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Maya-Badillo BA, Orta-Pineda G, Zavala-Vasco D, Rivera-Rosas KE, Uribe-Jacinto A, Segura-Velásquez R, Suzán G, Sánchez-Betancourt JI. Influenza A virus antibodies in dogs, hunting dogs, and backyard pigs in Campeche, Mexico. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:294-303. [PMID: 38196021 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13110] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to identify exposure to human, swine, and avian influenza A virus subtypes in rural companion and hunting dogs, backyard pigs, and feral pigs. METHODS AND RESULTS The study took place in a region of southeastern Mexico where the sampled individuals were part of backyard production systems in which different domestic and wild species coexist and interact with humans. We collected blood samples from pigs and dogs at each of the sites. We used a nucleoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the exposure of individuals to influenza A virus. Haemagglutination inhibition was performed on the positive samples to determine the subtypes to which they were exposed. For data analysis, a binomial logistic regression model was generated to determine the predictor variables for the seropositivity of the individuals in the study. We identified 11 positive individuals: three backyard pigs, four companion dogs, and four hunting dogs. The pigs tested positive for H1N1 and H1N2. The dogs were positive for H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2. The model showed that dogs in contact with backyard chickens are more likely to be seropositive for influenza A viruses. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the essential role hunting dogs could play as intermediate hosts and potential mixing vessel hosts when exposed to human and swine-origin viral subtypes. These results are relevant because these dogs interact with domestic hosts and humans in backyard systems, which are risk scenarios in the transmission of influenza A viruses. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to implement epidemiological surveillance of influenza A viruses in backyard animals, particularly in key animals in the transmission of these viruses, such as dogs and pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Aline Maya-Badillo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Grupo de Investigación del Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Cerdos, Facultad de Medicina y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Orta-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diego Zavala-Vasco
- Grupo de Investigación del Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Cerdos, Facultad de Medicina y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karen Elizabeth Rivera-Rosas
- Grupo de Investigación del Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Cerdos, Facultad de Medicina y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - René Segura-Velásquez
- Unidad de Investigación de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Iván Sánchez-Betancourt
- Grupo de Investigación del Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Cerdos, Facultad de Medicina y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Hampton JO, Cobb ML, Toop SD, Flesch JS, Hyndman TH. Elevated lead exposure in Australian hunting dogs during a deer hunting season. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121317. [PMID: 36828357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the threat posed by toxic lead-based ammunition. One group of domestic animals known to be susceptible to harmful lead exposure via this route is hunting dogs. Scent-trailing dogs ('hounds') are used to hunt introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) during a prescribed eight-month (April-November) annual hunting season, during which they are fed fresh venison, in Victoria, south-eastern Australia. We used this annual season as a natural experiment to undertake longitudinal sampling of dogs for lead exposure. Blood was collected from 27 dogs owned by four different deer hunters and comprising three different breeds just prior to the start of the hound hunting season (March 2022) and in the middle of the season (August 2022), and blood lead levels (BLLs) (μg/dL) were determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using Tobit regression, the expected BLLs across all dogs were significantly lower before the season (0.50 μg/dL, standard error [SE] = 0.32 μg/dL) than during the season (1.39 μg/dL, SE = 0.35 μg/dL) (p = 0.01). However, when the breed of dog was included in the analyses, this effect was only significant in beagles (P < 0.001), not bloodhounds (p = 0.73) or harriers (p = 0.43). For 32% of the dogs before the season, and 56% during the season, BLLs exceeded the established threshold concentration for developmental neurotoxicity in humans (1.2 μg/dL). Time since most recent venison feeding, sex of dog and owner were not associated with BLLs. The finding that BLLs more than doubled during the hunting season indicates that lead exposure is a risk in this context. These results expand the sphere of impact from environmental lead in Australia from wild animals and humans, to include some groups of domestic animals, a textbook example of a One Health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Mia L Cobb
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Simon D Toop
- Game Management Authority, Level 2, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Jason S Flesch
- Game Management Authority, Level 2, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Timothy H Hyndman
