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Shapiro HG, Ruder MG, Nimlos NM, Pienaar EF. Understanding rabbit owners' willingness to engage in disease prevention behaviors. Prev Vet Med 2023; 219:106018. [PMID: 37690295 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106018] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a fatal, highly contagious pathogen that infects wild and domestic lagomorphs (rabbits and hares). RHDV2 is an important cause of disease in pet and companion rabbits, has resulted in economic losses for the commercial rabbit industry, and has caused declines of wild lagomorph populations. It is essential for domestic rabbit owners to engage in appropriate actions (e.g., using effective disinfectants, creating secure barriers between domestic and wild rabbits) to protect the health and welfare of their rabbits and reduce the risk of human-mediated spread of RHDV2. Thus, we investigated rabbit owners' stated willingness to engage in nine commonly recommended biosecurity practices and their support for seven potential government-implemented management actions. We administered an online survey to 1790 rabbit owners in the United States between April and August 2021. Respondents were likely to engage in all biosecurity measures and were supportive of most management actions that could be implemented by government agencies. Respondents' willingness to engage in and support biosecurity measures was positively correlated with their perceptions of the importance of biosecurity, risk perceptions pertaining to the impact of RHDV2 on lagomorphs and rabbit-related industries, knowledge of RHDV2, and trust in government to manage RHDV2. Respondents' motivations for owning rabbits, husbandry behaviors, and demographic characteristics also influenced their willingness to engage in or support biosecurity measures. Engaging domestic rabbit owners in collaborative biosecurity measures is critical for protecting domestic rabbit health and preventing potential spillover between domestic and free-roaming lagomorphs, as there are still many uncertainties about how RHDV2 is spreading across the United States and the world. Implementing outreach strategies that communicate the importance and effectiveness of biosecurity practices in protecting rabbit welfare, rabbit-related activities, and wild lagomorph populations may increase the likelihood of rabbit owners adopting biosecurity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Shapiro
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Mark G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Nicole M Nimlos
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Elizabeth F Pienaar
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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2
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Erika C, Susanna SL, Tonny A, Karl S, Klara F. Co-created community contracts support biosecurity changes in a region where African swine fever is endemic - Part I: The methodology. Prev Vet Med 2023; 212:105840. [PMID: 36640661 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In Northern Uganda more people live in poverty than elsewhere in the country. Small-scale pig-keeping is common and African swine fever (ASF) is endemic, spreading along the smallholder value chain. Biosecurity measures remain the only way to prevent and control the spread of ASF in this context. Previous research in the study area has shown that many stakeholders are aware of ASF, how it is spread and methods for prevention and control, but biosecurity implementation remains limited. Participatory approaches have been suggested in order to increase community engagement in relation to animal disease control, ensuring that disease prevention or control actions are guided by local people's priorities and the promotion of local ownership of disease control. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of participatory action at community level with a broad inclusion of stakeholders to initiate change and greater stakeholder ownership to improve biosecurity in the smallholder pig value chain. Specific attention was paid to the feasibility of co-created community contracts for this purpose. The study was carried out in Northern Uganda in six purposively selected villages and included both farmers and traders. Centred on co-created community contracts on biosecurity, the study comprised repeated group discussions, semi-structured and structured group and individual interviews, as well as field observations. At the first meeting, participants were presented with suggested biosecurity measures adapted for farmers and traders respectively. Participants discussed each measure, agreed which ones to implement for one year, and co-created a community contract to this effect. During the study period, repeated interviews were undertaken and implementation support was provided. Interview data was coded and thematically analysed. Great diversity was observed between communities with regard to which and how many measures were selected, illustrating heterogeneity in the possibilities of biosecurity implementation and the complexity of livelihood challenges. The methodology appeared to be effective at instigating change, with all the communities changing some of their biosecurity behaviour during the study period. The intensified communication and cooperation around pigs in the communities reinforced the sense of group identity and the capacity-building offered at the first meeting supported implementation and appeared to be more important than the physical contract. Participants reported feeling empowered and described how they shared their knowledge, educated their peers and acted as catalysts for wider biosecurity change in their communities. These are promising results and indicate a positive attitude to both the agreed measures and the methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenais Erika
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sternberg Lewerin Susanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aliro Tonny
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Ståhl Karl
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fischer Klara
- Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Thompson K, Taylor J, Mendez D, Chicken C, Carrick J, Durrheim DN. Willingness to adopt personal biosecurity strategies on thoroughbred breeding farms: Findings from a multi-site pilot study in Australia's Hunter Valley. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1017452. [PMID: 36590817 PMCID: PMC9797739 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1017452] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are almost 9,500 full-time employees in Australia's thoroughbred horse breeding industry. During foaling, they can be exposed to bodily fluids and mucous membranes which may present risks for zoonotic disease. These risks can be mitigated through personal biosecurity strategies. The aim of this study was to identify which personal biosecurity strategies were more or less likely to be adopted by workers. Seventeen participants representing 14 thoroughbred breeding farms and three equine veterinary practices in Australia's largest thoroughbred breeding region trialed up to 16 stakeholder-nominated personal biosecurity strategies over the 2021 foaling season. The strategies encompassed personal protective equipment (PPE), zoonotic disease awareness, policies and protocols, supportive environments, and leadership. Strategy adoption was monitored through three repeated self-audit surveys designed around the Transtheoretical Model of change (TTM) and findings were reviewed in exit interviews. For all survey waves in aggregate, 13 strategies were practiced by at least 50.0% of participants. Participants were most likely to use a ready-made foaling box (98.0%), communicate the message that PPE usage is a personal responsibility (94.1%) and use ready-made PPE kits (88.2%). However, 31.4% had no intention of doing practice sessions and/or dummy runs for PPE use and 27.5% had no intention of using a buddy system on farm/practice to check use of PPE. Whilst these rates indicate workers' willingness to adopt and maintain personal biosecurity strategies, they also indicate capacity for more practices to be implemented more often. Overall, the findings highlight the need for personal biosecurity interventions to be sensitive to the demands of the annual thoroughbred breeding calendar, the size of the breeding operation and the availability of skilled staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirrilly Thompson
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, Australia,College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Kirrilly Thompson
| | - Joanne Taylor
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, Australia,College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Diana Mendez
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine Chicken
- Consultant Veterinarian, Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, NSW, Australia
| | - Joan Carrick
- Equine Specialist Consulting, Scone, NSW, Australia
| | - David N. Durrheim
- Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, Australia,College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Spence KL, Rosanowski SM, Slater J, Cardwell JM. Challenges to exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain: The frontline veterinarian's perspective. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:563-573. [PMID: 34043828 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exotic diseases pose a significant risk to horse health and welfare. Several stakeholder groups, including primary care veterinarians, share responsibility for maintaining freedom from pathogens that cause exotic diseases. However, little is known about the current state of exotic disease preparedness within the British horse industry. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore equine veterinarians' experiences of, and attitudes towards, exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain. STUDY DESIGN This is a qualitative interview-based study. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 primary care equine veterinarians in Great Britain. Participants were purposively selected to include perspectives across varying levels of experience, clientele and location. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Three themes were developed: (a) the reactive generalist, relating to participants' self-concept of their role as primary care practitioners; (b) working within the bounds of influence, encompassing participants' perceived inability to influence their clients' knowledge and behaviours and (c) a fragmented horse industry, illustrating the wider culture in which participants worked, characterised by a lack of cohesion amongst its members. MAIN LIMITATIONS Only veterinarians' perspectives have been captured, so viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as horse owners and government officials, should be used to triangulate these findings. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that improvements are required before an optimal level of exotic disease preparedness can be achieved. Additional support provided to frontline veterinarians, such as skills-based training (ie, clinical reasoning and collaborative relationship building), accessible and trusted emergency support networks and clear expectations and responsibilities during an outbreak are recommended to optimise exotic disease preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Spence
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | | | - Josh Slater
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Cardwell
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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5
