Preventive veterinary medicine最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of ESBL and AmpC producing commensal E. coli isolated from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australia","authors":"Michele Tree ,&nbsp;Frances Brigg ,&nbsp;Anne L. Barnes ,&nbsp;Theo J.G.M. Lam ,&nbsp;Scott McDougall ,&nbsp;David S. Beggs ,&nbsp;Ian D. Robertson ,&nbsp;Tayler C. Kent ,&nbsp;Joshua W. Aleri","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated plasmid resistant genome of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and Ambler class C cephalosporinase (AmpC) producing commensal <em>Escherichia coli,</em> using a targeted pDNA approach, from lactating cows and pre-weaned calves on dairy farms in Western Australian (WA). Following culture and modified double disc diffusion, ESBL and/or AmpC producing commensal <em>E. coli</em> were isolated from faecal samples and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determined. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) was extracted, amplified, and sequenced to identify the AMR and replicon composition. Phenotypic analysis of 1117 faecal samples from 26 Western Australian dairy farms revealed a low overall prevalence (7.3 %) of ESBL and/or AmpC-producing commensal <em>E. coli</em>, with 3.2 % in cows (n = 633) and 12.8 % in calves (n = 484). All isolates were classified ‘non-wildtype’ for ampicillin and ceftiofur, with 95.1 % classified as ‘non-wildtype’ multidrug resistant (MDR). While <em>bla</em>_<em>TEM</em> was common in the pDNA (total: 60.6 %; cow: 76.9 %; calf: 57.7 %), a total of 13 AMR genes were identified across 126 plasmids (cow: <em>n</em> = 30; calf: <em>n</em> = 96) isolated. Multiple correspondence analysis (with chi-square–based 95 % confidence ellipses) showed variation in pDNA AMR genes and replicons by farm, with generally distinct plasmid profiles, though some clustering suggests possible farm-to-farm plasmid transmission. In conclusion, though low in prevalence, ESBL and/or AmpC producing commensal <em>E. coli</em> having high phenotypic AMR, MDR, and pDNA diversity were isolated from dairy cattle on 65.4 % of screened farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 106750"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621614","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}

{"title":"Antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants of E. coli isolated from companion animals: A potential public health concern","authors":"Fatma Abdel-Kader ,&nbsp;Yusuf Mohamad ,&nbsp;Elshaimaa Ismael ,&nbsp;Dalia Hamza ,&nbsp;AShraf Bakkar ,&nbsp;Manal Zaki","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in <em>Escherichia coli</em>, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing strains, poses a significant zoonotic risk. This study investigates the prevalence of AMR and virulence determinants in <em>E. coli</em> isolated from dogs and cats in Egypt. A total of 102 rectal swabs were analyzed, with <em>E. coli</em> recovered from 55 (53.9 %) samples, more frequently in cats (19/30; 63.3 %) than in dogs (36/72; 50 %). ESBL-producing isolates were detected in both healthy (5/28; 17.9 %) and diseased (6/27; 22.2 %) animals. The most common resistance genes were <em>bla</em>_TEM and <em>bla</em>_CTX-M, often occurring with <em>bla</em>_CMY-2. Although phenotypic carbapenem resistance was uncommon (5.45 %), carbapenemase-encoding genes were identified in 60 % of isolates, suggesting a potential but unconfirmed reservoir of resistance. Virulence gene profiling revealed that most isolates carry virulence genes primarily associated with extra-intestinal pathogenic <em>E. coli</em> (ExPEC), followed by enterohemorrhagic <em>E. coli</em> (EHEC), with both detected in diseased and asymptomatic animals. Cluster analysis demonstrated strong associations between AMR and virulence determinants, underscoring the convergence of resistance and pathogenic potential. These findings highlight the coexistence of resistance and virulence genes in companion animal <em>E. coli,</em> and reinforce the need for prudent antimicrobial use and One Health-based surveillance to limit the emergence and dissemination of AMR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 106755"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621615","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}

