Small animal disease surveillance 2019: respiratory disease, antibiotic prescription and canine infectious respiratory disease complex

Predominance of Canine Parainfluenza Virus and Mycoplasma in Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex in Dogs

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is caused by different viruses and bacteria. Viruses associated with CIRDC include canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine influenza virus (CIV), canine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), and canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV). Bacteria associated with CIRDC include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), and Mycoplasma spp. The present study examined the prevalence of CIRDC pathogens in specimens received by a Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Georgia, USA., from 2018 to 2022. Out of 459 cases, viral agents were detected in 34% of cases and bacterial agents were detected in 58% of cases. A single pathogen was detected in 31% of cases, while two or more pathogens were identified in 24% of cases. The percentages of viral agents identified were CAV-2 (4%), CDV (3%), CPIV (16%), CRCoV (7%), and CIV (2%). The percentages of bacterial agents were B. bronchiseptica (10%), Mycoplasma canis (24%), Mycoplasma cynos (21%), and S. zooepidemicus (2%). Over the five-year period, the positive cases ranged from 2-4% for CAV-2, 1-7% for CDV, 1-4% for CHV-1, 9-22% for CPIV, 4-13% for CRCoV, and 1-4% for CIV. Overall, the most prevalent pathogens associated with CIRDC were CPIV, M. canis, and M. cynos.

Oral vaccination of dogs with a monovalent live-avirulent vaccine confers 1 year of immunity against Bordetella bronchiseptica challenge

This experimental challenge study assessed immune protection 1 year after a single dose of live-attenuated oral Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) vaccine in dogs. Forty Bb-seronegative 7-9-week-old puppies were randomly assigned at Day 0 to receive a single oral dose of either Bb vaccine (n = 20; vaccinated group) or sterile water (n = 20; control group). Groups were housed separately until comingling 1 day pre-challenge (Day 365). Challenge with virulent aerosolized Bb occurred at Day 366. Clinical scores were obtained at Days 1-7, and 366-380. Bb microagglutination test (MAT) titers were obtained at Days -7, 0, monthly post-vaccination, and Days 358, 365, and 380. Nasal swabs were collected for microbiological assessment at Days -7, 0, 365, and 367-380. Oral Bb vaccination was not associated with side effects. Pre-challenge, vaccinated dogs developed persistent Bb MAT titers and control dogs remained seronegative. Post-challenge, duration of cough was longer in control dogs (least square means [LSM], 8.6 days) than vaccinated dogs (LSM, 1.5 days; P < 0.0001), with more control dogs having cough on 2 or more consecutive days (control group, n = 17/19, 89.5%; vaccinated group, n = 3/19, 15.8%; P = 0.0011). Post-challenge, Bb shedding occurred in all control dogs and 5/19 (26%) vaccinated dogs. Average duration of Bb shedding was longer in the control group (11.9 days vs. 0.6 days; P < 0.0001) and nasal Bb loads were higher in the control group (P < 0.00001). Orally administered Bb vaccine stimulated immunity that was still protective against virulent Bb challenge after 1 year.

Understanding Antibiotic Use in Companion Animals: A Literature Review Identifying Avenues for Future Efforts

Addressing antibiotic use is essential to tackle antimicrobial resistance, a major human and animal health challenge. This review seeks to inform stewardship efforts in companion animals by collating research insights regarding antibiotic use in this group and identifying overlooked avenues for future research and stewardship efforts. The development of population-based methods has established that antibiotics are frequently used in companion animal care. Research insights are also contributing toward an in-depth comprehension of the contexts to antibiotic use. Qualitative approaches, for example, have enabled a nuanced understanding in four key areas: interactions with owners, clinical and financial risk management, time pressures, and clinic dynamics. This review identifies that much of the existing research frames antibiotic use as the result of choices made by the individuals at the interface of their use. Future research and policy endeavours could look beyond the moment of prescribing to consider the societal structures and networks in which companion animal antibiotic use is entangled. A diversification in research approaches and frameworks through which antibiotic use is understood will facilitate the identification of additional targets for stewardship initiatives beyond providing information and awareness campaigns.

A virtual biobank for companion animals: A parvovirus pilot study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of national population data concerning infectious disease in companion animals. Here, we piloted the feasibility of linking diagnostic laboratories, population surveillance and modern sequencing approaches to extract targeted diagnostic samples from laboratories before they were discarded, as a novel route to better understand national epidemiology of major small animal pathogens.

METHODS

Samples tested for canine or feline parvovirus were requested from a national veterinary diagnostic laboratory and analysed by Sanger or next generation sequencing. Samples were linked to electronic health data held in the SAVSNET database.

RESULTS

Sequences obtained from positive samples, together with associated metadata, provided new insights into the recent geographical distribution of parvovirus strains in circulation in the United Kingdom (UK).

CONCLUSIONS

This collaboration with industry represents a 'National Virtual Biobank' that can rapidly be called on, to efficiently add new layers of epidemiological information of relevance to animal, and potentially human, population health.

