Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-11-25DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106754
Alejandro Acosta , Katia Maria Cardinal , Francesco Nicolli , Fabiola Onofrio , Junxia Song
The use of Antimicrobial Growth Promoters (AGPs) in livestock production is under increasing scrutiny due to concerns about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). However, the economic consequences of AGPs withdrawal remain insufficiently quantified, partly because globally representative estimates of their effects on productivity are lacking. This study addresses this gap through a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of AGPs on broilers, pigs, and cattle across diverse production settings. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we screened 95 studies encompassing 128 trial observations published between 2000 and 2023, covering diverse geographic regions, income levels, and antimicrobial classes. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test were used to detect publication bias. AGPs significantly improved Average Daily Gain (ADG) in broilers (1.78 g/day), pigs (28.15 g/day), and cattle (30 g/day); and improved Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in broilers (-0.05) and pigs (-0.09). Feed Efficiency (FE) in cattle also improved (0.0043). Regional differences in ADG improvement were notable in broilers. For broiler production, FCR effects varied significantly according to antimicrobial importance, with Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) showing the largest effect sizes. The study revealed significant data gaps in the available scientific evidence, which limit the direct use of current findings for comprehensive economic modelling. Nevertheless, the results provide key parameters to inform the design of economic models assessing the costs and benefits of AGP withdrawal in livestock production systems.
{"title":"Global impact of antimicrobial growth promoters on livestock productivity: A meta-analysis for economic modeling","authors":"Alejandro Acosta , Katia Maria Cardinal , Francesco Nicolli , Fabiola Onofrio , Junxia Song","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of Antimicrobial Growth Promoters (AGPs) in livestock production is under increasing scrutiny due to concerns about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). However, the economic consequences of AGPs withdrawal remain insufficiently quantified, partly because globally representative estimates of their effects on productivity are lacking. This study addresses this gap through a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the impact of AGPs on broilers, pigs, and cattle across diverse production settings. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we screened 95 studies encompassing 128 trial observations published between 2000 and 2023, covering diverse geographic regions, income levels, and antimicrobial classes. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test were used to detect publication bias. AGPs significantly improved Average Daily Gain (ADG) in broilers (1.78 g/day), pigs (28.15 g/day), and cattle (30 g/day); and improved Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in broilers (-0.05) and pigs (-0.09). Feed Efficiency (FE) in cattle also improved (0.0043). Regional differences in ADG improvement were notable in broilers. For broiler production, FCR effects varied significantly according to antimicrobial importance, with Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) showing the largest effect sizes. The study revealed significant data gaps in the available scientific evidence, which limit the direct use of current findings for comprehensive economic modelling. Nevertheless, the results provide key parameters to inform the design of economic models assessing the costs and benefits of AGP withdrawal in livestock production systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 106754"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-11DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106788
Emma Carter , Mahbod Entezami , Paola Pepe , Laura Rinaldi , Joaquin M. Prada , Antonio Bosco
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, is a neglected zoonotic disease with considerable economic and public health impacts. In Italy, higher CE prevalence has historically been observed in southern and insular regions, but recent data on spatial and temporal patterns are scarce. While cattle are not a source of transmission, they serve as useful indicators of regional prevalence. This study assessed the spatial and temporal distribution of CE in cattle across nine regions of central, southern, and insular Italy from 2019 to 2023. A total of 4441 samples were collected during routine abattoir inspections, and infected animals and farms were identified via post-mortem examination. A Bayesian spatial model with a temporal component was used to estimate relative risk (RR) at the provincial level. Overall prevalence was 29.6 % (95 % CI: 28.2–30.9 %). Sardinia exhibited the highest prevalence (67.8 %), while Apulia had the lowest (24.0 %). Several provinces in Sardinia and Sicily consistently appeared as high-risk areas, with RR exceeding 2.0 in some years. In contrast, provinces in Molise and Apulia showed lower or near-average risk. A temporal peak was observed in 2020, followed by a decline to near-neutral levels by 2023. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the burden of CE in southern and insular Italy and underscore considerable spatial heterogeneity. Continued surveillance, application of proven control strategies (e.g. dog deworming, sheep vaccination), and improved diagnostics are essential to reducing CE burden and informing targeted interventions in endemic regions.
Surveillance reveals marked CE prevalence heterogeneity across Italian regions.
Sardinia and Sicily show the highest burden of CE in slaughtered cattle.
CE prevalence has increased compared to earlier studies in the same regions.
