Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this module:
In the context of BVD, IBR, Mycoplasma, Paratuberculosis, Leptospirosis, Neosporosis and Salmonellosis, students will be able to:
1. Prepare an appropriate herd investigation protocol to determine the status of the herd in relation to each of the infectious diseases mentioned
2. Analyse and interpret the findings of this investigation
3. Recommend appropriate control strategies based on the investigation
4. Recommend appropriate monitoring strategies to review progress
5. Prepare a farm-specific biosecurity plan
Students will have developed a thorough knowledge of the parasitological problems affecting dairy cows and the relevant control strategies
Students can apply epidemiological concepts such as diagnostic test sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and adequate sample size calculations to relevant diagnostic tests and infectious diseases.
Indicative Module Content:
The module will cover the important non-regulatory infectious diseases affecting dairy cows in Ireland, the UK and the majority of countries worldwide. These include:
- Biosecurity, bioexclusion and biocontainment
- Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBR)
- Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVD)
- Johne's disease (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis)
- Leptospirosis due to Leptospira Hardjo
- Salmonellosis due to Salmonella dublin and Salmonella typhimurium primarily
- Mycoplasma bovis
- Neospora caninum
- A review of common parasites affecting dairy cows at grass
- Parasite Control at grass
- Parasite control programmes