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Brookes VJ, Henning CE, Worthing KA, Degeling C. Eliminate all risks: A call to reexamine the link between canine scabies and rheumatic heart disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012115. [PMID: 38696362 PMCID: PMC11065235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and acute rheumatic fever (ARF) disproportionately affect individuals in low-resource settings. ARF is attributed to an immune response to Group A Streptococcus (GAS) following GAS pharyngitis and potentially GAS impetigo in which infection can be initiated by scabies infestation. The burden of ARF and RHD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia is among the highest globally. Following recent calls to include dog management programs in ARF and RHD prevention programs, we believe it is timely to assess the evidence for this, particularly since previous recommendations excluded resources to prevent zoonotic canine scabies. While phylogenetic analyses have suggested that the Sarcoptes mite is host specific, they have differed in interpretation of the strength of their findings regarding species cross-over and the need for canine scabies control to prevent human itch. Given that there is also indication from case reports that canine scabies leads to human itch, we propose that further investigation of the potential burden of zoonotic canine scabies and intervention trials of canine scabies prevention on the incidence of impetigo are warranted. Considering the devastating impacts of ARF and RHD, evidence is required to support policy to eliminate all risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. Brookes
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caitlin E. Henning
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate A. Worthing
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Degeling
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and the Humanities, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, New South Wales, Australia
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Sorenson MS, Kutz SJ, Collicutt AC, Bailot RJE, Anderson KL, Orsel K. Can intake data inform on impacts of repeated subsidized onsite spay-neuter clinics for dogs? THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2023; 64:1149-1157. [PMID: 38046419 PMCID: PMC10637709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective Subsidized dog care and population management programs (DPM) are often implemented for dog population control where for-profit veterinary care is inaccessible. However, impacts of such programs are rarely assessed. The goal of this project was to determine if and how previously collected intake data from ongoing high-volume spay-neuter clinics could be used to measure impacts of such DPM programs. Animals We used intake data collected from 2008 to 2019 from spay-neuter clinics that had been delivered repeatedly over a 10-year period in 6 First Nations communities in Alberta, to assess changes in intake dog characteristics. Procedures Numbers of dogs brought in for spay-neuter surgery or surrendered, and their ages, sexes, breeds, weights, and body condition scores were compared. Reasons for surrender were investigated and socioeconomic factors were investigated as possible drivers for community differences in clinic participation rates and clinic sex ratios. Results Socioeconomic indicators did not differ between the 6 participating communities; however, the total number of clinics requested by communities varied. In early years, female dogs were more likely to be brought to the clinics to be spayed whereas, in later years, more males were seen. The age at which animals were brought in for spay or neuter decreased over time (P < 0.05) but the surrender age did not. Breed proportions of x-large, small, and x-small breeds varied over time for both spay-neuter and surrender dogs (P < 0.05), with large-breed dogs always being the most common. However, there was an increase in small and x-small breeds in the final years of the study. Finally, weight status, a calculated estimate of body condition of spay-neuter dogs, increased over time within large and medium breeds, whereas the body condition score of surrendered dogs shifted from "thin" to "ideal" over time. Conclusions and clinical relevance This work highlights the potential and challenges of using intake data to assess impacts of spay-neuter clinics that occur repeatedly over many years in the same communities. Overall increased weight status, high participation rates, and reduction of age at intake suggest positive effects of the assessed spay-neuter programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan S Sorenson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 (Sorenson, Kutz, Orsel); Canadian Animal Task Force, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5 (Collicutt, Bailot); Canine Behaviour and Research, Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK (Anderson)
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 (Sorenson, Kutz, Orsel); Canadian Animal Task Force, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5 (Collicutt, Bailot); Canine Behaviour and Research, Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK (Anderson)
| | - Alanna C Collicutt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 (Sorenson, Kutz, Orsel); Canadian Animal Task Force, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5 (Collicutt, Bailot); Canine Behaviour and Research, Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK (Anderson)
| | - R J E Bailot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 (Sorenson, Kutz, Orsel); Canadian Animal Task Force, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5 (Collicutt, Bailot); Canine Behaviour and Research, Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK (Anderson)
| | - Katharine L Anderson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 (Sorenson, Kutz, Orsel); Canadian Animal Task Force, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5 (Collicutt, Bailot); Canine Behaviour and Research, Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK (Anderson)
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6 (Sorenson, Kutz, Orsel); Canadian Animal Task Force, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T5 (Collicutt, Bailot); Canine Behaviour and Research, Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK (Anderson)
