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Henry MK, Bishop H, Correia-Gomes C, Tongue SC. Small-scale sheep and cattle enterprises in Scotland: Demographics, animal health, and biosecurity. Prev Vet Med 2024; 229:106236. [PMID: 38850873 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106236] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Livestock keepers who operate on a small scale in the United Kingdom are often described as either smallholders or hobby farmers; however, this is not always the case. There is another distinct population in Scotland. The crofting system promotes the preservation of a way of life that is significant to the cultural heritage of Scotland, whilst at the same time utilising and maintaining marginal land that could otherwise be deemed of very low productive value. We developed two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys to gather descriptive data about individuals from two populations (crofters and smallholders) who kept sheep and/or cattle. Our aim was to explore demographics, animal health, husbandry, and biosecurity practices of these two communities, including how they may interact with other livestock sectors. Most respondents in each population kept sheep, with far fewer keeping cattle. There was a distinct geographical difference in the approximate location of respondents' holdings. Movement of sheep was often local, temporary, and exempt from reporting to national databases. Visits from the vet were infrequent, but the vet remained an important source of animal health advice, alongside peer networks. The information from these surveys is valuable because policy decisions taken with predominantly larger, commercial-scale enterprises in mind also frequently apply to small-scale enterprises, even though these smaller enterprises may not have the same opportunity to influence those decisions or implement the requirements. Aspects of agricultural activity and food production at the scale explored in these surveys - including plurality of employment and diversification away from purely agricultural activities - are relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable cities and communities, zero hunger and life on land. In this context, competent authorities should support this type of context-sensitive agriculture, alongside seeking to maintain animal health and welfare standards at the highest possible level on a national scale. Our surveys contribute to improved understanding of how these enterprises function and therefore will support policy makers when considering the breadth of keepers and circumstances affected by rules and regulations governing agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Henry
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, Scotland IV2 5NA, UK.
| | - H Bishop
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, Scotland IV2 5NA, UK; Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Ballymiscaw, Belfast BT4 3SB, UK
| | - C Correia-Gomes
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, Scotland IV2 5NA, UK; Animal Health Ireland, 2-5 The Archways, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co, Leitrim N41 WN27, Republic of Ireland
| | - S C Tongue
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, Scotland IV2 5NA, UK
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2
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Whitaker SH, Mannelli A, Kitron U, Bellini S. An analysis of the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures on smallholder commercial swine farms in Italy in the context of an emerging African Swine Fever outbreak. Prev Vet Med 2024; 229:106238. [PMID: 38870565 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106238] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that infects wild and domesticated swine. In early 2022, the virus was found in wild boar in the Apennine mountains of mainland Italy.2 Since then, it has spread from wild boar to domesticated swine. To control the spread of ASF, an effective surveillance system and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures on farms are required yet are unevenly implemented across husbandry systems. Smallholder farms in particular are known to have low levels of biosecurity. In the Apennine mountains of Italy, small commercial farms have been found to have low levels of biosecurity despite being located in areas with high densities of wild boar, and, hence, being high-risk sites for potential ASF incursion and subsequent diffusion. To address the question as to why the level of biosecurity is low, interviews and participant observation were conducted with smallholder commercial farmers. The interviews identified the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures in small commercial swine farms in the Apennines. Farmers expressed knowledge of priority biosecurity measures and an overall willingness to follow rules and regulations; however, the application of the measures in practice was uneven across farms. Economic, political, and ecological factors as well as farmer beliefs about biosecurity emerged as important factors affecting the implementation of biosecurity measures. These include economic constraints, challenges posed by the mountain environment, a shifting regulatory environment, and ideas about animal welfare. Other important factors include cultural factors such as the use of traditional agricultural methods and norms about customer access to animals, time constraints and the perceived hassle of implementing the measures, farmer age, farmer relationships with government officials and veterinarians, and the role of pigs in reducing farm waste. The study confirmed that wild boar are present in high numbers and in close proximity to smallholder commercial farms in the Apennines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Whitaker
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Anthropology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
| | | | - Uriel Kitron
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Silvia Bellini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
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3
