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Hunnam JC, Lawrence K, Rashid ZBA, Hitchcock B, McDougall S, Wehrle-Martinez A, Weston JF. An Assessment of the Epidemiology and Herd-Level Impact of the Fractured Humerus Epidemic in New Zealand Dairy Cattle, 2007-2015: Results from Four Studies. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:524. [PMID: 38338167 PMCID: PMC10854585 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030524] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A multi-method approach integrating data from four independent sources was used to describe some key features of the epidemiology and estimate the herd and within-herd incidence of fractured humeri in New Zealand dairy cattle for the period 2007-2015. The first dataset was from a national case series where cases of humeral fractures in dairy cattle were identified by veterinarians across New Zealand between the 2007/2008 and 2011/2012 lactation seasons. The second dataset was from a pet food company based in the Waikato region, which collated the number of casualty first- and second-lactation cows found to have a fractured humerus post-slaughter in the 2014/2015 lactation season, and the third dataset was a case series conducted by veterinarians employed in a Waikato veterinary business, also from the 2014/2015 lactation season. For the final dataset, 505 randomly selected New Zealand dairy farmers completed a phone survey on the incidence of non-responsive, non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness in first- and second-lactation cows in the 2014/2015 lactation season. Using the telephone survey results, the within-herd and herd-level incidence of cases for first- and second-lactation dairy animals was calculated. The national case series reported 149 cases of humeral fractures in 22 dairy herds; the pet food case series identified 61 cases from 41 farms; and the practice-based case series found 14 cases from 10 farms. Humeral fractures exclusively affected first- and second-lactation dairy cows and had a peak incidence between calving and early mating. The national telephone survey found that non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness requiring euthanasia of first- or second-lactation cows occurred in 11.7% of herds, with a mean within-herd incidence of 2.6% for first lactation cows and 2.8% for second-lactation cows for affected herds. These combined datasets demonstrate that humeral fractures in young, lactating dairy cattle are more common than previously suspected and that they occur nationally and over multiple years on some farms. Further work on this condition is urgently required in New Zealand to establish cost-effective management practices that will reduce unnecessary animal suffering and waste.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Lawrence
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (Z.B.A.R.); (A.W.-M.); (J.F.W.)
| | - Zul Bahar A. Rashid
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (Z.B.A.R.); (A.W.-M.); (J.F.W.)
| | - Ben Hitchcock
- Cognosco, Anexa Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 21, Morrinsville 3340, New Zealand; (B.H.); (S.M.)
| | - Scott McDougall
- Cognosco, Anexa Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 21, Morrinsville 3340, New Zealand; (B.H.); (S.M.)
| | - Alvaro Wehrle-Martinez
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (Z.B.A.R.); (A.W.-M.); (J.F.W.)
| | - Jenny F. Weston
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (Z.B.A.R.); (A.W.-M.); (J.F.W.)
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Ciaravino G, Espluga J, Moragas-Fernández C, Capdevila A, Freixa V, López I Gelats F, Vergne T, Allepuz A. Improving the communication between farmers and veterinarians to enhance the acceptability of bovine tuberculosis eradication programmes. Prev Vet Med 2023; 220:106046. [PMID: 37857003 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106046] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
France and Spain have been fighting against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) for years, even though new outbreaks continue to appear on both sides of the border, generating misconceptions about the disease and social distrust in the eradication programme and competent authorities. The perceived disease risk and the commitment of all interested parties are key factors for the successful implementation of control programmes, as they might influence the acceptability of recommended measures. Effective communication can contribute to increasing knowledge, trust and stakeholders' engagement, thus ensuring the acceptability of the eradication programme. This study was conducted in Catalonia (Spain) and Pyrenees-Atlantiques (France) in the frame of the INNOTUB project (https://innotub.eu/) to characterise the communication on bTB in the trans-Pyrenees region and provide recommendations to improve it. The communication on bTB was characterised by analysing 153 (Spain) and 66 (France) online freely available texts, published between 2018 and 2020, through Content Analysis and Critical Metaphor Analysis. Moreover, six farmers and four veterinarians were in-depth interviewed in each area to gather information about the communication on bTB. Interviews were made in original languages and analysed using a qualitative thematic approach. A pilot participatory intervention inspired by the Systematic Tool for Behavioural Assumption Validation and Exploration (STAVE) method was used to develop a list of proposals to improve communication and to promote the creation of territorial networks/committees on bTB prevention and control. It included three focus groups with farmers and veterinarians, a meeting with representatives of the regional veterinary services, and a final deliberative workshop. Results highlight