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van Staveren MDB, Muis E, Szatmári V. Self-Reported Management of Incidentally Detected Heart Murmurs in Puppies: A Survey among Veterinarians. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1821. [PMID: 38929440 PMCID: PMC11200448 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121821] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart murmurs in puppies can be innocent or pathologic; the latter is almost always related to a congenital heart disease. Differentiating between these murmurs can be challenging for practicing veterinarians, but this differentiation is essential to ensure the best prognosis for puppies having a congenital heart disease. Our study aimed to reveal how veterinarians manage puppies with a heart murmur. METHODS A web-based questionnaire was sent to Dutch and Belgian veterinary practices. RESULTS Data from 452 respondents were analyzed. Though 88% of the respondents find detecting a heart murmur easy, only 9% find differentiating innocent murmurs from pathologic murmurs in puppies easy. Of the respondents, only 80% recommend immediate additional examination when detecting a loud heart murmur during the first veterinary health check at 6 weeks of age. Most of the respondents are aware that normal growth and the absence of clinical signs do not exclude severe congenital heart disease. Of the respondents, 31% were uncertain whether early surgical intervention could lead to improved outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Veterinarians are aware of the importance of echocardiography for puppies with a loud heart murmur, and recognize their limitations when differentiating an innocent from a pathological heart murmur in a puppy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viktor Szatmári
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Eleftheriou A, Swisher S, Arruda A, Berrian A, Pesapane R. A survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinary professionals regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases: Insights from Ohio, USA. One Health 2023; 17:100592. [PMID: 37404947 PMCID: PMC10316080 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, ticks are becoming more problematic as agricultural pests and vectors of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), many of which are shared between animals and people. Veterinary professionals, including veterinarians and non-veterinarians, are considered a vulnerable group through occupational exposure. To inform educational interventions at the intrapersonal level, a common approach is to first assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of target populations. Thus, our objective was to assess KAP of veterinary professionals in Ohio, a state faced with expanding and invading ticks of medical and veterinary concern. Using a convenience sample, we surveyed 178 veterinary professionals across Ohio with an electronic questionnaire that covered knowledge, attitudes, practices, exposures, demography, education, and surveillance regarding ticks and TBDs. We found that veterinary professionals had cautionary attitudes towards ticks and TBDs and practiced prevention for themselves and their patients, even when tick exposures were infrequently reported. However, veterinary professionals significantly lacked in knowledge regarding tick biology and local TBD epidemiology. Furthermore, we found that knowledge regarding tick biology and attitudes towards ticks and TBDs did not associate with practices. Instead, we found that veterinarian status and routine tick checks of patients were associated with frequent discussions of tick prevention with clients. Our findings emphasize that most tick exposures of veterinary professionals are occupational, and thus prevention should start at the workplace. Cultivating knowledge of veterinary professionals regarding tick biology and local TBD epidemiology may lead to greater motivation and confidence with identifying ticks and testing for TBDs, which may also increase the diagnostic capacity of veterinary professionals for tick and TBD surveillance. Because veterinary professionals typically interact with both animals and their owners, improving their KAP regarding ticks and TBDs, can in turn promote animal, human, and environmental health within a "One Health" context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Eleftheriou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Samantha Swisher
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andreia Arruda
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Amanda Berrian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Risa Pesapane
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Infestation patterns of Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis on dogs and cats across Canada. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281192. [PMID: 36730362 PMCID: PMC9894407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to recent climatic and land use changes, Canada has experienced changes in tick populations, leading to an increased risk of tick bites and tick-borne pathogen exposure, especially in eastern Canada. Preventative recommendations for companion animals from veterinary professionals include regular use of tick prevention products and tick checks. Tick checks, specifically, should target regions of an animal's body which are deemed to be high risk for tick attachment. However, tick species-specific infestation patterns on dogs and cats are largely understudied, and additional research is needed to help guide targeted tick checks. The objective of this study was to identify tick species-specific infestation patterns on dogs and cats. Ticks were collected for one year (April 2019 -March 2020) from 94 veterinary clinics across Canada as part of the Canadian Pet Tick Survey. All ticks were identified to species, and data on the location of tick attachment were ascertained with each submission. To examine the association between location of attachment (outcome) and tick species (explanatory variable), specifically Ixodes scapularis and Dermacentor variabilis, mixed effects univariable models were built. Two thousand three hundred and six submissions were received from 1925 dogs and 381 cats across Canada. Of these submissions, 1377 comprised Ixodes scapularis, and 620 comprised Dermacentor variabilis. Clear tick species-specific infestation patterns for dogs were present, with I. scapularis being significantly more likely to be found on the shoulders, and D. variabilis more likely to be found on the ears and neck. Dermacentor variabilis was more likely to be found on the cranial aspect of cats' limbs, compared to I. scapularis. Up-to-date information on infestation patterns can be used to inform veterinary professionals and pet owners of common attachment sites based on established ticks in their region and thus conduct targeted tick checks.
