Herd-level seroprevalence and risk-mapping of bovine hypodermosis in Belgian cattle herds.

Our objective was to determine the seroprevalence of Hypoderma spp. and to develop a spatial model describing the risk surface of warble-fly infection in Belgian cattle herds (adjusting for herd size, herd type, local temperature, rainfall, relative air humidity and land-cover). This survey was carried out in 390 selected herds of all types (dairy, mixed and beef) from December 1997 to March 1998, which were included in a national infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and paratuberculosis (Johne's-disease) survey.

Diagnosis of psoroptic sheep scab with an improved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of specific antibodies against crude Psoroptes antigen. The diagnostic sensitivity was 93.7% in 191 sheep with clinical signs associated with mange.

Humoral immune response in calves to single-dose, trickle and challenge infections with Fasciola hepatica.

In cattle experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica, parasite specific IgG1 and IgG2 responses were studied. Additionally parasite specific IgE production was assessed by the Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis reaction. The primary infection was administered either as a single-dose or as a trickle infection over a 4-week period.

Serological and biochemical follow-up in cattle naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica, and comparison with a climate model for predicting risks of fasciolosis.

Several biological parameters were measured in 31 heifers naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica during one grazing season in the Belgian Ardennes. A forecast model based on daily temperature used to assess the risk of fasciolosis was fitted to this assay. Cattle were turned out to two pastures.

[Bovine hypodermosis in north-eastern Algeria: prevalence and intensity of infestation].

Between 1989 and 1997 different factors related to warble fly infestation (prevalence, intensity, climate, breed) were studied in north-eastern Algeria. Mean prevalence during the period was 76%. This figure was obtained from a cattle market survey of four different regions (Jijel, Constantine, Guelma, and El Tarf).