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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Orr B, Westman ME, Malik R, Purdie A, Craig SB, Norris JM. Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease of pig-hunting dogs and humans in North Queensland. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010100. [PMID: 35041681 PMCID: PMC8797170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution, caused by pathogenic serovars in the genus Leptospira. Feral pigs are known carriers of Leptospira species and pig hunting using dogs is a common recreational activity in Queensland, Australia. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. serovars in pig-hunting dogs above the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland and by establishing the geographic distribution, serovars and incidence of human cases of leptospirosis in Queensland, identify potential overlap between human and canine exposure. We also explored the knowledge and risk-taking behaviours of pig-hunting dog owners towards zoonotic diseases. Ninety-eight pig-hunting dogs deemed healthy by physical examination and owned by 41 people from Queensland had serum submitted for Microscopic Agglutination Testing (MAT) to determine antibody titres against Leptospira serovars, while 40/41 dog owners completed a survey on their knowledge of diseases relating to pig hunting. Human leptospirosis cases (n = 330) notified to Queensland Health between 2015-2018 were analysed. Approximately one quarter (23/87; 26%) of unvaccinated pig-hunting dogs were seropositive to Leptospira spp. Although harder to interpret, 8/11 (73%) vaccinated dogs were seropositive to Leptospira spp. Pig hunters may be more likely to contract leptospirosis compared with the general Queensland population, based on responses from surveyed hunters. The highest concentration of human leptospirosis was in the wet tropics region of Far North Queensland. There was little overlap between the serovars dogs were exposed to and those infecting humans. The dominant serovar identified in unvaccinated dogs was Australis (13/23; 57%), with serovar Arborea (36/330; 10.9%) responsible for the highest number of human leptospirosis cases. Topaz was the second most common serovar in both humans and dogs and was previously unrecorded in Australian dogs. Most hunters surveyed used hand washing as a zoonotic disease risk reduction technique. CONCLUSIONS Leptospirosis is an emerging disease of growing significance. The infection requires a 'one health' approach to understand its epidemiology. With shifting climatic patterns influencing human-animal-environment interactions, ongoing monitoring of diseases like leptospirosis is critical to helping prevent infection of individuals and disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Orr
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark E. Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | - Auriol Purdie
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott B. Craig
- WHO Leptospirosis Laboratory, Public and Environmental Health, Department of Health, Coopers Plains, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M. Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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4
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Kneipp CC, Sawford K, Wingett K, Malik R, Stevenson MA, Mor SM, Wiethoelter AK. Brucella suis Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Dogs in Eastern Australia, 2016 to 2019. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:727641. [PMID: 34621810 PMCID: PMC8490753 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.727641] [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: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brucella suis is a zoonotic disease of feral pigs that also affects pig hunting dogs, pig hunters, veterinarians and veterinary staff. In recent years the incidence of B. suis in the eastern Australian states of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) has increased. A cross-sectional study was conducted to document the seroprevalence, geographical extent and risk factors for B. suis in dogs at-risk of contracting the disease. Eligible dogs were those that were known to hunt or consume feral pig meat. Dogs were enrolled through private veterinary clinics and/or directly by District Veterinarians in six regions of NSW and QLD. Blood was collected by venepuncture and tested for B. suis antibodies using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) followed by a Complement Fixation Test (CFT) if they returned a positive RBT. Owners were invited to complete a questionnaire on the dogs' signalment, husbandry including hunting practices and locations, and any clinical signs referable to brucellosis. Of the 317 dogs included in the prevalence survey, 21 were seropositive returning a survey-adjusted true seroprevalence of 9.3 (95% CI 0.45 to 18) B. suis positive dogs per 100 dogs at-risk. True seroprevalence ranged from 0 to 24 B. suis positive dogs per 100 across eastern Australia, with the highest prevalence in central west NSW and southern QLD. Adjusted for other factors, dogs that shared a household with other seropositive dogs and those that traveled away from their home regions to hunt were more likely to be seropositive. Clinical signs at presentation were not predictive of serostatus, with seropositive and seronegative dogs equally likely to present with signs consistent with brucellosis. The results obtained from this study show that B. suis exposure is relatively common in dogs that have contact with feral pigs, with one in 10 testing seropositive. Further studies are needed to understand the progression and risk of transmission from seropositive dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Kneipp
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Sawford
- Kate Sawford Epidemiological Consulting Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Local Land Services, Braidwood, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Wingett
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark A Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Siobhan M Mor
