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Kenny U, Finn S, Barrett D. Private veterinarians' views of the Irish bovine TB eradication programme. Res Vet Sci 2024; 173:105246. [PMID: 38677074 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105246] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
There is limited understanding of Private Veterinary Practitioners' (PVPs) perceptions of, opinions about and attitudes towards the Irish Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) eradication programme. Understanding their attitudes and behaviors towards the bTB eradication programme is both timely and crucial as their actions have a great influence on the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme itself. To date, PVPs have been consulted about how they view their role in the programme, however, less is known about the challenges they face in carrying out good quality bTB testing, and how likely they feel the programme will succeed to eradicate bTB in the future. The results from this study represent a good part of the probable sphere of perceptions, behaviors, attitudes and knowledge of the respective study population and several key critical points that are believed to have hindered the success of the bTB eradication programme in Ireland to date. This study progressed our understanding of the reasons for why farmers are demotivated by and disconnected with the Irish bTB eradication programme according to PVPs, how PVPs feel challenged in their role carrying out bTB testing, and their views on how, if possible, bTB can be eradicated in the future. Their insights will influence how the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) interacts with PVPs and farmers in the future with respect to the bTB and the eradication programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Kenny
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Ireland.
| | - Siobhan Finn
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Ireland
| | - Damien Barrett
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Ireland
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Greenlees M, Brown GP, Shine R. Pest control by the public: Impact of hand-collecting on the abundance and demography of cane toads (Rhinella marina) at their southern invasion front in Australia. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Orton RJ, Deason M, Bessell PR, Green DM, Kao RR, Salvador LCM. Identifying genotype specific elevated-risk areas and associated herd risk factors for bovine tuberculosis spread in British cattle. Epidemics 2018; 24:34-42. [PMID: 29548927 PMCID: PMC6105618 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis elevated-risk areas historically more extensive than thought. Cattle movements alone do not explain spread of areas of elevated risk. For all genotypes, the majority of infection spread is due to local effects. Similar risk-factors identified within elevated-risk and transitional areas. Risk factors key to identify incipient elevated-risk areas before incidence rising.
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic zoonosis with major health and economic impact on the cattle industry. Despite extensive control measures in cattle and culling trials in wildlife, the reasons behind the expansion of areas with high incidence of bTB breakdowns in Great Britain remain unexplained. By balancing the importance of cattle movements and local transmission on the observed pattern of cattle outbreaks, we identify areas at elevated risk of infection from specific Mycobacterium bovis genotypes. We show that elevated-risk areas (ERAs) were historically more extensive than previously understood, and that cattle movements alone are insufficient for ERA spread, suggesting the involvement of other factors. For all genotypes, we find that, while the absolute risk of infection is higher in ERAs compared to areas with intermittent risk, the statistically significant risk factors are remarkably similar in both, suggesting that these risk factors can be used to identify incipient ERAs before this is indicated by elevated incidence alone. Our findings identify research priorities for understanding bTB dynamics, improving surveillance and guiding management to prevent further ERA expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Orton
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - M Deason
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK; The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - P R Bessell
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK; Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PS, UK
| | - D M Green
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - R R Kao
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK; The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - L C M Salvador
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK; The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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Farmers' beliefs about bovine tuberculosis control in Northern Ireland. Vet J 2015; 212:22-6. [PMID: 27256021 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Beliefs can play an important role in farmer behaviour and willingness to adopt new policies. In Northern Ireland, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is one of the most important endemic diseases facing the cattle industry. An observational study was conducted on 192 farms in a high bTB incidence area during 2010-2011 in order to obtain a better understanding of farmers' beliefs in relation to bTB control. The views of farmers who had experienced a recent confirmed or multiple reactor bTB breakdowns (cases) were compared to those of farmers who had no recent reactors or restricted herd tests (controls). Data were obtained from a face-to-face questionnaire assessing farmers' agreement to 22 statements. All participating farmers found bTB control important and most were keen to learn more about bTB biosecurity measures and were in favour of the cattle-related bTB control measures as presented in the questionnaire (isolation of skin test inconclusive animals, use of the gamma-interferon test and pre-movement testing). The majority of farmers would allow badger vaccination and culling on their own land with an overall preference for vaccination. Highest disagreement was shown for the statements querying a willingness to pay for bTB control measures. There was agreement on most issues between case and control farmers and between different age groups of farmers although case farmers showed more support for additional advice on bTB biosecurity measures (P = 0.042). Case farmers were also more in favour of allowing badger vaccination (P = 0.008) and culling (P = 0.043) on their land and showed less concern for public opposition (P = 0.048).
