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Buzdugan SN, Alarcon P, Huntington B, Rushton J, Blake DP, Guitian J. Enhancing the value of meat inspection records for broiler health and welfare surveillance: longitudinal detection of relational patterns. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:278. [PMID: 34407823 PMCID: PMC8371771 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02970-2] [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: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abattoir data are under-used for surveillance. Nationwide surveillance could benefit from using data on meat inspection findings, but several limitations need to be overcome. At the producer level, interpretation of meat inspection findings is a notable opportunity for surveillance with relevance to animal health and welfare. In this study, we propose that discovery and monitoring of relational patterns between condemnation conditions co-present in broiler batches at meat inspection can provide valuable information for surveillance of farmed animal health and welfare. Results Great Britain (GB)-based integrator meat inspection records for 14,045 broiler batches slaughtered in nine, four monthly intervals were assessed for the presence of surveillance indicators relevant to broiler health and welfare. K-means and correlation-based hierarchical clustering, and association rules analyses were performed to identify relational patterns in the data. Incidence of condemnation showed seasonal and temporal variation, which was detected by association rules analysis. Syndrome-related and non-specific relational patterns were detected in some months of meat inspection records. A potentially syndromic cluster was identified in May 2016 consisting of infection-related conditions: pericarditis, perihepatitis, peritonitis, and abnormal colour. Non-specific trends were identified in some months as an unusual combination of condemnation reasons in broiler batches. Conclusions We conclude that the detection of relational patterns in meat inspection records could provide producer-level surveillance indicators with relevance to broiler chicken health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Buzdugan
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, North Mymms, UK.
| | - P Alarcon
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, North Mymms, UK
| | - B Huntington
- Liverpool Science Park, Innovation Centre 2, 146 Brownlow Hill, L3 5RF, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Rushton
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Liverpool University, Brownlow Hill, L69 7ZX, Liverpool, UK
| | - D P Blake
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
| | - J Guitian
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, North Mymms, UK
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2
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Ballesteros C, Foddai A, Smith RP, Stevens K, Drewe JA. Risk factor analysis for "diagnosis not reached" results from bovine samples submitted to British veterinary laboratories in 2013-2017. Prev Vet Med 2020; 182:105099. [PMID: 32731091 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105099] [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: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Routine diagnostic data from laboratories are an important source of information for passive animal health surveillance. In Great Britain, the Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis (VIDA) database includes records of diagnostic submissions made to a nationwide network of 28 veterinary post-mortem facilities (VPFs). Data on "diagnosis not reached" (DNR), i.e. where submissions do not lead to a confirmed diagnosis, are analysed quarterly to look for unexpectedly high incidences of DNRs which could indicate the presence of a new or emerging disease in British livestock populations. The objective of the present study was to provide a better understanding about the reasons of DNR occurrence and to inform improvements of the coverage and reporting of this kind of surveillance data. A subset of the VIDA database comprising diagnostic submissions from cattle received from 2013 to 2017 (122,444 records) was analysed. A mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression model, accounting for clustering by farm and county, was used to investigate associations between potential predictors and DNR. The variables included in the model were: VPF identity, animal sex, age, production purpose, main presenting sign of the animal from which the sample was obtained, and sample submission type. The variable that showed the strongest association with DNR was the main presenting sign of the animal, followed by submission type, VPF identity, animal age, sex, and production purpose, in that order. Submissions from animals with abortion as the main clinical sign had the highest odds ratio (OR 21.6, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 19.6-23.9, with mastitis taken as the baseline). Submissions where neither carcasses (i.e. a whole dead animal provided for post-mortem examination) nor foetuses (i.e. an unborn dead animal) were provided had approximately 12 times the odds of being DNR, compared to submissions of a carcass (OR 11.6, 95 % CI 10.7-12.5). In addition, submission type and main presenting sign can be considered as important confounders in the association between the other predictors and DNR. This study has helped characterise DNR occurrence and suggests some possible improvements that could be made to the passive surveillance system investigated, such as encouraging greater carcase submission, accounting for identified issues when interpreting increased occurrence of DNR and further investigating reduced submissions or greater DNR occurrence in some geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ballesteros
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Alessandro Foddai
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Richard P Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) - Weybridge, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
| | - Kim Stevens
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Julian A Drewe
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK.
