Download campylobacter information guide

CAMPYLOBACTER
INFORMATION
GUIDE
SECURE YOUR
LAMB NUMBERS TO
SECURE YOUR GAINS
Are Your
Lamb Marking
Percentages Lower
Than You’d Like?
Campylobacter infection can be a significant
cause of poor ewe reproductive performance
and lamb losses and should be considered
as a potential reason for low lamb marking
results. This is especially so in situations where
the maiden ewe lamb marking percentage is
significantly less than the main flock.
It is important to ensure that:
Campylobacter
in Sheep
There are two strains/types of Campylobacter
species in sheep that can cause reproductive
losses: Campylobacter fetus fetus and
Campylobacter jejuni. Campylobacter
infections in sheep can lead to placentitis,
which is inflammation of the placenta that can
cause significant reproductive losses for several
reasons:
• Poor oxygen and nutrient supply to
the foetus
• Bacterial infection of the foetus leading to
illness or death of the lamb at or after birth
✔Ewe condition scores are ideal to optimise
• Increased contraction of the uterus in the
ewe causing abortion
✔Adequate nutrition is being provided
• Metritis (inflammation and infection of the
lining of the uterus) in the ewe after
abortion occurs
fertility, maintain pregnancy and lactation
✔Lambing time is well managed (nutrition,
exposure, predation)
✔Internal and external parasites are being
well managed
✔Any trace element deficiencies are
addressed
✔All vaccinations are up to date for optimal
immunity
Australian sheep producers need to be aware
of ALL of the causes that may lead to decreased
lambing percentages in their flock, including
Campylobacter. Utilising an experienced
consultant can help to ensure these causes
are not only identified, but most importantly
that they are addressed in an effective and
efficient way. Consistently measuring scanning
to marking percentages and using experienced
consultants for analysis and advice is essential
to proactively identify and address any losses,
including those that result from Campylobacter.
Prevalence of Campylobacter
Campylobacter bacteria reside within the
gastrointestinal tract of sheep, in their faecal
material and surface/sub-surface water.
Scavenging birds and flies can facilitate spread.
Sheep can intermittently shed Campylobacter,
with increased shedding known to occur at times
of increased stress, such as lambing, weaning
and movement onto new pasture1.
Within Australia it was traditionally considered
that reproductive losses in sheep due to
infection with Campylobacter were restricted to
regions where cool, moist climatic conditions
prevailed, such as higher rainfall areas of
Victoria, Tasmania and southern parts of New
South Wales.
The incidence of Campylobacter in sheep now
appears to be more widespread within Australia.
With a new blood test made available in 2014
to determine the serological prevalence of
Positive
Campylobacter
antibody results
within Australia
(results higher
than ≥1:80) on
non-vaccinated
farms, indicative
of recent exposure
to Campylobacter
and presence of
carrier sheep.
Campylobacter fetus fetus and Campylobacter
jejuni, there is mounting evidence that
reproductive losses due to Campylobacter may
be much more widespread within Australia than
previously thought. Results so far indicate farms
in drier mixed farming areas and within Western
Australia have experienced reproductive losses
as a result of Campylobacter. Campylobacter
has also been observed within the pastoral zone
under intensive feeding conditions2.
Due to Campylobacter’s known zoonotic
potential, the issue of animals being a potential
reservoir for this bacteria has been of interest to
researchers internationally3,4. Zoonotic diseases
can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Campylobacter is a very common cause of
bacterial gastroenteritis in humans worldwide4.
7 7 7 7 7
4
3232
29 31
30
8
13 18
11
12 22
6
3
1
9
23 27 262625
26
28 1919
21
24
20
15
14
16
17171717
With widespread industry recommendations
that promote rotational grazing and mating of
ewe lambs, the prevalence of Campylobacter
abortion will almost certainly increase2,5.
2
1010
5
KEYS
1 Albury NSW
2 Boorowa NSW
3 Caldwell NSW
4 Coonabrabran NSW
5 Guyra NSW
6 Henty NSW
7 New England NSW
8 Wagga NSW
9 Womboota NSW
10 Yass NSW
11 Bray SA
12 Mt Gambier SA
13 Naracoorte SA
14 Carrick Tas
15 Lanceston Tas
16 Longford Tas
17 South Tas
18 Apsley Vic
19 Ballarat Vic
20 Camperdown Vic
21 Coldstream Vic
22 Coleraine Vic
23 Elmore Vic
24 Hamilton Vic
25 Tallangatta Vic
26 Tallangatta Valley Vic
27 Timmering Vic
28 Willaura Vic
29 Broomhill WA
30 Condingup WA
31 Gnowangerup WA
32 York WA
How is
Campylobacter
spread in sheep?
