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Morrison R, Hanks J, Orpin PG, Strain S, Taylor EN, Rose DC. Challenges for the management of Johne's disease in the UK: Expectation management, space, 'free riding', and vet-farmer communication. Prev Vet Med 2024; 231:106295. [PMID: 39116763 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Johne's disease in cattle is a significant global animal health challenge. Johne's disease is chronic, affecting the gastrointestinal tract of cattle and other ruminants and is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium ssp. Paratuberculosis. Many countries have introduced schemes and programmes to try and control the spread of Johne's disease, including the UK. Despite efforts to control it, however, Johne's disease remains consistently ranked by UK producers as the top ranked disease negatively affecting productivity, indicating that schemes are not perceived to have solved the problem fully. Building on a global systematic review of the literature on barriers and solutions for Johne's disease control on-farm, we conducted an empirical study with over 400 farmers and 150 veterinary professionals across the UK. The study used workshops and semi-structured interviews to understand better the challenges dairy farmers and veterinarians face in implementing on-farm Johne's disease management schemes with the aim of identifying solutions. The study found that four main challenges are faced in the on-farm control of Johne's - (1) Management of farmer expectations around Johne's disease, with eradication near impossible, (2) Issues regarding space for segregation and the related economics of control (3) A 'free-riding' problem which can be influenced by the voluntary nature of control plans and (4) Challenges in vet-farmer communication, including levels of knowledge. Our findings have relevance for the control of Johne's disease in the UK and other countries, including for regions with voluntary and compulsory control programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Hanks
- PAN Livestock Services Ltd., UK Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit (VEERU), University of Reading, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Earley Gate, PO Box 237, Reading, RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Peter Guy Orpin
- MyHealthy Herd, 10 The Old Manor House, 10 Churchgate, Hallaton, Leicestershire LE16 8TY, UK
| | - Sam Strain
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, Dungannon, BT71 6JT, UK
| | - Emma Nicole Taylor
- PAN Livestock Services Ltd., UK Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit (VEERU), University of Reading, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, Earley Gate, PO Box 237, Reading, RG6 6EU, UK
| | - David Christian Rose
- Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK; Food, Land and Agribusiness Management, Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Newport, TF10 8NB, UK.
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Ottardi M, Lechner I, Wang J, Schmitt S, Schneeberger M, Schmid RM, Stephan R, Meylan M. Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Swiss dairy herds and risk factors for a positive herd status and within-herd prevalence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1409694. [PMID: 39005723 PMCID: PMC11242548 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1409694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic enteric disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Control of PTB is important given its negative economic consequences and the potential zoonotic role of MAP in Crohn's disease in humans. Methods To determine the seroprevalence of MAP in Swiss dairy herds and to identify risk factors associated with seropositive herd status and high within-herd seroprevalence, 10,063 serum samples collected from cattle over 12 months of age in 171 Swiss dairy farms were analyzed using a commercial ELISA test. Eight herds were excluded due to non-interpretable ELISA results. Risk factors associated with seropositive herd status and high within-herd seroprevalence were investigated with regression models using results from a questionnaire on management practices possibly associated with the introduction or spread of MAP in the remaining 163 herds. Univariable logistic regression was performed, carrying forward for multivariable regression analysis when p < 0.2. Results The calculated between-herd true seroprevalence was 3.6% (95% CI, 0.96-8.4%). Due to the low within-herd seroprevalence, it was not possible to calculate the true seroprevalence at animal level; the apparent within-herd seroprevalence ranged from 2.3 to 5.5% with a median of 3.6% in nine positive farms. Herd size (p = 0.037) and the common grazing of lactating cows with cows from other herds (p = 0.014) were associated with seropositive herd status, while heifers sharing alpine pasture with dairy cattle from other herds were associated with a decreased probability of the herd to test seropositive (p = 0.042). Reliable identification of significant risk factors associated with MAP spread and high seroprevalence of PTB within seropositive herds was not possible due to low observed seroprevalence within herds and low sensitivity of the ELISA test. Discussion These results highlight the limitation of serology for MAP diagnosis in small herds with low infection prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ottardi
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sarah Schmitt
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Schneeberger
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Roger Stephan
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Section of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mireille Meylan
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Morrison R, Rose DC. Factors that influence dairy farmers' decisions to implement Johne's Disease control practices: A systematic review. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106053. [PMID: 37865010 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Johne's Disease (JD) is an infectious ruminant disease that can cause economic loss for famers through reduced milk yields and infertility and has negative implications for animal welfare. JD is endemic in the dairy populations of many countries and there has been significant effort by governments and industry to try and control it. However, these efforts have had limited success. Many studies look at individual control programmes or the adoption of Johne's control measures; however a wider perspective on what drives farmer participation Johne's control does not currently exist. This study seeks to fill this gap by conducting a systematic review informed by the PRISMA statement. The results suggest that psychological factors such as participation fatigue, cognitive dissidence over animal welfare and not having first-hand experience of the disease act as barriers to Johne's control. To better promote Johne's control, this review emphasises that control programmes need to engage farmers, advisers, and supply chain actors in their design and delivery of control programmes to account for differing attitudes and levels of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Morrison
- School of Water, Energy and the Environment, Cranfield University, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK.