the existence of a controversial debate on bTB and a heterogeneous understanding between stakeholders. Institutional and scientific communication mainly focus on bTB detection and control while other aspects are left in the background. On the contrary, farmers extend their communication to a greater variety of topics. The metaphorical framing strongly differed among actors, while veterinary services and researchers "fight" against bTB and "progress" toward the eradication, farmers place themselves in a framework of "sacrifice" and, particularly in Spain, they play a passive role. The proposals developed by the participants to improve the current communication on bTB included: (i) create participatory meeting spaces to share opinions and information; (ii) improve data accessibility (on epidemiological situations); (iii) develop clearer and written protocols and informative visual material; (iv) redesign the training courses (v) increase the stakeholders' participation in the design of protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Ciaravino
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josep Espluga
- Departament de Sociologia / IGOP, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Arantxa Capdevila
- Departament de Estudis de Comunicació, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Vanessa Freixa
- Asociación Obrador Xisqueta Montanyanes, Pallars Sobirà (Alt Pirineu), Spain
| | - Feliu López I Gelats
- Càtedra d'Agroecologia i Sistemes Alimentaris, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya, Spain
| | - Timothée Vergne
- National Veterinary School of Toulouse, ENVT-INRAE IHAP, Toulouse, France
| | - Alberto Allepuz
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Wheeler R, Lobley M. Anxiety and Associated Stressors Among Farm Women in England and Wales. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:769-783. [PMID: 37051849 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2200421] [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] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The findings presented here derive from a wider study that sought to establish a baseline understanding of mental health and wellbeing among the agricultural community in England and Wales. This paper focuses on selected questions that investigated levels of anxiety and associated stress factors among farm women, a group which has been relatively neglected within previous research on farming mental health in the United Kingdom. METHODS A questionnaire survey was widely distributed to members of the agricultural community in England and Wales (n = 15,296) in both paper and online formats. The survey included a number of standardised instruments to assess mental health and wellbeing, including the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). Focusing on a sub-sample of female respondents (n = 3487), this paper details the findings from the GAD-7, alongside those from a selection of other questions investigating sources of stress, loneliness and perceived business viability. RESULTS A significant proportion of female respondents were experiencing anxiety at the time of survey completion, with 23.3% reaching the threshold for clinically relevant anxiety based on their GAD-7 scores (medium or severe anxiety, scores≥10). A further 34.6% were classified as experiencing mild anxiety (scores 5-9) whilst 42.1% were not suffering from anxiety (scores 0-4). Medium/severe anxiety was identified as being associated with a number of stress factors, feelings of loneliness and pessimistic perceptions of farm business viability. There were important age-based differences, with working-aged women identified as more likely to suffer from anxiety, loneliness and certain stressors than older women. CONCLUSION The findings reported here indicate concerning levels of anxiety among farming women and this should be seen as a call to action. There are clear associations between anxiety and a range of stressors and, although we cannot ascertain causality, these point to issues that demand attention in efforts to improve mental health within this social group. The factors contributing to anxiety are, however, multiple and complex and farm women may be affected by particular gender-based challenges that have not yet been explicitly explored in relation to mental health. Further research is needed to investigate and understand these issues in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Wheeler
- Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Matt Lobley
- Centre for Rural Policy Research, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Enticott G. 'Good farmers' and 'real vets': social identities, behaviour change and the future of bovine tuberculosis eradication. Ir Vet J 2023; 76:17. [PMID: 37501201 PMCID: PMC10375597 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-023-00245-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper considers the role of social research and human behaviour in attempts to eradicate bTB. Future attempts to eradicate bTB are likely to involve an increasing range of sophisticated technologies. However, the acceptance and use of these technologies is likely to depend on a range of behavioural incentives. The use of appropriate behavioural nudges may facilitate bTB eradication, but the paper contends that of more value are socio-cultural approaches to understanding behaviour. Specifically, the concepts of the 'good farmer' and 'real vets' are discussed to show how bTB eradication is dependent on social identities. In conclusion, the paper outlines four key roles for social research in assisting with future bTB eradication policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Enticott
- School of Geography and Planning, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3WA, Wales.