{"title":"Mapping cystic echinococcosis in Italian cattle: A spatiotemporal analysis of surveillance data (2019–2023)","authors":"Emma Carter , Mahbod Entezami , Paola Pepe , Laura Rinaldi , Joaquin M. Prada , Antonio Bosco","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> sensu lato, is a neglected zoonotic disease with considerable economic and public health impacts. In Italy, higher CE prevalence has historically been observed in southern and insular regions, but recent data on spatial and temporal patterns are scarce. While cattle are not a source of transmission, they serve as useful indicators of regional prevalence. This study assessed the spatial and temporal distribution of CE in cattle across nine regions of central, southern, and insular Italy from 2019 to 2023. A total of 4441 samples were collected during routine abattoir inspections, and infected animals and farms were identified via post-mortem examination. A Bayesian spatial model with a temporal component was used to estimate relative risk (RR) at the provincial level. Overall prevalence was 29.6 % (95 % CI: 28.2–30.9 %). Sardinia exhibited the highest prevalence (67.8 %), while Apulia had the lowest (24.0 %). Several provinces in Sardinia and Sicily consistently appeared as high-risk areas, with RR exceeding 2.0 in some years. In contrast, provinces in Molise and Apulia showed lower or near-average risk. A temporal peak was observed in 2020, followed by a decline to near-neutral levels by 2023. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the burden of CE in southern and insular Italy and underscore considerable spatial heterogeneity. Continued surveillance, application of proven control strategies (e.g. dog deworming, sheep vaccination), and improved diagnostics are essential to reducing CE burden and informing targeted interventions in endemic regions.</div><div>Surveillance reveals marked CE prevalence heterogeneity across Italian regions.</div><div>Sardinia and Sicily show the highest burden of CE in slaughtered cattle.</div><div>CE prevalence has increased compared to earlier studies in the same regions.</div><div>Cystic echinococcosis,Epidemiology,Surveillance,Modelling,Spatial Modelling</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 106788"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146161854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106804
Obuile O. Raboloko , Nametso D. Tlhako , Judah O. Lekgowe , Gregory T. Rakobe , Jonathan Strysko , Laurel Redding , Naledi Mannathoko , Kitso Mokgwathi , Tlhalefo D. Ntereke , Teresia Gatonye , Tshiamo Zankere , Basiamisi V.E. Segwagwe , Ebbing Lautenbach , Brianna E. Parsons , Solomon S. Ramabu
Introduction
Improper antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock production is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite this, data on AMU among livestock farmers in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. The present study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMU and AMR amongst livestock farmers in Botswana.
Methods
A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted among livestock farmers in southern Botswana, with participant recruitment facilitated by district veterinary service officers. Informed consent was obtained from all participants and surveys were administered by trained research personnel using visual aids to enhance participants recall. Responses to open-ended survey questions assessing knowledge were graded on a standardized 0–5 scale using a rubric while attitude and behavior questions were assessed using binary Yes/No responses.
Results
A total of 191 farmers participated in the study (71 % male; median age 52 years; median farming experience 14 years). All farmers (100 %,191/191), reported using either antimicrobials or anthelmintics (ivermectin), in the preceding 12 months, accounting for a total of 3322 treatment episodes. Tetracyclines were the most commonly used antimicrobials (53 %,1756/3322), followed by sulphonamides (18 %, 34/191). Cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside use was not reported. The farmers, who primarily reared cattle, small ruminants, and chickens, most commonly procured antimicrobials and anthelmintics at agriculture supply stores (91 %,174/191) typically with the guidance of veterinarians or animal health technician (veterinary paraprofessionals), but without a prescription from the veterinarians. Most farmers (66 %,127/191) used antimicrobials for treatment purpose, mainly to treat enteric illness. A total of 34 % of farmers (64/191) reported using antimicrobials for prophylactic purposes. Knowledge about the principles of prudent AMU was generally good although awareness of AMR was limited.
Conclusion
AMU was relatively common among livestock farmers in southern Botswana, primarily for treatment of diseases, with tetracyclines being the most commonly used antimicrobials. Overall, farmers demonstrated generally good knowledge about the principles of prudent AMU. However, comprehensive knowledge of AMR was sub-optimal, reaffirming the need for policy interventions to enhance antimicrobial stewardship in the livestock sector.