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Reynolds JA, Bradley AJ, Sherwin VE, Remnant JG, Hudson CD. Associations between Johne's disease and fertility in UK dairy herds. Vet J 2023; 298-299:106015. [PMID: 37479055 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this observational study was to quantify associations between Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) antibody status and a variety of fertility outcomes, in UK dairy cattle. Longitudinal milk recording, fertility and MAP antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) milk test data were collated retrospectively from 121,762 lactations in 78 herds. Datasets were structured into appropriate units to suit outcomes and enable temporal association between current and future MAP status, and fertility measures. Current MAP status was categorised according to most recent status within 180 days, with time-related future MAP status assigned based on MAP antibody ELISA milk test data for each cow. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between MAP status and 21-day pregnancy and submission rate and conception risk. Posterior predictions and cross-validation techniques were used to assess model fit and check model building assumptions. A negative association was found between risk of insemination (Odds Ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% Credible Interval [CI], 0.66-0.92) and conception occurring (OR, 0.65; CI, 0.5-0.84) and transition from negative to non-negative MAP test status in the next 30-90 days. A positive association was observed between risk of insemination (OR, 1.34; CI, 1.16-1.52) and conception occurring (OR, 1.26; CI, 1.11-1.43) and transition from negative to non-negative MAP test status in the next 90-180 days. Current positive MAP test status was negatively and positively associated with insemination (OR, 0.59; CI, 0.49-0.70) and conception risk (OR, 1.12; CI, 0.96-1.30), respectively. Herd managers will have had access to test results, declaring cows with past recent or multiple positive MAP antibody ELISA results not to be bred, negatively influencing insemination risk. Overall, these results demonstrate the temporal association between a positive MAP antibody ELISA result and dairy cow fertility outcomes, with particular variability prior to a positive MAP antibody ELISA result.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Reynolds
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - A J Bradley
- Quality Milk Management Services, Cedar Barn, Easton Hill, Wells, BA5 1DU, UK
| | - V E Sherwin
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - J G Remnant
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - C D Hudson
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
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Imada JB, Roche SM, Thaivalappil A, Bauman CA, Kelton DF. Investigating Ontario dairy farmers motivations and barriers to the adoption of biosecurity and Johne's control practices. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:2449-2460. [PMID: 36870850 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
For the control of Johne's disease (JD), management practices to minimize disease transmission must be implemented and maintained. Once infected, animals will enter a latent phase and will typically only manifest clinical symptoms years later. As young calves are the main susceptible group on farm, the observed effects of management practices geared toward minimizing their exposure to infective material may not be realized until years later. This delayed feedback limits the sustained implementation of JD control practices. Although quantitative research methods have demonstrated changes to management practices as well as their association with changes to JD prevalence, dairy farmers can offer insights into the current challenges relating to JD implementation and control. Thus, this study aims to use qualitative methods and in-depth interviews (n = 20) with Ontario dairy farmers who had previously been engaged in a Johne's control program to explore their motivations and barriers to the implementation of JD control practices and general herd biosecurity. A thematic analysis using inductive coding was completed generated the following 4 overarching themes: (1) the hows and whys of Johne's control, (2) barriers to general herd biosecurity, (3) barriers to Johne's control, and (4) overcoming barriers. Farmers no longer believed JD was an issue on their farm. Johne's was low on their list of concerns due to little public discourse, absence of animals displaying clinical signs, and no financial support for diagnostic testing. Producers who were still actively engaged in JD control cited animal and human health as their primary motivations. Financial support, targeted education, and promoting engagement through discourse may help encourage producers to reconsider their participation in JD control. Government and industry collaboration with producers may help to develop more effective biosecurity and disease control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Imada
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
| | - S M Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1; ACER Consulting, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 5L3
| | - A Thaivalappil
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - C A Bauman
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
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Mulkerrins M, Beecher M, McAloon CG, Macken-Walsh Á. Implementation of compact calving at the farm level: A qualitative analysis of farmers operating pasture-based dairy systems in Ireland. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5822-5835. [PMID: 35525610 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pasture-based dairy systems aim to maximize the proportion of grazed pasture in the cow's diet by having a compact calving season that coincides with the onset of the grass growing season. In Ireland, where pasture-based systems are dominant, a key performance indicator that reflects the degree of compact calving is referred to as 6-wk calving rate (6-wk CR). Although the industry target is 90%, the national average 6-wk CR in Ireland is currently 67%. The aim of this study was to use qualitative research to understand in depth farmers' experiences in implementing a high 6-wk CR. Ten case-study dairy farmers were interviewed using the biographical narrative interpretive method. We identified 5 broad and often interrelated themes evoked by farmers regarding 6-wk CR: the "good" farmer; support networks; free time and family time; simplicity of a structured system; and profitability and monetary gain. The findings of this study identify complexities and challenges at farm level when it comes to increasing 6-wk CR, such as increased workload and challenges associated with large numbers of male calves born during a condensed calving season. Benefits experienced by farmers as a result of increasing 6-wk CR included increased days in milk and consequently improved cash flow as well as increased grass utilization. Our findings are of interest to researchers and extension agents involved in programs concerned with reproductive management in pasture-based dairy systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mulkerrins
- Mountbellew Agricultural College, College Road, Treanrevagh, Mountbellew, Co. Galway, Ireland H53 WE00.
| | - M Beecher
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61C996
| | - C G McAloon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Co. Dublin, Ireland D04V1W8
| | - Á Macken-Walsh
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland H65R718
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Donat K, Einax E, Klassen A. Evaluation of the Thuringian Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program-A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:493. [PMID: 35203201 PMCID: PMC8868165 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Thuringian Johne's Disease (JD) Control Program provides a voluntary approach to JD control in Thuringia, a federal state of Germany. The program has three objectives: reduce the level of infection when present; reduce the spread of JD to uninfected herds; and facilitate the certification and protection of herds that are non-suspect with respect to JD. The program offers pathways for the management of affected herds and for certification of herds with continuing negative tests. After the control stage (CS), a certification stage of at least 3 consecutive years with continuing negative results in the annual whole-herd test has to be passed until a herd can be certified as 'non-suspect' with respect to JD. This study focused on calf mortality in relation to JD herd status. In a longitudinal study, the association of annual calf mortality rate of a total of 93 dairy herds (13 'non-suspect'; 26 in control stage; 54 not enrolled) over 10 consecutive years with JD herd status was investigated using a generalized mixed linear model with repeated measures. Non-suspect herds had a lower calf mortality rate compared with other farms. We conclude that establishing JD control measures lowers the calf mortality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Donat
- Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Esra Einax
- Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse, Anstalt des öffentlichen Rechts, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Anne Klassen
- Klinikum Veterinärmedizin, Klinik für Geburtshilfe, Gynäkologie und Andrologie der Groß- und Kleintiere mit Tierärztlicher Ambulanz, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany;
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8
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Paton N, Schaefer KA, Armitage-Chan EA, Cooper H, Buggiotti L. Disease prevention efforts on Welsh cattle farms are influenced by farm demographics. Vet Rec 2022; 190:e1389. [PMID: 35122441 PMCID: PMC9305973 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background This research seeks to understand how the transition to a new generation of younger, more diverse farmers affects disease prevention efforts on UK farms. Methods We apply multivariate regression analysis to analyse survey responses from 112 Welsh cattle farm operators. Results Our results indicate that young farm operators (less than 40 years of age) receive less frequent visits from veterinarians. Further, farm operators who identify as female are less likely to screen and vaccinate against a range of diseases. Finally, both young farmers and female farm operators are less likely to achieve disease‐free certification for various economically meaningful livestock diseases. Conclusion One possible explanation for these outcomes is that female farm operators and young farmers may feel excluded from long‐standing social networks in the farm animal health sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Paton
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - K Aleks Schaefer
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | - Hannah Cooper
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Laura Buggiotti
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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Henchion MM, Regan Á, Beecher M, MackenWalsh Á. Developing 'Smart' Dairy Farming Responsive to Farmers and Consumer-Citizens: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:360. [PMID: 35158683 PMCID: PMC8833786 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovation has resulted in more dairy products being produced with less inputs than ever before. It has also affected how animals are raised, the structure of the sector and the nature of products produced. Not all impacts have been positive. As disruptive technologies-such as precision farming and robotics-herald significant change, it is timely to reflect on the perspectives of different actors on innovations within the sector. Drawing on a review of academic literature, this paper considers farmers' and consumer-citizens' perspectives; as expected, their diverse knowledge, interests and values surface a range of perspectives. To provide focus to the study, it examines technologies across three stages of the dairy production cycle: breeding, feeding and milking. It finds that consumer-citizen and farmer perspectives have been examined by researchers in several countries, using a variety of methods, across a range of technologies. It finds both areas of agreement and tension within and between consumer-citizen and producer cohorts. While differences in knowledge account for some variation, differences in values are also significant. The extent to which efforts can and should be put into addressing differences is raised as a point for reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeve Mary Henchion
- Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy and Development Programme (REDP), Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, D15 KN3K Dublin, Ireland
| | - Áine Regan
- Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, REDP, Teagasc, Áras uí Mhaoilíosa, Athenry, Co., H65 R718 Galway, Ireland; (Á.R.); (Á.M.)
| | - Marion Beecher
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy Co., P61 C997 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Áine MackenWalsh
- Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, REDP, Teagasc, Áras uí Mhaoilíosa, Athenry, Co., H65 R718 Galway, Ireland; (Á.R.); (Á.M.)
