Mycoplasma bovis - increased risk of antimicrobial resistance in Swedish cattle.

Swedish cattle herds generally have a good animal health, but over the last few years disease associated with Mycoplasma bovis infections seem to be increasing. This infection causes pneumonia in calves, and less commonly joint and middle ear infections. In addition, adult cattle sometimes are affected by udder, lung and joint infections. These infections are often chronic and poorly responsive to treatment. The use of antibiotics may increase dramatically in infected herds and may contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance.

This project involves a PhD student and aims to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma bovis infections in Swedish dairy herds and regional changes in occurrence over time. We will investigate which animals are infected, the duration of measurable antibody responses and the effects of infection on animal health and production. We will also study the association of management factors with risk of infection and compare methods to find cost-effective diagnostics. Isolates from different farms and regions will be genetically compared to get more knowledge on transmission routes. This knowledge is needed to prevent infection transmission both within and between herds and contribute to good animal health.