{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance among livestock farmers in Botswana","authors":"Obuile O. Raboloko , Nametso D. Tlhako , Judah O. Lekgowe , Gregory T. Rakobe , Jonathan Strysko , Laurel Redding , Naledi Mannathoko , Kitso Mokgwathi , Tlhalefo D. Ntereke , Teresia Gatonye , Tshiamo Zankere , Basiamisi V.E. Segwagwe , Ebbing Lautenbach , Brianna E. Parsons , Solomon S. Ramabu","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106804","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106804","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Improper antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock production is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Despite this, data on AMU among livestock farmers in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. The present study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AMU and AMR amongst livestock farmers in Botswana.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted among livestock farmers in southern Botswana, with participant recruitment facilitated by district veterinary service officers. Informed consent was obtained from all participants and surveys were administered by trained research personnel using visual aids to enhance participants recall. Responses to open-ended survey questions assessing knowledge were graded on a standardized 0–5 scale using a rubric while attitude and behavior questions were assessed using binary Yes/No responses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 191 farmers participated in the study (71 % male; median age 52 years; median farming experience 14 years). All farmers (100 %,191/191), reported using either antimicrobials or anthelmintics (ivermectin), in the preceding 12 months, accounting for a total of 3322 treatment episodes. Tetracyclines were the most commonly used antimicrobials (53 %,1756/3322), followed by sulphonamides (18 %, 34/191). Cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside use was not reported. The farmers, who primarily reared cattle, small ruminants, and chickens, most commonly procured antimicrobials and anthelmintics at agriculture supply stores (91 %,174/191) typically with the guidance of veterinarians or animal health technician (veterinary paraprofessionals), but without a prescription from the veterinarians. Most farmers (66 %,127/191) used antimicrobials for treatment purpose, mainly to treat enteric illness. A total of 34 % of farmers (64/191) reported using antimicrobials for prophylactic purposes. Knowledge about the principles of prudent AMU was generally good although awareness of AMR was limited.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AMU was relatively common among livestock farmers in southern Botswana, primarily for treatment of diseases, with tetracyclines being the most commonly used antimicrobials. Overall, farmers demonstrated generally good knowledge about the principles of prudent AMU. However, comprehensive knowledge of AMR was sub-optimal, reaffirming the need for policy interventions to enhance antimicrobial stewardship in the livestock sector.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"250 ","pages":"Article 106804"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146161853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106803
Philip P. Mshelbwala , Roland Suluku , Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor , Oyinkansola Fadiji , Andrew M. Adamu , Solomon W. Audu , Claude T. Sabeta , Charles E. Rupprecht , Kinley Wangdi
Evidence suggests a rising incidence of dog bites in Sierra Leone despite ongoing efforts to prevent rabies. However, little is known about the factors influencing the decision to seek medical care following a dog bite. To address this gap, we developed a probabilistic model to examine factors associated with the likelihood of seeking traditional care in Sierra Leone. Among the 2558 respondents who completed the survey, 31 % (782/2558) indicated that they would seek traditional care after a dog bite. The posterior distributions of our model estimates indicated that the probability of seeking traditional care was higher among respondents with lower levels of education, those residing in rural areas, individuals lacking knowledge about rabies virus transmission and its hosts, and those who owned vaccinated dogs. Conversely, respondents living in locations with a livestock officer or veterinary establishment had lower odds of seeking traditional remedies compared with those uncertain about access. We observed a negative relationship between the percentage of health facilities and the probability of seeking traditional care, with higher percentages associated with a decreased likelihood of seeking traditional remedies. We also found regional variation in the probability of seeking traditional care. Respondents in the Eastern and Western Area were less likely to seek traditional remedies than those in the Northern and Southern Provinces. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational campaigns to raise awareness about rabies and the importance of timely medical care after exposure. Improving healthcare access in rural areas and fostering collaboration with traditional healers are also essential for reducing reliance on traditional care and strengthening rabies prevention and control efforts.