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Munir SMI, Mokhtar MI, Arham AF. Public perspectives on strays and companion animal management in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1428. [PMID: 37495958 PMCID: PMC10373340 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16276-5] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Strays and companion animal management is a sensitive issue in Malaysia that incites solid and conflicting views. Through structured questionnaires administered to a random sample of 704 respondents, this study explored public opinion on a) causes of the stray animal population, b) the management of the stray animal population, and c) the national strategy on strays and companion Animal Management. The results show that 70.3% of respondents agreed that a lack of public awareness regarding animal care was the major contributor to the stray animal population. In addition, 58.1% of respondents felt that treating and vaccinating animals exposed to zoonotic diseases is a viable approach that could be instituted as a reasonable measure in stray animal population management. Finally, developing animal protection areas through a multi-stakeholder partnership strategy initiative recorded the highest support (48.4%) for intervention planning for stray animal management at a national level. Notably, a significant percentage of public responses were implicitly influenced by demographic variables. These findings provide valuable insights into public opinion regarding stray and companion animal management in Malaysia. These findings could inform the development of future legislation aimed at reducing the unfavorable effects of stray animal populations on humans and the ecology of MalaysiaPlease check if affiliations [is/are] captured correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syafiq Munir Ismail Munir
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Istajib Mokhtar
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Firdhaus Arham
- Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Tazerji SS, Nardini R, Safdar M, Shehata AA, Duarte PM. An Overview of Anthropogenic Actions as Drivers for Emerging and Re-Emerging Zoonotic Diseases. Pathogens 2022; 11:1376. [PMID: 36422627 PMCID: PMC9692567 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Population growth and industrialization have led to a race for greater food and supply productivity. As a result, the occupation and population of forest areas, contact with wildlife and their respective parasites and vectors, the trafficking and consumption of wildlife, the pollution of water sources, and the accumulation of waste occur more frequently. Concurrently, the agricultural and livestock production for human consumption has accelerated, often in a disorderly way, leading to the deforestation of areas that are essential for the planet's climatic and ecological balance. The effects of human actions on other ecosystems such as the marine ecosystem cause equally serious damage, such as the pollution of this habitat, and the reduction of the supply of fish and other animals, causing the coastal population to move to the continent. The sum of these factors leads to an increase in the demands such as housing, basic sanitation, and medical assistance, making these populations underserved and vulnerable to the effects of global warming and to the emergence of emerging and re-emerging diseases. In this article, we discuss the anthropic actions such as climate changes, urbanization, deforestation, the trafficking and eating of wild animals, as well as unsustainable agricultural intensification which are drivers for emerging and re-emerging of zoonotic pathogens such as viral (Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Hendravirus, Nipah virus, rabies, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease-2), bacterial (leptospirosis, Lyme borreliosis, and tuberculosis), parasitic (leishmaniasis) and fungal pathogens, which pose a substantial threat to the global community. Finally, we shed light on the urgent demand for the implementation of the One Health concept as a collaborative global approach to raise awareness and educate people about the science behind and the battle against zoonotic pathogens to mitigate the threat for both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Salajegheh Tazerji
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran P.O. Box. 1477893855, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elites Club Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University; Tehran P.O. Box. 1477893855, Iran
| | - Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Muhammad Safdar
- Department of Breeding and Genetics, Cholistan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Awad A. Shehata
- Avian and Rabbit Diseases Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 32897, Egypt
- Research and Development Section, PerNaturam GmbH, 56290 Gödenroth, Germany
- Prophy-Institute for Applied Prophylaxis, 59159 Bönen, Germany
| | - Phelipe Magalhães Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco 52171-900, Brazil
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Duncan-Sutherland N, Lissaman AC, Shepherd M, Kool B. Systematic review of dog bite prevention strategies. Inj Prev 2022; 28:288-297. [PMID: 35393286 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2021-044477] [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: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevention of dog bites is an increasingly important public health topic, as the incidence of serious injury continues to rise. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to prevent dog bites and aggression. METHODS Online databases were searched (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar), using the search terms: dog/s, canine, canis, kuri, bite/s, bitten, aggression, attack, death, fatal, mortality, injury/ies, prevention, intervention, for studies between 1960 and 2021. All study designs were considered. Outcomes of interest were the incidence of dog bites or dog aggression. Non-English studies, and those without full-text access were excluded. RESULTS Forty-three studies met the review criteria, including 15 observational and 27 interventional studies. Fifteen studies investigating dog-control legislation, including leash laws, stray dog control and infringements indicated this can reduce dog bite rates. Breed-specific legislation had less of an effect. Six studies investigating sterilisation, showed while this may reduce dog bites through a reduction in the dog population, the effect on dog aggression was unclear. An alcohol reduction programme showed a significant reduction in dog bite rates in one study. Seven studies assessing educational approaches found that intensive adult-directed education may be effective, with one study showing child-directed education was not effective. Eight studies on dog training (two police-dog related), and six evaluating dog medication or diet were generally low quality and inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS Multiple strategies including effective engagement with indigenous communities and organisations will be required to reduce dog-bites and other incidents involving dog aggression. This review provides some evidence that legislated dog control strategies reduce dog bite rates. Available evidence suggests greater restrictions should be made for all dogs, rather than based on breed alone. Due to a burden of child injury, protection of children should be a focus of legislation and further investigations. Prevention strategies in children require redirection away from a focus on child-directed education and future research should investigate the effectiveness of engineering barriers and reporting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael Shepherd