{"title":"Brucellosis prevention and control in small ruminants using a test and slaughter strategy in the pastoral Afar Region of Ethiopia: A pilot study","authors":"Ashenafi Kidanu ,&nbsp;Balako Gumi ,&nbsp;Mahlet Osman ,&nbsp;Haregua Melak Selamsew ,&nbsp;Jakob Zinsstag ,&nbsp;Bezalem Tesfaye Araya ,&nbsp;Girmay Medhin ,&nbsp;Tesfu Kassa ,&nbsp;Rea Tschopp","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Brucellosis is a neglected tropical zoonosis with substantial health and economic impact in developing countries. Despite its endemicity in Ethiopia, there is currently no surveillance or control in livestock. The study objective was to assess the effect of animal segregation and elimination as a brucellosis control strategy in small ruminants in the pastoral Afar region of Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted over 2 years. All small ruminants, older than 5 months originally in the herd and those subsequently entering the herd were ear tagged with unique ID numbers. All animals were tested for brucellosis every six months using Rose Bengal Testing and ELISA for confirmation. Purchased animals and animals that had aborted were segregated and tested before joining the herd. Sero-positive animals were eliminated and owners compensated. A herd-book was kept for all animals and households visited each week. A mathematical transmission model was developed to assess the change of prevalence under different intervention scenarios.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cumulatively, 15,489 small ruminant samples were tested for brucellosis, of which 889 reactors were eliminated. Brucellosis prevalence declined from 12 % to 1 % over the study period and no more animal abortions were recorded by the end of the study. The mathematical model showed that the removal of positive reactors in that specific context clearly decreases the sero-prevalence and eventually leads to the elimination of brucellosis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Segregation and test-and-slaughter strategy can effectively reduce brucellosis prevalence in animals, thus alleviating the disease burden on the public health sector. A strong inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary approach is required taking into account epidemiological context and pastoralist culture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 106751"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621613","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}

{"title":"Companion animal health surveillance systems: An environmental scan","authors":"Heather Grieve ,&nbsp;Tasha Epp ,&nbsp;Amy L. Greer ,&nbsp;J. Scott Weese ,&nbsp;Lauren E. Grant","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106749","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106749","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Monitoring of companion animal zoonotic diseases in Canada is limited by the lack of a comprehensive companion animal health surveillance system, capable of integrating environmental and public health data. To guide the development of a suitable surveillance framework, we conducted an environmental scan of companion animal heath surveillance systems globally. Using academic and grey literature database searches, supplemented with targeted internet searching, we identified 12,718 unique sources. After screening, 257 sources were deemed eligible for inclusion. These sources identified 119 national or regional surveillance and control programs (which were not further characterized) and 33 companion animal health surveillance systems. We extracted information relating to surveillance scope, data source and collection methods, integration of environmental and public health data, and data dissemination methods. In total, 48.5 % (n = 16/33) of the systems relied on submission of data by veterinary professionals or others, whilst 42.4 % (n = 14) extracted data from electronic health records and veterinary diagnostic laboratory data. Surveillance scope included infectious diseases (n = 13), cause of death (n = 2), cancer (n = 1), and toxin exposure (n = 1). Some systems were not focused on specific health outcomes (n = 12). Only 9.1 % (n = 3) of systems integrated environmental or public health data at the point of data collection. However, other systems utilized environmental data during the analysis phase (27.3 %, n = 9). Surveillance systems largely disseminated surveillance outputs through reports (30.3 %, n = 10) and direct feedback to contributors (27.3 %, n = 9). By conducting this environmental scan, we provide a summary of global companion animal health surveillance efforts. Notably, there are few examples of fully integrated companion animal health surveillance systems using a One Health approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 106749"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145574177","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}

{"title":"Canine leptospirosis and environmental risk factors in coastal New South Wales, Australia (2021 – 2023)","authors":"Xiao Lu,&nbsp;Christine Griebsch,&nbsp;Jacqueline M. Norris,&nbsp;Michael P. Ward","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease that has been long neglected in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Clinical canine leptospirosis cases in Shoalhaven, southeastern NSW from October 2021 to May 2023 were analysed to examine associations between environmental factors and the local occurrence of canine leptospirosis. Poisson models (log-transformed canine population offset and adjusted for the Index of Economic Resources) of spatial (landscape factors adjusted for economic status) and temporal environmental factors (lagged weekly climate variables) were fit to the data. During the 2022 Australian winter, a significant spatio-temporal cluster of canine leptospirosis was detected near lakes, overlapping with the areas heavily flooded in March 2022. In areas surrounding case residential addresses, the rate of canine leptospirosis was increased by the presence of nature conservation areas [Risk Ratio (RR) = 2.47, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.0 – 6.06, p = 0.047] and reduced by the presence of recreational areas within the relevant neighbourhood (RR = 0.13, 95 % CI 0.04 – 0.34, p &lt; 0.001). The preceding extreme climate events (extreme heat and extreme precipitation) influenced the rate of canine leptospirosis in opposite ways, with extreme rainfall at lag −13, −10 and −9 weeks significantly increased rate. The re-emergence of canine leptospirosis in southern NSW was multifactorial, with hydrological events likely the main driving factor. Increased pet owner awareness during and following such events is advocated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 106748"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578157","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}