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Zanon T, Alrhmoun M, Gauly M. Assessing the impact of biosecurity practices and animal welfare in small-scale mountain dairy farming. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13294. [PMID: 38858560 PMCID: PMC11164905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study estimates the association between the level of biosecurity, animal welfare, milk quality, and economic performance on 2291 mountain dairy farms which largely differs in management and structure from large dairy operations in the lowlands mainly due to climatic and topographic constraints in mountain areas. The dairy industry's increasing emphasis on biosecurity is crucial for ensuring animal health, productivity, and disease mitigation. Therefore, in the present study the biosecurity and animal welfare status of mountain dairy farms were assessed considering the official welfare protocol for dairy cows of the Italian ClassyFarm system. Our findings reveal a suboptimal adoption of biosecurity measures, attributed to structural limitations in mountain farms and farmers' awareness gaps. Despite these challenges, the economic significance of biosecurity adoption is evident, emphasizing potential benefits for farm viability and animal health. Conversely, the study indicates a moderate to good welfare status in assessed farms, reflecting farmers' awareness of the importance of high welfare standards for dairy cows. Improved welfare positively correlates with milk sales and productivity, highlighting the economic advantages of prioritizing animal well-being. Challenges persist, particularly regarding animal housing deficiencies and related consumer concerns about animal welfare in dairy production. Therefore, targeted interventions and educational initiatives are crucial to empower farmers and promote best practices in biosecurity and animal welfare management. However, addressing resultant production cost increases necessitates society's willingness to pay more for animal-based food, emphasizing the importance of aligning economic incentives with sustainable farming practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zanon
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Mousaab Alrhmoun
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Matthias Gauly
- Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
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Harlow M, Torremorell M, Rademacher CJ, Gebhardt J, Holck T, Linhares LCM, Main RG, Trevisan G. Biosecurity Insights from the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan: Analyzing Data to Enhance Industry Practices. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1134. [PMID: 38612372 PMCID: PMC11011101 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Biosecurity practices aim to reduce the frequency of disease outbreaks in a farm, region, or country and play a pivotal role in fortifying the country's pork industry against emerging threats, particularly foreign animal diseases (FADs). This article addresses the current biosecurity landscape of the US swine industry by summarizing the biosecurity practices reported by the producers through the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) enrollment surveys, and it provides a general assessment of practices implemented. US SHIP is a voluntary, collaborative effort between industry, state, and federal entities regarding health certification programs for the swine industry. With 12,195 sites surveyed across 31 states, the study provides a comprehensive snapshot of current biosecurity practices. Key findings include variability by site types that have completed Secure Pork Supply plans, variability in outdoor access and presence of perimeter fencing, and diverse farm entry protocols for visitors. The data also reflect the industry's response to the threat of FADs, exemplified by the implementation of the US SHIP in 2020. As the US SHIP program advances, these insights will guide industry stakeholders in refining biosecurity practices, fostering endemic re-emerging and FAD preparedness, and ensuring the sustainability of the swine industry in the face of evolving challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Harlow
- College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Montserrat Torremorell
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine (VPM), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Cristopher J. Rademacher
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jordan Gebhardt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Tyler Holck
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Leticia C. M. Linhares
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Rodger G. Main
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Giovani Trevisan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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5
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Makovska I, Chantziaras I, Caekebeke N, Dhaka P, Dewulf J. Assessment of Cleaning and Disinfection Practices on Pig Farms across Ten European Countries. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:593. [PMID: 38396561 PMCID: PMC10886142 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study delves into the assessment of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) measures within the context of European pig farming, employing the Biocheck.UGent™ tool as an effective instrument for evaluation. A comprehensive set of relevant parameters was examined to enable meaningful comparisons across farms from 10 European countries during four years (2019-2022). Findings indicate a notable increase in C&D measure implementation in select countries (Belgium, Finland, Italy, and Spain), reflecting heightened awareness and responsibility among farmers. Additionally, the overall score for the C&D subcategory highlights variation across countries, with Italy (75), Poland (74), and Belgium (72) displaying the highest scores, while Ireland (56), Slovenia (55), and Serbia (50) reported the lowest scores. However, the considerable variation in the number of participating farms necessitates cautious comparisons. The study identifies well-implemented C&D measures in the frame of external biosecurity but underscores gaps in the application of C&D measures for the material introduction practices across farms (22% of farms), which are attributed to awareness gaps and resource limitations. In the areas of internal biosecurity, strong points include C&D procedures after each production cycle (79%), implementing different stages in the C&D process (65%) and sufficient sanitary break (82%), while gaps are evident in the presence and using of hand hygiene stations (19% of farms) and boots disinfection equipment (40% of farms) between compartments/units. Notably, the study reveals a lack of evaluation of hygiene after C&D procedures (only 1% of farms), signaling critical knowledge gaps among farmers regarding proper assessment tools and methods. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the implementation status of C&D measures in European pig farming, offering insights into both areas of progress and those requiring improvement. The findings emphasize the need for targeted awareness campaigns and training initiatives to bolster biosecurity practices within the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Makovska
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (P.D.); (J.D.)
