Preventive veterinary medicine最新文献

Piglet pre-weaning mortality (PWM) is a significant issue in the U.S. swine industry, causing economic losses and raising sustainability and animal welfare concerns. This study conducted a multivariable analysis to identify factors associated with PWM in a Midwestern U.S. swine production system. Weekly data from 47 sow farms (7207 weaning weeks) were captured from January 2020 to December 2022. Initially, 29 variables regarding farm infrastructure, productivity parameters, health status, and interventions were selected for univariate analysis to assess their association with PWM. The initial multivariable analysis included the variables with P < 0.20 in the univariate analyses. A backward stepwise model selection was conducted by excluding variables with P > 0.05, and the final multivariable model consisted of 19 significant risk factors and 6 interaction terms. The overall average PWM for the study population was 14.02 %. Yearly variations in PWM were observed, with the highest recorded in 2020 (16.61 %) and the lowest in 2021 (15.78 %). Cohorts with a pond water source, lower farrowing rate (71.9 %), higher farrowing parity (5.1), shorter gestation length (116.2 days), and using oxytocin during farrowing had increased PWM. The higher productivity parameters such as mummies rate, stillborn rate, and average total born, the higher the PWM was. Additionally, health status and intervention-related factors were associated with PWM, where higher PWM rates were observed in herds facing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) outbreaks, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) positive, the weeks before and during feed medication, and weeks without using Rotavirus vaccine or Rotavirus feedback. Altogether, these results corroborate that PWM is a multifactorial problem, and a better understanding of the risk factors is essential in developing strategies to improve survival rates. Therefore, this study identified the major risk factors associated with PWM for groups of pigs raised under field conditions, and the results underscore the significance of data analysis in comprehending the unique challenges and opportunities inherent to each system.

Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a neglected zoonotic disease primarily associated with cattle. The incidence of bTB is highest in low-income settings with high cattle density and unpasteurised dairy consumption. Smallholder dairy farming has steadily grown in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with limited professional support for adequate bTB surveillance and risk mitigation. Several studies have explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of milk value chain stakeholders towards bTB in LMICs, but this evidence has not been collated and synthesised. We conducted a systematic review to determine what is known, believed, and done in relation to bTB among dairy producers and consumers in LMICs. We performed a systematic search of studies in OVID Medline, Scopus and CABI on 11 September 2023. KAP data were summarised using narrative synthesis and forest plots. We retrieved 2763 articles, retaining 51 for the review. Only studies from Africa (n = 38) and Asia (n = 13) met the eligibility criteria. Most populations reported awareness of human tuberculosis and knew it could be treated, but there was limited awareness of bTB and its zoonotic potential. Knowledge of bTB transmission routes and bTB mitigation varied across populations, and risky practices were also variable. Inconsistencies in study design and survey tools suggest some results may have a mid- to high-risk of bias. Awareness of bTB is surprisingly low among African and Asian populations with high bTB exposure risk, possibly due to the long-standing divide between animal and human health messages that has obscured the One Health implications of bTB. Addressing bTB in LMICs requires a structural One Health approach and standard KAP survey tools to adequately explore the socio-cultural, political, and economic processes and drivers favouring bTB spread and persistence.