- Starship Children's Emergency Department, Starship Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridget Kool
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Subrata IM, Harjana NPA, Agustina KK, Purnama SG, Kardiwinata MP. Designing a rabies control mobile application for a community-based rabies surveillance system during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bali, Indonesia. Vet World 2022; 15:1237-1245. [PMID: 35765482 PMCID: PMC9210830 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1237-1245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Rabies remains a public health concern in Indonesia, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has stymied rabies prevention and control efforts. There is a need to transform the rabies program to be adaptable to pandemic situations to improve program coverage on dog vaccination and rabies surveillance. This study aimed to create a rabies control (RaCon) mobile application for a community-based rabies surveillance system during COVID-19 in Bali, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: We employ the Design Science Research methodology. Surveillance officers, veterinarians, community leaders, outreach workers, and dog owners participated in a series of offline in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The RaCon prototype was evaluated using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) framework, which included the system's usefulness, information quality, and interface quality. In this study, we used both a qualitative (n=50) and quantitative (n=342) approach.
Results: According to the findings of this study, integrating public health and animal health into the rabies surveillance system are critical to supporting the One Health approach and encouraging community engagement in rabies programs. The RaCon prototype is expected to include features such as pet ownership, case report, news and announcements, nearest vet, health information, outbreak radar, emergency call, and app feedback. The RaCon prototype passed both qualitative and quantitative evaluations, indicating that it could be used to support the rabies surveillance system, particularly in the COVID-19 situation.
Conclusion: The RaCon prototype was accepted by the users and got positive feedback in terms of the system's usefulness, information quality, and interface quality dimension. As a result, this prototype has the potential to be integrated into the rabies surveillance system in Bali, particularly to strengthen the community-based rabies surveillance system. Even though this prototype received positive feedback, this study focuses solely on the design development and evaluation of its user interface. As a result, further development is required before incorporating RaCon into the rabies prevention and control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Made Subrata
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Ngakan Putu Anom Harjana
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia; Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Kadek Karang Agustina
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Sang Gede Purnama
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Made Pasek Kardiwinata
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80225, Bali, Indonesia
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Rupprecht CE, Mani RS, Mshelbwala PP, Recuenco SE, Ward MP. Rabies in the Tropics. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:28-39. [PMID: 35371908 PMCID: PMC8960221 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rabies is an ancient yet still neglected tropical disease (NTD). This review focuses upon highlights of recent research and peer-reviewed communications on the underestimated tropical burden of disease and its management due to the complicated dynamics of virulent viral species, diverse mammalian reservoirs, and tens of millions of exposed humans and animals - and how laboratory-based surveillance at each level informs upon pathogen spread and risks of transmission, for targeted prevention and control. Recent Findings While both human and rabies animal cases in enzootic areas over the past 5 years were reported to PAHO/WHO and OIE by member countries, still there is a huge gap between these "official" data and the need for enhanced surveillance efforts to meet global program goals. Summary A review of the complex aspects of rabies perpetuation in human, domestic animal, and wildlife communities, coupled with a high fatality rate despite the existence of efficacious biologics (but no therapeutics), warrants the need for a One Health approach toward detection via improved laboratory-based surveillance, with focal management at the viral source. More effective methods to prevent the spread of rabies from enzootic to free zones are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Rupprecht
- LYSSA LLC, Atlanta, GA USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL USA
| | - Reeta S. Mani
- Department of Neurovirology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Rabies, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Philip P. Mshelbwala
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sergio E. Recuenco
- Facultad de Medicina San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW Australia
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A Review and Analysis of the National Dog Population Management Program in Chile. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030228. [PMID: 35158553 PMCID: PMC8833616 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs are a worldwide problem, with Chile having some of the highest human-to-dog ratios in the world. In 2017, Law 21.020 was promulgated and the federal government developed a national responsible pet ownership program. The objectives of this article are to describe and discuss the dog-related components of the program, to design a tool for determining human-to-dog ratios in Chile, and to make recommendations to managers to improve the program outcomes. The overarching goal of the program was to mitigate the conflict between humans and dogs, but many of the interventions were animal-focused and the indicators did not consider the perception of the Chilean public. Using human density data and known dog populations, we found that as the human density increased, there were fewer dogs per person. Veterinary services and sterilizations were the mainstay of the program and were offered for free to citizens. Education was offered to all ages through public events, as well as municipality and organization activities. The identification of dogs was obligatory for dog owners. Enforcement was not included in the program. The recommendations are to conduct preintervention baseline data collections and to tailor interventions and indicators appropriately; to use dog population size estimates determined at the local level rather than a country-wide estimate; to replace free veterinary services with low-cost sterilization campaigns; to create sustainable plans for education; and to create enforcement teams in communities.
