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Wicks JC, Wivell AL, Beline M, Zumbaugh MD, Bodmer JS, Yen CN, Johnson-Schuster C, Wilson TB, Greiner SP, Johnson SE, Shi TH, Silva SL, Gerrard DE. Determining muscle plasticity and meat quality development of low-input extended fed market-ready steers. Transl Anim Sci 2024; 8:txae064. [PMID: 38770036 PMCID: PMC11103109 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, which ultimately led to many meat processors temporarily shutting down or reducing processing capacity. This backlog in processing capacity forced many feedlots to retain cattle for longer periods of time and assume the risk of major market fluctuations. The aim of this study was to understand how a dietary insult affects meat quality and muscle metabolism in market-ready steers (590 kg). Sixteen market-ready (590 kg) commercial Angus crossbred steers were subjected to a maintenance diet of either forage or grain for 60 d. Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle samples were collected immediately postmortem and processed for characteristics reflecting the underlying muscle fiber type and energy state of the tissue. Despite cattle being subjected to a 60-d feeding period, there were no detectable differences (P > 0.05) in carcass characteristics, color of lean, or ultimate pH (pHu). Moreover, our data show that muscle plasticity is rather resilient, as reflected by lack of significance (P > 0.05) in oxidative and glycolytic enzymes, myosin heavy chain isoforms (MyHC), myoglobin, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) contents. These data show that market-ready steers are capable of withstanding a low-input feeding strategy up to 60 d without dramatically impacting underlying muscle characteristics and meat quality development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Wicks
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Alexis L Wivell
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mariane Beline
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Morgan D Zumbaugh
- Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Jocelyn S Bodmer
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Con-Ning Yen
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Chantal Johnson-Schuster
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Thomas B Wilson
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Scott P Greiner
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Sally E Johnson
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Tim H Shi
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Saulo Luz Silva
- Department of Animal Science and Food Engineering, College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of SaoPaulo, Pirassununga, SP, 13635-900, Brazil
| | - David E Gerrard
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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2
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Paris JMG, Lima EMF, Finger JDAFF, Isidorio WR, Heinzel C, Falkenberg T, Borgemeister C, Pinto UM, Nöthlings U. Changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic across metropolitan regions in Brazil and Germany: A survey-based cross-sectional study. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:2783-2798. [PMID: 38628226 PMCID: PMC11016392 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused profound societal changes to cope rapidly with the new circumstances. The food market changed its quantity, quality, form, and frequency dynamics. Consequently, food-eating habits and lifestyles like physical exercise likely experienced changes. An online-based survey was conducted between June 2020 and January 2021 in the metropolitan regions of Rhine Ruhr Metropolis (RRM), Greater São Paulo (GSP), other metropolitan regions in São Paulo state (oMRSP), other Brazilian metropolitan regions (oBRMR), and the remaining urban areas in both countries (oUA), representing different contexts of Brazil and Germany. We assessed self-reported changes in physical activity level, diet quality, self-reported eating habits, and buying groceries during the first year of the pandemic. In Germany, indoor and outdoor activities increased for 34% of the respondents, while in Brazil, there was a decrease in physical activity for 50% of the participants. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scored higher among Brazilians (16.8) than Germans (15.2) on a 0-29 HEI scale. Increased awareness of healthy and sustainable eating habits was observed in GSP (0.7), oMRSP (0.63), oBRMR (0.7), and oUA (0.68) on a scale from no change (0) to change (1). In RRM, an increase in convenience foods was noticed (0.86). Participants reported discomfort with food purchasing due to hygiene measures and avoided going to the supermarket (0.7 on average in Brazil and 0.58 for females using the same 0-1 scale). Also, food supply at the grocery shops was reported to be often unavailable and in lower quantities. A real-time assessment of self-reported changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the lockdown in 2020 in different contexts is insightful for rethinking strategies to improve conditions in the post-COVID-19 era and prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M. G. Paris
- Center for Development Research (ZEF)University of BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
| | - Emília M. F. Lima
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Jéssica de A. F. F. Finger
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - William R. Isidorio
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Christine Heinzel
- Department of GeographyLudwig‐Maximilians‐University of MunichMunichBavariaGermany
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Institute for Hygiene and Public HealthUniversity Hospital BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
| | - Christian Borgemeister
- Center for Development Research (ZEF)University of BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
| | - Uelinton M. Pinto
- Food Research Center (FoRC‐CEPID), Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of São PauloSão PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Ute Nöthlings
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences (IEL) Nutritional EpidemiologyUniversity of BonnBonnNorth‐Rhine WestphaliaGermany