{"title":"Evaluating sampling strategies for effective detection of African swine fever in growing pig population in the U.S.","authors":"Jason A. Galvis ,&nbsp;Aniruddha Deka ,&nbsp;Gustavo Machado","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106740","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early detection of African swine fever virus (ASFV) is critical to preventing widespread epidemics. However, the effectiveness of within-farm sampling remains to be examined, particularly during the early phase of an outbreak when disease prevalence is low, animals may be asymptomatic, or clinical signs are masked by co-circulating diseases. This study assessed four sampling strategies for detecting ASFV-infected animals in suspected growing pig farms within the first 14 days of the introduction of either a high- or moderate-virulence ASFV strain. Pens were selected using three methods: random sampling, targeted sampling of pens with clinical animals, and informative sampling based on estimated pen infection probabilities. The informative sampling method was further divided into sequential method, which ranked pens by descending viral load probability, and cluster &amp; random method, which selected pens at random from high and low viral load clusters. Each pen-selection method was examined with different sample sizes. We calculated the sensitivity of each approach as the probability of detecting at least one ASFV-positive pig per farm. Results showed that sampling 30 pens with one pig per pen using the target &amp; random pen-selection method yielded the highest detection sensitivity, even in the presence of other co-circulating diseases that interfere with the accurate identification of clinical ASFV cases. In contrast, sampling five pens resulted in the lowest sensitivity. These findings provide valuable insights for improving ASFV surveillance strategies in the U.S. and can inform preparedness efforts for other foreign animal diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 106740"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145534740","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}

{"title":"A case report of the 2022 foot and mouth disease outbreaks in a sample of Indonesian feedlots","authors":"Prama Rangga ,&nbsp;Isabel MacPhillamy ,&nbsp;Sonny Handaru ,&nbsp;Nina Matsumoto ,&nbsp;Emma Zalcman ,&nbsp;Ben Madin","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106739","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2022, Indonesia experienced its first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in over three decades, posing a considerable challenge to its beef feedlot industry and food security in the world’s fourth most populous nation. This study aimed to report the strategies employed to manage the disease in a naïve population of high-performing cattle. Seven feedlots, located in the major beef-producing regions of Lampung and West Java, participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key feedlot personnel to gather data on their experiences during the outbreak. The industry demonstrated effective outbreak management through prompt implementation of control measures, such as vaccination and disinfection of incoming vehicles, and context-appropriate decision-making, such as salvage slaughter of severely impacted cattle. This study provides valuable insights for other FMD affected and free countries with feedlot industries, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and proactive management strategies in mitigating the impact of potential outbreaks. The findings also underscore the need for ongoing research and collaboration to strengthen FMD prevention and control efforts in the region, and to ensure responses are proportional to the risk and do not inadvertently create economically damaging outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 106739"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145496558","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}

{"title":"Understanding biosecurity and emergency animal disease preparedness of those involved in the management of pigs in New South Wales, Australia","authors":"M. Hernandez-Jover ,&nbsp;N. Schembri ,&nbsp;L. Hayes ,&nbsp;J. Manyweathers ,&nbsp;V.J. Brookes","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Appropriate on-farm implementation of biosecurity and animal health practices is crucial for the prevention of disease introduction, early disease detection, and emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness. For the pig industry in Australia, this is particularly important given the increasing risk of African swine fever (ASF) due to ongoing outbreaks in neighbouring regions. This study investigated attitudes and behaviours of pig owners and producers from New South Wales (NSW), Australia, around farm biosecurity, to identify gaps and barriers in biosecurity knowledge and implementation, and best strategies to improve biosecurity engagement. The study focused on those owning or producing pigs for purposes other than large scale commercial pig production as this sector of the industry are likely to have a lower engagement with biosecurity than commercial producers. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire and qualitative interviews were used to gather information on biosecurity knowledge, behaviour and attitudes, including ASF preparedness. A total of 186 usable survey responses were obtained from Australian pig owners and producers, with fourteen interviews conducted. Based on their self-reported reason for keeping pigs, most survey respondents described keeping pigs for home consumption or as pets. Biosecurity engagement and a score based on biosecurity practices were significantly higher (suggesting greater biosecurity) amongst respondents who kept pigs for commercial or semi-commercial reasons, than those keeping pigs for non-commercial reasons. Most respondents (89.2 %) were aware of biosecurity planning; however, only 30.7 % had a written plan. The main barrier to developing a plan was the perception of already having good practices in place. Engagement with biosecurity practices such as isolating incoming animals and visitor biosecurity, was low. Despite most reporting a high level of ASF concern, awareness of this disease was low. The interviews, while highlighting a disconnect between non-commercial producers and industry, also demonstrated a desire by participants to increase their level of knowledge and improve biosecurity practices across all groups. There was still, however, some reluctance to adopt practices for which the direct benefit was less evident. This study demonstrates a need to improve engagement with biosecurity practices and increase awareness of emergency animal diseases among pig producers in NSW, especially those who do not keep pigs commercially or semi-commercially, with wider ramifications for the Australian pig industry and to inform understanding of a holistic approach to the interactions between larger scale producers and smallholders globally.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 106737"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466141","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}

