector Monitoring Centre.

One Health Human and animal health are closely linked. The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment is the key player in monitoring public health. Human and veterinary health authorities work together under the principle of ‘One Health’ to take proactive measures against zoonoses. These are pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

The primary objective is always to protect human and animal health. Royal GD participates in the National Zoonoses Surveillance Committee, where public and animal health findings are reviewed monthly by human and veterinary experts.

International collaboration Diseases don’t respect borders. With a changing climate and increasing international trade, the risk of disease spread is increasing. Royal GD collaborates in research and knowledge exchange with a broad international network of researchers and laboratories. This network is constantly expanding both within and outside Europe. By sharing surveillance results, these findings are contextualised within a broader international framework. This increases the chances of early detection of new diseases and a better understanding of the most effective response strategies.

monitoring

“PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL MONITORING” Henk Jan Ormel, former advisor to the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is well versed in global animal health surveillance and is a strong advocate of further internationalisation and cooperation. He believes that Royal GD should join the international network of reference laboratories.

Within the international structures, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) focuses primarily on animal health, with a direct link to international trade in animals and animal products. When the WOAH authorises certain vaccinations, the World Trade Organisation also adopts these standards. The FAO, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with human food security. The organisation aims to eradicate hunger worldwide and to produce food sustainably, which has a more indirect link to animal health. Ormel explains, “During my nine years at FAO, I have seen a shift from a more economic perspective focused on food security to a greater emphasis on the public health aspects of food production.”

Global shortage of veterinarians When it comes to public health, a strong veterinary infrastructure is crucial. Detecting animal diseases starts in the field, and veterinarians and paraveterinarians are the backbone of the (inter)national veterinary infrastructure. Without them, the concept of One Health cannot be effectively realised.

However, there is a significant challenge, as Ormel points out: “Wherever I’ve been in the world, I’ve seen a worrying shortage of veterinarians and paraveterinarians. In many countries, a significant amount of work is done by paraveterinarians, partly because veterinarians are not readily available. Investing in both professions, not only in the Netherlands, but especially in other countries, will benefit both them and us. An infectious animal disease can quickly find its way to the Netherlands.”

International monitoring systems “Internationally, there are two systems for monitoring animal health and outbreaks, namely the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Firstly, there’s the official reporting system called the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). For example, if there’s an outbreak of avian influenza in the Netherlands, our country is obliged to report it. This report is then published worldwide. The downside of this system is that an outbreak is only known when the country in question officially acknowledges it. The Netherlands complies with this, but many

Henk Jan Ormel

countries either do not report promptly or report late.”

“In addition to this official reporting system, there’s the Global Early Warning System (GLEWS), a joint initiative of the FAO and the WOAH. In this system, detection doesn’t rely on official reports from a country, but on signals such as local press reviews or reports from FAO regional offices. This results in weekly confidential reports that can only be accessed by subscription. In terms of prevention, different disciplines work together to produce, for example, ‘risk maps’ for specific areas around the world. If there’s a risk associated with a particular vector or disease, countries are alerted,” explains Ormel.

Global network “It is very important that laboratories around the world contribute to the monitoring and control of animal diseases,” says Ormel.

At FAO, there are more agricultural experts than veterinarians, and many of them have studied in Wageningen, which has a strong agricultural university background. He adds with a smile: “When I was working in Rome, I noticed that many people at FAO thought Wageningen was the capital of the Netherlands. There is also a lot of respect for our animal health surveillance system. We have done an excellent job here over the past twenty years. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t pressure on the livestock sector. For this reason, and also because of globalisation, it would be beneficial to further harmonise our surveillance systems. Each country has its own specific problems, of course, but it’s useful to actively and systematically monitor what’s happening in other parts of the world and to share what we do here, because the Netherlands serves as a global example in food production.”

Ormel continues: “In my opinion, it’s not only an opportunity but also a moral obligation for Royal GD to join the global network of reference laboratories of the WOAH and FAO. As a veterinary laboratory, you would then be right.