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Hyndman TH, Bowden RS, Woodward AP, Pang DSJ, Hampton JO. Uncontrolled pain: a call for better study design. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1328098. [PMID: 38420206 PMCID: PMC10899387 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1328098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies assessing animal pain in veterinary research are often performed primarily for the benefit of animals. Frequently, the goal of these studies is to determine whether the analgesic effect of a novel treatment is clinically meaningful, and therefore has the capacity to improve the welfare of treated animals. To determine the treatment effect of a potential analgesic, control groups are necessary to allow comparison. There are negative control groups (where pain is unattenuated) and positive control groups (where pain is attenuated). Arising out of animal welfare concerns, there is growing reluctance to use negative control groups in pain studies. But for studies where pain is experimentally induced, the absence of a negative control group removes the opportunity to demonstrate that the study methods could differentiate a positive control intervention from doing nothing at all. For studies that are controlled by a single comparison group, the capacity to distinguish treatment effects from experimental noise is more difficult; especially considering that pain studies often involve small sample sizes, small and variable treatment effects, systematic error and use pain assessment measures that are unreliable. Due to these limitations, and with a focus on farm animals, we argue that many pain studies would be enhanced by the simultaneous inclusion of positive and negative control groups. This would help provide study-specific definitions of pain and pain attenuation, thereby permitting more reliable estimates of treatment effects. Adoption of our suggested refinements could improve animal welfare outcomes for millions of animals globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy H. Hyndman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Harry Butler Research Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Ross S. Bowden
- School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | | | - Daniel S. J. Pang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jordan O. Hampton
- Harry Butler Research Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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von Keyserlingk MAG, Hendricks J, Ventura B, Weary DM. Swine industry perspectives on the future of pig farming. Anim Welf 2024; 33:e7. [PMID: 38510419 PMCID: PMC10951666 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the views of those working along the value chain reliant on livestock is an important step in supporting the transition towards more sustainable farming systems. We recruited 31 delegates attending the Pig Welfare Symposium held in the United States to participate in one of six focus group discussions on the future of pig farming. Each of these six group discussions was subjected to a thematic analysis that identified four themes: (1) technical changes on the farm; (2) farm and industry culture; (3) the farm-public interface; and (4) sustainability. The results of this study illustrate the complexity and diversity of views of those working along the associated value chain within the swine industry. Participants spent the majority of their time discussing current challenges, including technical challenges on the farm and public perception of pig farms. Participants were more hesitant to discuss future issues, but did engage on the broader issue of sustainability, focusing upon economic and environmental aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina AG von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, CanadaV6T 1Z4
| | - Jillian Hendricks
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, CanadaV6T 1Z4
| | - Beth Ventura
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, LincsLN6 7DL, UK
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, CanadaV6T 1Z4
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Rusk R, Hodge J. Impact of nasal photodisinfection on SARS-CoV-2 infection in an industrial workplace. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2023; 6:100393. [PMID: 37309366 PMCID: PMC10229198 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2023.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to evaluate a quality improvement initiative designed to control SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) using the large-scale deployment of antimicrobial photodisinfection therapy (aPDT) for nasal decolonization in a Canadian industrial workplace (a food processing plant). Study design Using a retrospective chart review of treatment questionnaires, linked to COVID laboratory testing results, a quality improvement assessment was analyzed to determine treatment effectiveness and safety. Methods This voluntary aPDT intervention involved the administration of a light-sensitive liquid to the nose followed by nonthermal red-light irradiation on a weekly basis. Employees in food processing industries are at increased risk for COVID infection due to the nature of their work environments. In an effort to mitigate the transmission and consequences of the disease among such workers and the community at large, aPDT was added to a well-established bundle of pre-existing pandemic safety measures (e.g., mask-wearing, testing, contact tracing, workplace-engineered barriers, increased paid sick leave). Results From December 2020 to May 2021, we found high interest in and compliance with aPDT treatment, along with a statistically significant lower PCR test positivity rate in the study population in comparison to the case rates for the local Canadian province. Treatment safety monitoring and outcomes of the aPDT program demonstrated no serious adverse events. Conclusions This study suggests nasal photodisinfection provides safe and effective COVID viral suppression when deployed across the majority of workers in an industrial workplace setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Rusk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Judy Hodge
- Katrime Integrated Health, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Giannetto C, Biondi V, Previti A, De Pascale A, Monti S, Alibrandi A, Zirilli A, Lanfranchi M, Pugliese M, Passantino A. Willingness to Pay a Higher Price for Pork Obtained Using Animal-Friendly Raising Techniques: A Consumers' Opinion Survey. Foods 2023; 12:4201. [PMID: 38231599 DOI: 10.3390/foods12234201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In Italy, the consumption of pork meat is increasing, despite consumers' attitudes being addressed toward a greater sensitivity about animal welfare and its link with safe food. Considering the relatively high animal welfare standards and the divergence in public interest in farm animal welfare and ethical issues, the objective of this study-in continuation of our previous paper relating to consumer behavior and preferences in welfare-friendly pork breeding-was to investigate habits of pork consumers regarding pig welfare, principally evaluating their willingness to pay (WTP) a higher price for pork obtained using raising techniques with an approach based on animal welfare. An ad hoc questionnaire-based survey was submitted to consumers (n = 404) in Messina province, Italy. Results suggest that 47% of consumers were willing to pay an additional price for pork from farms that apply specific animal welfare standards. Positive correlations were between WTP and farming techniques (p = 0.001), organic farming methods (p = 0.001), and farms in which animal welfare is taken care of and guaranteed (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that consumers intend to pay a higher price for pork, like other animal products obtained using animal-friendly raising techniques. The sensitivity to the animal welfare of a single human being may influence consumers' attitudes toward pork consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giannetto