{"title":"Refining estimation of antimicrobial use at national level: A quantitative surveillance study processing data from the Swiss national reporting system","authors":"Lena Fleischer ,&nbsp;Jens Becker ,&nbsp;Dolf Kümmerlen","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobials are frequently used in livestock, but imprudent antimicrobial use (AMU) has raised concerns about antimicrobial resistance and animal welfare. Recently, the Swiss government has established the national reporting system “Information System of Antimicrobials in Veterinary Medicine” (IS ABV) to monitor AMU. This study used IS ABV data to calculate AMU of finisher pigs and dairy cattle across 1500 farms using two different indicators. We calculated treatment incidence (TI, in defined daily doses [DDD] per animal and year), and number of treated animals per 1000 animals per day (NoTrA) at the population (_P) and at the farm (_F) level. For finisher pigs, at the population level, we estimated 0.74 DDD/finisher pig/year and 8.65 treated finisher pigs/1000 finisher pigs/day, with antimicrobials mainly prescribed on stock and administered parenterally. Median TI_F for finisher pigs was 0.05 DDD/finisher pig/year (1st quartile: 0.0; 3rd quartile: 0.54). For dairy cattle, at the population level, we estimated 6.09 DDD/cow/year and 13.23 treated cows/1000 cows/day, with most treatments being administered by intramammary route. Median TI_F for dairy cattle was 5.21 (2.73; 8.36). Penicillins were the most frequently used antimicrobial class for both production categories. This is the first study to calculate AMU using IS ABV data including prescriptions on stock in its calculations, underlining its potential for standardized data collection and comprehensive AMU estimation. While AMU in finisher pigs and dairy cattle aligns with Swiss guidelines for prudent use, concerns remain over prescriptions on stock due to insufficient recorded information. This highlights the need for improved data recording.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 106738"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466193","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}

{"title":"Quantitative assessment of biosecurity practices in conventional broiler farms in Punjab, Pakistan","authors":"Qamer Mahmood ,&nbsp;Ilias Chantziaras ,&nbsp;Shafique Ur Rehman ,&nbsp;Mudassar Nazar ,&nbsp;Jeroen Dewulf","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biosecurity is the basis for animal disease prevention and a key factor in achieving a sustainable poultry production, particularly in Pakistan's rapidly expanding broiler industry. However, the extent of on-farm biosecurity implementation remains largely unquantified, making it essential to conduct an objective assessment to guide targeted interventions. To address this gap, this study evaluated biosecurity practices on 100 conventional broiler farms in Punjab, Pakistan, using the Biocheck.UGent scoring tool. The resulting biosecurity scores were then analyzed in relation to key farm management practices and antimicrobial use (AMU). Biosecurity practices varied across farms with overall scores ranging from 30 % to 75 % (mean: 49 %). External biosecurity was weaker (27 %–76 %, mean: 44 %) than internal biosecurity (34 %–83 %, mean: 55 %). Highly implemented external measures included farm location (scores 73 %) and infrastructure (scores 72 %), while manure and carcass removal (scores 9 %) were poorly implemented. Internal biosecurity showed strengths in disease management (scores 76 %) but weaknesses in cleaning and disinfection (scores 47 %). Overall biosecurity scores correlated positively with farm manager experience (ρ = 0.39, p = 0.01) and farm size (ρ = 0.21, p = 0.04), indicating stronger biosecurity on farms with experienced personnel and larger teams. A negative correlation was found between AMU and overall biosecurity (r = -0.20, p = 0.04), external biosecurity (r = -0.20, p = 0.04), and internal biosecurity (r = -0.15, p = 0.12), suggesting that in farms with better biosecurity less antimicrobials are used. These findings highlight that biosecurity in Pakistan’s broiler sector requires major improvements, particularly in areas such as manure and carcass disposal, cleaning and disinfection, and depopulation of broilers. Strengthening these specific measures will help enhance farm productivity, improve disease prevention, and reduce reliance on antimicrobials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 106736"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466137","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}