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Disler G, Schlaht R, Hahn MB. Perspectives on and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Alaskan veterinary clinics. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 261:1-8. [PMID: 35921400 PMCID: PMC10424748 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.04.0162] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of veterinary personnel and pet owners regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases in Alaska and to conduct a serosurvey for tick-borne disease pathogens among domestic animals visiting veterinary clinics for preventative care. Sample Across 8 veterinary clinics, we sampled 31 veterinary personnel, 81 pet owners, 102 client-owned dogs, and 1 client-owned cat. Procedures Information on KAP among veterinary staff and pet owners was collected via self-administered questionnaires. Tick and tick-borne disease prevalence were assessed via tick checks and benchtop ELISA antibody tests detecting Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Erlichia canis, Erlichia ewingii, and Borrelia burgdorferi. Results The veterinary personnel KAP survey showed a low average knowledge score (53.5%) but a moderate attitude score (71.7%). In contrast, owner average knowledge score was higher (67.5%) and attitude score was comparatively low (50.6%). Both veterinary personnel and owners had low average practice scores (64.5% and 56.3%, respectively). One dog was positive for anaplasmosis (unknown species) antibody, and 1 dog was positive for B burgdorferi antibody. No ticks were found during the study. Clinical Relevance This study was the first of its kind in the state and indicated a low prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the domestic pet population and highlighted significant knowledge gaps that could be targeted by public health efforts. Our results suggest the value of a One Health approach and of the veterinary-client relationship to address ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gale Disler
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK
| | | | - Micah B. Hahn
- Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK
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Miró G, Wright I, Michael H, Burton W, Hegarty E, Rodón J, Buch J, Pantchev N, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Seropositivity of main vector-borne pathogens in dogs across Europe. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:189. [PMID: 35668469 PMCID: PMC9169295 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05316-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine vector-borne disease (CVBD) has been an area of increasing interest in Europe over the last few decades, and there have been changes in the prevalence and distribution of many of these diseases. Monitoring CVBD infections in Europe is often done by individual countries, but aggregated data for the European countries are helpful to understand the distribution of CVBDs. METHODS We used an extensive retrospective database of results from point-of-care rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests on dogs across Europe to identify distribution and seropositivity in animals tested for selected CVBDs (Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Leishmania spp., and Dirofilaria immitis) from 2016 through 2020. Geographic distribution of positive tests and relative percent positive values were mapped by the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics classification for regions with sufficient test results for reporting. RESULTS A total of 404,617 samples corresponding to 1,134,648 canine results were available from dogs tested in 35 countries over the 5-year study period. Over this period the number of test results per year increased whereas test positivity decreased. Leishmania spp. had the largest increase in total test results from 25,000 results in 2016 to over 60,000 results in 2020. Test positivity for Leishmania spp. fell from 13.9% in 2016 to 9.4% in 2020. Test positivity fell for Anaplasma spp. (7.3 to 5.3%), Ehrlichia spp. (4.3 to 3.4%), and Borrelia burgdorferi (3.3 to 2.4%). Dirofilaria immitis test positivity trended down with a high of 2.7% in 2016 and low of 1.8% in 2018. Leishmania spp. test positivity was highest in endemic areas and in several non-endemic countries with low numbers of test results. Co-positivity rates were significantly higher than expected for all pathogen test positive pairs except for Ehrlichia spp. with Borrelia burgdorferi and D. immitis with Borrelia burgdorferi. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the largest data set on CVBD seropositivity in Europe to date. The increase in the number of test results and decreasing test positivity over the study period may reflect changes in testing behavior and increased screening of healthy animals. The Europe-wide mapping of CVBD provides expected test positivity that can help inform veterinarians' decisions on screening and improve prevention and identification of these important, sometimes zoonotic, diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Miró