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3
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Comparison of international legislation and standards on veterinary drug residues in food of animal origin. J Public Health Policy 2020; 40:308-341. [PMID: 30976059 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-019-00169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Current legislation governing monitoring of drug residues in foodstuff of animal origin is being revised at the European level. This study provides a qualitative comparison of the legislation, public and private standards in the European Union, the United States of America (USA) and the Eurasian Customs Union/Russia. We made a quantitative comparison of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) applied in each region for pork kidneys for tetracycline (with a focus on doxycycline), penicillin and chloramphenicol. The Customs Union generally applied lower levels than the other regions, with MRLs for tetracyclines in pig kidneys being 1200 times lower than those applied in the USA. Growing consumer interest and concern about chemicals in their food could be leveraged to support and enhance the implementation of new initiatives to improve veterinary public health. Farmers and veterinarians could help reduce findings of drug residues in meat through the judicious use of preventive actions when using veterinary medicine.
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4
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Hanley J, Garcia-Ara A, Wapenaar W. Cattle and sheep farmers' opinions on the provision and use of abattoir rejection data in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2019; 186:217. [PMID: 31771996 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication between farmers and veterinary surgeons is reported to differ when involving abattoir rejection data on cattle or sheep. METHODS Using surveys, distributed online and on paper at livestock markets, this study describes the interest and positive opinion of a sample of UK cattle and sheep farmers in receiving abattoir data. RESULTS Forty-nine per cent of respondents always received abattoir data (n=37/76). Over 80 per cent of respondents were interested in all suggested rejection conditions and particularly liver fluke and respiratory conditions. Eighty-two per cent of farmers were willing to share data with their veterinary surgeon as the information could be used to inform health plans. CONCLUSION The study findings indicate that having an accurate and consistent data system, which is easily accessible to farmers and veterinary surgeons, appears an essential next step to improve the use of existing abattoir data and enhance animal health, welfare and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hanley
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Amelia Garcia-Ara
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Wendela Wapenaar
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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5
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Tongue SC. Of sheep, sentinels and surveillance: what is the new 'normal'? Vet Rec 2019; 184:647-648. [PMID: 31123208 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l3057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sue C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Scotland's Rural College, Inverness, UK
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6
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Correia-Gomes C, Henry MK, Williamson S, Irvine RM, Gunn GJ, Woolfenden N, White MEC, Tongue SC. Syndromic surveillance by veterinary practitioners: a pilot study in the pig sector. Vet Rec 2019; 184:556. [PMID: 31023871 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Traditional indicator-based livestock surveillance has been focused on case definitions, definitive diagnoses and laboratory confirmation. The use of syndromic disease surveillance would increase the population base from which animal health data are captured and facilitate earlier detection of new and re-emerging threats to animal health. Veterinary practitioners could potentially play a vital role in such activities. In a pilot study, specialist private veterinary practitioners (PVP) working in the English pig industry were asked to collect and transfer background data and disease incident reports for pig farms visited during the study period. Baseline data from 110 pig farms were received, along with 68 disease incident reports. Reports took an average of approximately 25 minutes to complete. Feedback from the PVPs indicated that they saw value in syndromic surveillance. Maintenance of anonymity in the outputs would be essential, as would timely access for the PVPs to relevant information on syndromic trends. Further guidance and standardisation would also be required. Syndromic surveillance by PVPs is possible for the pig industry. It has potential to fill current gaps in the collection of animal health data, as long as the engagement and participation of data providers can be obtained and maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Correia-Gomes
- Epidemiology Research Unit, SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, Edinburgh, UK.,SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, An Lochran, Inverness Campus, Inverness, UK
| | - Madeleine Kate Henry
- Epidemiology Research Unit, SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, Edinburgh, UK.,SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, An Lochran, Inverness Campus, Inverness, UK
| | | | - Richard M Irvine
- Surveillance Intelligence Unit, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - George J Gunn
- Epidemiology Research Unit, SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, Edinburgh, UK.,SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, An Lochran, Inverness Campus, Inverness, UK
| | | | - Mark E C White
- Pig Veterinary Society, Pig Veterinary Society, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Sue C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit, SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, Edinburgh, UK.,SRUC (Inverness Campus) Epidemiology Research Unit, An Lochran, Inverness Campus, Inverness, UK
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7
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Smith RP, Correia-Gomes C, Williamson S, Marier EA, Gilson D, Tongue SC. Review of pig health and welfare surveillance data sources in England and Wales. Vet Rec 2019; 184:349. [PMID: 30635452 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The capability to set baselines and monitor trends of health and welfare conditions is an important requirement for livestock industries in order to maintain economic competitiveness and sustainability. Monitoring schemes evaluate the relative importance of conditions so that: appropriate actions can be determined, prioritised and implemented; new and (re)emerging conditions can be promptly detected and the effectiveness of any actions can be measured. In 2011, the national pig levy board published a strategy document highlighting health and welfare conditions of importance to the pig industry that were to be targeted for control. In this study, existing schemes that could be used to monitor or set baselines for these conditions in pigs were reviewed, in order to evaluate their suitability for this purpose, using a standardised surveillance evaluation framework (SERVAL). The schemes included: government-funded surveillance of endemic and exotic disease and pig welfare; industry surveillance of endemic diseases; regional schemes for improving pig health; national accreditation schemes and information collected by retailers, private veterinary practices and private laboratories. The evaluation of each scheme highlights its capability to monitor any of the targeted conditions. This study identifies the biases, strengths and gaps in each scheme and provides discussion of opportunities for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Gilson
