Endemic infectious diseases remain a major challenge for dairy farms in Canada. The Cattle Health Surveillance System (CHeSS) project was a comprehensive approach for surveillance and control of several endemic diseases of importance in Western Canada.

Bulk tank milk testing has revealed varying percentages of Alberta herds testing positive for Salmonella Dublin, Neospora caninum, bovine leukaemia virus, Johne’s disease, and contagious mastitis pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma bovis, and Streptococcus agalactiae) at different time points since 2021.

The CHeSS 2.0 project continues regular bulk tank milk testing for major diseases and is currently performing animal-level testing for a limited number of enrolled herds. Individual animal samples will be collected on the farm and/or via DHI and tested for Salmonella Dublin, Neospora caninum, and Mycoplasma bovis. Interested producers or veterinarians can reach out to waseem.shaukat@ucalgary.ca.