NAHMS collects diary input for 2007 study

FORT COLLINS, COLO. — The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) seeks DVM input for its Dairy 2007 national study.

NAHMS studies supply scientifically valid national estimates of health and management practices on the nation's various animal industries. An online questionnaire has been provided for veterinarians to ensure the study addresses important issues facing the U.S. dairy industry. The study offers one of the few means animal industries have to collect epidemiological data on the nation'0s cattle herds and provides material for dealing with important issues, says Dr. Gatz Riddell, executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.

"They're asking veterinarians for guidance as far as issues, diseases and the importance of monitoring national heard health," he says.

Producer participation is voluntary and confidential, USDA says. Data collection from 17 states representing 79.3 percent of U.S. dairy industry for the study will begin this month and commence in July. Among its findings, the report likely will describe trends in dairy cattle health and management practices, evaluate management factors related to cow comfort and removal rates, describe calf health and nutrition from birth to weaning and evaluate heifer disease prevention practices. Specifically, the report will evaluate the prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus among herds, describe current milking procedures and estimate the prevalence of contagious mastitis pathogens. It also will estimate the herd-level prevalence and associated costs of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, describe current biosecurity practices and determine the prevalence of specific food safety pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=79656169164. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/cattle/index.htm for more information on the NAHMS study.