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, Addlestone, UK
| | - Sue C Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, UK
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8
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Birkegård AC, Fertner ME, Jensen VF, Boklund A, Toft N, Halasa T, Lopes Antunes AC. Building the foundation for veterinary register-based epidemiology: A systematic approach to data quality assessment and validation. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 65:936-946. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mette Ely Fertner
- National Veterinary Institute; Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby Denmark
| | | | - Anette Boklund
- National Veterinary Institute; Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby Denmark
| | - Nils Toft
- National Veterinary Institute; Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby Denmark
| | - Tariq Halasa
- National Veterinary Institute; Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby Denmark
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9
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Küker S, Faverjon C, Furrer L, Berezowski J, Posthaus H, Rinaldi F, Vial F. The value of necropsy reports for animal health surveillance. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:191. [PMID: 29914502 PMCID: PMC6006731 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal health data recorded in free text, such as in necropsy reports, can have valuable information for national surveillance systems. However, these data are rarely utilized because the text format requires labor-intensive classification of records before they can be analyzed with using statistical or other software. In a previous study, we designed a text-mining tool to extract data from text in necropsy reports. In the current study, we used the tool to extract data from the reports from pig and cattle necropsies performed between 2000 and 2011 at the Institute of Animal Pathology (ITPA), University of Bern, Switzerland. We evaluated data quality in terms of credibility, completeness and representativeness of the Swiss pig and cattle populations. RESULTS Data was easily extracted from necropsy reports. Data quality in terms of completeness and validity varied a lot depending on the type of data reported. Diseases of the gastrointestinal system were reported most frequently (54.6% of pig submissions and 40.8% of cattle submissions). Diseases affecting serous membranes were reported in 16.0% of necropsied pigs and 27.6% of cattle. Respiratory diseases were reported in 18.3% of pigs and 21.6% of cattle submissions. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that extracting data from necropsy reports can provide information of value for animal health surveillance. This data has potential value for monitoring endemic disease syndromes in different age and production groups, or for early detection of emerging or re-emerging diseases. The study identified data entry and other errors that could be corrected to improve the quality and validity of the data. Submissions to veterinary diagnostic laboratories have selection biases and these should be considered when designing surveillance systems that include necropsy reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Küker
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, 3097, Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Celine Faverjon
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, 3097, Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Lenz Furrer
- Institute of Computational Linguistics, University of Zürich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - John Berezowski
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, 3097, Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Rinaldi
- Institute of Computational Linguistics, University of Zürich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Flavie Vial
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, 3097, Liebefeld, Switzerland
- Present Address: Epi-Connect, Skogås, Sweden
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10
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Alban L, Léger A, Veldhuis A, van Schaik G. Modernizing the antimicrobial residue monitoring programs for pig meat in Europe – The balance between flexibility and harmonization. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Perceptions and acceptability of some stakeholders about the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system for wildlife (Sylvatub) in France. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194447. [PMID: 29543911 PMCID: PMC5854387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a common disease of cattle and wildlife, with economic repercussions and implications for animal and human health. The surveillance of bTB in wildlife is particularly important, to shed light on the epidemiological role of wild species and for the adaptation of control measures. In France, a bTB surveillance system for free-ranging wildlife, the Sylvatub system, was launched in 2011 on wild boars, red deer, roe deer and badgers. It relies on active and passive surveillance activities, constrained by practical difficulties, such as the accessibility of wild animals, and regulatory rules for the trapping of badgers, for example. We report here the first assessment of stakeholders’ perceptions of the Sylvatub system and its acceptability, based on 20 individual semi-structured interviews with three types of stakeholder (collectors, coordinators, officers) in areas with different rates of bTB infection. With the caveat that these findings cannot be assumed to be representative of the national situation, we found that the Sylvatub system was considered useful by all the stakeholders interviewed. Those from the world of hunting participate in surveillance mostly to help livestock farmers, who are not systematically involved in bTB surveillance in wildlife. Many practical and regulatory constraints were raised, which could be offset by recognition of the work done by the “hunting community”, to maintain the willingness of these individuals to participate. We also identified a need for improvements in communication and information. Qualitative information, such as that collected here, is essential to improve our understanding of the reasons favoring and disfavoring participation in surveillance, and should be taken into account in the evaluation process. These results are relevant to hunters and to veterinary authorities wishing to identify the determinants of participation in the Sylvatub system. They could provide support for decision-making processes to improve surveillance strategies.