Update, November 2023 - 13

Angus Cameron

“EARLY WARNING IS ABOUT TRUST” Angus Cameron, director of AusVet in Lyon with experience in more than fifty countries, is an epidemiologist specialising in surveillance and health information systems, animal identification and traceability, epidemiological data analysis and geographic information systems. What are the most important lessons for maintaining the support and value of animal health surveillance? At the symposium celebrating twenty years of monitoring, Angus Cameron shared his insights.

Cameron emphasised: “Monitoring and surveillance are based on trust. Early detection is crucial because it allows timely intervention. It is also the most challenging aspect of surveillance.

The goal is to detect every outbreak of every disease very early.

This means monitoring entire populations with real-time data.

Effective surveillance of infectious diseases requires a comprehensive understanding of all clinical symptoms occurring in a country or region. For this, reporting by livestock owners themselves is essential, and this can only be achieved through strong cooperation with all livestock owners. It’s the only tool we have to get the right information for early detection.”

Power dynamics “So you have to have the trust of the livestock owners. This is built slowly, with a common interest as the foundation. Trust requires total transparency and honesty. You have to make it clear that all of us, including government, industry, livestock owners and inspectors, have the same goal. Trust is about understanding power dynamics. When one party has significantly more power than the other, it becomes difficult to build and maintain trust. For example, a small-scale livestock owner

14 - Update, November 2023

with few animals may feel at the mercy of veterinarians and politicians who may suddenly decide to cull animals to contain a disease. This happened, for example, to livestock owners in Thailand who had cattle with foot-and-mouth disease, an endemic disease in that country. Other livestock owners may get a lot of health information from their nutritionist, but relatively little from vets or government services. In Australia, where I come from, surveillance is carried out by a company in which all stakeholders have a stake and are involved in decision making and funding. Such a structure helps to build mutual trust. You can find a similar system in many countries.”

Value and security of data “The value and security of data is critical to conducting effective epidemiological research. In Chile, for example, we have successfully conducted research on farmed salmon while allowing the salmon farms to retain ownership of their data and to make decisions about the research we conduct and who can access the data. If you develop a monitoring system that clearly benefits farms, other producers will naturally join in. What doesn’t work is paying for data. They tried that in Cameroon, for example, but it undermined trust. Livestock owners didn’t see the value of monitoring for themselves beyond the payment for their data.

The best approach is a cyclical one. In this method, we collect the data, analyse it and then give it back to the data providers, the livestock owners, because they are the ones who make the daily decisions about animal diseases. By providing feedback on the data, you ensure that the information continues to improve and you maintain trust.”

A good structure is essential “In all environments and cultures, trust between livestock owners and government and industry organisations can be built and improved. You need a robust monitoring structure like the one in the Netherlands. In addition, ensuring data security and promoting open communication are essential. Livestock owners must have confidence that the data they provide will bring tangible benefits, including to themselves. Of course, in certain acute situations it may be necessary to make data more widely available. But this can easily undermine trust. The challenge is to find the right balance.”

MORE ON ANIMAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

news & communications

Proficiency testing schedule 2024 The PTS program and application form 2024 are available on our website. Our proficiency testing schemes can help you determine the individual performance of your laboratories for specific tests, and also serve to achieve or maintain ISO17025 accreditation. We offer a wide range of PTS for poultry, swine, cattle, small ruminants and companion animals and are continuously adding new schemes for different pathogens and laboratory tests. For more information and prices please contact your distributor or Royal GD: pts@gdanimalhealth.com.

MORE INFORMATION

Bird flu vaccination process continues with two vaccines Two of the four vaccines tested for their effectiveness against HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) H5N1 bird flu appear to be effective under laboratory conditions. The vaccine study was conducted at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research in collaboration with Utrecht University, Royal GD and WUR, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV). Research in practice will now follow. For this purpose, a field trial is being prepared on several poultry farms. A pilot is also being prepared to vaccinate poultry farms in the Netherlands on a larger scale.