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The consequential costs of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) breakdowns in England and Wales. Prev Vet Med 2023; 211:105808. [PMID: 36566549 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105808] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a globally distributed zoonotic disease with significant economic impacts. Control measures in Great Britain include testing for and culling diseased animals. Farmers receive compensation for the value of culled animals, but not for the consequential costs of having to comply with testing and associated control measures. Such uncompensated costs can be significant. We present results of a survey of 1,600 dairy and beef farm holdings conducted in England and Wales to update and improve estimates of these consequential costs.Estimated costs are positively skewed and show considerable variance, which is in agreement with previous, smaller scale surveys of bTB: most farms experiencing bTB incur modest costs but some suffer significant costs. Testing, movement restrictions and output losses account for over three quarters of total uncompensated costs. Total costs rise with herd size and duration of controls. The composition of consequential costs changes as total costs increase, with an increasing proportion of the costs being associated with output losses and movement restrictions, and a decreasing proportion of costs associated with testing costs. Consequential costs tend to be higher for dairy than beef herds but this is likely due to larger herd sizes for dairy.Overall we find the total farm costs of bTB surpass those compensated for by Government in Great Britain. This study contributes to the public-private cost-sharing debate as farmers bear some of the economic burden of a disease breakdown. The methodology and results presented are crucial for informed Government and farmer decision-making. The identification of potential risk factors in this study was challenging but is of relevance outside GB.
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Fountain J, Manyweathers J, Brookes VJ, Hernandez-Jover M. Understanding biosecurity behaviors of Australian beef cattle farmers using the ten basic human values framework. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1072929. [PMID: 36923052 PMCID: PMC10010389 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1072929] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction On-farm biosecurity is an essential component of successful disease management in the beef cattle industry on an individual, regional, and national level. Participation in mandatory or voluntary assurance schemes, knowledge and trusted relationships have all been demonstrated to contribute to the development of behaviors that promote biosecurity. However, compliance with rules, socio-psychological relationships and knowledge-seeking behavior are all contingent upon the motivations and beliefs of the individual. It is widely accepted that the motivations and beliefs of all cultures can be defined by ten basic values (Self-direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security, Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence and Universalism). In this study, we use the ten basic values to characterize the on-farm biosecurity behaviors of Australian beef farmers to facilitate the identification of interventions that are most likely to align with producer motivations and therefore, more likely to result in wider adoption of effective on-farm biosecurity. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Australian beef farmers to discuss the reasons behind decisions to alter or implement biosecurity practices in response to endemic diseases. Thematic analysis was used to identify the motivations, opportunities, and capability of biosecurity behaviors. The ten basic human values were used to characterize these behaviors and inform enablers and barriers to biosecurity adoption. Results and discussion Benevolence and Self-direction, relating to self-transcendence and an openness to change, were the principal values associated with good biosecurity behaviors. This suggests that farmers will be receptive to education strategies that communicate the actual risk of disease in their area, the impact of disease on animal welfare, and the ability for on-farm biosecurity to mitigate these impacts. Farmers also expressed values of Security which entrenched behaviors as common practice; however, in some cases the Security of trusted relationships was identified as a potential barrier to behavior change. Overall, values associated with biosecurity behaviors were found to align with values that are most important for social cohesion, suggesting that collaborative disease efforts between industry stakeholders and farmers are likely to succeed if designed with these values in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Fountain
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer Manyweathers
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria J Brookes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Hernandez-Jover
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
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Siqueira VB, Carvalho FM. Presenteeism among fruit farm workers in Northeast Brazil: cross-sectional study. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:525-534. [PMID: 34866096 PMCID: PMC9726604 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2021-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The scientific literature about presenteeism among farm workers is scarce. This study estimated the prevalence of and factors associated with presenteeism among paid fruit farm workers. A cross-sectional study investigated 340 paid employees of both sexes, aged 18 years or above, who worked during the 2019 irrigated fruit harvest in the municipality of Petrolina, Northeast Brazil. Information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, general health status, occupational characteristics, interpersonal work aspects, and the work environment's structural characteristics was collected in a structured questionnaire. Presenteeism was established when participants reported working one or more days during the previous season despite feeling ill or when injured. Cox regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios adjusted by sex, area of residence (urban or rural), employment contract (permanent or seasonal), satisfaction with management, participation in workplace decision-making, availability of on-site healthcare facilities, and on-site availability of sunscreen. The prevalence of presenteeism during the previous season was high: 58.2%. In the final multivariate model, the adjusted prevalence ratio was higher (≥1.20) among female workers (1.42), workers dissatisfied with management (1.28), and those for whom sunscreen was not available on site (1.61). The prevalence of presenteeism was high and associated with personal, work organizational, and workplace resources characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitória B Siqueira