{"title":"Modelling factors associated with the probability of seeking traditional care after dog bites in Sierra Leone","authors":"Philip P. Mshelbwala , Roland Suluku , Anayochukwu E. Anyasodor , Oyinkansola Fadiji , Andrew M. Adamu , Solomon W. Audu , Claude T. Sabeta , Charles E. Rupprecht , Kinley Wangdi","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106803","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Evidence suggests a rising incidence of dog bites in Sierra Leone despite ongoing efforts to prevent rabies. However, little is known about the factors influencing the decision to seek medical care following a dog bite. To address this gap, we developed a probabilistic model to examine factors associated with the likelihood of seeking traditional care in Sierra Leone. Among the 2558 respondents who completed the survey, 31 % (782/2558) indicated that they would seek traditional care after a dog bite. The posterior distributions of our model estimates indicated that the probability of seeking traditional care was higher among respondents with lower levels of education, those residing in rural areas, individuals lacking knowledge about rabies virus transmission and its hosts, and those who owned vaccinated dogs. Conversely, respondents living in locations with a livestock officer or veterinary establishment had lower odds of seeking traditional remedies compared with those uncertain about access. We observed a negative relationship between the percentage of health facilities and the probability of seeking traditional care, with higher percentages associated with a decreased likelihood of seeking traditional remedies. We also found regional variation in the probability of seeking traditional care. Respondents in the Eastern and Western Area were less likely to seek traditional remedies than those in the Northern and Southern Provinces. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational campaigns to raise awareness about rabies and the importance of timely medical care after exposure. Improving healthcare access in rural areas and fostering collaboration with traditional healers are also essential for reducing reliance on traditional care and strengthening rabies prevention and control efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146166277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106789
Eric Kazadi-Kawaya , Blaise Mbiala Vodiasilua , Didier Mwanangombe Makopa , Christian Bakebidio Kanda , Gilby Situtala Benina , Serge Lwange Mufolo , Prisca Kabangu Nsimba , Christian Maheshe Murhula , Madimba-Kapanga
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has set out a plan to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies by 2033. The 50 million US dollar plan, 65 % of which is allocated to free vaccinations, has been difficult to fund. A study in three DRC sites (Mont-Ngafula in Kinshasa and Matadi and Muanda in Kongo-Central) aimed to explore an affordable, cost-effective local routine vaccination system. A survey was conducted in dog-owning households at each site regarding socioeconomic status, awareness of rabies and the characteristics and vaccination status of dogs. Then veterinary service accessibility, affordability and resources were assessed. Finally, a pilot of a routine vaccination service was implemented. Using R software, a logistic regression was performed to explore factors influencing rabies vaccination. Factors influencing vaccination included socio-economic status, dog characteristics, and the affordability of vaccinations. The cost of vaccinations (25–30 USD in Mont-Ngafula, 10–15 USD in Matadi, 7 USD in Muanda) was two to three times more expensive than owners considered affordable (7–9 USD, 1–5 USD, 2–6 USD). Geographical distribution of providers was poor and resources to vaccinate dogs routinely were inadequate. A pilot programme supplied vaccines and accessories to public veterinary services, expanding their geographic coverage by setting up temporary vaccination points and charging affordable costs (4 USD in Matadi and Muanda, and 5 USD in Mont-Ngafula). This increased adherence among dog owners, though the response varied between sites. The study offers useful insights into the key considerations for successfully implementing a cost-effective and affordable routine vaccination service at local level.
{"title":"Lessons learned from a pilot dog rabies vaccination model in Kinshasa and Kongo-Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo","authors":"Eric Kazadi-Kawaya , Blaise Mbiala Vodiasilua , Didier Mwanangombe Makopa , Christian Bakebidio Kanda , Gilby Situtala Benina , Serge Lwange Mufolo , Prisca Kabangu Nsimba , Christian Maheshe Murhula , Madimba-Kapanga","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106789","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106789","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has set out a plan to eliminate dog-transmitted human rabies by 2033. The 50 million US dollar plan, 65 % of which is allocated to free vaccinations, has been difficult to fund. A study in three DRC sites (Mont-Ngafula in Kinshasa and Matadi and Muanda in Kongo-Central) aimed to explore an affordable, cost-effective local routine vaccination system. A survey was conducted in dog-owning households at each site regarding socioeconomic status, awareness of rabies and the characteristics and vaccination status of dogs. Then veterinary service accessibility, affordability and resources were assessed. Finally, a pilot of a routine vaccination service was implemented. Using R software, a logistic regression was performed to explore factors influencing rabies vaccination. Factors influencing vaccination included socio-economic status, dog characteristics, and the affordability of vaccinations. The cost of vaccinations (25–30 USD in Mont-Ngafula, 10–15 USD in Matadi, 7 USD in Muanda) was two to three times more expensive than owners considered affordable (7–9 USD, 1–5 USD, 2–6 USD). Geographical distribution of providers was poor and resources to vaccinate dogs routinely were inadequate. A pilot programme supplied vaccines and accessories to public veterinary services, expanding their geographic coverage by setting up temporary vaccination points and charging affordable costs (4 USD in Matadi and Muanda, and 5 USD in Mont-Ngafula). This increased adherence among dog owners, though the response varied between sites. The study offers useful insights into the key considerations for successfully implementing a cost-effective and affordable routine vaccination service at local level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106789"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146137518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106806