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Riley T, Anderson NE, Lovett R, Meredith A, Cumming B, Thandrayen J. One Health in Indigenous Communities: A Critical Review of the Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111303. [PMID: 34769820 PMCID: PMC8583238 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous populations around the world face disproportionately high rates of disease related to the environment and animals. One Health is a concept that has been used effectively to understand and address these health risks. One Health refers to the relationships and interdependencies between animal, human, and environmental health and is an emerging research field that aligns with indigenous views of health. To understand the applicability of One Health in indigenous communities, a critical review was undertaken to investigate evidence of One Health research in indigenous communities internationally, assess the strength of evidence, and understand what gaps are present. This review included the appraisal of twenty-four studies based in five regions: Canada, Africa, Australia, South America, and Central America. The review found that there is a need for studies of high strength, with rigorous methods, local leadership, and active involvement of indigenous viewpoints, to be undertaken in indigenous communities internationally that focus on One Health. It highlights the need to further consider indigenous viewpoints in research to reduce limitations, increase effectiveness of findings, consider appropriateness of recommendations, and benefit communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Riley
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia; (R.L.); (J.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Neil E. Anderson
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK; (N.E.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Raymond Lovett
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia; (R.L.); (J.T.)
| | - Anna Meredith
- Roslin Institute, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9RG, UK; (N.E.A.); (A.M.)
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Bonny Cumming
- Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC), Darwin 0801, Australia;
| | - Joanne Thandrayen
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia; (R.L.); (J.T.)
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Baker T, Rock M, Bondo K, van der Meer F, Kutz S. 11 years of regular access to subsidized veterinary services is associated with improved dog health and welfare in remote northern communities. Prev Vet Med 2021; 196:105471. [PMID: 34509773 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Access to veterinary services can have positive impacts on animal health and welfare, and on human mental and physical health and well-being; however, many communities worldwide lack access to such services. At their request, the 5 communities of the Sahtu Settlement Area, Northwest Territories, Canada, have received annual access to preventive veterinary services through the University of Calgary's Northern Community Health Rotation since 2008. To determine the reach of the program, we conducted a dog census in 2017. We then conducted a chart review of 11 years of dog medical records from 2008 to 2018 to evaluate how the reach of the program, the uptake of veterinary services, and dog population demographics, health and welfare measures changed over the duration of the program. In the chart review, we used either multi-level logistic regression or generalized linear models, to determine how seven variables, including age, sex, breed, body condition, deworming, vaccination, and sterilization status upon clinic entry, changed over the course of program delivery. Our results suggest that program reach, veterinary service uptake, and dog demographic, health and welfare measures improved over time. We observed high rabies vaccination coverage in some communities (48 %-83 % of the dog population) and moderate overall sterilization status (25 %-56 % of the dog population) with female dog sterilization more common than male (75 % of dogs leaving the 2017 clinics, compared to 43 %). Several dog demographic, health, and welfare measures, including age, body condition, and vaccination, deworming, and sterilization status, were significantly better in later years of the program (all p < 0.001). Differences among communities, both in dog population numbers from the 2017 census (40-89 dogs) and in the uptake of veterinary services in 2017 (48 %-83 % of the dog population), were notable. Vaccination uptake was directly related to clinic attendance, but sterilization was impacted by additional factors, including community members' acceptance of the procedure. Some unintended consequences were noted, however, including the potential effect of sterilization on the availability of traditional dog breeds in the communities. Overall, our study findings demonstrate that subsidized veterinary services provided over a regular and extended period of time benefit animal population demographics, health and welfare, and could have positive impacts on human well-being. The framework of community collaboration and long-term commitment developed through this program serves as a model for achieving common health goals among communities in need and veterinary service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Baker
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Melanie Rock
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Kristin Bondo
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Frank van der Meer
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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Representations of Free-Living and Unrestrained Dogs as an Emerging Public Health Issue in Australian Newspapers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115807. [PMID: 34071420 PMCID: PMC8198982 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