A randomised controlled trial to reduce highest priority critically important antimicrobial prescription in companion animals

Robust evidence supporting strategies for companion animal antimicrobial stewardship is limited, despite frequent prescription of highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIA). Here we describe a randomised controlled trial where electronic prescription data were utilised (August 2018-January 2019) to identify above average HPCIA-prescribing practices (n = 60), which were randomly assigned into a control group (CG) and two intervention groups. In March 2019, the light intervention group (LIG) and heavy intervention group (HIG) were notified of their above average status, and were provided with educational material (LIG, HIG), in-depth benchmarking (HIG), and follow-up meetings (HIG). Following notification, follow-up monitoring lasted for eight months (April-November 2019; post-intervention period) for all intervention groups, though HIG practices were able to access further support (i.e., follow-up meetings) for the first six of these months if requested. Post-intervention, in the HIG a 23.5% and 39.0% reduction in canine (0.5% of total consultations, 95% confidence interval, 0.4-0.6, P = 0.04) and feline (4.4%, 3.4-5.3, P < 0.001) HPCIA-prescribing consultations was observed, compared to the CG (dogs: 0.6%, 0.5-0.8; cats: 7.4%, 6.0-8.7). The LIG was associated with a 16.7% reduction in feline HPCIA prescription (6.1% of total consultations, 5.3-7.0, P = 0.03). Therefore, in this trial we have demonstrated effective strategies for reducing veterinary HPCIA prescription.

Backyard poultry cases in UK small animal practices: Demographics, health conditions and pharmaceutical prescriptions

BACKGROUND

Backyard poultry ownership is of keen interest in the United Kingdom. However, despite this, little is known about veterinary care engagement and outcomes of visits in this group of species.

METHODS

This study described and characterised veterinary practice-visiting backyard poultry, utilising electronic health record data supplied by veterinary practices voluntarily participating in the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2019.

RESULTS

In total, 4424 recorded poultry consultations originating from 197 veterinary practices (352 sites) were summarised. Chicken consultation (n = 3740) peak incidence was in early summer (April-June), relative to all recorded species. More chickens resided in rural (incident rate ratio = 2.5, confidence interval [CI] 2.3-2.6, p <0.001) or less deprived areas. Non-specific clinical signs were commonly recorded (17.6% of chicken consultations, CI 15.9-19.2), as were those indicative of advanced disease. This latter finding was reflected in prescribed management strategies, with euthanasia comprising 29.8% (CI 27.0-32.6) of consultations. Antimicrobials were commonly prescribed (33.0% of consultations, CI 29.8-36.2), 43.8% of which included antimicrobials considered 'highest priority critically important' by the World Health Organisation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a need to tailor antimicrobial prescription guidance to the backyard poultry setting. In addition, late presentation of disease, vague clinical descriptions in clinical narratives and high euthanasia rates show that disease identification, management and knowledge of poultry health and welfare among owners and veterinary surgeons can be improved.

Aetiology of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex and Prevalence of its Pathogens in Europe

The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is an endemic worldwide syndrome involving multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. Traditionally, Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine herpesvirus (CHV) and canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV) were considered the major causative agents. Lately, new pathogens have been implicated in the development of CIRDC, namely canine influenza virus (CIV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), canine pneumovirus (CnPnV), Mycoplasma cynos and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. To better understand the role of the different pathogens in the development of CIRDC and their epidemiological relevance in Europe, prevalence data were collected from peer-reviewed publications and summarized. Evidence of exposure to Bb is frequently found in healthy and diseased dogs and client-owned dogs are as likely to be infected as kennelled dogs. Co-infections with viral pathogens are common. The findings confirm that Bb is an important cause of CIRDC in Europe. CAV-2 and CDV recovery rates from healthy and diseased dogs are low and the most likely explanation for this is control through vaccination. Seroconversion to CHV can be demonstrated following CIRDC outbreaks and CHV has been detected in the lower respiratory tract of diseased dogs. There is some evidence that CHV is not a primary cause of CIRDC, but opportunistically re-activates at the time of infection and exacerbates the disease. The currently available data suggest that CIV is, at present, neither a prevalent nor a significant pathogen in Europe. CPiV remains an important pathogen in CIRDC and facilitates co-infection with other viral and bacterial pathogens. CnPnV and CRCoV are important new elements in the aetiology of CIRDC and spread particularly well in multi-dog establishments. M. cynos is common in Europe and is more likely to occur in younger and kennelled dogs. This organism is frequently found together with other CIRDC pathogens and is significantly associated with more severe respiratory signs. S. zooepidemicus infection is not common and appears to be a particular problem in kennels. Protective immunity against respiratory diseases is rarely complete, and generally only a reduction in clinical signs and excretion of pathogen can be achieved through vaccination. However, even vaccines that only reduce and do not prevent infection carry epidemiological advantages. They reduce spread, increase herd immunity and decrease usage of antimicrobials. Recommending vaccination of dogs against pathogens of CIRDC will directly provide epidemiological advantages to the population and the individual dog.