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (P.D.); (J.D.)
| | | | - Pankaj Dhaka
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (P.D.); (J.D.)
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004, India
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (I.C.); (P.D.); (J.D.)
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6
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Munaf S, Swingler K, Brulisauer F, O'Hare A, Gunn G, Reeves A. Social media network analysis of Smallholder livestock farming communities in the United Kingdom. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23265. [PMID: 38163247 PMCID: PMC10757016 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23265] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The creation of targeted policies and actions to help small-scale livestock keepers and reduce the risks associated with disease outbreaks in this sector is hampered by the scarcity of information about smallholder farmers. Smallholders play a crucial part in disease outbreaks containment, hence there is a need for better monitoring methods that take this population into account while gathering data. According to the literature, these communities frequently use social media as a channel for communication and information exchange. In this study we conducted social network analysis of an influential smallholder within the UK and visualised the user follower network. Additionally, we performed influential user analysis, Twitter user categorisation, and community detection to uncover more insights into the livestock farming networks. Our findings reveal distinct communities within the smallholder farming sector and identify influential users with the potential to impact information dissemination and animal health practices. The study also highlights the role of community structure in surveillance and control of animal diseases and emphasises the need for further research to refine our understanding of these communities and their unique characteristics. This work contributes to the growing body of literature on small-scale livestock farming in the UK and underscores the importance of incorporating smallholder communities into disease surveillance and control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Munaf
- Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Swingler
- Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Franz Brulisauer
- SRUC Veterinary Services, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony O'Hare
- Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - George Gunn
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Reeves
- Centre for Applied public health research, RTI international, Raleigh, NC, USA
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7
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Urzúa-Encina C, Fernández-Sanhueza B, Pavez-Muñoz E, Ramírez-Toloza G, Lujan-Tomazic M, Rodríguez AE, Alegría-Morán R. Epidemiological Characterization of Isolates of Salmonella enterica and Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Backyard Production System Animals in the Valparaíso and Metropolitana Regions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2444. [PMID: 37570253 PMCID: PMC10417532 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Backyard production systems (BPS) are distributed worldwide, rearing animals recognized as reservoirs of Salmonella enterica and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), both zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to characterize isolates of both pathogens obtained from animals raised in BPS from two central Chile regions. The presence of pathogens was determined by bacterial culture and confirmatory PCR for each sampled BPS, calculating positivity rates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine risk factors. Additionally, phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was determined. A positivity rate of 2.88% for S. enterica and 14.39% for STEC was determined for the complete study region (Valparaíso and Metropolitana regions). Risk factor analysis suggests that the presence of ruminants (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.002-1.075) increases the risk of STEC-positive BPS, and the presence of ruminants (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.002-1.075) and the animal handlers being exclusively women (OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.029-12.193) increase the risk for S. enterica/STEC positivity. Eighty percent of S. enterica isolates were multidrug resistant, and all STEC were resistant to Cephalexin. This study evidences the circulation of multidrug-resistant zoonotic bacterial strains in animals kept in BPS and the presence of factors that modify the risk of BPS positivity for both pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanza Urzúa-Encina
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (C.U.-E.); (B.F.-S.); (E.P.-M.); (G.R.-T.)