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12
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Correia-Gomes C, Eze JI, Borobia-Belsué J, Tucker AW, Sparrow D, Strachan D, Gunn GJ. Voluntary monitoring systems for pig health and welfare in the UK: Comparative analysis of prevalence and temporal patterns of selected non-respiratory post mortem conditions. Prev Vet Med 2017; 146:1-9. [PMID: 28992912 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Collection of abattoir data related to public health is common worldwide. Standardised on-going programmes that collect information from abattoirs that inform producers about the presence and frequency of disease that are important to them rather than public health hazards are less common. The three voluntary pig health schemes, implemented in the United Kingdom, are integrated systems which capture information on different macroscopic disease conditions detected in slaughtered pigs. Many of these conditions have been associated with a reduction in performance traits and consequent increases in production costs. The schemes are the Wholesome Pigs Scotland in Scotland, the British Pig Health Scheme in England and Wales and the Pig Regen Ltd. health and welfare checks in Northern Ireland. In this study, four post mortem conditions (pericarditis, milk spots, papular dermatitis and tail damage) were surveyed and analysed over a ten and half year period, with the aim to compare the prevalence, monthly variations, and yearly trends between schemes. Liver milk spot was the most frequently recorded condition while tail damage was the least frequently observed condition. The prevalence of papular dermatitis was relatively low compared to liver milk spot and pericarditis in the three schemes. A general decreasing trend was observed for milk spots and papular dermatitis for all three schemes. The prevalence of pericarditis increased in Northern Ireland and England and Wales; while Scotland in recent years showed a decreasing trend. An increasing trend of tail damage was depicted in Scotland and Northern Ireland until 2013/2014 followed by a decline in recent years compared to that of England and Wales with a decreasing trend over the full study period. Monthly effects were more evident for milk spots and papular dermatitis. Similarity of the modus operandi of the schemes made the comparison of temporal variations and patterns in gross pathology between countries possible over time, especially between countries with similar pig production profile. This study of temporal patterns enables early detection of prevalence increases and alerts industry and researchers to investigate the reasons behind such changes. These schemes are, therefore, valuable assets for endemic disease surveillance, early warning for emerging disease and also for monitoring of welfare outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Correia-Gomes
- Scotland's Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom.
| | - J I Eze
- Scotland's Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS), JCMB, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
| | - J Borobia-Belsué
- MossVet, 34 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT35 8UJ, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - A W Tucker
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - D Sparrow
- MossVet, 34 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Portadown, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT35 8UJ, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - D Strachan
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Ellesfield Avenue, Bracknell, RG12 8YS, United Kingdom
| | - G J Gunn
- Scotland's Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
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13
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Correia-Gomes C, Smith RP, Eze JI, Henry MK, Gunn GJ, Williamson S, Tongue SC. Pig Abattoir Inspection Data: Can It Be Used for Surveillance Purposes? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161990. [PMID: 27564417 PMCID: PMC5001630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Statutory recording of carcass lesions at the abattoir may have significant potential as a resource for surveillance of livestock populations. Food Standards Agency (FSA) data in Great Britain are not currently used for surveillance purposes. There are concerns that the sensitivity of detection, combined with other issues, may make the outputs unreliable. In this study we postulate that FSA data could be used for surveillance purposes. To test this we compared FSA data with BPHS (a targeted surveillance system of slaughtered pigs) and laboratory diagnostic scanning surveillance (FarmFile) data, from mid-2008 to mid-2012, for respiratory conditions and tail bite lesions in pigs at population level. We also evaluated the agreement/correlation at batch level between FSA and BPHS inspections in four field trials during 2013. Temporal trends and regional differences at population level were described and compared using logistic regression models. Population temporal analysis showed an increase in respiratory disease in all datasets but with regional differences. For tail bite, the temporal trend and monthly patterns were completely different between the datasets. The field trials were run in three abattoirs and included 322 batches. Pearson’s correlation and Cohen’s kappa tests were used to assess correlation/agreement between inspections systems. It was moderate to strong for high prevalence conditions but slight for low prevalence conditions. We conclude that there is potential to use FSA data as a component of a surveillance system to monitor temporal trends and regional differences of chosen indicators at population level. At producer level and for low prevalence conditions it needs further improvement. Overall a number of issues still need to be addressed in order to provide the pig industry with the confidence to base their decisions on these FSA inspection data. Similar conclusions, at national level, may apply to other livestock sectors but require further evaluation of the inspection and data collection processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Correia-Gomes
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Future Farming Systems Research Group, Scotland’s Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard P. Smith
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jude I. Eze