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Anke K Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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5
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Dingo Density Estimates and Movements in Equatorial Australia: Spatially Explicit Mark-Resight Models. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050865. [PMID: 32429520 PMCID: PMC7278439 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia is currently free of canine rabies. Spatio-ecological knowledge about dingoes in northern Australia is currently a gap that impedes the application of disease spread models and our understanding of the potential transmission of rabies, in the event of an incursion. We therefore conducted a one-year camera trap survey to monitor a dingo population in equatorial northern Australia. The population is contiguous with remote Indigenous communities containing free-roaming dogs, which potentially interact with dingoes. Based on the camera trap data, we derived dingo density and home range size estimates using maximum-likelihood, spatially explicit, mark-resight models, described dingo movements and evaluated spatial correlation and temporal overlap in activities between dingoes and community dogs. Dingo density estimates varied from 0.135 animals/km2 (95% CI = 0.127-0.144) during the dry season to 0.147 animals/km2 (95% CI = 0.135-0.159) during the wet season. The 95% bivariate Normal home range sizes were highly variable throughout the year (7.95-29.40 km2). Spatial use and daily activity patterns of dingoes and free-roaming community dogs, grouped over ~3 month periods, showed substantial temporal activity overlap and spatial correlation, highlighting the potential risk of disease transmission at the wild-domestic interface in an area of biosecurity risk in equatorial northern Australia. Our results have utility for improving preparedness against a potential rabies incursion.
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6
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Orr B, Malik R, Norris J, Westman M. The Welfare of Pig-Hunting Dogs in Australia. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E853. [PMID: 31652568 PMCID: PMC6826489 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hunting feral pigs using dogs is a popular recreational activity in Australia. Dogs are used to flush, chase, bail, and hold feral pigs, and their use for these activities is legal in some states and territories and illegal in others. However, there is little knowledge about the health and welfare of dogs owned specifically for the purpose of pig hunting. We conducted a review of the literature on working dogs in Australia and overseas to determine the likely welfare impacts confronting pig-hunting dogs. We identified numerous challenges facing pig-hunting dogs throughout their lives. Risks to welfare include overbreeding, wastage due to behavioural incompatibilities, the use of aversive training techniques including electronic shock collars, solitary kenneling and tethering, high exposure to infectious diseases including zoonotic diseases, inadequate vaccination and anthelmintic prophlyaxis, high incidence of traumatic and other injuries during hunts, climatic exposure during transportation, mortality during hunts, and a suboptimal quality of life after retirement. There are also significant welfare concerns for the wild pigs hunted in this manner. We conclude that research needs to be conducted in order to determine the current health and welfare of pig-hunting dogs, specifically in Australia. The humaneness of this method of pest control urgently requires further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Orr
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
| | - Jacqui Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
| | - Mark Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
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7
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Gabriele-Rivet V, Brookes VJ, Arsenault J, Ward MP. Hunting practices in northern Australia and their implication for disease transmission between community dogs and wild dogs. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:268-276. [PMID: 31209868 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This survey aimed to understand hunting practices involving domestic dogs in remote Indigenous communities in northern Australia and, in the context of disease transmission, describe the domestic-wild dog interface and intercommunity interactions of hunting dogs during hunting activities. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 13 hunters from communities of the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Queensland gathered information on demographics of hunters and hunting dogs, hunting practices and past encounters with wild dogs during hunting trips. Social networks that described the connections of hunters between NPA communities from hunting expeditions were developed. RESULTS Most hunters interviewed were not aware of any diseases that could be transmitted to dogs (n = 11) or humans (n = 9) from wild animals while hunting. More than half (n = 7) of the respondents had experienced at least one wild dog encounter during hunting in the year prior to the interview. A map of the relative risk of interactions between wild and hunting dogs during hunting trips allowed the identification of high-risk areas in the NPA; these areas are characterised by dense rainforests. The social networks at the community level resulted in relatively large density measures reflecting a high level of intercommunity connectedness. CONCLUSIONS This study contributes to our knowledge of Australian Indigenous hunting practices and supports the potential for disease transmission at the domestic-wild dog interface and intercommunity level through contacts between hunting dogs during hunting activities. Insights from this study also highlight the need for educational programs on disease management in Indigenous communities of northern Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Gabriele-Rivet