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10
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Whelan MG, Le QB, Hall DC. The Impact of Experiences and Perceptions of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on Water-Related Biosecurity Behaviour in Rural Vietnam. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2021; 41:2240-2265. [PMID: 33998026 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Southeast Asia from 2004 to 2006, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resulted in culling 45 million birds and jeopardizing sustainable agricultural production. HPAI is highly virulent; small-scale farms present a high-risk environment for disease transmission between animals and humans. We investigated how attitudes toward HPAI influence water-related biosecurity mitigation behaviors on small-scale farms in Vietnam using the conceptual framework Social Cognitive Theory. METHOD We analyzed a secondary cross-sectional data set from northern (Thai Binh) and southern (An Giang) provinces in Vietnam, describing a stratified randomized selection of 600 small-scale farmers who were interviewed using questionnaires and in-person interviews. Logistic regression analysis and odds ratios were used to examine relationships between factors influencing HPAI attitudes, social norms, perceived importance, and behaviors (α = 0.10) RESULTS: Concern about the severity of HPAI was significantly associated with increased perceived importance for all water management biosecurity methods (p < 0.01). Media and/or peer influence had negative effects on perceived importance to practice water-related biosecurity (p < 0.10). High importance of practice water-related biosecurity resulted in high uptake (p < 0.05). Past experiences with HPAI were significant in predicting perceived importance; none were significant in describing behavior uptake. DISCUSSION Biosecurity guidelines may not be consistent with management styles of Vietnamese small-scale farms; perceived importance of a behavior may be an important mediating variable. Gaps exist in uptake of water management practices as biosecurity for HPAI, potentially negatively affected by peer and media influence. Our results should be of interest to public health and policy authorities addressing HPAI mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairéad G Whelan
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Quynh B Le
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David C Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Suit-B Y, Hassan L, Krauss SE, Ooi PT, Ramanoon SZ, Yasmin AR, Epstein JH. Mental Model of Malaysian Pig Farmers in Implementing Disease Prevention and Control Practices. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:695702. [PMID: 34820433 PMCID: PMC8606826 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.695702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1998 Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia resulted in major financial losses to the multi-million-dollar swine industry. While productivity and biosecurity of pig farms have improved since, biosecurity in some farms remains substandard with farmers struggling to adapt to current national pig farming policies. Farm viability and animal health depends on farmers' role as decision-makers in managing disease threats and other aspects of farm management. This study aimed to describe the mental model of farmers in making decisions about disease prevention and control measures during the 1998 Nipah virus outbreak, and in 2019, 20 years after the last reported Nipah case. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 pig farmers (mostly small-scale or medium-scale farms) were conducted in three states in Malaysia. Data were analyzed via inductive content analysis. Thirty-six unique dimensions in the mental model were identified, representing six interrelated themes corresponding to participants' decision making related to disease prevention and control: drivers of action to prevent and control disease; perception of practice options; individual determinants of familiar practices; external social factors; external economic factors; and additional external factors. Key drivers of disease control and prevention responses during the Nipah outbreak included heightened perception of risk, emotions, perceived economic loss, and subjective norms whereas key drivers in 2019 included perception of risk, perceived effectiveness, perceived benefits, and other dimensions such as perception of the future, perceived economic cost, barriers, and loss. An unfavorable future outlook, perceived economic factors, and socio-political and personal factors currently hinders farm improvement and adoption of Pig Farming Areas (PFAs) and Modern Pig Farming (MPF) systems. Private sector service providers and veterinarians are highly influential in advocating for good biosecurity, herd health, and animal health intervention practices. Insights gained can inform the development of strategic policies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Suit-B
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Latiffah Hassan
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Steven Eric Krauss
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Peck Toung Ooi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery of Farm & Exotic Animal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Abd Rahaman Yasmin
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Gavey L, Citer L, More SJ, Graham D. The Irish Johne's Control Programme. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:703843. [PMID: 34513971 PMCID: PMC8424179 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.703843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Irish Johne's Control Programme (IJCP) provides a long-term approach to the voluntary control of Johne's disease (JD) in Ireland, strongly supported by Irish cattle industry leadership. It leverages the establishment of Animal Health Ireland for control of animal diseases not regulated by the European Union. The IJCP has four objectives: facilitate protection against spread of JD to uninfected farms; reduce the level of infection when present; assure markets of JD control in Ireland; and improve calf health and farm biosecurity. Key IJCP elements are an annual veterinary risk assessment and management plan (VRAMP), annual whole herd test (WHT) by ELISA on blood or milk samples with ancillary faecal PCR testing of ELISA reactors, and Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH) investigations of infected herds. There are pathways for assurance of herds with continuing negative tests and for management of test-positive herds. Herdowners are responsible for on-farm activities, and specifically-trained (approved) veterinary practitioners have a pivotal role as technical advisors and service providers. The programme is supported by training of veterinarians, performance of testing in designated laboratories, documentation of policies and procedures, innovative data management for herd and test activities and for programme administration, training, and broad communication and awareness activities. Tools and systems are refined to address emerging issues and enhance the value of the programme. An Implementation Group comprising industry, government and technical leaders sets strategic direction and policy, advised by a Technical Working Group. Shared funding responsibilities are agreed by key stakeholders until 2022 to support herds in the programme to complete requirements. Herd registrations have increased steadily to exceed 1,800. National bulk tank milk surveillance is also being deployed to identify and recruit test-positive herds with the expectation that they have a relatively high proportion of seropositive animals. The programme will continue to innovate and improve to meet farmer and industry needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorna Citer
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-On-Shannon, Ireland
| | - Simon J More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, Carrick-On-Shannon, Ireland
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13