Campylobacter bacteria can be present in the
intestines of healthy sheep and can be spread
in the faeces, particularly during periods of
stress. This leads to contaminated pasture and
water sources and the ingestion of the bacteria
by previously unexposed sheep.
There is no way of detecting ‘carrier’
sheep and these sheep will be healthy and
productive. Infection causes the biggest impact
if the sheep is pregnant at the time of initial
exposure – potentially leading to abortion,
stillbirths or weak non-viable lambs.
Contamination from uterine fluids and
discharge, post abortion or birth, is very
significant. This contamination can lead to an
outbreak of infection and abortions within a
flock, often described as an abortion storm.
Ewes can excrete high levels of bacteria in
uterine discharge for up to 6 weeks.
Crows and foxes can also excrete the bacteria
in their faeces for weeks following the ingestion
of infected lambs or placenta.
Known Impacts to
Sheep Producers
Campylobacter can be a significant source of
reproductive losses in sheep due to the two
major Campylobacter species. The impact on
farm can be significant – production losses
can be up to 40 per cent loss of lamb
foetuses5 and hidden lamb losses can
average 9 percent6. Financially, up to
$40k per 1,000 pregnant ewes can
be lost7.
Campylobacter can also impact genetic
improvement as reproductive losses
reduce selection pressure within the flock.
Campylobacter infection of the ewe and
secondary infections of the ewe post abortion
will also impact the health of the broader flock.
Prevalence and Effects of Campylobacter
A blood test for Campylobacter was made available to Australian sheep producers in late
2014. New Zealand veterinarians and consultants have used the same blood test (AGID) for
Campylobacter for a number of years. Results of a large blood testing program in New Zealand
from 2006 - 2009 demonstrated considerable and widespread exposure to both Campylobacter
species8. To date, there are no published scientific information that give definitive guidelines about
interpretation of Campylobacter blood test results in sheep. Based on the testing experience of
the Australian and New Zealand Coopers Animal Health Technical Services teams, the following
guidelines are currently given, in tandem with specific advice based on the history of the
farms involved:
Blood test level
(C. jejuni and C. fetus fetus)
Interpretation/Recommendation
<1:10
Naive animals, not previously exposed. Vaccination based on
risk assessment/likelihood of introducing a carrier.
1:10 - 1:60
Endemic in flock with low level exposure. Unlikely to be
resulting in a significant/recent reproductive loss scenario.
Vaccination based on risk assessment – if buying in sheep, etc.
≥1:80
More recent exposure (or vaccination) probable. Likely to be
significant associated reproductive losses. Carrier sheep are
likely to be present in the flock. Vaccination recommended.
1:160+
Very high result: indicative of recent exposure and carriers in
flock. Vaccination recommended.
Testing in 2014 - 2015 has confirmed the presence of Campylobacter affected flocks within
Australia and has supported these recommendations as relevant to Australian conditions. Blood
testing carried out by Coopers Animal Health in late 2014 in flocks where foetal losses were
suspected indicate:
• C. fetus fetus as being at significant levels in the sheep flocks tested (1:10 - 1:40)
(59 of 68 flocks tested)
• This was often associated with abortions (1:80 or higher) (33% of flocks tested)
Abortion storms are usually associated with
Campylobacter fetus fetus, especially in the
last 6 weeks of pregnancy9.
Prevalence and Effects of Campylobacter
Testing performed by Coopers Animal Health confirmed
Campylobacter jejuni is very common in the Australian sheep
flock. (66 of 68 flocks tested). This is to be expected as it a
normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract. Coopers testing has
found C. jejuni titres at levels likely to be associated with
abortion in 30% of flocks tested.
A review of laboratory investigations5 indicated C. jejuni as the
major contributor to infectious abortions in Tasmania from
2000 - 2010.
Historical information and current testing indicate C. jejuni is
common and does cause significant abortion events.
It appears there are differences between regions as to the levels
of C. fetus fetus vs C. jejuni. However both have been found
in association with abortion events. The New England region
returned low serological evidence of C. fetus fetus exposure
levels compared to other areas.
Of the 68 flocks tested, only 5 have had both C. fetus fetus and
C. jejuni at levels 1:80 or higher using the AGID blood test.
Otherwise one strain of Campylobacter has been measured at
significant levels 1:80 or higher on 43 of the 68 farms tested
68 flocks tested
C. fetus fetus
C. jejuni
Positive
(1 or more 1:80
and more)
26
22
Exposed
(1 or more 1:10 1:40)
33
44
9
2
Negative
There are two major Campylobacter bacterial species that affect
Australian sheep: C. fetus fetus is the most common, but C. jejuni
is also frequently isolated10.
