EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BOVINE HYPODERMOSIS IN TH E CANTON VAUD - COMPARISON OF 2 METHODS OF MAPPING WITH A VIEW TO A STRATEGIC TREATMENT

The geographic distribution of bovine hypodermosis in the canton Vaud/ Switzerland has been investigated in two ways. By direct examination o f the animals by the livestock officers at the 1993 annual census and by ELISA on bulk milk sampled in January 1994. The efficacy of the two methods is compared and the distribution of hypodermosis presented on a map. The serological analyses have revealed a highly satisfactory d egree of sensitivity and specificity (92.1% and 98.1%, resp.). The epi demiological interpretation however, is rather difficult, partly becau se quire often the animals are not infested an their farms but rather while being on alpine pastures. A monitoring of the herds with a view to an efficient control Of hypodermosis: could thus in a first instanc e be based on the indications provided by the livestock officers, wher eas a serological monitoring ina second place would allow to detect th e last and remaining foci of infestation.