- Laboratorio Centralizado de Investigación Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Bastián Fernández-Sanhueza
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (C.U.-E.); (B.F.-S.); (E.P.-M.); (G.R.-T.)
- Laboratorio Centralizado de Investigación Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Sede Santiago, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Ejercito Libertador 146, Santiago 8370003, Chile
| | - Erika Pavez-Muñoz
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (C.U.-E.); (B.F.-S.); (E.P.-M.); (G.R.-T.)
- Laboratorio Centralizado de Investigación Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Galia Ramírez-Toloza
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile; (C.U.-E.); (B.F.-S.); (E.P.-M.); (G.R.-T.)
- Laboratorio Centralizado de Investigación Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Mariela Lujan-Tomazic
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologías Agropecuarias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. de los Reseros y Nicolás Repetto s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina; (M.L.-T.); (A.E.R.)
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Junín 954, Buenos Aires C1113 AAD, Argentina
| | - Anabel Elisa Rodríguez
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologías Agropecuarias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. de los Reseros y Nicolás Repetto s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires 1686, Argentina; (M.L.-T.); (A.E.R.)
| | - Raúl Alegría-Morán
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Sede Santiago, Facultad de Recursos Naturales y Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás, Ejercito Libertador 146, Santiago 8370003, Chile
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Rusinà A, Valentini F, Scollo A, Franceschini G, Salvato S, Cappa V, Bellato A, Mannelli A, Bellini S. Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment of African Swine Fever Virus Introduction in Outdoor Pig Farms. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050709. [PMID: 37242379 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, a semi-quantitative risk assessment was developed to rank pig holdings in terms of likelihood of introducing African swine fever virus (ASFV) by assessing their compliance with biosecurity and exposure to geographical risk factors. The method was initially developed for confined pig holdings, but given that ASF is endemic in wild boar of several countries, we modified the approach to make it suitable for free-range farms as well. In the current study, a total of 41 outdoor pig farms were assessed in an area where exposure to wild boar was generally high (density from 2.3 to 10.3 wild boar per Km2). As expected, non-compliance with biosecurity measures was frequent in outdoor farms, and the frequency of non-compliance indicated that the absence of adequate separation of pigs from the external environment was the major weakness in the farms assessed. In 46.3% of them, there was no fence or, if present, it was not adequate to avoid contact with wild boar. However, the approach adopted proved to be suitable for identifying intervention priorities to mitigate the risk of ASFV spread in free-range pig herds and for identifying the weaknesses of individual farms, as recommended by EFSA in 2021, which suggests implementing tools to improve biosecurity by favoring higher-risk farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Rusinà
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Francesco Valentini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Annalisa Scollo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Giorgio Franceschini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Sara Salvato
- Sorveglianza Epidemiologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Cappa
- Sorveglianza Epidemiologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bellato
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mannelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellini
- Sorveglianza Epidemiologica, Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna, 25124 Brescia, Italy
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9
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Fountain J, Manyweathers J, Brookes VJ, Hernandez-Jover M. Understanding biosecurity behaviors of Australian beef cattle farmers using the ten basic human values framework. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1072929. [PMID: 36923052 PMCID: PMC10010389 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1072929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction On-farm biosecurity is an essential component of successful disease management in the beef cattle industry on an individual, regional, and national level. Participation in mandatory or voluntary assurance schemes, knowledge and trusted relationships have all been demonstrated to contribute to the development of behaviors that promote biosecurity. However, compliance with rules, socio-psychological relationships and knowledge-seeking behavior are all contingent upon the motivations and beliefs of the individual. It is widely accepted that the motivations and beliefs of all cultures can be defined by ten basic values (Self-direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security, Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence and Universalism). In this study, we use the ten basic values to characterize the on-farm biosecurity behaviors of Australian beef farmers to facilitate the identification of interventions that are most likely to align with producer motivations and therefore, more likely to result in wider adoption of effective on-farm biosecurity. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Australian beef farmers to discuss the reasons behind decisions to alter or implement biosecurity practices in response to endemic diseases. Thematic analysis was used to identify the motivations, opportunities, and capability of biosecurity behaviors. The ten basic human values were used to characterize these behaviors and inform enablers and barriers to biosecurity adoption. Results and discussion Benevolence and Self-direction, relating to self-transcendence and an openness to change, were the principal values associated with good biosecurity behaviors. This suggests that farmers will be receptive to education strategies that communicate the actual risk of disease in their area, the impact of disease on animal welfare, and the ability for on-farm biosecurity to mitigate these impacts. Farmers also expressed values of Security which entrenched behaviors as common practice; however, in some cases the Security of trusted relationships was identified as a potential barrier to behavior change. Overall, values associated with biosecurity behaviors were found to align with values that are most important for social cohesion, suggesting that collaborative disease efforts between industry stakeholders and farmers are likely to succeed if designed with these values in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Fountain
