Prevalence study of sudden death caused by pathogenic clostridium associated to soil and other factors in a zone of Ubaté, Cundinamarca

Abstract

This epidemiologic study determined the prevalence of sudden death cases in cattle farms in the Ubaté municipality in the Cundinamarca department. The study’s sampling frame was the dairy herd (980); the sampling unity was each herd. The sample size was 41 herds, which were surveyed and geographically referenced. The survey included 72 questions which were analyzed and showed a prevalence of 22% farms affected by sudden death syndrome. Associated risk factors were determined in animals, such as fencing water consumption; prevalence ratio (PR) 3.08 (LC 95% 1.16-8.19). Significant differences were found out among affected and non-affected farms employing variables, such as large size farms (over 40 hectares, p <0.05), those with the largest number of pastures (over 34, p <0.05) and the dry season (p <0.05). Additionally, a bacteriological study was conducted in order to isolate pathogenic strains of Clostridium using 12 soil samples from an affected farm; from this study it was found that Clostridium sordelli was the most frequent strain. These results will allow recommending farmers to join efforts in establishing prevention and control measures for the sudden death syndrome.