Dana C. Pittman Ratterree , Robert Ohsfeldt , Sapna Chitlapilly Dass , Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah
Swine influenza virus A (SIV-A) is endemic in hog farms globally, causing significant economic losses to the swine industry. While vaccination is a recommended control strategy, its economic value in specific production phases remains under-evaluated. This study investigated the economic viability of SIV-A vaccination in a U.S. wean-to-finish commercial farm using a stochastic epidemic model. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to estimate the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Return on Investment (ROI) of swine vaccination. In the absence of vaccination, the model predicted a high within-farm attack rate of approximately 82.5 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 81 % - 0.84 %). Economic analysis showed that the profitability of SIV-A vaccination was highly dependent on vaccine efficacy. Vaccine efficacy below 70 % was shown to be not economically viable, yielding negative NPV and BCR below 1. Conversely, vaccination with ≥ 80 % efficacy was profitable, with BCRs ranging from 1.54 (95 % CI: 1.538, 1.54) to 4.09 (95 % CI: 4.082, 4.092) and net profits varying from US$0.90 ( 95 % CI: US$0.79, US$1.02) per pig up to US$3.41 (95 %CI: US$3.40, US$3.41) per pig. Vaccination against SIV-A in wean-to-finish settings was shown to be an economically favorable intervention when the vaccine is highly efficacious against the circulating SIV-A subtype. Sensitivity analysis indicated that vaccine efficacy, the cost of vaccination, and influenza-induced mortality rates were the most critical drivers determining the economic success of the program.
{"title":"Cost-benefit analysis of swine influenza a vaccination in wean-to-finish production setting in the United States","authors":"Dana C. Pittman Ratterree , Robert Ohsfeldt , Sapna Chitlapilly Dass , Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106806","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106806","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Swine influenza virus A (SIV-A) is endemic in hog farms globally, causing significant economic losses to the swine industry. While vaccination is a recommended control strategy, its economic value in specific production phases remains under-evaluated. This study investigated the economic viability of SIV-A vaccination in a U.S. wean-to-finish commercial farm using a stochastic epidemic model. A cost-benefit analysis was performed to estimate the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Return on Investment (ROI) of swine vaccination. In the absence of vaccination, the model predicted a high within-farm attack rate of approximately 82.5 % (95 % Confidence Interval (CI): 81 % - 0.84 %). Economic analysis showed that the profitability of SIV-A vaccination was highly dependent on vaccine efficacy. Vaccine efficacy below 70 % was shown to be not economically viable, yielding negative NPV and BCR below 1. Conversely, vaccination with ≥ 80 % efficacy was profitable, with BCRs ranging from 1.54 (95 % CI: 1.538, 1.54) to 4.09 (95 % CI: 4.082, 4.092) and net profits varying from US$0.90 ( 95 % CI: US$0.79, US$1.02) per pig up to US$3.41 (95 %CI: US$3.40, US$3.41) per pig. Vaccination against SIV-A in wean-to-finish settings was shown to be an economically favorable intervention when the vaccine is highly efficacious against the circulating SIV-A subtype. Sensitivity analysis indicated that vaccine efficacy, the cost of vaccination, and influenza-induced mortality rates were the most critical drivers determining the economic success of the program.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106806"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2025-11-28DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106758
Marian Talbert , Abigail Feuka , Lara Zipperer , Ryan S. Miller , Kim M. Pepin
African Swine Fever (ASF) is an infectious reportable disease of swine that can have devastating consequences for pork producers and consumers. ASF virus can persist in either domestic or wild swine through several epidemiological cycles. This has led to a wide variety of epidemiological traits, making it challenging to plan effective surveillance and mitigation strategies. Here, we compile and analyze data from experimental infections of ASF virus variants from genotype II that have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. We provide descriptive summaries of the distributions of epidemiological parameters such as incubation period, infectious period, mortality rate, and R0 and develop predictive models that explain the variation in these quantities based on detection assays and other experimental design features. Our results provide a comprehensive perspective of estimates of epidemiological parameters for ASFV, allowing for increased transparency in accounting for parameter uncertainty in ASF preparedness modeling. Our meta-analysis also provides insight on knowledge gaps and study design issues that could be addressed by future experimentation.