That dogs can live and breed as free-living animals contributes to public health risks including zoonotic transmission, dog bites, and compromising people’s sense of safety in public spaces. In Australia, free-living dog populations are comprised of domestic dogs, dingoes, and dog–dingo hybrids, and are described using various terms (for example, stray or community), depending on social or geographic context. Urban expansion and regional migration mean that risks associated with contact between humans and free-living dogs are increasing. Public health authorities, local governments, and community organisations have called for transdisciplinary partnerships to address dog-related health risks with a sustainable long-term approach. Values pluralism and a lack of sustained community engagement in affected areas have meant that the outcome of such efforts to date has been mixed. To identify ideas in public circulation about the impact of unrestrained and free-living dogs on human health and well-being, and understand the framework through which these animals are problematised and solutions are proposed in public discourse, we systematically examined coverage of these issues in print media. Our analyses indicate that reporting in Australian newspapers tends to frame the public health impacts of free-living dogs as problems of public order requiring direct government action to re-establish control. The public health impacts of free-living dog populations in Australia have complex causes that intersect at the nexus between human and canine behaviour, agricultural and land management practices, local bylaws, and efforts to conserve ecological systems. Placing responsibility on governments limits opportunities for greater community involvement in developing integrated One Health approaches. Better-quality evidence of the impacts of dog populations on community health and well-being, and broad community support are needed to reshape public debates on animal control, which, ultimately, will promote more effective approaches to mitigate dog-related public health risks at the human–animal–environment interface.
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Hillier SA, Taleb A, Chaccour E, Aenishaenslin C. Examining the concept of One Health for indigenous communities: A systematic review. One Health 2021; 12:100248. [PMID: 33912647 PMCID: PMC8066803 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This paper examines whether the usage of the concept of One Health in Canada-based research aligns with traditional Indigenous notions of health and wellness. Methods A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using primary databases, including Scholars Portal, ProQuest Social Science, Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), OVID Healthstar, Embase, Medline, Pubmed and Google Scholar. Papers discussing One Health and Indigenous Health were selected and analyzed through Nvivo12 to generate common themes across the studies. Results The analysis identified three major themes that focused on One Health as it relates to climate change, zoonosis, and social relationships between humans and animals. Climate change was seen to have affected the environmental health of Northern latitude areas where many Indigenous communities reside. Infectious diseases within Indigenous communities were a frequent topic of study and indicated that infections transmitted by dogs are likely to be addressed with One Health interventions. One Health interventions are likely to equally address the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Conclusions No significant connection between One Health and Indigenous knowledges was established in the analyzed articles. Articles discussed One Health as it pertains to epidemiological surveillance and research. The implications of utilizing One Health towards Indigenous Peoples and culture were not explicitly addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Hillier
- School of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Health, York University, 348A Stong College, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, Ont M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Abdul Taleb
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Elias Chaccour
- Health Policy & Equity, School of Health Policy & Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Canada
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Canada
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Wright N, Subedi D, Pantha S, Acharya KP, Nel LH. The Role of Waste Management in Control of Rabies: A Neglected Issue. Viruses 2021; 13:225. [PMID: 33535718 PMCID: PMC7912825 DOI: 10.3390/v13020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being vaccine preventable, the global burden of dog rabies remains significant, and historically it is the rural and marginalized communities in developing countries of Africa and Asia that are most threatened by the disease. In recent years, the developing world has been experiencing unprecedented increases in urbanization, with a correspondingly massive increase in municipal solid waste generation, among other things. Inefficient and inadequate waste collection and management, due to lack of resources and planning, led to significant increases in the volumes of waste on the streets and in open dumps, where it serves as food sources for free-roaming dogs. In this commentary, we discuss examples of poor waste management and the likely impact on rabies control efforts through the sustenance of free-roaming dogs in some dog rabies-endemic countries. We aim to stress the importance of implementing strategies that effectively address this particular issue as an important component of humane dog population management, as it relates to aspirations for the control and elimination of dog rabies per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette Wright
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa;
| | - Deepak Subedi
- Paklihawa Campus, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Paklihawa, Rupandehi 32900, Nepal; (D.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Saurav Pantha
- Paklihawa Campus, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Paklihawa, Rupandehi 32900, Nepal; (D.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Krishna Prasad Acharya
- Animal Quarantine Office (AQO), Department of Livestock Services, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Louis Hendrik Nel
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0083, South Africa;
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control SA NPC, Erasmus Forum A434, South Erasmus Rand, Pretoria 0181, South Africa
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