Irish Animal Health Laboratories part of GD Group On Friday, 29 September 2023, GD Group signed the share purchase agreement in relation to the entire share capital of Animal Health Laboratories (Ireland) Limited. This Irish company offers an extensive range of laboratory services to large animal and equine vets, industrial stakeholders and farmers. They also offer advice on disease testing and herd health issues. The knowledge and expertise of Animal Health Laboratories fits very well with the offerings of the other companies of the group and GD Group’s ambition for further international growth. The lab is based County Cork, the southernmost and largest county in Ireland.

Ynte Schukken, CEO of the GD Group: “The diagnostics Animal Health Laboratories offers in Ireland for livestock farmers and veterinarians shows many similarities with the services offered by other subsidiaries of GD Group. We see opportunities for synergy. This acquisition also marks the first step in veterinary diagnostics in Ireland in a region with many cattle and sheep. It will be GD Group’s first subsidiary in Ireland.”

GD Group is the parent company of Royal GD, Van Haeringen Group and others. GD Group’s ambition is to be a valuable partner for animal health, both now and in the years to come. Besides farm animals, the Group’s companies also focus on backyard animals, companion animals and horses, and also examines human and plant samples.

We are working towards a healthily expanding and efficient organisation. Besides growing our operations in the Netherlands, we also see opportunities for further international growth. The Group already has subsidiaries in Belgium, Germany, Austria, Norway and US.

Bluetongue found for first time since 2009 Hundreds of farms in the Netherlands are grappling with an outbreak of the bluetongue virus. For the first time since 2009, blueongue was found on farms in the Netherlands.

Bluetongue causes fever and mouth ulcers and in some cases turns an animal’s tongue blue. It is transmitted by insects such as midges and can be highly dangerous to sheep and cows, although it does not affect humans. The Netherlands will now lose its EU disease-free status. Bluetongue is spread by midges, not by direct contact between animals, and this led to more cases in september and october. Royal GD works closely with a lot of partners to keep in control of the virus.

Scan the QR-code for the publication: Emergence of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in the Netherlands in September 2023.

Update, November 2023 - 15

GD specialist: Jasper het Lam Respiratory problems in calves can range from a simple cold to severe pneumonia. A calf that grows up free of respiratory infections will live a happier, longer, more productive (and therefore more profitable) and more sustainable life.

Our cattle vet Jasper het Lam DVM recently gave a webinar: Let’s join forces against bovine respiratory disease.

“In calves with pneumonia, the cause always lies in the past.

We know that 2 to 10 days before pneumonia becomes visible, there is a rise in temperature and inflammation in the lungs.

Many farmers find it difficult to implement management changes for a cause that does not appear to be directly related to pneumonia. However, there is clear evidence that they play an important role. The causes can be broadly grouped into three categories: the presence of specific pathogens, environmental factors and factors in the resistance of the calf itself.

BRD leads to many problems “BRD is complex and is caused by viruses, bacteria or stress factors. It causes an immune response in the lungs. Sometimes the immune system overreacts and this often leads to death.

BRD causes a lot of direct costs. But the indirect and long-term costs are much higher, such as reduced growth, reduced milk production and delayed time to first calving. It’s a painful disease, so it affects animal welfare and leads to reduced sustainability. A calf without BRD is likely to have a longer and better life, with lower antibiotic use, faster growth and higher lifetime milk yield.”

Test, test, test “BRD is the leading cause of death and morbidity and the main indication for antibiotic use, so it’s a risk for antibiotic resistance. So let’s work together to implement many more of the tools we have and create new tools in everyday practice to help farmers minimise BRD. As a vet, you interpret the calves. Are they thin, are they dirty, is there a comfortable straw bedding, how big are the groups, is there proper food and water and so on. But not all risk factors can be noticed by using your eyes and ears only. Thus keep up the good clinical watching but also check other risk factors by asking questions and using (laboratory) tests. Once BRD is diagnosed, more or less damage is unevitable. But for the next calves it is not too late for prevention. You can help the farmer to identify the underlying factors that caused the BRD episode. Too often we gave the same general advices to every farmer. Testing is very important so that the farmer can make the right decisions based on specific risk factors beïng present on his or her specific farm.

WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE WEBINAR

P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands, T. +31 570 633 391, F. +31 570 634 104 www.gdanimalhealth.com, info@gdanimalhealth.com