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Yuen KY, Fraser NS, Henning J, Halpin K, Gibson JS, Betzien L, Stewart AJ. Hendra virus: Epidemiology dynamics in relation to climate change, diagnostic tests and control measures. One Health 2020; 12:100207. [PMID: 33363250 PMCID: PMC7750128 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hendra virus (HeV) continues to pose a serious public health concern as spillover events occur sporadically. Terminally ill horses can exhibit a range of clinical signs including frothy nasal discharge, ataxia or forebrain signs. Early signs, if detected, can include depression, inappetence, colic or mild respiratory signs. All unvaccinated ill horses in areas where flying foxes exist, may potentially be infected with HeV, posing a significant risk to the veterinary community. Equivac® HeV vaccine has been fully registered in Australia since 2015 (and under an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority special permit since 2012) for immunization of horses against HeV and is the most effective and direct solution to prevent disease transmission to horses and protect humans. No HeV vaccinated horse has tested positive for HeV infection. There is no registered vaccine to prevent, or therapeutics to treat, HeV infection in humans. Previous equine HeV outbreaks tended to cluster in winter overlapping with the foaling season (August to December), when veterinarians and horse owners have frequent close contact with horses and their bodily fluids, increasing the chance of zoonotic disease transmission. The most southerly case was detected in 2019 in the Upper Hunter region in New South Wales, which is Australia's Thoroughbred horse breeding capital. Future spillover events are predicted to move further south and inland in Queensland and New South Wales, aligning with the moving distribution of the main reservoir hosts. Here we (1) review HeV epidemiology and climate change predicted infection dynamics, (2) present a biosecurity protocol for veterinary clinics and hospitals to adopt, and (3) describe diagnostic tests currently available and those under development. Major knowledge and research gaps have been identified, including evaluation of vaccine efficacy in foals to assess current vaccination protocol recommendations. Hendra virus (HeV) continues to pose a serious public health threat to the equine and veterinary industries. HeV cases are likely to expand further south and inland due to climate change. Strict HeV specific biosecurity protocols should be implemented to protect veterinary staff. Research into HeV vaccination protocols in foals is required for evidence-based recommendations. Point-of-care and other diagnostic tests for HeV are currently under development.
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Key Words
- Biosecurity
- Climate change
- HeV, Hendra virus
- Infectious disease
- LAMP, Loop-mediated isothermal amplification
- MFI, Median fluorescent intensity
- NSW, New South Wales
- NiV, Nipah virus
- OIE, World Organization for Animal Health
- One health
- PC, Physical containment
- PPE, Personal protective equipment
- QLD, Queensland
- RNA, Ribonucleic acid
- SNT, Serum neutralization test
- Se, Sensitivity
- Sp, Specificity
- Vaccine
- Zoonosis
- iELISA, Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- qRT-PCR, Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
- sG, Soluble G
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Y Yuen
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Natalie S Fraser
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Joerg Henning
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Kim Halpin
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO), Geelong, VIC 3219, Australia
| | - Justine S Gibson
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Lily Betzien
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Allison J Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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6
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Gilkerson JR. Hendra virus: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate? What is the alternative? Aust Vet J 2020; 98:575-577. [PMID: 33258486 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J R Gilkerson
- Centre for Equine Infectious Disease, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Taylor K, Thomas S, Mendez D, Chicken C, Carrick J, Heller J, Durrheim D. "Prevention is the biggest success": Barriers and enablers to personal biosecurity in the thoroughbred breeding industry. Prev Vet Med 2020; 183:105135. [PMID: 32961422 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Employees in the equine industry are at occupational risk of zoonoses such as Hendra virus and equine chlamydiosis through exposure to infected materials. This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the views and experiences of employees, and the key drivers of infection control and personal biosecurity (PB) practices in the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 2018 in New South Wales, Australia using interviews (9) and small group discussions (7). The 29 participants included veterinarians, veterinary nurses, foaling staff, stud managers and laboratory personnel working in a range of equine medicine settings. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed manually by at least two members of the research team. An iterative approach was used to derive themes. Results: Five main themes emerged: (i) greater awareness of current and emerging infectious risks promotes use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); (ii) currently available PPE is not comfortable, practical or well-suited to equine reproductive work in Australia's hot climate; (iii) creating supportive environments for PB reduces risk of exposure to infectious materials; (iv) strong leadership is required to implement sustainable change in workplace culture and practices; and (v) policy and economic factors play an important role in adopting biosecurity (BS) and PB measures in the workplace. Personnel working in the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry face unique zoonotic risks in a challenging physical environment. A qualitative approach provided rich insights into social and physical factors motivating BS and PB in this occupational group. There is an opportunity for collaboration between Public Health services and industry partners to develop and implement strategies most likely to be effective in ensuring consistent uptake of PB measures in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Taylor
- University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter New England Local Health District, Australia.