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - V J Brookes
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - J Arsenault
- Faculty of veterinary medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
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Degeling C, Brookes V, Lea T, Ward M. Rabies response, One Health and more-than-human considerations in Indigenous communities in northern Australia. Soc Sci Med 2018; 212:60-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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9
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Rosa CAD, Wallau MO, Pedrosa F. Hunting as the main technique used to control wild pigs in Brazil. WILDLIFE SOC B 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcelo Osório Wallau
- Grazing Ecology Research Group; Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul; 91507-370 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Felipe Pedrosa
- São Paulo State University (UNESP); Institute of Biosciences; 13506-900 Rio Claro São Paulo Brazil
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Hampton JO, Laidlaw M, Buenz E, Arnemo JM. Heads in the sand: public health and ecological risks of lead-based bullets for wildlife shooting in Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic element banned from fuel, paint and many other products in most developed countries. Nonetheless, it is still widely used in ammunition, including rifle bullets, and Pb-based bullets are almost universally used in Australia. For decades, poisoning from Pb shot (shotguns) has been recognised as a cause of disease in waterfowl and Pb shot has been subsequently banned for waterfowl hunting in many jurisdictions. However, the risks posed by Pb-based bullets (rifles) have not been similarly recognised in Australia. Pb-based rifle bullets frequently fragment, contaminating the tissue of shot animals. Consuming this Pb-contaminated tissue risks harmful Pb exposure and, thus, the health of wildlife scavengers (carrion eaters) and humans and their companion animals who consume harvested meat (game eaters). In Europe, North America and elsewhere, the environmental and human health risks of Pb-based bullets are widely recognised, and non-toxic alternatives (e.g. copper-based bullets) are increasingly being used. However, Australia has no comparable research despite widespread use of shooting, common scavenging by potentially susceptible wildlife species, and people regularly consuming shot meat. We conclude that Australia has its collective ‘head in the sand’ on this pressing worldwide One Health issue. We present the need for urgent research into this field in Australia.
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Sparkes J, Ballard G, Fleming PJS, van de Ven R, Körtner G. Contact rates of wild-living and domestic dog populations in Australia: a new approach. Oecologia 2016; 182:1007-1018. [PMID: 27660202 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3720-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dogs (Canis familiaris) can transmit pathogens to other domestic animals, humans and wildlife. Both domestic and wild-living dogs are ubiquitous within mainland Australian landscapes, but their interactions are mostly unquantified. Consequently, the probability of pathogen transfer among wild-living and domestic dogs is unknown. To address this knowledge deficit, we established 65 camera trap stations, deployed for 26,151 camera trap nights, to quantify domestic and wild-living dog activity during 2 years across eight sites in north-east New South Wales, Australia. Wild-living dogs were detected on camera traps at all sites, and domestic dogs recorded at all but one. No contacts between domestic and wild-living dogs were recorded, and limited temporal overlap in activity was observed (32 %); domestic dogs were predominantly active during the day and wild-living dogs mainly during the night. Contact rates between wild-living and between domestic dogs, respectively, varied between sites and over time (range 0.003-0.56 contacts per camera trap night). Contact among wild-living dogs occurred mainly within social groupings, and peaked when young were present. However, pup emergence occurred throughout the year within and between sites and consequently, no overall annual cycle in contact rates could be established. Due to infrequent interactions between domestic and wild-living dogs, there are likely limited opportunities for pathogen transmission that require direct contact. In contrast, extensive spatial overlap of wild and domestic dogs could facilitate the spread of pathogens that do not require direct contact, some of which may be important zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Sparkes
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia. .,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW, Locked Bag 6006, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia. .,Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Guy Ballard
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Peter J S Fleming
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW, Locked Bag 6006, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia.,Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Remy van de Ven
- Biometrics and Research Business Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Gerhard Körtner
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Biosecurity NSW, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
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12
