New strategies for improving the efficacy of programs for eradication of Streptococcus agalactiae in dairy herds

• Grant number: 15/21157-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2016
• End date: April 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: José Carlos de Figueiredo Pantoja
• Grantee: José Carlos de Figueiredo Pantoja
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Letícia Borges Nunes Correia ; Rodolfo Santos Rossi ; Vera Lúcia Mores Rall

Abstract

The high prevalence of contagious mastitis is one of the main biological barriers for the improvement of milk quality in Brazil. Among contagious mastitis pathogens, intramammary infections caused by Streptococcus agalactiae result in great economic losses, due to reduction in milk production, increase in costs with mastitis treatments and milk discard, and decrease of milk value and industrial yield due to increases in concentrations of somatic cells and total bacteria. Moreover, S. agalactiae is a zoonotic pathogen that has been associated with infections in newborns and pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, causing pneumonia, septicemia and meningitis. Due to the great economic losses resulting from S. agalactiae mastitis, large scale eradication programs have been historically implemented in developed dairy regions worldwide. Despite being practically eradicated in these regions, S. agalactiae is one of the most prevalent pathogens in Brazilian herds, being isolated from more than 60% of the herds. In this context, the overall objective of this study is to identify strategies that can be used to maximize the efficiency of S. agalactiae eradication programs. Between three and ten dairy herds with a high prevalence of S. agalactiae will be selected for the study. Initially, a randomized clinical trial of parallel design will be conducted to estimate the efficacy of three treatment protocols for treating S. agalactiae mastitis during lactation. The generated knowledge will be used to develop a mathematical model (decision three) that will include biological and economic variables, with the aim of aid producers to maximize the cost-benefit of treatment programs. In addition, new diagnostic strategies will be studied to promote the rational use of antimicrobials in eradication programs, in order to decrease the risk of antimicrobial residues in milk and the development of microbial resistance to the drugs routinely used on the farms. An extension program will be also developed, in collaboration with a dairy processor, to qualify milking technicians, dairy producers, students, and government and public consultants in the area of contagious mastitis control. Results of this study can be directly applied in contagious mastitis eradication programs and contribute to the improvement of milk quality, animal welfare, and safety of dairy products. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ROSSI, RODOLFO SANTOS; AMARANTE, ARIADNE FERREIRA; GUERRA, SIMONY TREVISAN; LATOSINSKI, GIULIA SOARES; ROSSI, BRUNA FERNANDA; MORES RALL, VERA LUCIA; DE FIGUEIREDO PANTOJA, JOSE CARLOS. Efficacy of cefquinome and a combination of cloxacillin and ampicillin for treatment of dairy cows with Streptococcus agalactiae subclinical mastitis. PLoS One, v. 14, n. 4, APR 25 2019. (15/21157-0)

ROSSI, R. S.; AMARANTE, A. F.; CORREIA, L. B. N.; GUERRA, S. T.; NOBREGA, D. B.; LATOSINSKI, G. S.; ROSSI, B. F.; RALL, V. L. M.; PANTOJA, J. C. F.. Diagnostic accuracy of Somaticell, California Mastitis Test, and microbiological examination of composite milk to detect Streptococcus agalactiae intramammary infections. JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE, v. 101, n. 11, p. 10220-10229, NOV 2018. (15/21157-0)