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Manyweathers
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria J Brookes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Hernandez-Jover
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
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Baños JV, Boklund A, Gogin A, Gortázar C, Guberti V, Helyes G, Kantere M, Korytarova D, Linden A, Masiulis M, Miteva A, Neghirla I, Oļševskis E, Ostojic S, Petr S, Staubach C, Thulke H, Viltrop A, Wozniakowski G, Broglia A, Abrahantes Cortiñas J, Dhollander S, Mur L, Papanikolaou A, Van der Stede Y, Zancanaro G, Ståhl K. Epidemiological analyses of African swine fever in the European Union: (September 2020 to August 2021). EFSA J 2022; 20:e07290. [PMID: 35515335 PMCID: PMC9066549 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7290] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This report provides a descriptive analysis of the African swine fever (ASF) Genotype II epidemic in the affected Member States in the EU and two neighbouring countries for the period from 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021. ASF continued to spread in wild boar in the EU, it entered Germany in September 2020, while Belgium became free from ASF in October 2020. No ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs nor cases in wild boar have been reported in Greece since February 2020. In the Baltic States, overall, there has been a declining trend in proportions of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive samples from wild boar carcasses in the last few years. In the other countries, the proportions of PCR-positive wild boar carcasses remained high, indicating continuing spread of the disease. A systematic literature review revealed that the risk factors most frequently significantly associated with ASF in domestic pigs were pig density, low levels of biosecurity and socio-economic factors. For wild boar, most significant risk factors were related to habitat, socio-economic factors and wild boar management. The effectiveness of different control options in the so-named white zones, areas where wild boar densities have been drastically reduced to avoid further spread of ASF after a new introduction, was assessed with a stochastic model. Important findings were that establishing a white zone is much more challenging when the area of ASF incursion is adjacent to an area where limited control measures are in place. Very stringent wild boar population reduction measures in the white zone are key to success. The white zone needs to be far enough away from the affected core area so that the population can be reduced in time before the disease arrives and the timing of this will depend on the wild boar density and the required population reduction target in the white zone. Finally, establishing a proactive white zone along the demarcation line of an affected area requires higher culling efforts, but has a higher chance of success to stop the spread of the disease than establishing reactive white zones after the disease has already entered in the area.
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Viltrop A, Reimus K, Niine T, Mõtus K. Biosecurity Levels and Farm Characteristics of African Swine Fever Outbreak and Unaffected Farms in Estonia-What Can Be Learned from Them? Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010068. [PMID: 35011174 PMCID: PMC8749753 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biosecurity breaches have been shown to play a major role in the introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pig populations. The aim of the study was to describe the biosecurity levels and management practices of ASF outbreak and uninfected herds and to identify potential risk factors for ASF introduction. The biosecurity score of ASF outbreak herds was significantly lower compared to uninfected herds. This may reflect general improvement in the application of biosecurity measures over time in Estonian pig farms as the data on uninfected herds were collected later, at a time when intensified official controls may have had their effect. Larger herds were more at risk of being ‘outbreak herds’ compared to smaller herds. The biosecurity parameters significantly associated with ‘outbreak herd’ status in statistical analysis were mostly related to indirect contacts with the outside farm environment. The biosecurity barriers applied in Estonian pig farms have not been sufficient to avoid the introduction of ASF and need critical evaluation and improvement. Reduction of all contacts between the farm and the external environment should be emphasized in a situation where ASF is circulating in wild boar populations close to pig farms. Abstract Risk factors related to external biosecurity have been considered to play a major role in the introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pig populations. The aim of the study was to describe the biosecurity levels and management practices of ASF outbreak and uninfected herds and to identify potential risk factors for ASF introduction. Data collected from the outbreak herds during outbreak investigations and from the randomly selected uninfected herds were analyzed. The biosecurity score in ASF outbreak herds was significantly lower compared to uninfected herds. However, this may reflect general improvement in the application of biosecurity measures in pig farms over time as the data on uninfected herds were collected later, at a time when intensified official controls may have had their effect. Larger herds were more at risk of being outbreak herds compared to smaller herds. The biosecurity parameters significantly associated with the outbreak herd status in multiple correspondence analysis were mostly related to indirect contacts with the outside farm environment. The biosecurity barriers applied in Estonian pig farms have not been sufficient to avoid ASF introduction and need critical evaluation and improvement. Reduction of all contacts between the farm and the external environment should be emphasized in a situation where ASF is circulating in wild boar populations close to pig farms.