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Mor SM, Wiethoelter AK, Lee A, Moloney B, James DR, Malik R. Emergence of Brucella suis in dogs in New South Wales, Australia: clinical findings and implications for zoonotic transmission. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:199. [PMID: 27613248 PMCID: PMC5016883 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal reservoirs of brucellosis constitute an ongoing threat to human health globally, with foodborne, occupational and recreational exposures creating opportunities for transmission. In Australia and the United States, hunting of feral pigs has been identified as the principal risk factor for human brucellosis due to Brucella suis. Following increased reports of canine B. suis infection, we undertook a review of case notification data and veterinary records to address knowledge gaps about transmission, clinical presentation, and zoonotic risks arising from infected dogs. Results Between 2011 and 2015, there was a 17-fold increase in the number of cases identified (74 in total) in New South Wales, Australia. Spatial distribution of cases largely overlapped with high feral pig densities in the north of the state. Ninety per cent of dogs had participated directly in pig hunting; feeding of raw feral pig meat and cohabitation with cases in the same household were other putative modes of transmission. Dogs with confirmed brucellosis presented with reproductive tract signs (33 %), back pain (13 %) or lameness (10 %); sub-clinical infection was also common (40 %). Opportunities for dog-to-human transmission in household and occupational environments were identified, highlighting potential public health risks associated with canine B. suis infection. Conclusions Brucellosis due to B. suis is an emerging disease of dogs in Australia. Veterinarians should consider this diagnosis in any dog that presents with reproductive tract signs, back pain or lameness, particularly if the dog has a history of feral pig exposure. Moreover, all people in close contact with these dogs such as hunters, household contacts and veterinary personnel should take precautions to prevent zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan M Mor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia. .,Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Avenue, Boston, 02111, MA, USA.
| | - Anke K Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Lee
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, 2568, NSW, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, 161 Kite Street, Orange, 2800, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel R James
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital, 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde, 2113, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia
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13
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Bengsen AJ, Sparkes J. Can recreational hunting contribute to pest mammal control on public land in Australia? Mamm Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Bengsen
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit; New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; 1447 Forest Rd Orange NSW 2800 Australia
- School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences; University of New England; Armidale NSW 2351 Australia
| | - Jessica Sparkes
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit; New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; 1447 Forest Rd Orange NSW 2800 Australia
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Davis NE, Bennett A, Forsyth DM, Bowman DMJS, Lefroy EC, Wood SW, Woolnough AP, West P, Hampton JO, Johnson CN. A systematic review of the impacts and management of introduced deer (family Cervidae) in Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/wr16148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Deer are among the world’s most successful invasive mammals and can have substantial deleterious impacts on natural and agricultural ecosystems. Six species have established wild populations in Australia, and the distributions and abundances of some species are increasing. Approaches to managing wild deer in Australia are diverse and complex, with some populations managed as ‘game’ and others as ‘pests’. Implementation of cost-effective management strategies that account for this complexity is hindered by a lack of knowledge of the nature, extent and severity of deer impacts. To clarify the knowledge base and identify research needs, we conducted a systematic review of the impacts and management of wild deer in Australia. Most wild deer are in south-eastern Australia, but bioclimatic analysis suggested that four species are well suited to the tropical and subtropical climates of northern Australia. Deer could potentially occupy most of the continent, including parts of the arid interior. The most significant impacts are likely to occur through direct effects of herbivory, with potentially cascading indirect effects on fauna and ecosystem processes. However, evidence of impacts in Australia is largely observational, and few studies have experimentally partitioned the impacts of deer from those of sympatric native and other introduced herbivores. Furthermore, there has been little rigorous testing of the efficacy of deer management in Australia, and our understanding of the deer ecology required to guide deer management is limited. We identified the following six priority research areas: (i) identifying long-term changes in plant communities caused by deer; (ii) understanding interactions with other fauna; (iii) measuring impacts on water quality; (iv) assessing economic impacts on agriculture (including as disease vectors); (v) evaluating efficacy of management for mitigating deer impacts; and (vi) quantifying changes in distribution and abundance. Addressing these knowledge gaps will assist the development and prioritisation of cost-effective management strategies and help increase stakeholder support for managing the impacts of deer on Australian ecosystems.
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