{"title":"Determinants of variation in epidemiological parameters for African Swine Fever virus","authors":"Marian Talbert , Abigail Feuka , Lara Zipperer , Ryan S. Miller , Kim M. Pepin","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>African Swine Fever (ASF) is an infectious reportable disease of swine that can have devastating consequences for pork producers and consumers. ASF virus can persist in either domestic or wild swine through several epidemiological cycles. This has led to a wide variety of epidemiological traits, making it challenging to plan effective surveillance and mitigation strategies. Here, we compile and analyze data from experimental infections of ASF virus variants from genotype II that have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. We provide descriptive summaries of the distributions of epidemiological parameters such as incubation period, infectious period, mortality rate, and R<sub>0</sub> and develop predictive models that explain the variation in these quantities based on detection assays and other experimental design features. Our results provide a comprehensive perspective of estimates of epidemiological parameters for ASFV, allowing for increased transparency in accounting for parameter uncertainty in ASF preparedness modeling. Our meta-analysis also provides insight on knowledge gaps and study design issues that could be addressed by future experimentation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106758"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106790
Simon Bourassi , Emily John , J.Trenton McClure , Emilia Bourassi , Greg Keefe , Shawn Mckenna , John VanLeeuwen , Henrik Stryhn
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leukosis and can lead to significant economic losses in dairy herds. Accurate estimation of within-herd prevalence is an essential step for effective continuous surveillance and control. The objectives of this study were: (1) to build a statistical model predicting within-herd BLV prevalence using Bulk Tank Milk (BTM) ELISA antibody titers, (2) to assess the temporal stability of this model over three years, and (3) to explore the relationship between mean individual cow antibody titers and BTM results.
A convenience sample of 30 dairy herds in the Canadian Maritimes was studied. Three years of bi-monthly BTM samples were collected to measure the BTM ELISA antibody titers. Individual ELISA testing of cows contributing to BTM was performed annually for three years, permitting estimation of the true within-herd prevalence. Among the 30 herds, 1453 cows tested BLV-positive in Year 1, 899 in Year 2, and 760 in Year 3. Mean within-herd prevalence were 42 % (SD 24 %), 31 % (SD 20 %), and 29 % (SD 20 %) in Year 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
Seven univariable linear regression models for true within-herd prevalence were built, with predictors consisting of single BTM results or averages from two or three rounds of BTM results in proximity to the time of individual ELISA testing. The model using the average of two BTM samples collected two months apart as a predictor prevalence in the herd was selected as the best model based on the highest R² = 0.91 and Predictive R² = 0.90. Model predictions showed strong agreement with observed within-herd prevalence in subsequent years (concordance correlation coefficients 0.94–0.98), indicating temporal stability. Mean individual cow antibody titers were strongly correlated with BTM antibody levels (r = 0.95).
This study presents a practical, stable, and cost-effective approach to estimate and monitor BLV within-herd prevalence using BTM ELISA testing. The model can support surveillance programs and help guide herd-level BLV management decisions over time.
{"title":"Stability and validation of a bulk tank milk-based model to estimate within-herd bovine leukemia virus prevalence in dairy herds","authors":"Simon Bourassi , Emily John , J.Trenton McClure , Emilia Bourassi , Greg Keefe , Shawn Mckenna , John VanLeeuwen , Henrik Stryhn","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes enzootic bovine leukosis and can lead to significant economic losses in dairy herds. Accurate estimation of within-herd prevalence is an essential step for effective continuous surveillance and control. The objectives of this study were: (1) to build a statistical model predicting within-herd BLV prevalence using Bulk Tank Milk (BTM) ELISA antibody titers, (2) to assess the temporal stability of this model over three years, and (3) to explore the relationship between mean individual cow antibody titers and BTM results.</div><div>A convenience sample of 30 dairy herds in the Canadian Maritimes was studied. Three years of bi-monthly BTM samples were collected to measure the BTM ELISA antibody titers. Individual ELISA testing of cows contributing to BTM was performed annually for three years, permitting estimation of the true within-herd prevalence. Among the 30 herds, 1453 cows tested BLV-positive in Year 1, 899 in Year 2, and 760 in Year 3. Mean within-herd prevalence were 42 % (SD 24 %), 31 % (SD 20 %), and 29 % (SD 20 %) in Year 1, 2, and 3, respectively.</div><div>Seven univariable linear regression models for true within-herd prevalence were built, with predictors consisting of single BTM results or averages from two or three rounds of BTM results in proximity to the time of individual ELISA testing. The model using the average of two BTM samples collected two months apart as a predictor prevalence in the herd was selected as the best model based on the highest R² = 0.91 and Predictive R² = 0.90. Model predictions showed strong agreement with observed within-herd prevalence in subsequent years (concordance correlation coefficients 0.94–0.98), indicating temporal stability. Mean individual cow antibody titers were strongly correlated with BTM antibody levels (r = 0.95).</div><div>This study presents a practical, stable, and cost-effective approach to estimate and monitor BLV within-herd prevalence using BTM ELISA testing. The model can support surveillance programs and help guide herd-level BLV management decisions over time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106790"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146119752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Effective Salmonella control in pigs requires understanding how the pathogen is introduced and spreads on farms. This study aimed to identify potential sources of Salmonella infection in pigs using both epidemiological and microbiological methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 148 fattening pig farms in the Netherlands. Porcine fecal samples were collected and tested for the presence of Salmonella, and a questionnaire on farm characteristics was completed. Risk factors significantly associated with Salmonella presence at farm-level were identified through logistic regression analysis. For source attribution based on microbial subtyping, serotyped Salmonella isolates obtained from the Dutch national laboratory surveillance system (2016–2023) were used. Pig isolates (n = 494) were attributed to nine putative sources (n = 4171 isolates) using the modified Dutch (mDM) and modified Hald (mHM) models.