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Tian L, Luo Y, Wen T, Yang W, Zhao Y, Huang P, He H, Wu J, Li Z, Pan C. A quadruple protection procedure for resuming pig production in small-scale ASFV-positive farms in China. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2021; 2:100014. [PMID: 34841307 PMCID: PMC8610312 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2020.100014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever outbreak has caused serious economic losses in China. Pork supply in consequence faces huge demand. The small-scale farms in China are encountering difficulties in raising pigs. A comprehensive procedure was tested in 35 small pig farms that had been confirmed with African swine fever virus. During a one-year study, 100 percent of porkers and 98.8 percent of sows were healthy respectively. An effective biosafety procedure was developed for production of pigs in small-scale farms in China.
African swine fever (ASF) outbreak has caused serious economic losses in Asia since 2018. As ASF is a new emerging disease, many farmers hesitate to raise pigs before biosafety procedures were evaluated to be effective. To support small-scale farms in resuming pig production, a comprehensive procedure, called the quadruple protection procedure (QPP), was tested in 35 small farms which had been confirmed with African swine fever virus (ASFV). The QPP takes care of the farms' construction, environmental disinfection, regular immunization, and feed quality. Qualified daily management was supplemented as well. During a one-year survey four disinfectants and one piece of equipment were used in higher frequency. A 7- or 15-day empty period after the disinfection was suitable when it was combined with the rest of the protection measures from QPP. Totally 18,730 porkers and 3,006 sows were healthy by the end of the study with percentage of 100 and 98.8, respectively, indicating that QPP could protect pigs in small-scale farms from pathogens within China. This study developed an effective protective procedure system for small-scale farms to produce pigs under the risk of ASF outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Tian
- Institute of Animal Protection Technology, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Luo
- Institute of Animal Protection Technology, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Tanqing Wen
- Institute of Animal Protection Technology, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Weizheng Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Innovation Technology Center, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China.,School of Life Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yulin Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Innovation Technology Center, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Innovation Technology Center, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo He
- Institute of Animal Protection Technology, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on the Technology of Pig-breeding and Pig-disease prevention, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongsheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on the Technology of Pig-breeding and Pig-disease prevention, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chungen Pan
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Innovation Technology Center, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on the Technology of Pig-breeding and Pig-disease prevention, Haid Research Institute, Guangdong Haid Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
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Analyses of interlinked actors in determining the potential business beneficiaries of small-scale pig farming systems in West Papua, Indonesia. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05911. [PMID: 33604463 PMCID: PMC7876541 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pig production is a key livelihood sector and a source of economic and social beneficiaries, which has many interest and interlinked actors. The inventory which includes all resources and the roles played by actors is utmost important in pig farming system. Some stakeholders are interlinked in function, forming a complex system with multi-disciplinary actors. This research aims to distinctively map and provide clear involvement of actors or stakeholders in relation to their contribution towards pig business. As much as 32 institutions were interviewed based on the roles and resources of individuals working inside the organizations formally and informally. The parameters collected inlude the structure, status of law, and types of organization. As well as stakeholders' role, effect, importance, threat, and turn-back impact. The data obtained include resources sharing, duration, continuity, power, and interventions. Those related to intervention were policy, finance, space, time, access, satisfaction, knowledge, skills, threats, and power. In terms of innovation, the data collected include power, finance, space, time, access, satisfaction, knowledge, skills, threats, and power. And were stored in Microsoft excel worksheet and exported to Social Network Visualizer software version 2.5. The key and strategic stakeholder in pig business beneficiary were identified and determined based on power and interest. The following were identified in the first rank: crop farmers, private credit business, village officer, and local community. In the second rank, the factors identified include government (local and national), student community services, and security.