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Future Farming Systems Research Group, Scotland’s Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine K. Henry
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Future Farming Systems Research Group, Scotland’s Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - George J. Gunn
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Future Farming Systems Research Group, Scotland’s Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susanna Williamson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Rougham Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Sue C. Tongue
- Epidemiology Research Unit, Future Farming Systems Research Group, Scotland’s Rural College, Kings Building, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Velasova M, Drewe JA, Gibbons J, Green M, Guitian J. Evaluation of the usefulness at national level of the dairy cattle health and production recording systems in Great Britain. Vet Rec 2015; 177:304. [PMID: 26374779 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to formally evaluate, qualitatively, the ability of existing recording systems to generate accurate and reliable estimates of the frequency of selected health conditions in the dairy herd of Great Britain. Fifty-nine recording systems were identified, of which 36 had their key characteristics defined through a web-based questionnaire. Nineteen of them were further assessed following the SERVAL, a SuRveillance EVALuation framework against a set of 12 attributes: benefit, bias, communication, coverage, data collection, data management, data analysis, data completeness, flexibility, multiple utility, representativeness and stability/sustainability. The evaluated systems showed considerable differences in their coverage, implementation and objectives. There were overlaps in recorded conditions, with Johne's disease, bovine viral diarrhoea, mastitis and lameness being recorded by most of the systems. Selection bias, data ownership and lack of integration of data from different systems appeared to be a key limitation on the future use of existing systems for nationwide monitoring. The results showed that even though the individual systems can provide reliable estimates of dairy health for individual farmers, none of the systems alone could provide accurate and reliable estimates for any of the conditions of interest at national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Velasova
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - J A Drewe
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - J Gibbons
- AHDB Dairy, Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, UK
| | - M Green
- The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Warwickshire, CV8 2TL Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - J Guitian
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
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Mokoele JM, Janse van Rensburg L, van Lochem S, Bodenstein H, du Plessis J, Carrington CAP, Spencer BT, Fasina FO. Overview of the perceived risk of transboundary pig diseases in South Africa. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2015; 86:1197. [PMID: 26018934 PMCID: PMC6138123 DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v86i1.1197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig production is one of the most important animal agricultural activities in South Africa, and plays a definite role in providing food security for certain population groups in the country. As with all animal production systems, it is subject to the risk of outbreak of transboundary diseases. In the present overview, evaluations of the perceived risk of selected transboundary animal diseases of pigs, as collated from the willing participants from the provincial veterinary services of South Africa, are presented. A scenario tree revealed that infected but undetected pigs were the greatest perceived threat. The provincial veterinary services, according to participants in the study, face certain difficulties, including the reporting of disease and the flow of disease information amongst farmers. Perceived strengths in surveillance and disease monitoring include the swiftness of sample despatch to the national testing laboratory, as well as the ease of flow of information between the provincial and national agricultural authorities. The four factors were identified that were perceived to most influence animal health-service delivery: transport, access, livestock policy and resources. African swine fever was perceived to be the most important pig disease in South Africa. Because the decentralisation of veterinary services in South Africa was identified as a potential weakness, it is recommended that national and provincial veterinary services need to work together and interdependently to achieve centrally controlled surveillance systems. Regionally-coordinated surveillance activities for certain transboundary diseases were identified as needing priority for the southern African region. It is proposed that an emergency preparedness document be made available and regularly revised according to the potential risks identified on a continuous basis for South Africa.
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Contribution of Meat Inspection to the surveillance of poultry health and welfare in the European Union. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:2459-72. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIn the European Union, Meat Inspection (MI) aims to protect public health by ensuring that minimal hazardous material enters in the food chain. It also contributes to the detection and monitoring of animal diseases and welfare problems but its utility for animal surveillance has been assessed partially for some diseases only. Using the example of poultry production, we propose a complete assessment of MI as a health surveillance system. MI allows a long-term syndromic surveillance of poultry health but its contribution is lowered by a lack of data standardization, analysis and reporting. In addition, the probability of case detection for 20 diseases and welfare conditions was quantified using a scenario tree modelling approach, with input data based on literature and expert opinion. The sensitivity of MI appeared to be very high to detect most of the conditions studied because MI is performed at batch level and applied to a high number of birds per batch.