A farm-level prevalence of 9.5 % (14/148; 95 % CI 5.3–15.4 %) was found. Cleaning the pens between batches (odds ratio [OR] 0.139, 95 % CI 0.030–0.625) and moving piglets at a later age to the fattening unit (in weeks, OR 0.538, 95 % CI 0.290–0.998) were significantly associated with reduced odds of Salmonella presence, whereas the presence of cattle on the farm increased the odds (OR 4.860, 95 % CI 1.346–17.544). Both mDM and mHM attributed most pig isolates to other pigs (mDM: 43.0 %; mHM: 72.6 %), followed by cattle (mDM: 22.6 %; mHM: 11.0 %) and broilers (mDM: 9.2 %; mHM: 5.0 %), as sources.
This study indicates pig-to-pig transmission as the main source of Salmonella in pigs and suggests that cattle may significantly contribute to Salmonella introduction into pig herds on multi-species farms.
有效控制猪的沙门氏菌需要了解病原体是如何在农场引入和传播的。本研究旨在利用流行病学和微生物学方法确定猪沙门氏菌感染的潜在来源。对荷兰148个育肥猪场进行了横断面研究。收集猪粪便样本，检测是否存在沙门氏菌，并完成农场特征问卷调查。通过logistic回归分析，确定了与沙门氏菌在农场水平存在显著相关的危险因素。对于基于微生物亚型的来源归属，使用了从荷兰国家实验室监测系统（2016-2023）获得的血清型沙门氏菌分离株。猪分离株（n = 494）采用改进的Dutch （mDM）和改进的Hald （mHM）模型归因于9个假定来源（n = 4171株）。农场水平的患病率为9.5 %（14/148;95 % CI 5.3-15.4 %）。清理批次之间的猪圈（比值比[OR] 0.139, 95 % CI 0.030-0.625）和将仔猪移至育猪场（以周为单位，比值比[OR] 0.538, 95 % CI 0.290-0.998）与沙门氏菌存在的几率降低显著相关，而在猪场饲养牛则增加了沙门氏菌存在的几率（比值比[OR] 4.860, 95 % CI 1.346-17.544）。mDM和mHM都将大多数猪分离株归因于其他猪（mDM: 43.0 %;mHM: 72.6 %），其次是牛（mDM: 22.6 %;mHM: 11.0 %）和肉鸡（mDM: 9.2 %;mHM: 5.0 %）。该研究表明，猪与猪之间的传播是猪中沙门氏菌的主要来源，并表明在多物种农场中，牛可能对沙门氏菌传入猪群有重要贡献。
{"title":"Sources of Salmonella infection in pigs in the Netherlands: Epidemiological risk factors and subtyping-based source attribution","authors":"Hester Bloem , Indra Bergval , Tryntsje Cuperus , Maren Lanzl , Greetje Castelijn , Ben Wit , Marieke Opsteegh , Lapo Mughini-Gras","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective <em>Salmonella</em> control in pigs requires understanding how the pathogen is introduced and spreads on farms. This study aimed to identify potential sources of <em>Salmonella</em> infection in pigs using both epidemiological and microbiological methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 148 fattening pig farms in the Netherlands. Porcine fecal samples were collected and tested for the presence of <em>Salmonella</em>, and a questionnaire on farm characteristics was completed. Risk factors significantly associated with <em>Salmonella</em> presence at farm-level were identified through logistic regression analysis. For source attribution based on microbial subtyping, serotyped <em>Salmonella</em> isolates obtained from the Dutch national laboratory surveillance system (2016–2023) were used. Pig isolates (<em>n</em> = 494) were attributed to nine putative sources (<em>n</em> = 4171 isolates) using the modified Dutch (mDM) and modified Hald (mHM) models.</div><div>A farm-level prevalence of 9.5 % (14/148; 95 % CI 5.3–15.4 %) was found. Cleaning the pens between batches (odds ratio [OR] 0.139, 95 % CI 0.030–0.625) and moving piglets at a later age to the fattening unit (in weeks, OR 0.538, 95 % CI 0.290–0.998) were significantly associated with reduced odds of <em>Salmonella</em> presence, whereas the presence of cattle on the farm increased the odds (OR 4.860, 95 % CI 1.346–17.544). Both mDM and mHM attributed most pig isolates to other pigs (mDM: 43.0 %; mHM: 72.6 %), followed by cattle (mDM: 22.6 %; mHM: 11.0 %) and broilers (mDM: 9.2 %; mHM: 5.0 %), as sources.</div><div>This study indicates pig-to-pig transmission as the main source of <em>Salmonella</em> in pigs and suggests that cattle may significantly contribute to <em>Salmonella</em> introduction into pig herds on multi-species farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106792"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146070869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-04-01Epub Date: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106791
Charlott Olofsson , Aliaksandr Hubin , Hilde Vinje , Amira Rachah , Olav Reksen , Camilla Kielland , Ingrid Toftaker