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Strain S, Verner S, Campbell E, Hodnik JJ, Santman-Berends IMGA. The Northern Ireland Control Programmes for Infectious Cattle Diseases Not Regulated by the EU. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:694197. [PMID: 34513968 PMCID: PMC8427759 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.694197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease control programmes for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Johne's Disease (JD), Leptospirosis and Neosporosis are described including the approved diagnostic tools, diagnostic quality systems, and the role of vaccination (where appropriate). This paper describes the control programmes within NI, the challenges relating them, as well as assessing their impact and effectiveness, taking into consideration the quality of data available and number of herds participating. With the NI agricultural industry experiencing increasing financial pressures and post Brexit changes, the necessity of working to maximise the performance of bovine disease control programmes at the individual farm level as well as at the regional level is increasingly important. The programmes described fall into two categories with two distinct aims. Two managed by Animal Health & Welfare NI (AHWNI), the BVD eradication and JD Dairy Control programmes seek to eradicate or control infection at the regional level. A further 5 programmes, covering BVD, JD, IBR, Leptospirosis and Neosporosis, are managed by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and focus on facilitating eradication or control at the individual herd level. These latter programmes conform to the Cattle Health Certification Standards (UK) (CHeCS) which is a UK self-regulatory body set up to ensure consistency between different disease control schemes across herds. The largest of all the programmes described is the AHWNI BVD Eradication Programme which has led to significant reductions in infection incidence. Compliance with it has been high with more than 97% of all cattle alive at the end of 2020 having a BVD test status. The rolling annual incidence of BVD virus positive calves has fallen by 56% since the start of the compulsory programme in 2016. This decrease has occurred largely through industry initiatives to deal with BVD positives, including the voluntary culling of persistently infected (PI) animals by herd owners, a voluntary abattoir ban on the slaughter of BVD virus (BVDv) positive animals, and the inclusion of retention of a BVDv positive animal as a non-conformance in the industry-run Farm Quality Assurance Scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Strain
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, Dungannon, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Verner
- Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, Dungannon, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Campbell
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Disease Surveillance and Investigation Branch, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jaka Jakob Hodnik
- Clinic for Reproduction and Large Animals-Section for Ruminants, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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14
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Wilson DJ, Pempek JA, Roche SM, Creutzinger KC, Locke SR, Habing G, Proudfoot KL, George KA, Renaud DL. A focus group study of Ontario dairy producer perspectives on neonatal care of male and female calves. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6080-6095. [PMID: 33663825 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Providing optimal calf care remains a challenge on many dairy farms and has important implications for the future health, welfare, and productivity of male and female calves. Recent research suggests that male dairy calves receive a lower quality of care early in life than female calves, but further investigation is required to determine the factors that influence this disparity. The objectives of this study were to understand dairy producer perspectives on neonatal calf care practices and explore differences between male and female calf care. Overall, 23 dairy producers in Ontario, Canada, participated in 4 focus groups about calf care practices that were recorded and evaluated qualitatively using thematic analysis. Major barriers for good calf care included lack of knowledge about the best management practices for calf care and the prioritization of farm resources toward the milking herd. Some producers also noted that farm infrastructure (particularly during challenging weather) and employee training were important limitations. The economic cost of providing good neonatal calf care was important primarily for male calves and acted as a motivation or a barrier depending on the producer's beliefs about calf care and how they chose to market their calves. The primary source of knowledge producers used to develop calf care practices was their own experience, although many also relied on dairy-industry advisors, most often veterinarians. Producers were motivated by social norms, along with intrinsic pride and obligation to provide good calf care, and these motives were influenced by their emotional state. Producers expressed beliefs about which aspects of calf care are most important-notably colostrum management-and appreciated simple and economical solutions to calf-rearing challenges. Calf care practices were varied, and we identified a diversity of knowledge, motivations, and barriers to adopting best management practices, which sometimes differed between male and female calves. Some producers said that they did not know what happened to their male calves after they left the farm and tended to prioritize the care of female over male calves in subtle ways, such as less timely provision of colostrum. The infrastructure investment and other costs associated with caring for male calves often limited their care, but producers were still motivated to provide adequate care for male calves. These findings represent potential targets for additional research and intervention strategies to improve calf care practices on dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon J Wilson
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - Jessica A Pempek
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - Steve M Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1; ACER Consulting, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3
| | | | - Samantha R Locke
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - Gregory Habing
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - Kathryn L Proudfoot
- Departments of Health Management and Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - Kelly A George
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - David L Renaud
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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15
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Best CM, Pyatt AZ, Roden J, Behnke M, Phillips K. Sheep farmers' attitudes towards lameness control: Qualitative exploration of factors affecting adoption of the lameness Five-Point Plan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246798. [PMID: 33561148 PMCID: PMC7872274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2014, best-practice recommendations to treat and control lameness in sheep in the UK were consolidated into a national program, the Five-Point Plan (5PP). As recent evidence suggests that only the minority of sheep farmers are implementing all management practices listed in the 5PP, qualitative investigation is vital to ensure future promotion is aligned with psychological and contextual factors affecting farmers’ decision-making. This qualitative study sought to explore farmers’ attitudes and the factors affecting uptake of best-practice measures listed in the 5PP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2019 with 12 sheep farmers from England and Wales. In accordance with Thematic Analysis and the principles of Grounded Theory, data collection and analysis were performed iteratively. Two overarching themes, delineated by subthemes, emerged during analysis; (1) Barriers to adoption of 5PP measures and (2) Motivation to adopt 5PP measures. Various farmer-centric factors and physical resources were identified as key barriers or obstacles that limited farmers’ ability to implement 5PP measures outright, or restricted their ability to make changes to facilitate future adoption. Conversely, internal and external influences were identified to increase farmers’ willingness and motivation to implement practices listed on the 5PP. Heterogeneity in farmer perceptions, attitudes, experiences and circumstances identified in this study highlights the difficulty in promoting a one-size-fits-all lameness control plan, where a unique combination of intrinsic factors, social influences, and physical restrictions affect implementation. Future initiatives should focus on removing barriers by changing farmers’ perceptions and mindset towards lameness control, and building farmers’ confidence in their ability to implement practices. Furthermore, farmers’ social licence to farm and their desire to improve their reputation within society, presents an important opportunity to further engage farmers in implementing control practices. Increasing peer-to-peer knowledge transfer opportunities and effective farmer-veterinarian communication and rapport could help establish 5PP measures as normative behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Best
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Alison Z. Pyatt
- Equine Department, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Roden
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata Behnke
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Phillips
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, United Kingdom
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16