In recent years, the Netherlands exhibited an increased focus on improving youngstock rearing. Several data-driven tools were developed to assess and benchmark calf rearing practices based on key indicators, stimulate farmers to improve their youngstock rearing and reduce calf mortality. KalfOK is such a data-driven tool in which a farm-level overview with 15 indicators of youngstock rearing quality is communicated to participating farmers. In this study we assessed which farm characteristics are associated with A) a continuously high or low KalfOK score and B) frequent usage of KalfOK. Data from KalfOK and the identification and registration system were available for all participating herds over a period between 2019 and 2022 (Dataset A). Additionally, a sample of 324 dairy farmers, randomly selected from the entire Dutch dairy population (Dataset B), participated in a voluntary survey. Multivariable (logistic) regression models were used to A) identify differences in characteristics between farms with a continuously high- and farms with a continuously low KalfOK score and B) assess which farm characteristics were associated with frequent use of the KalfOK report. The results of analysis A showed multiple factors associated with having a low or high KalfOK score, including replacement rate, closed farming system, limited growth in herd size and the region where a farm was located. Sociological factors might also partly explain the difference between high and low scoring farms. Analysis B showed that approximately half of the surveyed farmers indicated that they do not frequently use their KalfOK overview in their calf rearing management. The KalfOK score of farmers who regularly use their KalfOK report was higher – and consequently better - compared to the KalfOK score of farmers who sometimes or never use KalfOK. Additionally, farmers using a milk robot and those discussing KalfOK regularly with their veterinarian, used KalfOK more often. Thirty four percent of the surveyed farmers made adjustments to their youngstock rearing management since the start of participation. The study’s insights into patterns in KalfOK utilization and associations with farm characteristics provide valuable information for ongoing efforts to enhance calf rearing practices via the use of KalfOK. It is important to consider what is needed to convince farmers that do not use the KalfOK tool to frequently start using their KalfOK report. Future research incorporating sociological aspects can provide a more comprehensive understanding of other dynamics influencing calf rearing and contribute valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness of programs like KalfOK in promoting calf health and welfare.

Salmonella spp. infections in animals are a concern due to their zoonotic nature, welfare effects and economic impact on the livestock industry. To enable targeted surveillance, it is important to identify risk factors for the introduction of Salmonella spp. in a herd. Since 2009, Dutch dairy processors require herds delivering milk to their plants to participate in a Salmonella programme. In this programme, bulk milk is tested three times a year (i.e. test rounds) by ELISA on presence of antibodies against Salmonella spp. serogroups B and D. Based on these bulk milk results we identified newly infected herds, and aimed to identify associated risk factors. Effects of putative risk factors for becoming newly infected were studied using a multivariable population average logistic regression (PA-GEE) model with binomial distribution. Per test round in 2019–2021, 0.85–4.10 % of the Dutch dairy herds at risk became newly infected, with large regional differences. Several risk factors for becoming newly infected in the context of the low herd-level prevalence were identified. The most evident risk factors that were identified were having at least one infected or recently recovered dairy herd within 500 m (OR = 2.67), on-farm presence of pigs (OR = 1.63), introduction of more than 2 cattle from other herds in the previous 12 months (OR = 1.17), being in an area with a relative soil moisture of >0.54 % (OR = 1.31), being located in an area with a high water surface area (>2 %; OR = 1.14) and a larger herd size (OR = 1.65). These results indicate that, in addition to introduction of cattle, local transmission plays an important role in the between-herd transmission of Salmonella spp. Information on risk factors for becoming newly infected based on regularly collected data, can be used to improve surveillance and to implement targeted control measures against salmonellosis.

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus of the Lentivirus genus, distributed worldwide, that causes persistent infection with a significant impact on the cats’ health. Due to the importance of this infection in feline medicine, this pioneering study aimed to obtain an integrated estimate of the global seroprevalence of FIV in cats and to characterize the factors associated with this infection. Four electronic databases were screened for observational studies with FIV seroprevalence in cats published globally for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The initial search method returned 873 studies, of which 113 met all predefined criteria and were therefore included in this review. Meta-analysis with general data was performed, and a combined global seropositivity of 9.43 % (95 % CI: 8.24 % – 10.78 %) was found. Seropositivity was 14.34 % (95 % CI = 10.92 % – 18.61 %) in Asia, 11.90 % (95 % CI = 9.82 % – 14.34 %) in Oceania, 10.90 % (95 % CI = 5.71 % – 19.82 %) in Central America, 9.43 % (95 % CI = 6.95 % – 12.66 %) in South America, 9 % (95 % CI = 0 – 80 %) in Africa, 8.98 % (95 % CI = 7.31 % – 10.98 %) in Europe, and 5.93 % (95 % CI = 4.33 % – 8.07 %) in North America. Meta-analysis of factors associated with seropositivity demonstrated that FIV seroprevalence was higher in male (Prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.53, 95 % CI = 2.16 – 2.95), adult (PR = 2.83, 95 % CI = 2.24 – 3.56), unowned status (PR = 1.47, 95 % CI = 1.07 – 2.03), sick status (PR = 2.46, 95 % CI = 1.97 – 3.06), and cats with outdoor access (PR = 4.38, 95 % CI = 2.26 – 8.47). The results demonstrated that FIV is globally distributed and has a high seroprevalence in some geographical areas. Information compiled from this research is relevant to understanding the worldwide epidemiology of FIV. It presents the potential to contribute to the planning of strategies focused on controlling and reducing cases in cat populations.