The large amount of data collected through automatic milking systems (AMS) may be used for early detection of intramammary infections and become instrumental for monitoring udder health in dairy herds. Machine learning (ML) techniques can aid in improving diagnostic test properties of current indicators of subclinical mastitis (SCM). In this study, we present novel customized ML models for predicting SCM from AMS data. We show how results from several diagnostic tests can be incorporated into ML model training by explicitly accounting for their sensitivity and specificity. The underlying infection status was modeled as a latent variable derived from bacteriological culture (BC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results on milk samples. Model performance was evaluated using a customized log-likelihood (CLL) function, addressing uncertainty in prediction target, and compared with traditional metrics using simulated data. Our study demonstrates that incorporating prior knowledge of sensitivity and specificity of the tests directly into the likelihood function during model training enables reliable ML even in scenarios with an imperfect target variable. The customized models achieved the highest CLL scores on real data and demonstrated significantly better calibration on simulated data. At the same time, all models showed similarly near-perfect area under the curve (AUC) on simulated data. Further validation across herds is needed, but our approach shows promise for robust SCM prediction from AMS data using ML. The framework is applicable to other scenarios in veterinary epidemiology with imperfectly measured outcomes.
{"title":"Machine learning for detection of subclinical mastitis: A Bayesian approach incorporating diagnostic test properties","authors":"Charlott Olofsson , Aliaksandr Hubin , Hilde Vinje , Amira Rachah , Olav Reksen , Camilla Kielland , Ingrid Toftaker","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106791","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2026.106791","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The large amount of data collected through automatic milking systems (AMS) may be used for early detection of intramammary infections and become instrumental for monitoring udder health in dairy herds. Machine learning (ML) techniques can aid in improving diagnostic test properties of current indicators of subclinical mastitis (SCM). In this study, we present novel customized ML models for predicting SCM from AMS data. We show how results from several diagnostic tests can be incorporated into ML model training by explicitly accounting for their sensitivity and specificity. The underlying infection status was modeled as a latent variable derived from bacteriological culture (BC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results on milk samples. Model performance was evaluated using a customized log-likelihood (CLL) function, addressing uncertainty in prediction target, and compared with traditional metrics using simulated data. Our study demonstrates that incorporating prior knowledge of sensitivity and specificity of the tests directly into the likelihood function during model training enables reliable ML even in scenarios with an imperfect target variable. The customized models achieved the highest CLL scores on real data and demonstrated significantly better calibration on simulated data. At the same time, all models showed similarly near-perfect area under the curve (AUC) on simulated data. Further validation across herds is needed, but our approach shows promise for robust SCM prediction from AMS data using ML. The framework is applicable to other scenarios in veterinary epidemiology with imperfectly measured outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"249 ","pages":"Article 106791"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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