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Adam KE, Bruce A, Corbishley A. Veterinary Interventions to Improve Neonatal Survival on British Beef and Sheep Farms: A Qualitative Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:619889. [PMID: 33614763 PMCID: PMC7890239 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.619889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal lamb and calf deaths are a major issue in UK agriculture. Consistent mortality rates over several decades, despite scientific advances, indicate that socioeconomic factors must also be understood and addressed for effective veterinary service delivery to improve lamb and calf survival. This qualitative study utilised semi-structured interviews with vets and farmers to explore the on-farm mechanisms and social context, with a particular focus on the role of the vet, to manage and reduce neonatal losses in beef calves and lambs on British farms. Data were analysed using a realist evaluation framework to assess how the mechanisms and context for veterinary service delivery influence survival as the outcome of interest. A lack of a clear outcome definition of neonatal mortality, and the financial, social and emotional impact of losses on both vets and farmers, are barriers to recording of losses and standardisation of acceptable mortality levels at a population level. Despite this, there appears to be an individual threshold on each farm at which losses become perceived as problematic, and veterinary involvement shifts from preventive to reactive mechanisms for service delivery. The veterinarian-farmer relationship is central to efforts to maximise survival, but the social and economic capital available to farmers influences the quality of this relationship. Health inequalities are well-recognised as an issue in human healthcare and the findings indicate that similar inequalities exist in livestock health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Adam
- Innogen Institute, Science Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Bruce
- Innogen Institute, Science Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Corbishley
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Sciences and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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17
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Modelling transmission and control of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis within Irish dairy herds with compact spring calving. Prev Vet Med 2020; 186:105228. [PMID: 33291038 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Paratuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection of the intestine in cattle caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). To better understand Map transmission in Irish dairy herds, we adapted the French stochastic individual-based epidemiological simulation model to account for seasonal herd demographics. We investigated the probability of Map persistence over time, the within-herd prevalence over time, and the relative importance of transmission pathways, and assessed the relative effectiveness of test-and-cull control strategies. We investigated the impact on model outputs of calf separation from cows (calves grazed on pasture adjacent to cows vs. were completely separated from cows) and test-and-cull. Test-and-cull scenarios consisted of highly test-positive cows culled within 13 or 4 weeks after detection, and calf born to highly test-positive cows kept vs removed. We simulated a typical Irish dairy herd with on average 82 lactating cows, 112 animals in total. Each scenario was iterated 1000 times to adjust variation caused by stochasticity. Map was introduced in the fully naive herd through the purchase of a moderately infectious primiparous cow. Infection was considered to persist when at least one infected animal remained in the herd or when Map was present in the environment. The probability of Map persistence 15 years after introduction ranged between 32.2-42.7 % when calves and cows had contact on pasture, and between 18.9-29.4 % when calves and cows were separated on pasture. The most effective control strategy was to cull highly test-positive cows within four weeks of detection (absolute 10 % lower persistence compared to scenarios without control). Removing the offspring of highly test-positive dams did not affect either Map persistence or within-herd prevalence of Map. Mean prevalence 15 years after Map introduction was highest (63.5 %) when calves and cows had contact on pasture. Mean prevalence was 15 % lower (absolute decrease) when cows were culled within 13 weeks of a high test-positive result, and 28 % lower when culled within 4 weeks. Around calving, the infection rate was high, with calves being infected in utero or via the general indoor environment (most important transmission routes). For the remainder of the year, the incidence rate was relatively low with most calves being infected on pasture when in contact with cows. Testing and culling was an effective control strategy when it was used prior to the calving period to minimize the number of highly infectious cows present when calves were born.
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18
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Burden P, Hall DC. Variations in the profitability of dairy farms in Victoria, Australia by different levels of engagement in bovine Johne's disease control. Prev Vet Med 2020; 186:105210. [PMID: 33246604 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Paratuberculosis or Johne's disease (JD) prevalence in Australia is low at the cow-level with varying herd-level prevalence. Control strategies incorporating vaccination are limited, suggesting opportunities for changes in regulatory oversight. In order to study this further, we examined the economic benefits of participation in JD control programmes in Australia with and without vaccination as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) relating to JD. We used an online questionnaire to gather information describing demographics and KAP from 71 Australian dairy farms. Data from fully completed questionnaires from 32 farms in Victoria, Australia combined with cost and revenue data averaged from several years of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project were used to then simulate a larger robust dataset. These production data informed the simulation model to establish farm profitability. A partial farm budget was then developed to estimate the benefits of engaging in JD control activities. Respondents who stated they participated in JD control programmes gained an additional $43.80/cow/year net income (profit) compared to non-participants. Respondents also using a JD vaccine gained an additional $35.84/cow/year over non-users; this represents $10.56/cow/year over and above the average producer in the industry. However, we also noted that there clearly exists a barrier between farmers stated intentions to participate and actual participation in JD control activities. These significant differences in net income realized by farms using different approaches to JD control (in this case, adoption of vaccination) offer a starting point from which to explore questions of how much farmers would be willing to pay for control activities, why they are willing to pay, and the likelihood of participating. Communication of the benefits of participation needs to improve to bridge this gap between farmers stated intentions and their actions. Simulation modelling suggests increased profitability from participation in JD control programs and vaccination in Australia. The JD regulatory policies of other countries may benefit from the Australian experience with JD control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Burden
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - David C Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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19
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On-farm biosecurity in livestock production: farmer behaviour, cultural identities and practices of care. Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:521-530. [PMID: 32909609 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Definitions of biosecurity typically include generalised statements about how biosecurity risks on farms should be managed and contained. However, in reality, on-farm biosecurity practices are uneven and transfer differently between social groups, geographical scales and agricultural commodity chains. This paper reviews social science studies that examine on-farm biosecurity for animal health. We first review behavioural and psychosocial models of individual farmer behaviour/decisions. Behavioural approaches are prominent in biosecurity policy but have limitations because of a focus on individual farmer behaviour and intentions. We then review geographical and rural sociological work that emphasises social and cultural structures, contexts and norms that guide disease behaviour. Socio-cultural approaches have the capacity to extend the more commonly applied behavioural approaches and contribute to the better formulation of biosecurity policy and on-farm practice. This includes strengthening our understanding of 'good farming' identity, tacit knowledge, farmer influence networks, and reformulating biosecurity as localised practices of care. Recognising on-farm biosecurity as practices of biosecure farming care offers a new way of engaging, motivating and encouraging farmers to manage and contain diseases on farm. This is critical given government intentions to devolve biosecurity governance to the farming industry.