- Collegiate of Nursing, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Brazil
- State University of Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Fernando M Carvalho
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
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Rose DC, Shortland F, Hall J, Hurley P, Little R, Nye C, Lobley M. The impact of COVID-19 on farmers' mental health: a case study of the UK. J Agromedicine 2022; 28:346-364. [PMID: 36263759 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2022.2137616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this paper, we use a UK case study to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health (emotional, psychological, social wellbeing) of farmers. We outline the drivers of poor farming mental health, the manifold impacts of the pandemic at a time of policy and environmental change, and identify lessons that can be learned to develop resilience in farming communities against future shocks. METHODS We undertook a survey answered by 207 farmers across the UK, focusing on drivers of poor mental health and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also conducted 22 in-depth interviews with individuals in England, Scotland and Wales who provide mental health support to farmers. These explored how and why the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of farmers. These interviews were supplemented by 93 survey responses from a similar group of support providers (UK-wide). RESULTS We found that the pandemic exacerbated underlying drivers of poor mental health and wellbeing in farming communities. 67% of farmers surveyed reported feeling more stressed, 63% felt more anxious, 38% felt more depressed, and 12% felt more suicidal. The primary drivers of poor mental health identified by farmers during the pandemic were decreased social contact, issues with the general public on private land, and moving online for social events. Support providers also highlighted relationship and financial issues, illness, and government inspections as drivers of poor mental health. Some farmers, conversely, outlined positive impacts of the pandemic. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic is just one of many potential stressors associated with poor farming mental health and its impacts are likely to be long lasting and delayed. Multiple stressors affecting farmers at the same time can create a tipping point. Therefore, there is a need for long-term support and ongoing evaluation of the drivers of poor mental health in farming families.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Christian Rose
- School of Water, Energy, and the Environment, Cranfield University, College Road, Bedford, MK43 0AL, UK.,School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6BZ, UK
| | - Faye Shortland
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6BZ, UK.,The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, Scotland UK
| | - Jilly Hall
- SPSN: Supporting the People who Support Nature, UK
| | - Paul Hurley
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6BZ, UK.,Geography and Environmental Science, Building 44, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ruth Little
- Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7ND, UK
| | - Caroline Nye
- Centre for Rural Policy Research, College of Social Sciences & International Studies, Devon, EX4 4PJ, UK
| | - Matt Lobley
- Centre for Rural Policy Research, College of Social Sciences & International Studies, Devon, EX4 4PJ, UK
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9
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Crawford PE, Hamer K, Lovatt F, Robinson PA. Sheep scab in Northern Ireland: Its distribution, costs and farmer knowledge about prevention and control. Prev Vet Med 2022; 205:105682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Charlier J, Bartley DJ, Sotiraki S, Martinez-Valladares M, Claerebout E, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Thamsborg SM, Hoste H, Morgan ER, Rinaldi L. Anthelmintic resistance in ruminants: challenges and solutions. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 115:171-227. [PMID: 35249662 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a growing concern for effective parasite control in farmed ruminants globally. Combatting AR will require intensified and integrated research efforts in the development of innovative diagnostic tests to detect helminth infections and AR, sustainable anthelmintic treatment strategies and the development of complementary control approaches such as vaccination and plant-based control. It will also require a better understanding of socio-economic drivers of anthelmintic treatment decisions, in order to support a behavioural shift and develop targeted communication strategies that promote the uptake of evidence-based sustainable solutions. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in these different fields of research activity related to AR in helminths of livestock ruminants in Europe and beyond. We conclude that in the advent of new challenges and solutions emerging from continuing spread of AR and intensified research efforts, respectively, there is a strong need for transnational multi-actor initiatives. These should involve all key stakeholders to develop indicators of infection and sustainable control, set targets and promote good practices to achieve them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D J Bartley
- Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, United Kingdom
| | - S Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation ELGO-DIMITRA, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, León, Spain
| | - E Claerebout
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Parasitology, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - G von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S M Thamsborg
- Veterinary Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - H Hoste
- INRAE, UMR 1225 IHAP INRAE/ENVT, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - E R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - L Rinaldi
- University of Naples Federico II, Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy.