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Exposure of nontarget wildlife to candidate TB vaccine baits deployed for European badgers. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-014-0896-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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BCG vaccination against tuberculosis in European badgers (Meles meles): A review. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:277-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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O'Connor CM, Haydon DT, Kao RR. An ecological and comparative perspective on the control of bovine tuberculosis in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Prev Vet Med 2011; 104:185-97. [PMID: 22192362 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Disease ecology involves a systematic approach to understanding the interactions and evolution of host-pathogen systems at the population level, and is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of the reasons for disease persistence and the most likely means of control. This systems or ecological approach is being increasingly recognised as a progressive method in disease control and is exploited in diverse fields ranging from obesity management in humans to the prevention of infectious disease in animal populations. In this review we discuss bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain (GB) within a disease ecology context, and suggest how a comparative ecological perspective helps to reconcile apparent conflicts with the evidence on the effectiveness of badger culling to assist in the control of bTB in GB and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Our examination shows that failure of past measures to control bTB and the disparity in outcomes of badger culling experiments are the result of a complex relationship amongst the agent, host and environment, i.e. the episystem, of bTB. Here, we stress the role of distinctive bTB episystems and badger culling trial design in the ambiguity and resulting controversy associated with badger culling in GB and ROI. We argue this episystem perspective on bTB control measures in cattle and badger populations provides a useful and informative perspective on the design and implementation of future bTB management in GB, particularly at a time when both scientific and lay communities are concerned about the ongoing epidemic, the cost of current control measures and the execution of future control procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M O'Connor
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, 464 Bearsden Rd, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom.
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Cook A, Rushton S, Allan J, Baxter A. An evaluation of techniques to control problem bird species on landfill sites. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2008; 41:834-843. [PMID: 18256779 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-008-9077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Birds feeding on landfill sites cause problems in terms of nuisance to neighbors, flight safety, a threat to public health, and affecting the day to day site operation. A number of control measures exist to deter problem species; however, research into their effectiveness across sites and for multiple species has been limited. We use a modeling approach in order to assess the effectiveness of nine techniques--pyrotechnics, hand-held distress calls, static distress calls, blank ammunition, a combination of blank and lethal use of ammunition, the use of falcons, the use of hawks, wailers and helium-filled bird-scaring kites --at deterring three commonly recorded species--the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus), the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)--from six landfill sites across the United Kingdom. The use of distress calls, falconry, and combinations of lethal and nonlethal use of ammunition were the most effective techniques for initially deterring birds from these sites. However, when habituation is considered, there is a clear difference between techniques such as falconry, which have a lethal aspect and may act to reinforce the deterrence, and the use of techniques such as distress calls, which do not. However there are problems related to legislation and public perception when lethal techniques are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aonghais Cook
- Institute for Research into Environmental Sustainability, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 5AB, United Kingdom.
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BAKER PHILIPJ, BOITANI LUIGI, HARRIS STEPHEN, SAUNDERS GLEN, WHITE PIRANCL. Terrestrial carnivores and human food production: impact and management. Mamm Rev 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2008.00122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Donnelly CA, Woodroffe R, Cox DR, Bourne FJ, Cheeseman CL, Clifton-Hadley RS, Wei G, Gettinby G, Gilks P, Jenkins H, Johnston WT, Le Fevre AM, McInerney JP, Morrison WI. Positive and negative effects of widespread badger culling on tuberculosis in cattle. Nature 2005; 439:843-6. [PMID: 16357869 DOI: 10.1038/nature04454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 11/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Human and livestock diseases can be difficult to control where infection persists in wildlife populations. For three decades, European badgers (Meles meles) have been culled by the British government in a series of attempts to limit the spread of Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB), to cattle. Despite these efforts, the incidence of TB in cattle has risen consistently, re-emerging as a primary concern for Britain's cattle industry. Recently, badger culling has attracted controversy because experimental studies have reached contrasting conclusions (albeit using different protocols), with culled areas showing either markedly reduced or increased incidence of TB in cattle. This has confused attempts to develop a science-based management policy. Here we use data from a large-scale, randomized field experiment to help resolve these apparent differences. We show that, as carried out in this experiment, culling reduces cattle TB incidence in the areas that are culled, but increases incidence in adjoining areas. These findings are biologically consistent with previous studies but will present challenges for policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christl A Donnelly
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.
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WHITE PIRANCL, JENNINGS NANCYVAUGHAN, RENWICK ANNAR, BARKER NOLAHL. REVIEW: Questionnaires in ecology: a review of past use and recommendations for best practice. J Appl Ecol 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2005.01032.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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O'Callaghan Lowe KA, Murray RD, Cripps PJ, Ward WR. Working practices of cattle foot trimmers used for footcare in dairy cattle compared with those of veterinary surgeons for treatment of lameness in large animal practice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 51:429-34. [PMID: 15610487 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2004.00674.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A questionnaire was sent to 270 veterinary surgeons and 135 cattle foot trimmers, investigating their perceptions on lameness and associated pain, with particular emphasis on dairy cattle. Response rates were 58 and 51%, respectively, but the number of respondents fully answering each question varied. Cattle foot trimming methods, opinions on pain associated with lameness and methods used to control pain were investigated. Responses of both groups were compared. No veterinary surgeon attended more than 50 lame cattle per month. The 'Dutch Method' of foot trimming was always used by 47% of veterinary respondents and 89% of trimmers. Both groups considered lameness to be potentially painful. Orthopaedic shoes were used by 79% of responding veterinary surgeons and 97% of trimmers (P < 0.001) to alleviate weightbearing by diseased digits. Housing lame cows on straw was regularly recommended by approximately one-third of both groups. Around a third of veterinary surgeons used local anaesthetics when treating lame cattle. Only 27% used analgesics when treating lame cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A O'Callaghan Lowe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science and Animal Husbandry, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Vaughan N, Lucas EA, Harris S, White PCL. Habitat associations of European haresLepus europaeusin England and Wales: implications for farmland management. J Appl Ecol 2003. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2664.2003.00784.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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