Käser, Lea Isabel (2024). Occurrence of blackleg and current preventive measures against outbreaks in the Canton of Bern. (Thesis). Universität Bern, Bern
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Abstract
Blackleg is an acute, lethal infectious disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei, characterized by severe necrohemorrhagic myositis and myocarditis. While the disease has caused substantial economic loses in the past, the number of diseased cattle has been decreasing in the last 30 years in Switzerland. Subsequently, the status of blackleg has been changed and the disease is no longer reportable since 2022. Considering the potential persistence of C. chauvoei spores in the environment, blackleg may however still be prevalent in certain areas of the Canton of Bern. Therefore, in our study, we evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution of blackleg from 1992-2023 and currently implemented prophylactic measurements used by veterinarians in the risk areas of the Canton of Bern. Our results show that most of the cases occurred in areas still defined as risk areas by the Cantonal Veterinary Office, however some occurred in areas no longer listed as risk areas since 2020. In parallel, veterinarians reported suspected cases in recent years as well as a decreased acceptance of vaccination by farmers in risk areas. Lack of official monitoring together with reduced blackleg awareness and decreasing willingness of farmers to vaccinate together with long environmental persistence of C. chauvoei spores poses a risk for disease reoccurrence. Veterinarians practicing in affected areas throughout Switzerland should be aware of this and act accordingly once blackleg outbreaks are suspected.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
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| Dissertation Type: | Single |
| Date of Defense: | 23 July 2024 |
| Subjects: | 500 Science > 590 Animals (Zoology) 600 Technology > 630 Agriculture |
| Institute / Center: | 05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP) > Institute of Animal Pathology |
| Depositing User: | Hammer Igor |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Jun 2025 08:46 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Jun 2025 23:31 |
| URI: | https://boristheses.unibe.ch/id/eprint/6256 |
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