THE NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH MONITORING-SYSTEM IN MICHIGAN .3. COST ESTIMATES OF SELECTED DAIRY-CATTLE DISEASES

A study was conducted to estimate costs of major dairy cattle diseases. Sixty (n=60) of the 6012 dairy herds in Michigan were stratified and selected randomly for participation in the National Animal Health Monitoring System in Michigan. Government and university veterinarians visited each herd once a month for a total period of 12 months. At each visit data on diseases, production, management, finance, treatments, preventive activities, animal events, and any other relevant events were collected. Monthly and annual cost estimates of disease treatments were computed in each herd and stratum. Similarly, monthly and annual estimated preventive costs were estimated. Results were expressed as cost per head and given separately for cows, young stock, and calves. In cows, the most expensive seven disease entities (from most to least) were: (1) clinical mastitis; (2) breeding problems; (3) gastrointestinal problems; (4) birth problems; (5) multiple system problems; (6) lameness; (7) metabolic/nutritional diseases. In terms of estimated annual preventive cost, however, the ranking of the seven disease entities were (from highest to lowest): (1) mastitis; (2) breeding problems; (3) lameness; (4) birth problems; (5) multiple system problems; (6) gastrointestinal disease; (7) metabolic/nutritional problems. In young stock, the most costly diseases were the multiple system problems, breeding problems, respiratory disease, birth problems, gastrointestinal disease, and lameness. In calves, the most costly disease problems were gastrointestinal problems, respiratory diseases, multiple system problems, birth problems, metabolic diseases, and lameness. Methodological issues, as they relate to data collection and estimation of costs as well as suggestions for improving the accuracy of these estimates, are discussed. © 1990.