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20
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McFarland L, Macken-Walsh Á, Claydon G, Casey M, Douglass A, McGrath G, McAloon CG. Irish dairy farmers' engagement with animal health surveillance services: Factors influencing sample submission. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:10614-10627. [PMID: 32861485 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A high-quality animal health surveillance service is required to inform policy and decision-making in food-animal disease control, to substantiate claims regarding national animal health status and for the early detection of exotic or emerging diseases. In Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides partially subsidized testing of farm animal samples and postmortem examinations to the Irish agriculture sector (farmers) at 6 regional veterinary laboratories (RVL) throughout the country. Diagnoses and data from these submissions are recorded and reported monthly and annually to enable animal health monitoring and disease surveillance. In a passive surveillance model, both the veterinary practitioner and the farmer play a vital role in sample submission by determining which cases are sent to the laboratory for postmortem or diagnostic testing. This paper identified factors influencing Irish dairy farmers' decisions to submit carcasses to RVL. Behavioral determinants of the submission of samples where veterinary professionals are concerned has been studied previously; however, limited work has studied determinants among farmers. This study conducted qualitative analyses of decisions of Irish dairy farmers relevant to diagnostic sample submission to an RVL and to examine the herd-level characteristics of farmers that submitted cases to an RVL. The biographical narrative interpretive method was used to interview 5 case-study farmers who were classified nonsubmitters, medium, or high submitters to the postmortem service based on the proportion of on-farm mortalities submitted to the laboratory service in 2016. The data obtained from these interviews were supplemented and triangulated through dairy farmer focus groups. The data were thematically analyzed and described qualitatively. In addition, quantitative analysis was undertaken. Data for herds within the catchment area of a central RVL were extracted, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to examine the relationship between herds from which carcasses were submitted to the laboratory and those from which none were submitted. Results from the analysis show that the farmer's veterinary practitioner was the primary influence on submission of carcasses to the laboratory. Similarly, the type of incident, logistical issues with transporting carcasses to the laboratory, influence of peers, presence of alternative private laboratories, and a fear of government involvement were key factors emerging from the case-study interview and focus group data. Herd size was identified in both the qualitative and quantitative analysis as a factor determining submission. In the logistic regression model, herd size and increased levels of expansion were positively correlated with the odds of submission, whereas distance from the laboratory was negatively associated with odds of submission. These results identify the main factors influencing the use of diagnostic services for surveillance of animal health, signaling how services may be made more attractive by policy makers to a potentially wider cohort of users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren McFarland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland D04 W6F6
| | - Áine Macken-Walsh
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Athenry, Ireland H65 R718.
| | - Grace Claydon
- Department of Agri-Food Business and Spatial Analysis, Rural Economy Development Programme, Teagasc, Athenry, Ireland H65 R718
| | - Mícheál Casey
- Regional Veterinary Laboratories Division, Backweston Campus, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Celbridge, Kildare, Ireland W23 X3PH
| | - Alexander Douglass
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland D04 W6F6
| | - Guy McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland D04 W6F6
| | - Conor G McAloon
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland D04 W6F6
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21
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Jordan AG, Citer LR, McAloon CG, Graham DA, Sergeant ESG, More SJ. Johne's disease in Irish dairy herds: considerations for an effective national control programme. Ir Vet J 2020; 73:18. [PMID: 32818053 PMCID: PMC7427772 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-020-00166-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Irish dairy industry has established a reputation for the production of safe and healthy dairy products and is seeking to further expand its export market for high value dairy products. To support its reputation, stakeholders aim to control Johne’s disease. To assist decision-makers determine the most appropriate design for an Irish programme, a narrative review of the scientific literature on the epidemiology of Johne’s disease, and selected control programmes throughout the world was undertaken. Two modelling studies specifically commissioned by Animal Health Ireland to assess testing methods used to demonstrate confidence of freedom in herds and to evaluate a range of possible surveillance strategies provided additional information. The majority of control programmes tend to be voluntary, because of the unique epidemiology of Johne’s disease and limited support for traditional regulatory approaches. While acknowledging that test performance and sub-clinical sero-negative shedders contributes to the spread of infection, a range of socio-political issues also exist that influence programme activities. The paper provides a rationale for the inclusion of a Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan (VRAMP), including voluntary whole herd testing to identify infected herds and to support assurance-based trading through repeated rounds of negative testing, national surveillance for herd-level case-detection, and improved understanding of biosecurity management practices. Identification and promotion of drivers for industry and producer engagement in Ireland is likely to guide the future evolution of the Irish Johne’s Control Programme (IJCP) and further enhance its success. The provision of training, education and extension activities may encourage farmers to adopt relevant farm management practices and help them recognize that they are ultimately responsible for their herd’s health and biosecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L R Citer
- Animal Health Ireland, 2-5 The Archways, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 WN27 Ireland
| | - C G McAloon
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland.,UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - D A Graham
- Animal Health Ireland, 2-5 The Archways, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 WN27 Ireland
| | | | - S J More
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland.,UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
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22
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Han JH, Weston JF, Heuer C, Gates MC. Modelling the economics of bovine viral diarrhoea virus control in pastoral dairy and beef cattle herds. Prev Vet Med 2020; 182:105092. [PMID: 32745776 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a prevalent pathogen in the New Zealand cattle industries, yet few studies to date have evaluated the economics of BVDV in pastoral dairy and beef herds to help inform management decisions. To address this knowledge gap, we developed stochastic individual-based simulation models to represent the transmission dynamics of BVDV in typical spring-calving dairy and beef farms in New Zealand. The models conservatively estimated the direct losses due to a BVDV outbreak at NZ$ 22.22 and NZ$ 41.19 per mixed-age cow per year for a naïve dairy and beef farm, respectively, over a 5-year period. The greatest economic impacts for the dairy farm occurred when persistently infected replacement heifers joined the lactating cow group and caused transient infection of cows to drop in milk production, whereas the greatest impacts for the beef farm was through the loss of fattening stock for sale due to lowered pregnancy rates. Various combinations of diagnostic testing, vaccination, and biosecurity measures were then explored to evaluate the cost-efficiency of different strategies for controlling BVDV at the farm-level. Providing farmers with the estimates of economic impacts of BVDV in their herds may further encourage the uptake of control measures, but close collaboration with a veterinarian to determine the optimal strategy for their unique farm circumstances is still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hee Han
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - Jenny F Weston
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Cord Heuer
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M Carolyn Gates
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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23
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"They've got to be testing and doing something about it": Farmer and veterinarian views on drivers for Johne's disease control in dairy herds in England. Prev Vet Med 2020; 182:105094. [PMID: 32688108 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There needs to be an understanding of the reasons why key stakeholders engage in disease control efforts if disease is to be successfully and sustainably controlled. It is increasingly recognised within veterinary epidemiology and policy making in animal health that these 'people factors' are important influences on the success or otherwise of animal disease control programmes. Research methodologies adopted from the social sciences offer ways to understand this important dimension through investigating the attitudes and opinions of the key actors involved. The study reported in this paper, based on qualitative interview research, investigates the views of dairy farmers and cattle veterinarians on the drivers and incentives for controlling Johne's disease in English dairy herds. Twenty semi-structured interviews involving 17 dairy farmers and seven veterinarians were conducted in two dairy-intensive regions of England. The findings demonstrate the varied influences of veterinary advice and encouragement; appreciation of the economic cost of the disease at herd level; a voluntary national control plan; and fear of a future consumer food scare as the main reasons to engage in Johne's disease control on dairy farms. The study demonstrates how a combination of a voluntary industry-led control scheme, compulsory participation through retailer and processor contractual requirements, and threats of reputational harm and market loss have strongly influenced farmer and veterinary behaviour in relation to Johne's control without statutory involvement. The findings illustrate the importance of considering the political economy and societal impact of animal disease.