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ian Wright
- Mount Veterinary Practice, Fleetwood, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesse Buch
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc, Westbrook, ME, USA
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Mukhametov A, Osadchuk M, Berechikidze I, Pronkin N. Epizootiological aspects of natural nidality of Ixodes tick-borne borreliosis in the Moscow region (Russian Federation). Vet World 2022; 15:213-219. [PMID: 35369590 PMCID: PMC8924394 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.213-219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: At present, tick-borne borreliosis is the most common infectious disease transmitted by ticks in Europe, Asia, and North America. This study aimed to examine the epizootiological aspects of the natural nidality of tick-borne borreliosis in Moscow region (the Russian Federation). Materials and Methods: A total of 2,537 ticks representing two species were collected, namely, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. The activity, number of ticks, and Borrelia infestation rates were investigated during a high season, that is, from early spring to mid-autumn. Results: In May, amount of I. ricinus spp. was found 2.5 times more than those representing D. reticulatus spp. (p≤0.01). In June, August, and September, the amount of I. ricinus was 9.0 (p≤0.0001), 2.0 (p≤0.05), and 5.0 times higher, respectively, compared to D. reticulatus. In the first 10 days of April, the amount of D. reticulatus was 3 times higher than that of I. ricinus (p≤0.02); in the next 10 days, their amounts were equal (p≥0.05) and in the last 10 days the amount of I. ricinus exceeded that of D. reticulatus (p≤0.05) by 1.5 times. In general, Borrelia afzelii, and Borrelia garinii, were detected. In addition, the naturally occurring tick-borne borreliosis pesthole was revealed in the Moscow region. Conclusion: Borrelia infection rates for ticks comprise 30%. An increase in Borrelia tick infestation was detected within the vicinity of populated areas. The amount of ticks directly depends on the temperature (20°C-25°C) and moisture (from 50%) values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almas Mukhametov
- Department of Technology and Safety of Food Products, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Mikhail Osadchuk
- Department of Polyclinic Therapy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Iza Berechikidze
- Department of Biology and General Genetics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Nikolay Pronkin
- Department of Medical Computer Science and Statistics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
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Magnavita N, Capitanelli I, Ilesanmi O, Chirico F. Occupational Lyme Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020296. [PMID: 35204387 PMCID: PMC8870942 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) can have significant consequences for the health of workers. The frequency of infection can be estimated by using prevalence and incidence data on antibodies against Borrelia Burgdoferi (BB). A systematic search of studies published in English between 2002 and 2021 and a meta-analysis were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Out of a total of 1125 studies retrieved, 35 articles were included in the systematic review. Overall, in these studies, outdoor workers showed a 20.5% BB seroprevalence rate. Meta-analysis, performed on 15 studies (3932 subjects), revealed a significantly increased risk in outdoor activities (OR 1.93 95%CI 1.15–3.23), with medium-level heterogeneity (I2 = 69.2%), and non-significant publication bias. The estimated OR in forestry and agricultural workers was 2.36 (CI95% 1.28; 4.34) in comparison with the controls, while a non-significant increase in risk (OR = 1.05, CI95% 0.28; 3.88) was found in the remaining categories of workers (veterinarians, animal breeders, soldiers). The estimated pooled risk was significantly higher in the studies published until 2010 (OR 3.03 95%CI 1.39–6.61), while in more recent studies the odds became non-significant (OR 1.08 95% CI 0.63–1.85). The promotion of awareness campaigns targeting outdoor workers in endemic areas, and the implementation of local programs aimed at controlling range expansion of vectors, are key strategies for protecting workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Magnavita
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Science of Woman, Child & Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-7330-0367
| | - Ilaria Capitanelli
- Prevention Service in the Workplace (SPRESAL), Local Health Unit Roma 4, 00053 Civitavecchia, Italy;
| | - Olayinka Ilesanmi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200281, Nigeria;
| | - Francesco Chirico
- Post-Graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, 20123 Milan, Italy
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