Prevalence of chronic wasting in Dutch dairy herds with a history of chronic health problems

The prevalence of chronic wasting in cattle in March and April 2000 was stu died on 218 dairy farms with a history of health problems accompanied by wa sting, following reports in the media suggesting that chronic wasting was a substantial problem on Dutch dairy farms. A telephone call revealed that t he health problems had resolved on 41 farms; 16 of these farms had culled a ll cattle. Two farmers refused co-operation. On the remaining 175 farms the animals were inspected and was completed a questionnaire. A high percentage of culling for of health reasons (on average 18,1% of you ng stock and adult cattle) and an increased mortality rate (4,8%) were repo rted on the farms visited. In only two of the 175 inspected herds, more tha n 20 percent of cattle were found showing signs of wasting. These two herds were identified as 'chronic wasting herds'. The prevalence of such herds w as low in this study. Consequently, it is likely that there were very few ' chronic wasting herds' among the whole Dutch dairy population in March/Apri l 2000.