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Hidano A, Gates MC, Enticott G. Farmers' Decision Making on Livestock Trading Practices: Cowshed Culture and Behavioral Triggers Amongst New Zealand Dairy Farmers. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:320. [PMID: 31620458 PMCID: PMC6763585 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of farmers' failure to implement biosecurity practices frequently frame their behavior as a lack of intention. More recent studies have argued that farmers' behaviors should be conceptualized as emergent from farming experiences rather than a direct consequence of specific intentions. Drawing on the concepts of “cowshed” culture and the “Trigger Change Model,” we explore how farmers' livestock purchasing behavior is shaped by farms' natural and physical environments and identify what triggers behavioral change amongst farmers. Using bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in New Zealand as a case example, qualitative research was conducted with 15 New Zealand dairy producers with varying bTB experiences. We show how farmers' livestock purchasing behavior evolve with culture under a given farm environment. However, established cultures may be disrupted by various triggers such as disease outbreaks, introductions of animals with undesired characteristics, and farm relocation. While dealing with economic and socio-emotional impacts posed by triggers, farmers reorganize their culture and trading behaviors, which may involve holistic biosecurity strategies. Nevertheless, we also show that these triggers instigate only small behavioral changes for some farmers, suggesting the role of the trigger is likely to be context-dependent. Using voluntary disease control schemes such as providing disease status of source farms has attracted great interest as a driver of behavioral change. One hopes such schemes are easily integrated into existing farm practices, however, we speculate such an integration is challenging for many farmers due to path-dependency. We therefore argue that these schemes may fail to bring their intended behavioral changes without a greater understanding of how different types of triggers work in different situations. We need a paradigm shift in how we frame farmers' livestock trading practices. Otherwise, we may not able to answer our questions about farm biosecurity if we continue to approaching these questions solely from a biosecurity point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arata Hidano
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - M Carolyn Gates
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gareth Enticott
- Cardiff School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Hidano A, Gates MC. Why sold, not culled? Analysing farm and animal characteristics associated with livestock selling practices. Prev Vet Med 2019; 166:65-77. [PMID: 30935507 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Livestock disease simulation models that incorporate animal movements often assume (1) that farmers' livestock trading practices remain consistent over time in future, (2) that animals sold to other farms are chosen randomly from a herd, and (3) that the animals' fate on the destination farm is not influenced by their past production and movement histories. The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which these assumptions are violated in the real world using records from a national database in New Zealand that captures both milk production and movement data for individual dairy cattle. All individual animal milk test records from 2006 through 2010 were extracted from the database and processed to generate different animal and herd level variables including cow demographics, previous movement history, milk volume, and milk composition (somatic cell counts (SCC), protein percentage, and fat percentage). Various statistical models were used to explore factors associated with farms' selling practice and characteristics of animals being sold. The results showed farms' livestock selling practices were highly influenced by both external factors such as market milk price and internal factors such as previous year's cow mortality and how long farms had been in business. Higher milk price increased both the number of cows being sold and the number of farms selling cows. Compared with cows that remained in the herd at the end of lactation, cows sold to other farms had lower fat and protein percentages, but similar milk volumes and SCCs. Cows that had been sold more often in the past were more likely to be sold after controlling for the effects of age. Overall, these findings highlight the potential need for disease simulation models to account for dynamics in selling practices and animal characteristics when determining which animals will be sold to other herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arata Hidano
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - M Carolyn Gates
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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Roche SM, Kelton DF, Meehan M, Von Massow M, Jones-Bitton A. Exploring dairy producer and veterinarian perceptions of barriers and motivators to adopting on-farm management practices for Johne's disease control in Ontario, Canada. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:4476-4488. [PMID: 30852015 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Motivating uptake of management change recommendations requires knowledge of the barriers and motivators influencing producer behavior. This study investigated dairy producers' and veterinarians' perceptions of the barriers and motivators influencing the adoption of Johne's disease (JD) control recommendations in Ontario, Canada. Eight focus groups, 6 with dairy producers and 2 with veterinarians, were conducted and thematically analyzed. Both producer and veterinarian groups identified physical resources (i.e., time, money, infrastructure) and producer mindset (i.e., perceived priority of JD, perceived practicality of JD control recommendations) as key barriers to adoption. Producers tended to prioritize JD control on their farm based on their lived experiences with JD and their view of the public's concern about JD. Many agreed that JD recommendations should focus on biosecurity more holistically and emphasize the broader health benefits of limiting calf exposure to many fecal-orally transmitted diseases. Producers also highlighted that some recommendations for on-farm change (i.e., keeping a closed herd, buying from low-risk herds) were unrealistic or too difficult to perform and often disrupted their habits or routine. In contrast, veterinarians suggested that most recommendations were practical and are routinely recommended. Participants suggested both extrinsic (i.e., incentives, premiums, penalties and regulations, and extension and communication) and intrinsic (i.e., pride and responsibility) methods for motivating producers. This study highlights the importance of producer mindset in on-farm change and offers insights into the attitudes and perceived barriers influencing on-farm change.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Roche
- ACER Consulting, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 5L3; Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - D F Kelton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
| | - M Meehan
- Waireki Rd. Veterinary Clinic, Christchurch, New Zealand, 8053
| | - M Von Massow
- Department of Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - A Jones-Bitton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
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McAloon CG, Roche S, Ritter C, Barkema HW, Whyte P, More SJ, O'Grady L, Green MJ, Doherty ML. A review of paratuberculosis in dairy herds - Part 2: On-farm control. Vet J 2019; 246:54-58. [PMID: 30902189 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Bovine paratuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease of cattle, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). This is the second in a two-part review of the epidemiology and control of paratuberculosis in dairy herds. Several negative production effects associated with MAP infection have been described, but perhaps the most significant concern in relation to the importance of paratuberculosis as a disease of dairy cattle is the potential link with Crohn's disease in humans. Milk is considered a potential transmission route to humans and it is recognised that pasteurisation does not necessarily eliminate the bacterium. Therefore, control must also include reduction of the levels of MAP in bulk milk supplied from dairy farms. There is little field evidence in support of specific control measures, although several studies seem to show a decreased prevalence associated with the implementation of a combined management and test-and-cull programme. Improvements in vaccination efficacy and reduced tuberculosis (TB) test interference may increase uptake of vaccination as a control option. Farmer adoption of best practice recommendations at farm level for the control of endemic diseases can be challenging. Improved understanding of farmer behaviour and decision making will help in developing improved communication strategies which may be more efficacious in affecting behavioural change on farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor G McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Steven Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Caroline Ritter
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Paul Whyte
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon J More
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luke O'Grady
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin J Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael L Doherty
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