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Neumann E, Hall W, Stevenson M, Morris R, Ling Min Than J. Descriptive and temporal analysis of post-mortem lesions recorded in slaughtered pigs in New Zealand from 2000 to 2010. N Z Vet J 2013; 62:110-6. [PMID: 24341627 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2013.853278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To complete a retrospective analysis of data from a national abattoir-based lesion recording system (PigCheck) in the New Zealand pig industry, in order to establish the prevalence of 20 post-mortem disease lesions, describe long-term trends in the prevalence of these lesions, and identify the proportion of the monthly variation in lesion prevalence that could be attributed to individual farms or abattoirs. METHODS Slaughter lesion data were collected and reported at the lot level (a cohort of pigs delivered from one farm, at one time). Data on the prevalence of lesions between January 2000 and December 2010 was aggregated by month, and time-series analysis of the data for each lesion was conducted. The time series pattern for each lesion was described with an auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model; seasonality of lesion occurrence was assessed separately. To determine the proportion of variance in lesion prevalence that could be attributed to farms relative to that attributed to abattoirs, a hierarchical binomial generalised linear mixed model was created incorporating two random effect levels, at the farm (within abattoir) and abattoir levels. RESULTS A dataset comprised of 124,407 lots (6,220,664 pigs, 279 farms, five abattoirs) was compiled for analysis. The most prevalent conditions across the 11-year time series were antero-ventral pneumonia (7.6%), pleuropneumonia (11.4%), and milk spots (9.2%). Of the 15 lesions shown to have a significant annual change in prevalence, 10 decreased over time and five increased. The variance in prevalence that was observed for pyogenic lesion (92%), mange (73%), and ileitis (62%) was attributed primarily to variation between abattoirs. By contrast, the farm of origin explained the greatest percentage of variance in prevalence for rectal prolapse (98%), pneumonia (97%), and antero-ventral pneumonia (96%). CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of most lesions recorded in PigCheck for the period was low relative to published data from other countries. Common lung pathologies contributing to lesions such as antero-ventral pneumonia and pleuropneumonia were primarily a function of farm management and were not likely due to variability in lesion recording at different abattoirs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Based on the low frequency of lesions in pigs at commercial abattoirs, the health status of pigs in the New Zealand pig industry is considered to be very good. Pneumonia, pleurisy, and ascariasis are some of the most prevalent conditions that should be focussed on through development of herd health management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ej Neumann
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , EpiCentre, Massey University , Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North , New Zealand
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Drewe JA, Häsler B, Rushton J, Stärk KDC. Assessing the expenditure distribution of animal health surveillance: the case of Great Britain. Vet Rec 2013; 174:16. [PMID: 24162504 DOI: 10.1136/vr.101846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Animal health surveillance in Great Britain (GB) is conducted through public and private initiatives, yet there is no consolidated information on these activities and their outcomes. We developed an inventory of livestock health surveillance programmes in GB to identify gaps in resource use and potential synergies that could be exploited. The inventory contained details of 36 livestock surveillance activities active in 2011. Data were collected by questionnaire and interviews. Livestock health surveillance funding was found to be unevenly distributed between species: the vast majority (approximately 94 per cent) was spent on cattle diseases (tuberculosis surveillance accounted for most of this expenditure), with 2 per cent on pigs, 2 per cent on sheep/goats, 1 per cent on poultry, and 1 per cent on antimicrobial resistance surveillance across all species. Consequently, surveillance efforts in GB appears heavily skewed towards regions with high cattle densities, particularly high-prevalence tuberculosis areas such as the southwest. The contribution of private schemes to surveillance funding was hard to quantify due to limited access to data, but was estimated to be about 10 per cent. There is scope to better understand the benefits of surveillance, enhance data sharing, clarify costs and identify who pays and who gains. Health surveillance should be considered within the sharing of responsibilities for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Drewe
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
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McCormick B, Sanchez-Vazquez M, Lewis F. Using Bayesian networks to explore the role of weather as a potential determinant of disease in pigs. Prev Vet Med 2013; 110:54-63. [PMID: 23465608 PMCID: PMC3678611 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many pathogens are sensitive to climatic variables and this is reflected in their seasonality of occurrence and transmission. The identification of environmental conditions that influence disease occurrence can be subtle, particularly considering their complex interdependencies in addition to those relationships between climate and disease. Statistical treatment of environmental variables is often dependent on their correlations and thus descriptions of climate are often restricted to means rather than accounting for the more precise aspects (including mean, maximum, minimum, variability). Here we utilize a novel multivariate statistical modelling approach, additive Bayesian network (ABN) analyses, to identify the inter-linkages of different weather variables to better capture short-term environmental conditions that are important drivers of disease. We present a case study that explores weather as a driver of