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Smith R, Gavin C, Gilson D, Simons R, Williamson S. Determining pig holding type from British movement data using analytical and machine learning approaches. Prev Vet Med 2020; 178:104984. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Anette B, Anette B, Theodora CV, Klaus D, Daniel D, Vittorio G, Georgina H, Daniela K, Annick L, Aleksandra M, Simon M, Edvins O, Sasa O, Helen R, Mihaela S, Karl S, Hans‐Hermann T, Grigaliuniene V, Arvo V, Richard W, Grzegorz W, José AC, Sofie D, Andrey G, Corina I, Alexandra P, González VLC, Christian GS. Epidemiological analyses of African swine fever in the European Union (November 2018 to October 2019). EFSA J 2020. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.5996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Correia-Gomes C, Sparks N. Exploring the attitudes of backyard poultry keepers to health and biosecurity. Prev Vet Med 2019; 174:104812. [PMID: 31722277 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Backyard poultry producers have been associated with outbreaks of exotic (e.g. avian influenza) and endemic (e.g. Salmonella) disease all over the world. Currently in the UK the registration of small flocks (less than 50 birds) with local authorities is voluntary therefore there is not an accurate record of how many keepers and birds there are or where they are located. This lack of information (e.g. how many birds they keep, what type of birds, biosecurity measures they implement, etc.) may compromise contingency planning in an outbreak. A questionnaire was designed and implemented to gather information that will allow some of the knowledge gaps to be filled. The questionnaire comprised a total of 63 questions divided into seven sections (characterisation of the keeper, location of the enterprise and interest in poultry, poultry husbandry, transport of poultry, details about the poultry enterprise, marketing of poultry products, and poultry health/biosecurity). The questionnaire was implemented through an online survey, which was promoted through web links in smallholders' websites, Facebook pages, the SRUC network, a course about poultry welfare, and leaflets at smallholders' festivals. The survey was open from 24th October 2016 to 10th April 2017 and 176 questionnaires were completed by target respondents. Overall, our results suggest that the level of disease identified by backyard poultry keepers is low but the majority of the backyard poultry keepers also keep other livestock species, with an associated increased risk for disease transmission between species. Almost all respondents reported implementing at least one biosecurity measure, although in the majority of cases the measures taken were not comprehensive. A lack of knowledge about the legislation concerning poultry-keeping activities was evidenced by the answers given to some questions, such as the feeding of kitchen scraps and how to dispose of dead stocks. This investigation fills gaps in knowledge which will allow industry stakeholders and policy makers to adapt their current disease programmes and contingency plans to the reality of the health and biosecurity status of backyard poultry. It also highlights that government could play a more active role in engaging with backyard poultry keepers and in finding ways to disseminate reliable information generally and about disease outbreaks specifically, to these keepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Correia-Gomes
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), An Lòchran, 10 Inverness Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA, Scotland, UK.
