Viabilidade técnica e impacto econômico da erradicação de Streptococcus agalactiae em rebanhos bovinos / Economic and technical viability of the eradication of Streptococcus agalactiae in bovine herds

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2006

RESUMO

There are several pathogens causing bovine mastitis, but only Streptococcus agalactiae is feasible to be eradicated from a herd. Two herd data (A and B) were used to evaluate the economic and technical viability of the eradication of this pathogen, based on this pathogen attack program. It was used a 24 month period data from production; somatic cells count (SCC), clinical mastitis and expenditures. A cost-benefit analysis was carried out through mathematical models. It was identified 16 infected cows with S. agalactiae in herd A, and in herd B, there were 42, from which 31 associated with Staphylococcus aureus. The therapy effectiveness in eliminating S. agalactiae was about 100% in both herds. However, 18 cows kept the infection of S. aureus after the therapy (42% of effectiveness). The number of cases and cows with mastitis decrease was about 18% and 21%, respectively. For herd B it was found a SCC growing tendency on infected group and on total milk, 12 months before the therapy (980x10P 3 P and 968x10P 3 P cells/ml averages, respectively) and stabilization after treatment (577x10P 3 P cells/ml and 563x10P 3 P cells/ml averages, respectively). Treatment cost was about R$ 175.95 per cow considering the following higher cost items: laboratory exams (39%); milk discard (31%); veterinary medicaments and labor for additional operations (20%); and veterinary fees (10%). Payment due to quality and to the decrease in clinical mastitis cases represented about 55% e 34% of total benefit. However, it was not found significant milk production increase for treatment program (p>0.05), in treated group, nor in herd B. It was estimated about 11.67; 6.45 and 2.61 monetary unit return for each unit invested. Prophylactic procedures were important to eradicate and maintain the herd free from S. agalactiae, they have also contributed for lower incidence of clinical mastitis, decreasing SCC and discard/precocious mortality, so its adoption is recommended. Considering Brazilian requirements relative to somatic cells and milk total bacterial as well as S. agalactiae role in increasing these parameters, it is suggested an eradication program of this pathogen, which may help farmers to maintain production under standard requirements, as well as the consumers reducing risk and Government income loss due to taxes collection.

ASSUNTO(S)

bovine mastitis mastite bovina blitz therapy epidemiologia animal terapia de ataque cost-benefit analysis análise custo-benefício

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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