Salmonella-related foodborne illness is a significant public health concern, with the primary source of human infection being animal-based food products, particularly chicken meat. Lebanon is currently experiencing a dual crisis: the COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented economic crisis, which has resulted in substantial challenges to the public health system and food safety. This study aims to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella in raw poultry meat sold in North Lebanon during this dual crisis. A cross-sectional study was carried out between May 2021 and April 2022 across six different districts in North Lebanon. A total of 288 whole, unprocessed chickens were examined. The isolation and identification of Salmonella isolates were done based on cultural and biochemical properties. All isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing and phenotypic assays for Extended-Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) detection. The prevalence of Salmonella in raw poultry meat purchased in North Lebanon reached 18.05 % (52/288). The dry season and chilled chicken were significantly associated with an increased risk of Salmonella contamination (P < 0.05). Additionally, 34.61 % of the isolates were potential ESBL producers, and 57.69 % exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). This study highlights the existence of MDR in chicken meat in North Lebanon, posing a potential health risk if undercooked chicken meat is consumed. This emphasizes the importance of the implementation of preventive strategies and hygienic procedures throughout the food chain to reduce the risk of Salmonella spp. contamination in chicken meats and its potential transmission to humans.

Canid alphaherpesvirus-1 (CaHV-1) may cause a highly fatal haemorrhagic disease in neonatal pups and is associated with reproductive, respiratory and ocular disease in older dogs. Although assumed to have a world-wide distribution, there have been few reports of CaHV-1 in Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CaHV-1 in household dogs in a residential suburb in Townsville, as well as in dogs attending two dog shows in the region. Study participants were recruited through door-to-door non-probability sampling (Douglas dogs, n = 185) or invited to participate (Show dogs; n = 76). Dog owners completed a questionnaire that investigated possible risk factors for recent exposure to CaHV-1. A serum sample from each dog was assayed for anti-CaHV-1 antibodies using a commercially available ELISA. Associations between seropositive dogs and owner-reported risk factors were analysed using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression models. The seroprevalence of CaHV-1 was 11.4 % (95 % CI 6.8–15.9 %) and 17.1 % (95 % CI 5.5–28.8) for the Douglas and Show dogs, respectively, with a pooled seroprevalence of 13 % (95 % CI 8.3–17.7 %). Dogs that had suffered from conjunctivitis within the previous 3 months or were involved in breeding were more likely to be seropositive to CaHV-1. No other significant risk factors were identified. In conclusion, CaHV-1 is circulating in dogs in North Queensland and may be contributing to foetal and neonatal losses in this region.

