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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. AU/OVIC/0515/0006 S01136