| | - Susan Thomas
- University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter New England Local Health District, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - David Durrheim
- University of Newcastle, Australia; Hunter New England Local Health District, Australia
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8
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Some One Health based control strategies for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. One Health 2019; 8:100102. [PMID: 31485476 PMCID: PMC6715958 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2019.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) presents an ideal example for developing One Health concepts. Dromedary camels are the principal reservoir for the virus. Infected camels shed the virus in body secretions, particularly nasal discharges. MERS-CoV has the potential to remain active in the environment for some time under optimum conditions of temperature and humidity. This shedding sustains the virus in endemic communities and thus contact with camels is considered a major risk factor for human infection. Reducing virus shedding from camels will have a great positive impact on reducing the human risk of infection. Our main objective is to highlight the potential aspects of reducing virus shedding from camels to the environment, thereby reducing the possibility of human infection. We will focus on the potential roles of camel markets, camel shows, importation, transportation and grazing in the amplification and shedding of the virus, providing some novel concepts for the control approaches for the MERS-CoV.
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Spence KL, Slater J, Rosanowski SM, Cardwell JM. A cross-sectional study of horse owners' awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases in the United Kingdom. Prev Vet Med 2019; 169:104706. [PMID: 31311639 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The international nature of the equine industry provides opportunities for the spread of infectious diseases between countries. While incursions of exotic diseases into the United Kingdom (UK) equine population have been rare, the potential socioeconomic and welfare impacts are a significant concern. However, little is known about leisure horse owners' ability or willingness to prepare for an exotic disease incursion. The objectives of this study were to describe UK leisure horse owners' awareness and perceptions of exotic diseases, and to identify clusters of horse owners characterised by their awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases. A cross-sectional study of leisure horse owners in the UK was conducted between April and July 2018. Participants (n = 403) completed an online questionnaire with questions pertaining to demographics, experiences with endemic diseases, and awareness and perceptions of exotic diseases. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify groups of participants that were similar in regard to their awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases. Participants identified a median of 3 (IQR 2-4) exotic diseases, with the most recognised exotic diseases being African horse sickness and West Nile virus. The most frequently mentioned clinical signs that participants thought were associated with exotic diseases included high temperature (57.2%), discharge (46.5%), and lack of energy (41.2%). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three clusters of participants: 1) those who were aware of exotic diseases and perceived a high amount of risk (n = 78); 2) those who were aware of exotic diseases but perceived a low amount of risk (n = 111); and 3) those who were less aware of exotic diseases and perceived a low amount of risk (n = 214). Efforts to communicate the relevance and consequences of exotic diseases to horse owners should consider the potential difference in receptiveness among horse owners in each cluster. Further investigations are required to determine the implications of horse owners' perceived risk on exotic disease preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Spence
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - Josh Slater
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Sarah M Rosanowski
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK; Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jacqueline M Cardwell
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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10
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It's all about the sex, or is it? Humans, horses and temperament. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216699. [PMID: 31086385 PMCID: PMC6516668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose that the anthropomorphic application of gender stereotypes to animals influences human-animal interactions and human expectations, often with negative consequences for female animals. An online survey was conducted to explore riders’ perceptions of horse temperament and suitability for ridden work, based on horse sex. The questionnaire asked respondents to allocate three hypothetical horses (a mare, gelding and stallion) to four riders compromising a woman, man, girl and boy. Riders were described as equally capable of riding each horse and each horse was described as suitable for all riders. Participants were also asked which horses (mares, geldings or stallions) were most suitable for the three equestrian disciplines of show-jumping, dressage and trail-riding. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate people’s perceptions about suitability of horse types for particular riders, to evaluate if age, strength or gender were important in rider choice and to investigate riders’ allocation of various descriptors to a gelding, stallion or mare. There were 1,233 survey respondents, 94% of whom were female and 75% of whom were riders with at least eight years of experience. Binomial logistic regression revealed the girl had 2.5 times the odds of being allocated the gelding compared to the boy (p < 0.001). Respondents were significantly more likely to allocate the stallion to the man and nearly 50% of respondents did not allocate a horse to the boy, even though they ranked rider gender as least important to their choice (p < 0.001). In a forced choice selection of a positive or negative descriptor from a series of nine paired terms to describe horse temperament, a greater proportion of respondents assigned geldings positive ratings on terms such as calm, trainable, reliable and predictable. In terms of suitability for the three equestrian disciplines of show-jumping, dressage and trail-riding, participants overwhelmingly chose geldings for trail-riding, with mares being least preferred for both dressage and show-jumping disciplines. The results suggest that female riders are entering the horse-human dyad with gendered ideas about horse temperament and view horse-riding as an activity primarily for women and girls. This could have far-reaching implications for equine training and welfare.