Dog bites are a serious public health problem. A campaign by the Dog and Cat Management Board of South Australia was launched to increase awareness that any dog can bite as a first step in reducing the incidence of dog bites. The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate changes in attitudes to dog bites following the media campaign, and 2) provide baseline data on dog bites and attitudes to interactions with dogs to help target future campaigns. The media campaign ‘Good Dogs Have Bad Days’ was run from July to October, 2023, using TV, radio, billboards and social media. A cross-sectional survey was conducted pre- and post-campaign, including demographics and questions relating to interactions and attitudes to dogs. A total of n = 402 to the pre- and n = 404 responses to the post-campaign surveys were received, with most having owned a dog, living in metropolitan areas, and an equal split of males and females. Over one third (36–37 %) of dog owners and 25–29 % of non-dog owners had been previously bitten by a dog, although most did not require medical attention. Respondents were more likely to agree that any dog can bite if they recalled seeing the campaign, and less likely if they were male and had poor knowledge of the scenarios in which a dog might bite. Older respondents and those from lower socioeconomic areas believed dog bites were a more serious community issue than younger respondents from higher socioeconomic areas. Approximately 70 % of dog owners believed it was safe for strangers to approach their dog, 34–37 % allowed children or other people to pat their dog without permission and less than half separated their dog from visitors or delivery people. In contrast few of the non-dog owners allowed their children to pat a dog without the owner’s permission and only 2 % allowed them to play with dogs without supervision. The results demonstrate a relatively short campaign was associated with increased agreement any dog can bite. The proportion of respondents who had been bitten by a dog affirms the importance of public health campaigns targeting dog attacks. Some behaviours, such as supervising dogs around children and keeping dogs separate from delivery people, had relatively low agreement from dog owners and may be targeted in future campaigns. Public awareness campaigns and ongoing education will help to increase safer interactions with dogs, but it will take time and commitment to achieve a result.

The prevalence of avian influenza viruses is commonly found to increase dramatically as birds are transported from farms to live bird markets. Viral transmission dynamics along marketing chains are, however, poorly understood. To address this gap, we implemented a controlled field experiment altering chicken supply to a live bird market in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Broilers and backyard chickens traded along altered (intervention) and conventional (control) marketing chains were tested for avian influenza viruses at different time points. Upon arrival at the live bird market, the odds of detecting avian influenza viruses did not differ between control and intervention groups. However, 12 h later, intervention group odds were lower, particularly for broilers, indicating that viral shedding in live bird markets resulted partly from infections occurring during transport and trade. Curtailing avian influenza virus prevalence in live bird markets requires mitigating risk in marketing chain nodes preceding chickens’ delivery at live bird markets.

SARS-CoV-2 emerged from an animal source and was then transmitted to humans, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Since a wide range of animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2 increases with every new animal infected. The molecular gold standard assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection is real-time RT-PCR, where the Ct obtained is proportional to the amount of nucleic acid and can be a semi-quantitative measure of the viral load. However, since the use of real-time RT-PCR assays in animal samples is low due to the high costs, the use of validated nested PCR assays will help to monitor large-scale animal samplings, by reducing the costs of detection. In the present study, 140 samples from dogs and cats (15 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples with Ct values from 27 to 33, and 125 negative samples), previously analyzed by real-time RT-PCR, were analyzed by nested PCR. To increase the number of positive samples to determine the sensitivity of the assay, 40 human samples obtained during COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020 were included. The specificity of the primers was analyzed against samples positive to canine coronavirus (CCV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). To calculate the limit of detection (LoD) of the nested PCR, the viral load was estimated extrapolating the Ct value obtained by real-time RT-PCR. The Ct values obtained were considered as semi-quantitative and were able to distinguish between high, moderate and low viral loads. The Kappa value or “agreement” between assays and reliability of the nested PCR were also determined. Eleven of the animal samples analyzed by nested PCR targeting the N gene were detected as positive, while 129 were detected as negative to the virus, with Ct values ranging between17 and 31.5. All the samples from humans analyzed by nested PCR were positive. These results indicate that the assay has a sensitivity of near 95 % and a specificity of 100 %. No unspecific reactions analyzed by nested PCR were observed with the samples positive to CCV and FIPV. The samples detected as positive to SARS-CoV-2 by nested PCR were those that presented a Ct between17 and 31.5. The LoD of the nested PCR was estimated close to 50 copies/µL of viral load, corresponding with a Ct of 31.5. The Kappa value between assays was excellent (k = 0.829). The results obtained demonstrate that nested PCR is useful to detect SARS-CoV-2 low viral loads at a lower cost than with real-time RT-PCR.