disease in livestock systems. We utilize quality assurance health scheme data on ten major diseases of pigs from 875 finishing pig herds distributed across the United Kingdom over 7 years (2005-2011). We examine the relationship between the occurrence of these pathologies and contemporary weather conditions measured by local meteorological stations. All ten pathologies were associated with at least 2 other pathologies (maximum 6). Three pathologies were associated directly with temperature variables: papular dermatitis, enzootic pneumonia and milk spots. Latitude was strongly associated with multiple pathologies, though associations with longitude were eliminated when clustering for repeated observations of farms was assessed. The identification of relationships between climatic factors and different (potentially related) diseases offers a more comprehensive insight into the complex role of seasonal drivers and herd health status than traditional analytical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- B.J.J. McCormick
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - M.J. Sanchez-Vazquez
- OIE Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale, 12, rue de Prony, 75017 Paris, France
| | - F.I. Lewis
- Section of Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Robinson PA, Epperson WB. Farm animal practitioners' views on their use and expectations of veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Vet Rec 2013; 172:503. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.101366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. A. Robinson
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit; Department of Agriculture & Rural Development; Upper Newtownards Rd Belfast BT4 3SB UK
| | - W. B. Epperson
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine; College of Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi State University; Starkville MS USA
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Lovatt FM, Strugnell BW. An observational study involving ewe postmortem examination at a fallen stock collection centre to inform flock health interventions. Vet Rec 2013; 172:504. [PMID: 23580327 DOI: 10.1136/vr.101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F M Lovatt
- Flock Health Ltd., Balmer House, Eggleston, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham DL12 0AN, UK
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Ely ER, Nicholson RE, Snow LC, Strugnell BW, Williamson SM, Milnes AS, Watson EN, Hoinville LJ. Evaluation of methods for measuring coverage and representativeness of an early-warning disease surveillance system. Vet Rec 2012; 171:423. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.100854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. R. Ely
- Department of Epidemiology; Surveillance and Risk Group
| | - R. E. Nicholson
- Data Systems Group; Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) Weybridge; New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - L. C. Snow
- Department of Epidemiology; Surveillance and Risk Group
| | - B. W. Strugnell
- ALVLA Thirsk; West House, Station Road Thirsk North Yorkshire YO7 1PZ UK
| | - S. M. Williamson
- AHVLA Bury St Edmunds; Rougham Hill Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 2RX UK
| | - A. S. Milnes
- AHVLA Langford; Langford House Langford Bristol BS40 5DX UK
| | - E. N. Watson
- Department of Epidemiology; Surveillance and Risk Group
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O'Sullivan TL, Friendship RM, Pearl DL, McEwen B, Dewey CE. Identifying an outbreak of a novel swine disease using test requests for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome as a syndromic surveillance tool. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:192. [PMID: 23072647 PMCID: PMC3514316 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal disease monitoring and surveillance are crucial for ensuring the health of animals, humans and the environment. Many studies have investigated the utility of monitoring syndromes associated with data from veterinary laboratory submissions, but no research has focused on how negative test results from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory data can be used to improve our knowledge of disease outbreaks. For example, if a diagnostic laboratory was seeing a disproportionate number of negative test results for a known disease could this information be an indication of a novel disease outbreak? The objective of this study was to determine the association between the porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) outbreak in Ontario 2004–2006 and the results of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PPRSV) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results of PRRSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tests requested by veterinarians. Results Retrospective data were collected from the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario Canada and were comprised of weekly counts of PRRSV ELISA and PRRSV PCR diagnostic tests requested by swine practitioners from 2000–2007. The results of the PRRSV ELISA and PRRSV PCRs were analysed separately in two models using logistic regression with the dependent variables being: the weekly probability of PRRSV ELISA positivity, and the weekly probability of PRRSV PCR positivity, respectively. The weekly probability of PRRSV PCR positivity decreased during the PVCAD outbreak (OR=0.66, P=0.01). The weekly probability of PRRSV ELISA positivity was not associated with the PCVAD outbreak. Conclusions The results of this study showed that during the PCVAD outbreak in Ontario from December 2004-May 2006, the probability of a positive PRRSV PCR at the AHL decreased. We conclude that when a decrease in test positivity occurs for a known disease, it may suggest that a new disease agent is emerging in the population. Hence, monitoring the test results of commonly used first-order tests for a known disease (e.g. PRRSV) has the potential to be a unique form of syndromic data for the timely identification of novel disease outbreaks in swine populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terri L O'Sullivan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Sanchez-Vazquez MJ, Nielen M, Gunn GJ, Lewis FI. Using seasonal-trend decomposition