Bulk milk screening for antibodies against Neospora caninum and Schmallenberg virus

Aims of the study:

1. To investigate the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum (here called neospora) and Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in Swedish dairy herds

2. To evaluate the geographical distribution of dairy herds with neospora and SBV antibodies

3. To evaluate whether there has been a change in the prevalence of antibodies against neospora and SBV in Swedish dairy herds since the last tank milk surveys (neospora 2003, SBV 2012)

Through increased knowledge of the infectious agents that cause abortion in Swedish cows, they can be better prevented. Milk production without abortions provides better productivity and thus economy, safer contact with animals and food, and more sustainable animals with improved animal welfare.

Background to the project:

Neospora and SBV are two major causes of abortion in cattle. In Sweden, the latest tank milk survey for neospora prevalence was conducted in 2003 where 16 percent of the dairy herds were positive and for SBV in 2012 where 75 percent of the herds were positive. It has thus been quite a long time since the last studies, and we therefore have insufficient knowledge about the occurrence of these agents in Sweden. Knowledge of prevalence is important when investigating and preventing abortion outbreaks and to be able to perform relevant and cost-effective diagnostics.