Socially engaged calves are more likely to be colonised by VTEC O157:H7 than individuals showing signs of poor welfare.

ABSTRACT: In cattle herds, the transmission and persistence of VTEC O157:H7 (a serotype of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli - known for its life threatening complications in humans) is dependent on a small proportion of cattle who become colonised and shed high numbers of the bacteria. Reducing the proportion of these animals is considered key for decreasing the prevalence of VTEC O157:H7. In this study, observations of calf behaviour and animal-based welfare indicators were used to explore individual risk factors and underlying drivers of colonisation in Swedish dairy calves. Interdependencies between variables led to three different approaches being used to visualize and explore the associations. Combining the results of all methods revealed similar patterns and suggest that healthy animals, a

SUBMITTER: Tamminen LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7156447 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature