Frontiers in Veterinary Science最新文献

Introduction: Dog vaccination against rabies is considered one of the most effective strategies at preventing human deaths from rabies and is a key strategy for eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths. Traditional vaccination approaches in Zambia rarely collect operational data to assess coverage and inform subsequent campaigns.

Methods: Following mass vaccination campaigns in rural (Itezhi tezhi) and urban (Lusaka) communities, we evaluated vaccination coverage achieved during the campaigns and characterized and estimated the dog population in these communities.

Results: Herd immunity (i.e., 70% vaccination coverage) was not achieved in the Lusaka campaign, likely due to challenges in pre-campaign community sensitization and distance to vaccination sites in the central point campaign approach. Dog population density showed a strong exponential association with human density (R² = 0.89). Extrapolating this relationship nationally, there are an estimated 3.2 million dogs in Zambia (human-to-dog ratio 5.8:1) with 86% residing in rural communities at a very low density of less than 6 dogs per square kilometer.

Discussion: As most dogs were found to reside at very low densities, unique challenges to large-scale dog vaccination approaches may impact Zambia, due to high logistical costs associated with these settings. Prioritizing vaccinations in higher-density free-roaming dog populations could maximize effectiveness in resource-limited settings. Private veterinary services were commonly utilized among surveyed dog owners in urbanized communities in Lusaka, suggesting that they are an important collaborator for achieving rabies herd immunity. With improved knowledge of dog population and ownership characteristics, Zambia is well-prepared to design more effective vaccination campaigns as the rabies elimination program expands.

Introduction: Dog Population Management (DPM) systems primarily aim to reduce the free-roaming dog population, improve the health and welfare of humans and dogs, and foster their peaceful coexistence. A key challenge to resource allocation and evidence-based policy making in DPM is the rare evaluation of the associated socio-economic impacts. This scoping review identifies, maps, and summarizes published parameters and methods on the socio-economic aspect of DPM systems.

Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and with a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework, this review explores (i) types of DPM services, (ii) types of parameters (intervention, impact, monetized, or non-monetized), (iii) methodological approaches (such as cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analysis), and (iv) gaps and challenges in socio-economic DPM assessments. Relevant publications were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Results: Our review identified 14 out of more than 7,200 studies indicating the limitation of socio-economic data associated with DPM systems. The studies revealed diverse approaches to DPM, sterilization being the most frequently used service, often combined with vaccination and community awareness. Culling was also used by several studies as a DPM intervention, though considered unethical. The review highlighted a range of intervention, impact, and monetary parameters to evaluate the economics of DPM systems, demonstrating the complexity and varied scope of the services. Varied categorizations of the dog population were observed, making comparative evaluation challenging. Economic methods such as cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses were observed, identifying several associated economic metrics. Studies highlighted gaps mostly related to data availability and accessibility.

Conclusion: The limitations of socio-economic data arise from a lack of standardized methodologies across regions and contexts and limited data collection efforts. Prioritizing systematic collection of data on costs, benefits and social impacts allows for a more robust analysis of DPM systems. Developing tools and standardized reporting methods would further facilitate consistent evaluation of impacts, efficient resource allocation and evidence-based policy making to implement the most cost-effective DPM systems.

Systematic review registration: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NHE3X.

Introduction: This study explores the complex experiences of Spanish-speaking swine caretakers with euthanasia, focusing on mental health, stress, burnout, and the impact of cultural factors.

Methods: We conducted qualitative focus groups with Spanish-speaking swine caretakers from multiple farms, gathering insights from individuals with varying levels of experience and cultural backgrounds. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key factors influencing the euthanasia process.

Results: The study found that caretaker stress and burnout, exacerbated by the "caring-killing paradox," significantly affect emotional wellbeing. Factors such as the frequency of euthanasia, level of knowledge and education, and cultural background were identified as influential. Caretakers performing euthanasia frequently showed signs of desensitization, while those with less experience experienced higher emotional distress. Cultural background influenced attitudes and decision-making regarding euthanasia.

Discussion: This research underscores the need for mental health support and culturally sensitive training programs for swine caretakers. The findings align with existing literature on occupational stress and burnout and highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems. Future research should further examine the psychological impact of euthanasia across diverse agricultural settings and develop targeted interventions to support caretakers' mental health and improve animal welfare practices.

Toxoplasmosis remains a prevalent parasitic zoonosis worldwide, raising public health concerns. The global information available regarding the role of camels in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii is still limited. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from northern and southern Egypt. A total of 513 serum samples were obtained from camels across Cairo (Lower Egypt) and Aswan (Upper Egypt) governorates. The Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was performed to screen for anti-T. gondii antibodies. The overall seroprevalence was 13.84% (71/513; 95CI%:10.85-16.83). The bivariate analysis showed that animals aged 4-8 years (13.84%, 36/260) and older than 8 years (18.45%, 31/168) showed significantly higher seropositivity compared to those young individuals (≤ 4 years old) (p = 0.011). Additionally, the multiple logistic regression analysis highlighted the geographic region as a potential risk factor for T. gondii exposure. Thus, camels from Lower Egypt had significantly higher seroprevalence of T. gondii (19.92%, 51/256) compared to those from Upper Egypt (7.78%; 20/257; p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 2.94; 95% CI: 1.70-5.10). Our results provide evidence of moderate, widespread, and heterogeneous spatial distribution of T. gondii among camel populations in Egypt, which might have important implications for animal and public health in that country. Surveillance and control programs should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure of T. gondii in camels.

Introduction: Time-and dose-dependent adverse effects of amiodarone have not been described in cats. The primary aim of this retrospective multicenter cohort study was to report the type and frequency of clinical adverse effects and biochemical changes in cats receiving amiodarone chronically. The secondary aim was to report survival outcomes in this population of cats.

Methods: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, arrhythmia diagnosis, presence of structural heart disease, systemic comorbidities and congestive heart failure at presentation, amiodarone dose, serial bloodwork results, adverse events, and survival outcome.

Results: The study population included 27 client-owned cats (2016-2022). All cats had structural cardiac disease, and many were in congestive heart failure (17/27; 63%) at presentation. Amiodarone was most commonly prescribed for ventricular tachycardia (19/27, 70%), and it was administered once daily with a median [range] dose of 8.8 [4.515.2] mg/kg/day. There was a decrease in serum concentration of alanine transaminase between pretreatment values and values measured during the early amiodarone treatment window, 1-90 days (n = 16; p = 0.034). No statistical difference in serum concentration of alanine transaminase (n = 10; p = 0.799) was noted after 90 days of treatment compared to pretreatment. There was no change in hematocrit, neutrophil count, and serum concentration of alkaline phosphatase and total thyroxine during treatment in assessed cats. Ten cats (37%) had at least one episode of hyporexia or vomiting while receiving amiodarone. The median survival time for all-cause mortality was 441 days (95% confidence interval, 126-929 days); cats in which the primary therapeutic target was both supraventricular and concomitant ventricular tachyarrhythmias had at least a two-fold risk of dying compared to cats with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias alone (hazard ratio 12.9, 95% CI 1.86-89.8; p = 0.010).

Discussion: Amiodarone was primarily used to treat ventricular arrhythmias. Transient gastrointestinal signs were reported in approximately one-third of the cats studied, but no clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were found in cats receiving amiodarone.

Gonadectomy, commonly known as neutering, is widely used to address dog overpopulation and reduce reproductive disease risks, such as mammary cancer and pyometra. It is also advocated for behavior modification. However, neutering is associated with an increased risk of certain musculoskeletal disorders, obesity, several types of cancer, immune-mediated diseases, and cognitive dysfunction. These conditions may necessitate ongoing care and treatment, that require special care that the caregiver must provide furthermore burdens the caregiver with daily tasks, which encompasses the emotional, physical, social, and financial impact on pet owners caring for chronically ill animals. This burden can result in burnout, health issues, depression, social isolation, and financial stress. The potential benefits and risk of gonadectomy can affect the quality of life of both humans and pets. Relevant research findings should therefore be incorporated into each pet's and owner's particular situation. The purpose of this review is to address the long-term neutering risks and the potential caregiver burden that arises from these risks.

Previous research has shown that when comparing psychological wellbeing between credentialed veterinary technicians and human registered nurses, high levels of burnout and distress were noted within the veterinary technician population. This qualitative focus group study sought to gain a better understanding of the early-career veterinary technician experience to understand what factors might contribute to stress and burnout. Four ninety-minute qualitative focus groups were conducted with a range of two to five participants. Semi-structured interviewing was used, and focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed. Two major categories were identified: (1) The Credentialing Journey, and (2) Challenges with the Career. Seven themes were identified in these two categories, including Credentialing: Perceptions and Reality, the Newly Credentialed Veterinary Technician, Us vs. Us, Ethical Dilemmas, Work Environment, Utilization, and Career Longevity. The findings of this study can inform future intervention research to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary technicians. A focus on teaching team-based medicine, leadership skills, and conflict management in both veterinary and veterinary technician schools may help reduce team conflict. In addition, effectively utilizing veterinary technicians and increasing awareness of their value may help improve veterinary technician career satisfaction.

Stray cats potentially act as reservoir for zoonotic agents, posing a risk of exposure to humans and domestic cats. The most prevalent Chlamydiaceae species in cats is Chlamydia (C.) felis, which is frequently associated with conjunctivitis and/or upper respiratory disease. The zoonotic potential of C. felis is believed to be relatively low, although exposure is possible through handling infected cats, by contact with their aerosol, and via fomites. Infection is more frequent in conditions of overcrowding, stress, poor hygiene and impairment of the immune system. For this reason, stray cats appear to be particularly susceptible to this pathogen. Aim of the study was to identify the molecular occurrence of Chlamydiaceae in stray and colony cats. Between May 2021 and June 2022, in seven provinces of northeastern Italy, veterinary services officers collected oropharyngeal swabs from 379 stray and colony cats. The samples were screened for Chlamydiaceae by real-time PCR targeting a 23S gene fragment. Positive samples were further analyzed either by a C. felis-specific qPCR or by amplification and sequencing of a 16S rRNA gene fragment. Overall, 7.7% of the cats tested positive for Chlamydia spp., and all were identified as C. felis. Among the positive individuals, only one exhibited respiratory symptoms. The analysis of anamnestic data revealed a significantly higher frequency of C. felis in male intact cats during the spring season, suggesting a potential behavioral aspect of this infection. Although the zoonotic risk of this Chlamydia species is low, it would be prudent to exercise caution when handling stray cats.

We have previously reported a difference in the composition of epididymal extracellular vesicles (EVs) between normospermic and teratospermic domestic cats. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the fertilizing ability or developmental potential of sperm from teratospermic cats could be improved after incubation with EVs isolated from normospermic cats. For each of 11 experimental replicates, pools of EVs were collected from the whole epididymides of 5 normospermic cats (normospermic EVs). Spermatozoa were also collected from the cauda epididymides of 2 teratospermic cats, pooled, and half was co-incubated with normospermic EVs for 1 h and 15 min prior to using the sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The other half of the sperm was kept for 1 h and 15 min in the absence of EVs as a control group. We found no difference (p > 0.05) in sperm fertilizing ability, based on the percentage of cleaved embryos, after incubation with EVs (67.0%) and without EVs (60.6%). However, the developmental potential of teratospermic sperm, based on the proportion of embryos that reached the 8-cell stage or further, was better (p < 0.05) after co-incubation with EVs (58.4%) compared to the control group without EVs (47.2%). Additionally, the proportion of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage was better (p < 0.05) after co-incubation with EVs (30.7%) compared to the control group without EVs (19.9%). These findings can be used to improve the outcome of IVF with teratospermic males in domestic or wild felid species.