Epidemiological survey of tick-borne infection among pastured Korean indigenous cattle in Republic of Korea

3^rd International Conference on Veterinary & Livestock

November 02-03, 2017 Bangkok, Thailand

Ji-Hyoung Ryu, Du-Gyeong Han, Suhee Kim, C Y Choe, Y H Jung, J G Yoo, J H Kang, S H Jung, D H Yu, K S Choi, H C Kim, B K Park, J S Chae, John Hwa Lee and J Park

Kyungpook National University, South Korea
National Institute of Animal Science, South Korea Chonbuk National University, South Korea
Gyeongsang National University, South Korea
Kangwon National University, South Korea
Chonnam National University, South Korea
Seoul National University, South Korea

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Vet Sci Technol

Abstract :

Statement of the Problem: A traditional Korean indigenous breed (Hanwoo cattle) is one of the most economically important species in Republic of Korea (Korea). A pasturing system in the mountainous areas is being considered in Korea to meet persistent demand for Hanwoo production, reduction of production costs, and improvement of animal welfare. However, higher exposure to ticks and the consequent risk of tick-borne disease in mountainous areas are major concerns. Thus, the objective of the present study is to investigate prevalent tick-transmitted infections in mountain-grazing Hanwoo cattle to ensure a safer mountain grazing system in Korea. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The study was conducted on Hanwoo cattle from 2014 to 2015 on three farms in the following, geographically distinct, locations in Korea: Hoengseong (Gangwon province), Jeongeup (Jeolla province) and Jeju Island. The cattle were either maintained indoors or placed on grassy mountains from April to October. The infection rates of tick-borne pathogens were compared between housed and pastured cattle. Blood samples were collected from the cattle for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to screen for Theileria, Anaplasma and Rickettsia spp. Findings: Before pasturing in the spring, the rates of infection with tick-borne pathogens were 4.0%, 30.6% and 25% in the farms of Hoengseong, Jeongeup, and Jeju Island, respectively. In the comparison of infection rate with tick-borne pathogens between housed and pastured cattle, the infection rate among the housed cattle was 17.6%, whereas that among the pastured cattle was 56.6%. Among the cattle that were positive for tick-borne pathogens, the percentage of Theileria-positive cattle was over 90.0% in both housed and pastured cattle. In addition, Anaplasma spp. was detected considerably more often among pastured cattle (30.0%) than among housed cattle (2.3%). Conclusion & Signifi cance: Cattle that grazed in the mountainous areas showed a greater prevalence of tick-borne infections compared to that in non-grazing cattle. Theileria spp. is a widespread tick-borne pathogen in Korea. This study suggests the necessity for preventive strategies against tick-borne pathogens in mountainous areas of Korea. Geographical outbreaks of tick-borne diseases should be monitored in grazing cattle of Korea.

Biography :

Ji-Hyoung Ryu is a student and an affi liate of Kyungpook University, South Korea.