based on loess (STL) to explore temporal patterns of pneumonic lesions in finishing pigs slaughtered in England, 2005–2011. Prev Vet Med 2012; 104:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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BPEX Pig Health Scheme: a useful monitoring system for respiratory disease control in pig farms? BMC Vet Res 2011; 7:82. [PMID: 22208847 PMCID: PMC3285094 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-7-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory diseases account for significant economic losses to the UK pig industry. Lesions indicative of respiratory disease in pig lungs at slaughter e.g. pneumonia and pleuritis are frequently recorded to assess herd health or provide data for epidemiological studies. The BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) is a monitoring system, which informs producers of gross lesions in their pigs' carcasses at slaughter, enabling farm-level decisions to be made. The aim of the study was to assess whether information provided by the BPHS regarding respiratory lesions was associated with respiratory pathogens in the farm, farm management practices and each other. RESULTS BPHS reports were obtained from a subset of 70 pig farms involved in a cross-sectional study conducted in 2008-09 investigating the epidemiology of post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome. The reports were combined with data regarding the presence/absence of several pathogens in the herd and potential farm-level risk factors for respiratory disease. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on BPHS reports generated three principal components, explaining 71% of the total variance. Enzootic pneumonia score, severe pleurisy and acute pleuropneumonia had the highest loadings for the principal component which explained the largest percentage of the total variance (35%) (BPHS component 1), it was thought that this component identifies farms with acute disease. Using the factor loadings a score for each farm for BPHS component 1 was obtained. As farms' score for BPHS component 1 increased, average carcass weight at slaughter decreased. In addition, farms positive for H1N2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory disease virus (PRRSV) were more likely to have higher levels of severe and mild pleurisy reported by the BPHS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study found statistical associations between levels of pleurisy recorded by BPHS at slaughter and the presence H1N2 and PRRSV in the herd. There is also some evidence that farms which submit pigs with these lesions may have reduced productivity. However, more research is needed to fully validate the scheme.
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Sanchez-Vazquez MJ, Strachan WD, Armstrong D, Nielen M, Gunn GJ. The British pig health schemes: integrated systems for large-scale pig abattoir lesion monitoring. Vet Rec 2011; 169:413. [PMID: 21881022 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pig health schemes based on abattoir inspections provide an integrated system to optimise the postmortem detection and the reporting of pathological lesions. In Great Britain, two initiatives have been implemented by the pig industry: Wholesome Pigs Scotland (WPS) and the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS). These schemes record the presence of a range of pathological lesions detected by means of detailed inspection of the pluck and the skin of the slaughtered pigs. The lesions are those associated with a reduction in performance traits or are indicators of animal welfare problems. This paper aims to provide an overview of the objectives behind the BPHS and their activities, outlining similarities and differences between WPS and BPHS on five main operational topics: the lesions monitored, the administration of the schemes, flow of the information, inspection strategies and the major idiosyncratic characteristics of the schemes. These initiatives inform individual producers and their veterinarians of the occurrence of pathological conditions affecting their pig herds. Additionally, they offer the added value of providing nationwide disease monitoring information and have the potential to be a useful surveillance tool for emerging and enzootic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Sanchez-Vazquez
- Scottish Agricultural College, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK.
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Sanchez-Vazquez MJ, Nielen M, Gunn GJ, Lewis FI. National monitoring of Ascaris suum related liver pathologies in English abattoirs: a time-series analysis, 2005-2010. Vet Parasitol 2011; 184:83-7. [PMID: 21889266 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Ascaris suum is the most important internal parasite in farmed pigs world-wide. In England, the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS) monitors the prevalence of ascariosis in slaughtered finished pigs by identifying milk spots - the healing lesions caused by A. suum larvae migration through the liver. This study investigates the trend of milk spot lesions from July 2005 to December 2010 to identify the progress made by the industry in controlling this parasitic disease. For visual explorations, the monthly prevalence for milk spots was modelled using "STL", a seasonal-trend decomposition method based on locally weighted regression. Random effects binomial modelling accounting for clustering at batch level was used to test the significance of the trend and seasonality. Additionally, the differences in the milk spot prevalence trends for BPHS members (those that joined the scheme) and non-members were investigated and tested. A mean of 12,442 pigs was assessed per month (in 290 batches) across 12 pig abattoirs over the study period, from which a monthly mean of 7102 pigs (159 batches) came from BPHS members. A mild overall decrease in prevalence of milk spots over the monitored period was identified as well as a seasonal variation which showed peaks in summer and at the beginning of autumn. BPHS members maintained a lower prevalence than non-members. The results from this work illustrate ascariosis as a persistent problem in current farm production.
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