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Determining the influence of socio-psychological factors on the adoption of individual ‘best practice’ parasite control behaviours from Scottish sheep farmers. Prev Vet Med 2022; 200:105594. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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12
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Epstein K, von Essen E, Wilmer H. The Emotional Dimensions of Animal Disease Management: A Political Ecology Perspective for a Time of Heightened Biosecurity. FRONTIERS IN HUMAN DYNAMICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fhumd.2021.640119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic has brought new urgency to questions surrounding the origins, management, and complex dynamics of infectious diseases. In this mini review, we use growing international concern over the pandemic potential of emerging infectious diseases as motivation for outlining a research approach to study the emotional dimensions of animal disease management. We sketch out this important analytical terrain by first locating opportunities for literature on the biosecurization of nature to intersect with the emerging field of emotional political ecology. Second, we describe three biosecurity contexts and environmental conflicts at the wildlife-livestock interface: African swine fever in wild boar, brucellosis in elk, and pneumonia in bighorn and domestic sheep. We argue that in these “contact zones,” a focus on emotions can add a new layer of explanation for analyzing the manifestations, implications, and varied experiences of biosecurity.
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13
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Denholm SJ, Brand W, Mitchell AP, Wells AT, Krzyzelewski T, Smith SL, Wall E, Coffey MP. Predicting bovine tuberculosis status of dairy cows from mid-infrared spectral data of milk using deep learning. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:9355-9367. [PMID: 32828515 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic disease in cattle that is transmissible to humans, distributed worldwide, and considered endemic throughout much of England and Wales. Mid-infrared (MIR) analysis of milk is used routinely to predict fat and protein concentration, and is also a robust predictor of several other economically important traits including individual fatty acids and body energy. This study predicted bTB status of UK dairy cows using their MIR spectral profiles collected as part of routine milk recording. Bovine tuberculosis data were collected as part of the national bTB testing program for Scotland, England, and Wales; these data provided information from over 40,500 bTB herd breakdowns. Corresponding individual cow life-history data were also available and provided information on births, movements, and deaths of all cows in the study. Data relating to single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) skin-test results, culture, slaughter status, and presence of lesions were combined to create a binary bTB phenotype labeled 0 to represent nonresponders (i.e., healthy cows) and 1 to represent responders (i.e., bTB-affected cows). Contemporaneous individual milk MIR spectral data were collected as part of monthly routine milk recording and matched to bTB status of individual animals on the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test date (±15 d). Deep learning, a sub-branch of machine learning, was used to train artificial neural networks and develop a prediction pipeline for subsequent use in national herds as part of routine milk recording. Spectra were first converted to 53 × 20-pixel PNG images, then used to train a deep convolutional neural network. Deep convolutional neural networks resulted in a bTB prediction accuracy (i.e., the number of correct predictions divided by the total number of predictions) of 71% after training for 278 epochs. This was accompanied by both a low validation loss (0.71) and moderate sensitivity and specificity (0.79 and 0.65, respectively). To balance data in each class, additional training data were synthesized using the synthetic minority over sampling technique. Accuracy was further increased to 95% (after 295 epochs), with corresponding validation loss minimized (0.26), when synthesized data were included during training of the network. Sensitivity and specificity also saw a 1.22- and 1.45-fold increase to 0.96 and 0.94, respectively, when synthesized data were included during training. We believe this study to be the first of its kind to predict bTB status from milk MIR spectral data. We also believe it to be the first study to use milk MIR spectral data to predict a disease phenotype, and posit that the automated prediction of bTB status at routine milk recording could provide farmers with a robust tool that enables them to make early management decisions on potential reactor cows, and thus help slow the spread of bTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Denholm
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK.