| | - Nick Sparks
- Dean's Office, South and West Faculty, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Barony Campus, Parkgate Dumfries DG1 3NE, Scotland, UK
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Li J, Bi Z, Ma S, Chen B, Cai C, He J, Schwarz S, Sun C, Zhou Y, Yin J, Hulth A, Wang Y, Shen Z, Wang S, Wu C, Nilsson LE, Walsh TR, Börjesson S, Shen J, Sun Q, Wang Y. Inter-host Transmission of Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli among Humans and Backyard Animals. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:107009. [PMID: 31642700 PMCID: PMC6910777 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapidly increasing dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in both humans and animals poses a global threat to public health. However, the transmission of CRE between humans and animals has not yet been well studied. OBJECTIVES We investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and drivers of CRE transmission between humans and their backyard animals in rural China. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive sampling strategy in 12 villages in Shandong, China. Using the household [residents and their backyard animals (farm and companion animals)] as a single surveillance unit, we assessed the prevalence of CRE at the household level and examined the factors associated with CRE carriage through a detailed questionnaire. Genetic relationships among human- and animal-derived CRE were assessed using whole-genome sequencing-based molecular methods. RESULTS A total of 88 New Delhi metallo-β-lactamases-type carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (NDM-EC), including 17 from humans, 44 from pigs, 12 from chickens, 1 from cattle, and 2 from dogs, were isolated from 65 of the 746 households examined. The remaining 12 NDM-EC were from flies in the immediate backyard environment. The NDM-EC colonization in households was significantly associated with a) the number of species of backyard animals raised/kept in the same household, and b) the use of human and/or animal feces as fertilizer. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed that a large proportion of the core genomes of the NDM-EC belonged to strains from hosts other than their own, and several human isolates shared closely related core single-nucleotide polymorphisms and blaNDM genetic contexts with isolates from backyard animals. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, we are the first to report evidence of direct transmission of NDM-EC between humans and animals. Given the rise of NDM-EC in community and hospital infections, combating NDM-EC transmission in backyard farm systems is needed. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5251.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyun Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenwang Bi
- Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shizhen Ma
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoli Chen
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chang Cai
- China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Hangzhou, China
- Research and Innovation Office, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Junjia He
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chengtao Sun
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Yin
- School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Anette Hulth
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangqi Shen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaolin Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Congming Wu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lennart E. Nilsson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Timothy R Walsh
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stefan Börjesson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- School of Health Care Management, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Pires AFA, Peterson A, Baron JN, Adams R, Martínez-López B, Moore D. Small-scale and backyard livestock owners needs assessment in the western United States. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212372. [PMID: 30763403 PMCID: PMC6375643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of small-scale and backyard livestock and poultry owners in urban and peri-urban areas has increased greatly over the last 10 years in the U.S. However, these animal owners may live in areas without access to livestock and/or poultry veterinary care. The purpose of this study was to identify potential veterinary service needs of these animal owners in the western US, assess their use of management and husbandry practices with regards to disease prevention, and assess their attitudes about animal health and food safety. A semi-structured survey was made available to small-scale and backyard livestock and poultry owners in Washington State, California, Colorado and Oregon. The survey instrument included questions about types of animals reared, uses of the animals, veterinary services and information-seeking behaviors of owners, attitudes on animal health and food safety, and management practices. Four hundred thirty-five individuals completed at least some portion of the survey. Most described themselves as living in rural areas (76%). Most (86%) owned chickens, 53% owned small ruminants, and 31% owned cattle. Many individuals owned more than one species and most had fewer than 20 animals of a given species. About 74% of respondents utilized their animals’ products for their own consumption but 48% sold animal products (primarily through internet sales (35%) or farmers’ markets (25%)). Overwhelmingly, respondents gained information about animal health (82%) and animal treatment procedures (71%) from the internet. Respondents reported their veterinarian’s practice type as companion animal (26%) or a mixed animal or food animal predominant (66%). Overall, respondents were very satisfied with the level of care (82%), but 43% had not sought animal health care in last 12 months. However, the veterinarian’s primary practice type and owner’s satisfaction with veterinary care were associated with their location (state), species owned, and urban or peri-urban setting. Livestock species type (cattle, small ruminants and swine), and use (personal or commercial) were associated with implementation of different biosecurity practices. The results of this survey highlight some of the needs of these animal owners for veterinary care and information which are location- and species-specific. Veterinary care for these small-scale and backyard animals is vital to the health and welfare of the animals as well as for identification of zoonoses and assurance of the food safety of animal products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alda F. A. Pires
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amos Peterson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jerome N. Baron
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Ragan Adams
- Veterinary Extension Specialist, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Beatriz Martínez-López
- Center for Animal Disease Modeling and Surveillance, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Dale Moore
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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