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McAloon CG, Roche S, Ritter C, Barkema HW, Whyte P, More SJ, O'Grady L, Green MJ, Doherty ML. A review of paratuberculosis in dairy herds - Part 1: Epidemiology. Vet J 2019; 246:59-65. [PMID: 30902190 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Bovine paratuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease of cattle caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). This is the first in a two-part review of the epidemiology and control of paratuberculosis in dairy herds. Paratuberculosis was originally described in 1895 and is now considered endemic among farmed cattle worldwide. MAP has been isolated from a wide range of non-ruminant wildlife as well as humans and non-human primates. In dairy herds, MAP is assumed to be introduced predominantly through the purchase of infected stock with additional factors modulating the risk of persistence or fade-out once an infected animal is introduced. Faecal shedding may vary widely between individuals and recent modelling work has shed some light on the role of super-shedding animals in the transmission of MAP within herds. Recent experimental work has revisited many of the assumptions around age susceptibility, faecal shedding in calves and calf-to-calf transmission. Further efforts to elucidate the relative contributions of different transmission routes to the dissemination of infection in endemic herds will aid in the prioritisation of efforts for control on farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor G McAloon
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Steven Roche
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd., Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Caroline Ritter
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Paul Whyte
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon J More
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luke O'Grady
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin J Green
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael L Doherty
- Section of Herd Health and Animal Husbandry, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Han JH, Weir AM, Weston JF, Heuer C, Gates MC. Elimination of bovine viral diarrhoea virus in New Zealand: a review of research progress and future directions. N Z Vet J 2018; 66:273-280. [PMID: 30091684 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2018.1509030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The major impacts of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) on cattle health and production have prompted many countries to embark on national elimination programmes. These programmes typically involve identifying and removing persistently infected (PI) cattle in infected herds and implementing biosecurity measures, such as pre- or post-movement testing. In order to design a systematic national control programme to eliminate BVD in New Zealand, which achieves the greatest benefits to the industries at the lowest cost to individual farmers, an accurate understanding is necessary of the epidemiology, economics and social motivation for BVD control in New Zealand. In this article we briefly review the pathogenesis of BVD, transmission and diagnosis of BVD virus infection, and effectiveness of vaccination. We summarise the current state of knowledge of the prevalence, risk factors for transmission, and financial impacts of BVD in New Zealand. We describe control programmes in Europe and then discuss the challenges that must be addressed to design a cost-effective national control programme to eliminate BVD in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Han
- a EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - A M Weir
- b Eltham District Veterinary Services , PO Box 24, Eltham , New Zealand
| | - J F Weston
- c School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - C Heuer
- a EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - M C Gates
- a EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North , New Zealand
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Hidano A, Enticott G, Christley RM, Gates MC. Modeling Dynamic Human Behavioral Changes in Animal Disease Models: Challenges and Opportunities for Addressing Bias. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:137. [PMID: 29977897 PMCID: PMC6021519 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, infectious disease modeling has become an essential tool for creating counterfactual scenarios that allow the effectiveness of different disease control policies to be evaluated prior to implementation in the real world. For livestock diseases, these models have become increasingly sophisticated as researchers have gained access to rich national livestock traceability databases, which enables inclusion of explicit spatial and temporal patterns in animal movements through network-based approaches. However, there are still many limitations in how we currently model animal disease dynamics. Critical among these is that many models make the assumption that human behaviors remain constant over time. As many studies have shown, livestock owners change their behaviors around trading, on-farm biosecurity, and disease management in response to complex factors such as increased awareness of disease risks, pressure to conform with social expectations, and the direct imposition of new national animal health regulations; all of which may significantly influence how a disease spreads within and between farms. Failing to account for these dynamics may produce a substantial layer of bias in infectious disease models, yet surprisingly little is currently known about the effects on model inferences. Here, we review the growing evidence on why these assumptions matter. We summarize the current knowledge about farmers' behavioral change in on-farm biosecurity and livestock trading practices and highlight the knowledge gaps that prohibit these behavioral changes from being incorporated into disease modeling frameworks. We suggest this knowledge gap can be filled only by more empirical longitudinal studies on farmers' behavioral change as well as theoretical modeling studies that can help to identify human behavioral changes that are important in disease transmission dynamics. Moreover, we contend it is time to shift our research approach: from modeling a single disease to modeling interactions between multiple diseases and from modeling a single farmer behavior to modeling interdependencies between multiple behaviors. In order to solve these challenges, there is a strong need for interdisciplinary collaboration across a wide range of fields including animal health, epidemiology, sociology, and animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arata Hidano
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Gareth Enticott
- Cardiff School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Robert M. Christley
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - M. Carolyn Gates
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Ciaravino G, Ibarra P, Casal E, Lopez S, Espluga J, Casal J, Napp S, Allepuz A. Farmer and Veterinarian Attitudes towards the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Programme in Spain: What Is Going on in the Field? Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:202. [PMID: 29230403 PMCID: PMC5712013 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of health interventions against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is influenced by several "non-biological" factors that may hamper bTB detection and control. Although the engagement of stakeholders is a key factor for the eradication programme's success, social factors have been often ignored in the control programmes of animal diseases, especially in developed countries. In this study, we used a qualitative approach to investigate perceptions, opinions, attitudes, and beliefs of farmers, and veterinarians who may influence the effectiveness of the Spanish bTB eradication programme. The study was carried out in two phases. First, 13 key representatives of different groups involved in the programme were interviewed through exploratory interviews to identify most relevant themes circulating in the population. Interviews focused on strong and weak points of the programme; reasons for failure to achieve eradication; benefits of being disease free; future perspectives, and proposed changes to the programme. Based on these results, a thematic guide was developed and detailed information was gained through face-to-face in-depth interviews conducted on a purposive sample of 39 farmers and veterinarians. Data were analysed following an ethnographic methodology. Main results suggested that the bTB programme is perceived as a law enforcement duty without an adequate motivation of some stakeholders and a general feeling of distrust arose. The complexity of bTB epidemiology combined with gaps in knowledge and weak communication throughout stakeholders contributed to causing disbeliefs, which in turn generated different kinds of guesses and interpretations. Low reliability in the routine skin test for bTB screening was expressed and the level of confidence on test results interpretation was linked with skills and experience of public and private veterinarians in the field. Lack of training for farmers and pressure faced by veterinarians during field activities also emerged. Few benefits of being bTB free were perceived and comparative grievances referred to wildlife and other domestic reservoirs, sector-specific legislation for bullfighting farms, and the absence of specific health legislation for game hunting farms were reported. Understanding reasons for demotivation and scepticism may help institutions to ensure stakeholders' collaboration and increase the acceptability of control measures leading to an earlier achievement of eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Ciaravino
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ester Casal
- Departament de Sociologia/IGOP-GEPS-ARAG-UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Lopez
- Departament de Sociologia/IGOP-GEPS-ARAG-UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Espluga
- Departament de Sociologia/IGOP-GEPS-ARAG-UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casal
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA)-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastian Napp
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA)-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Allepuz
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.,Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA)-Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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