| | - W Brand
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - A P Mitchell
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK
| | - A T Wells
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - T Krzyzelewski
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - S L Smith
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - E Wall
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - M P Coffey
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Peter Wilson Building, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
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14
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Redding LE, Brooks C, Georgakakos CB, Habing G, Rosenkrantz L, Dahlstrom M, Plummer PJ. Addressing Individual Values to Impact Prudent Antimicrobial Prescribing in Animal Agriculture. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:297. [PMID: 32548132 PMCID: PMC7270172 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health threat driven by antimicrobial use—both judicious and injudicious—in people and animals. In animal agriculture, antimicrobials are used to treat, control, and prevent disease in herds of animals. While such use generally occurs under the broad supervision of a veterinarian, individual animals are often treated by farm owners or managers. The decision to administer antimicrobials is therefore influenced not only by the clinical situation but also by the motivations and priorities of different individual actors. Many studies have examined the drivers of external forces such as costs, workload and time constraints, or social pressures on antimicrobial use by veterinarians and producers, but none have explored the role of individually held values in influencing decision-making related to antimicrobial use. Values are deeply held normative orientations that guide the formation of attitudes and behaviors across multiple contexts. Values have been shown to be strongly tied to perceptions of and attitudes toward polarizing topics such as climate change, and preliminary evidence suggests that values are also associated with attitudes to antimicrobial resistance and stewardship. In this article, we draw on lessons learned in other fields (human health care, climate change science) to explore how values could be tied to the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that drive antimicrobial use and prescribing in animal agriculture. We also provide suggestions for ways to build a bridge between the veterinary and social sciences and incorporate values into future research aimed at promoting antimicrobial stewardship in animal agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E Redding
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Kennett Square, PA, United States
| | - Cecilia Brooks
- Department of Psychology and Family Studies, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS, United States
| | | | - Greg Habing
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Leah Rosenkrantz
- Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Dahlstrom
- Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Paul J Plummer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education, Ames, IA, United States
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15
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Phythian CJ, Glover MJ. Highs and Lows of Lambing Time: Sheep Farmers' Perceptions of the First Outbreak of Schmallenberg Disease in South West England on Their Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16245057. [PMID: 31835858 PMCID: PMC6950015 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16245057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of a previously unknown and new disease in the United Kingdom, known as 'Schmallenberg disease', a disease associated with abortions, stillbirths and fetal deformities in naïve ewes, was reported for the first time in South West England during the 2012/13 early lambing season. Epidemiological studies confirmed that the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) had a severe negative impact upon animal welfare and the productivity of affected flocks. By contrast, there was a specific lack of research on the impact of SBV on sheep farmer well-being. This study aimed to improve our understanding of sheep farmers' experiences of Schmallenberg disease, and the impact of the first outbreak on sheep farmer well-being during the 2012/13 early lambing season in South West England. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with six farmers with small flocks of pedigree and purebred sheep in South West England were conducted in 2013. The data were analysed via thematic analysis. The main themes regarding the impact of disease on farmer well-being included: (i) emotional highs and lows are part of a normal lambing season; (ii) negative emotions and memories associated with the Schmallenberg disease outbreak; and (iii) resilience and coping with the unexpected disease outbreak. These novel data present preliminary findings from a small number of sheep farmers, and indicate that for some farmers, an unexpected outbreak of a new and emerging disease for the first time during lambing, and dealing with high levels of dystocia, deformities and deaths in their animals, had a negative impact on their emotional well-being during the peak period of the sheep production cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare J. Phythian
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Production Animal Clinical Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 4325 Sandnes, Norway
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 4DU, UK
- Correspondence:
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