Know Your
Numbers to
Secure Your Gains
– Pregnancy
Scanning
The key advantages of pregnancy scanning
your ewes include:
easure conception rates and
M
diagnose multiple pregnancies for
targeted management.
ore accurate measurement of any
M
lamb losses between scanning and
marking.
Specific trigger for the investigation
of the cause of any poor conception
rates or pregnancy losses and
implementation of preventative
strategies to maximise gains.
How do I know if
my farm is affected
by Campylobacter?
If your property has unexplained losses
between scanning and marking, low marking
percentages, signs of abortion/stillbirth
(foetuses or blood stained breeches), or
dramatically lower marking percentages in
maiden ewes then Campylobacter should be
considered when determining the possible
causes. Foetal and lamb losses from ANY
cause result in dramatic production losses
and should be investigated, ideally with the
assistance of a consultant or veterinarian.
A blood test was made available in Australia
in late 2014 that can now be used detect
exposure to Campylobacter infection in sheep
that have lost lambs post scanning. You can get
further information about this Campylobacter
blood test for your flock from your sheep health
consultant or Coopers Representative.
What options are available to help
manage Campylobacter in ewes on
my farm?
Vaccination is an option that you should
consider if your flock is experiencing
reproductive losses due to Campylobacter.
Campyvax® is the only pre-joining vaccine
that helps control reproductive losses due to
Campylobacter species in sheep. Campyvax,
previously known as Ovilis C, was developed
in response to known disease caused by
Campylobacter fetus fetus and Campylobacter
jejuni in sheep within Australia.
Prior to a vaccine for Campylobacter
being made commercially available,
recommendations to manage Campylobacter
on property have involved exposing sheep
to Campylobacter pre-joining to stimulate the
immune system either by:
• Running young ewes with older sheep in the
hope of exposure via faecal ingestion
• Exposing young ewes to aborted foetuses
and carrier ewes by physically mixing these
ewes or depositing aborted material to the
flocks paddock in the hope exposure to the
bacteria would occur
These methods do not guarantee
that the entire ewe mob will
be sufficiently exposed to
Campylobacter, or that protective
levels of immunity against the
bacteria will be achieved.
In fact, given that excretion of the bacteria is
intermittent and ingestion is required natural
exposure would most likely occur slowly over
time and result in significant numbers of naive
sheep in the flock, particularly in the maidens
and young ewes.
Prior to December 2014 accessing the
Campylobacter vaccine under a permit was the
only alternative to stimulate immunity in sheep
pre-joining and was frequently adopted by
affected producers.
Campyvax is now available from
your rural reseller.
What are the Benefits
of Using Campyvax in
my flock?
Campyvax helps control reproductive losses due to the major
Campylobacter species causing infection, and aids in the
control of abortion storms to increase lamb survival.
The benefits of vaccinating against Campylobacter, where
this is a flock issue, are improved lambing percentages and
a healthier more productive flock.
+Reduced Campylobacter abortions
+Reduced Campylobacter still births
+Reduced Campylobacter weakened
lambs
+Reduced transiently infected ewes and
ewes with secondary infections post
abortion
=Improved lamb marking percentages
and a healthier flock
Campyvax offers sheep producers a vaccination option
where Campylobacter is identified or suspected as causing
potential production problems.
The Coopers Animal Health team includes an experienced
technical services team and local territory managers who
work closely with sheep scanners, veterinarians, consultants
and sheep producers to provide up to date scientific
information and animal health solutions that improve
productivity and welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dose rate of Campyvax?
Campyvax is a 2 mL subcutaneous vaccination that is given
high up on the neck behind the ear.
When should I vaccinate my ewes with Campyvax?
Unvaccinated
ewes should
receive a
sensitiser
vaccination
prior to
joining and a
booster dose a
minimum of
3 weeks later.
RAMS IN
RAMS OUT
1st Campyvax vaccination
prior to joining
2nd vaccination 3 weeks later (after
1st vaccination) or at rams out if,
5 - 8 week joining period
Previously vaccinated ewes
should receive an annual booster
vaccination prior to joining.
RAMS IN
Booster Campyvax
vaccination prior to joining
Where Campylobacter is likely to be
causing reproductive losses in ewes,
it is very important to ensure ewes
are protected at a strategic time to
ensure optimal immunity to disease.