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11
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Degeling C, Gilbert GL, Annand E, Taylor M, Walsh MG, Ward MP, Wilson A, Johnson J. Managing the risk of Hendra virus spillover in Australia using ecological approaches: A report on three community juries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209798. [PMID: 30596719 PMCID: PMC6312203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hendra virus (HeV) infection is endemic in Australian flying-fox populations. Habitat loss has increased the peri-urban presence of flying-foxes, increasing the risk of contact and therefore viral 'spillovers' into horse and human populations. An equine vaccine is available and horse-husbandry practices that minimize HeV exposure are encouraged, but their adoption is suboptimal. Ecological approaches-such as habitat creation and conservation-could complement vaccination and behavioural strategies by reducing spillover risks, but these are controversial. METHODS We convened three community juries (two regional; one metropolitan) to elicit the views of well-informed citizens on the acceptability of adding ecological approaches to current interventions for HeV risk. Thirty-one participants of diverse backgrounds, mixed genders and ages were recruited using random-digit-dialling. Each jury was presented with balanced factual evidence, given time to ask questions of expert presenters and, after deliberation, come to well-reasoned conclusions. RESULTS All juries voted unanimously that ecological strategies should be included in HeV risk management strategies but concluded that current interventions-including vaccination and changing horse-husbandry practices-must remain the priority. The key reasons given for adopting ecological approaches were: (i) they address underlying drivers of disease emergence, (ii) the potential to prevent spillover of other bat-borne pathogens, and (iii) there would be broader community benefits. Juries differed regarding the best mechanism to create/conserve flying-fox habitat: participants in regional centres favoured direct government action, whereas the metropolitan jury preferred to place the burden on landholders. CONCLUSIONS Informed citizens acknowledge the value of addressing the drivers of bat-borne infectious risks but differ substantially as to the best implementation strategies. Ecological approaches to securing bat habitat could find broad social support in Australia, but disagreement about how best to achieve them indicates the need for negotiation with affected communities to co-develop fair, effective and locally appropriate policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Degeling
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Gwendolyn L. Gilbert
- Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Edward Annand
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- EquiEpiVet, Picton, NSW, Australia
| | - Melanie Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael G. Walsh
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Wilson
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Johnson
- Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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12
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Schemann K, Annand EJ, Reid PA, Lenz MF, Thomson PC, Dhand NK. Investigation of the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccination on Thoroughbred racing performance. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:132-141. [PMID: 29399777 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of Equivac® HeV Hendra virus vaccine on Thoroughbred racing performance. DESIGN Retrospective pre-post intervention study. METHODS Thoroughbreds with at least one start at one of six major south-eastern Queensland race tracks between 1 July 2012 and 31 December 2016 and with starts in the 3-month periods before and after Hendra virus vaccinations were identified. Piecewise linear mixed models compared the trends in 'Timeform rating' and 'margin to winner' before and after initial Hendra virus vaccination. Generalised linear mixed models similarly compared the odds of 'winning', 'placing' (1st-3rd) and 'winning any prize money'. Timeform rating trends were also compared before and after the second and subsequent vaccinations. RESULTS Analysis of data from 4208 race starts by 755 horses revealed no significant difference in performance in the 3 months before versus 3 months after initial Hendra vaccination for Timeform rating (P = 0.32), 'Margin to winner' (P = 0.45), prize money won (P = 0.25), wins (P = 0.64) or placings (P = 0.77). Further analysis for Timeform rating for 7844 race starts by 928 horses failed to identify any significant change in Timeform rating trends before versus after the second and subsequent vaccinations (P = 0.16) or any evidence of a cumulative effect for the number of vaccines received (P = 0.22). CONCLUSION No evidence of an effect of Hendra virus vaccination on racing performance was found. The findings allow owners, trainers, industry regulators and animal health authorities to make informed decisions about vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schemann
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - E J Annand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P A Reid
- Equine veterinary surgeon, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - M F Lenz
- Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - P C Thomson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - N K Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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