This is because there is no proven treatment
available to reduce the impact of an abortion
storm caused by Campylobacter when it is
occurring; apart from antibiotic therapy of at
risk ewes (where a vet has prescribed this) and
the efficacy of this is uncertain2.
It is essential that ewe lambs, maiden ewes
and newly purchased breeding ewes receive
two vaccinations before introduction to the
breeding flock.
Where pregnant ewes have been
purchased, Campyvax has been
shown to be safe and efficacious
in pregnant ewes. It is important
to minimise stress when handling
pregnant ewes.
What should I do if I see
abortions in my flock?
Contact your veterinarian for advice.
They may be able to take samples and identify
the cause. Many infectious causes of abortion
in sheep cause severe illness to humans so
do not handle aborted foetuses or material
unless wearing protective equipment
(minimum gloves).
Campyvax will not protect against abortion
due to causes other than Campylobacter
fetus fetus and Campylobacter jejuni, so it is
important to seek professional advice for an
accurate diagnosis and recommendations
based on your situation.
What is Campyvax?
Campyvax is an inactivated bivalent vaccine,
which means it contains antigens of both
Campylobacter fetus fetus and Campylobacter
jejuni which are the known main strains of
Campylobacter that cause reproductive losses
in Australian sheep.
The antigens used in the vaccine were derived
from strains isolated from Australian sheep.
Use of Campyvax in Australian sheep will help
reduce reproductive losses (including abortions)
due to Campylobacter infections in sheep.
I would like to blood test my
sheep for Campylobacter to see
if this is an issue. When and how
should I do this?
How do I store and handle
Campyvax?
Blood testing a sample of ewes that were
scanned in lamb and have not raised a lamb
is the most likely way to confirm whether
Campylobacter has contributed to foetal losses.
Testing within 4 months of the end of lambing
gives the best indication of a contributing
infection. Contact your local Coopers
representative or your veterinarian.
Shake well to mix before use and to keep
mixed during use.
Always store Campyvax refrigerated at
2 - 8°C, Do not freeze and protect from light.
Do not expose directly to heat and light during
use and use an insulated container to protect
the vaccine if required. Use all product within
12 hours of opening. Discard if previously
frozen.
Always take care when vaccinating stock.
Campyvax is an oil emulsion vaccine and
extreme caution should be used when injecting
to avoid injecting yourself. Accidental selfinoculation may cause inflammatory reactions
or allergic response which requires correct
medical management. Medical advice should
be sought as soon as possible in the event of
self-inoculation.
SECURE YOUR LAMB NUMBERS
TO SECURE YOUR GAINS
Toll Free 1800 885 576
www.coopersanimalhealth.com.au
1Stanley, K., & Jones, K. (2003). Cattle and sheep farms as reservoirs of Campylobacter. Journal of Applied microbiology,
94(s1), 104-113.
2 Lane, J, Jubb, T., Shephard, R., Webb-Ware, J., Fordyce, G. (2015). Priority List of Endemic Diseases for the Red Meat
Industries. B.AHE.0010. Meat & Livestock Australia Limited, Sydney.
3 Zweifel, C., Zychowska, M. A., & Stephan, R. (2004). Prevalence and characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia
coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. isolated from slaughtered sheep in Switzerland. International journal of food
microbiology, 92(1), 45-53.
4 Açik, M. N., & Cetinkaya, B. (2006). Heterogeneity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains from healthy
sheep. Veterinary microbiology, 115(4), 370-375.
5 Nilon, P; (2011): A Review of Campylobacter Abortions in Tasmania. MSD Animal Health. Data on file.
6 Anderson, P; 2001. The implications of Campylobacter infections in ewe flocks. Proceedings of the Society of Sheep and
Beef Cattle Veterinarians of the NZVA, Jan 2001, pp 31-40.
7 Calculated at 110% lambing %, with 20 kg carcass weight at $4.76/kg.
8 Dempster, R. P., Wilkins, M., Green, R. S., & de Lisle, G. W. (2011). Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii and
Campylobacter fetus fetus in sheep from New Zealand. New Zealand veterinary journal, 59(4), 155-159.
9 West, D. M. (2003) Investigation and management of ewe abortion. Australian Sheep Veterinary Society Conference
Proceedings 2003 (Vol 13). Brisbane.
10Clough, W.(2003). A review of ovine Campylobacter in Australia. Australian Sheep Veterinary Society Conference
Proceedings 2003 (Vol 13). Brisbane.
® C
ampyvax and Coopers are registered trademarks of Intervet Australia Pty Ltd. (known as MSD Animal Health).
ABN: 79008467034.
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