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi, 75, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Annalisa Previti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelina De Pascale
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi, 75, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Monti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Agata Zirilli
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Maurizio Lanfranchi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Via dei Verdi, 75, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Michela Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Annamaria Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Via Umberto Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
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7
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The Rise of Heatstroke as a Method of Depopulating Pigs and Poultry: Implications for the US Veterinary Profession. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010140. [PMID: 36611748 PMCID: PMC9817707 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Depopulation of food-producing animals is becoming increasingly common in response to both disease outbreaks and supply chain disruptions. In 2019, the American Veterinary Medical Association released depopulation guidelines classifying certain heatstroke-based killing methods as "permitted in constrained circumstances", when circumstances of the emergency constrain reasonable implementation of "preferred" methods. Since then, tens of millions of birds and pigs have been killed by such methods, termed ventilation shutdown (VSD) Plus Heat and VSD Plus High Temperature and Humidity. While no research using validated measures of animal welfare assessment has been performed on these methods, their pathophysiology suggests that animals are likely to experience pain, anxiety, nausea, and heat distress prior to loss of consciousness. Heatstroke-based methods may result in prolonged suffering and often do not achieve 100% mortality. Potential and available alternative depopulation methods are briefly reviewed. The veterinary profession's ethical obligation to protect animal welfare in the context of depopulations is discussed.
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Assavacheep P, Thanawongnuwech R. Porcine respiratory disease complex: Dynamics of polymicrobial infections and management strategies after the introduction of the African swine fever. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1048861. [PMID: 36504860 PMCID: PMC9732666 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1048861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A few decades ago, porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) exerted a major economic impact on the global swine industry, particularly due to the adoption of intensive farming by the latter during the 1980's. Since then, the emerging of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as major immunosuppressive viruses led to an interaction with other endemic pathogens (e.g., Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, etc.) in swine farms, thereby exacerbating the endemic clinical diseases. We herein, review and discuss various dynamic polymicrobial infections among selected swine pathogens. Traditional biosecurity management strategies through multisite production, parity segregation, batch production, the adoption of all-in all-out production systems, specific vaccination and medication protocols for the prevention and control (or even eradication) of swine diseases are also recommended. After the introduction of the African swine fever (ASF), particularly in Asian countries, new normal management strategies minimizing pig contact by employing automatic feeding systems, artificial intelligence, and robotic farming and reducing the numbers of vaccines are suggested. Re-emergence of existing swine pathogens such as PRRSV or PCV2, or elimination of some pathogens may occur after the ASF-induced depopulation. ASF-associated repopulating strategies are, therefore, essential for the establishment of food security. The "repopulate swine farm" policy and the strict biosecurity management (without the use of ASF vaccines) are, herein, discussed for the sustainable management of small-to-medium pig farms, as these happen to be the most potential sources of an ASF re-occurrence. Finally, the ASF disruption has caused the swine industry to rapidly transform itself. Artificial intelligence and smart farming have gained tremendous attention as promising tools capable of resolving challenges in intensive swine farming and enhancing the farms' productivity and efficiency without compromising the strict biosecurity required during the ongoing ASF era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornchalit Assavacheep
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,*Correspondence: Pornchalit Assavacheep
| | - Roongroje Thanawongnuwech
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Faculty of Veterinary Science, Center of Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Roongroje Thanawongnuwech
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Alshubaith IH, Alhajri S, Alhajri A, Alsultan RA, Azhar EI, Alhussaini BH, Al Solami LS, de Oliveira MC, Khafaga AF, Alqurashi AD, Attia YA. The impact of COVID-19 on the sustainability of the environment, animal health and food security, and safety. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70822-70831. [PMID: 36066798 PMCID: PMC9446590 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22468-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic influenced the environment, animal health, and food security. Due to reduced human mobility, the air and water quality increased. Other environmental consequences were the personal protective types of equipment and their haphazard disposal. Atmospheric pollution could be a cofactor leading to an increased COVID-19 mortality rate. Lockdown, however, caused a reduction in air and water pollution. Noise pollution affects the health of individuals and communities in terms of cardiovascular disorders and sleeping problems. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 lockdown controls human activities that reduce noise pollution. Municipal waste affects the environment. Recycling has been reduced in some countries but not in Saudi Arabia. COVID-19 had a drastic effect on livestock production on national, regional, and global levels, affecting countries' capacities to prevent and control diseases of animals and increasing global poverty, becoming a threat to the sustainability of global food security and safety. Many lessons have been learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is wise to study and analyze the previous lessons and shed some light on past pandemics such as the Spanish flu to understand the readings and earn experiences. This paper is focused on the interaction between the pandemic and environmental health from the public health concern rather than other health classifications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salah Alhajri
- Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Hofuf, Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Alhajri
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, King Faisal University, Ahsa, 31982, P.O. Box 60066, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed A. Alsultan
- Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Riyadh, 11195 Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam I. Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit - BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center and Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 128442, Jeddah, 21362 Saudi Arabia
| | - Bakr Hussain Alhussaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Department, Gastroenterology Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition Unit, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80200, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- The Strategic Center to Kingdom Vision Realization, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80200, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lafi S. Al Solami
- The Strategic Center to Kingdom Vision Realization, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80200, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Marine Science Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80208, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Asmaa F. Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, 22758 Egypt
| | - Adel D. Alqurashi
- Sustainable Agriculture Research Group, Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80208, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Youssef A. Attia
- The Strategic Center to Kingdom Vision Realization, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80200, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Sustainable Agriculture Research Group, Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80208, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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The Multifaceted Relationship between the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Food System. Foods 2022; 11:foods11182816. [PMID: 36140944 PMCID: PMC9497833 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is being questioned for its possible food transmission, due to several reports of the virus on food, outbreaks developed in food companies, as well as its origins linked to the wet market of Wuhan, China. The purpose of this review is to analyze the scientific evidence gathered so far on the relationship between food and the pandemic, considering all aspects of the food system that can be involved. The collected data indicate that there is no evidence that foods represent a risk for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In fact, even if the virus can persist on food surfaces, there are currently no proven cases of infection from food. Moreover, the pandemic showed to have deeply influenced the eating habits of consumers and their purchasing methods, but also to have enhanced food waste and poverty. Another important finding is the role of meat processing plants as suitable environments for the onset of outbreaks. Lessons learned from the pandemic include the correct management of spaces, food hygiene education for both food workers and common people, the enhancement of alternative commercial channels, the reorganization of food activities, in particular wet markets, and intensive farming, following correct hygiene practices. All these outcomes lead to another crucial lesson, which is the importance of the resilience of the food system. These lessons should be assimilated to deal with the present pandemic and possible future emergencies. Future research directions include further investigation of the factors linked to the food system that can favor the emergence of viruses, and of innovative technologies that can reduce viral transmission.
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11
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Wang S, Jiang H, Qiao Y, Jiang S, Lin H, Sun Q. The Research Progress of Vision-Based Artificial Intelligence in Smart Pig Farming. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22176541. [PMID: 36080994 PMCID: PMC9460267 DOI: 10.3390/s22176541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Pork accounts for an important proportion of livestock products. For pig farming, a lot of manpower, material resources and time are required to monitor pig health and welfare. As the number of pigs in farming increases, the continued use of traditional monitoring methods may cause stress and harm to pigs and farmers and affect pig health and welfare as well as farming economic output. In addition, the application of artificial intelligence has become a core part of smart pig farming. The precision pig farming system uses sensors such as cameras and radio frequency identification to monitor biometric information such as pig sound and pig behavior in real-time and convert them into key indicators of pig health and welfare. By analyzing the key indicators, problems in pig health and welfare can be detected early, and timely intervention and treatment can be provided, which helps to improve the production and economic efficiency of pig farming. This paper studies more than 150 papers on precision pig farming and summarizes and evaluates the application of artificial intelligence technologies to pig detection, tracking, behavior recognition and sound recognition. Finally, we summarize and discuss the opportunities and challenges of precision pig farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Wang
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Honghua Jiang
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Yongliang Qiao
- Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR), Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Shuzhen Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Huaiqin Lin
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
| | - Qian Sun
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271018, China
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12
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Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on aquaculture input supply, production, distribution, and consumption. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic–related lockdowns, social distancing, supply chain disruptions, and transport restrictions affect seafood production, distribution, marketing, and consumption. Recommendations are suggested to overcome these challenges. Summary The COVID-19 has led to disruption of aquaculture practices worldwide. The pandemic has adversely affected the aquaculture input supply of fish stocking and feeding, which, in turn, has impacted aquaculture production. Moreover, the COVID-19 crisis has had adverse effects on value addition to aquaculture products, through the restrictions of seafood marketing and exporting. Aquatic food production is vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 outbreak; hence, adaptation strategies must be developed to cope with the challenges. There is an urgent need for collaboration among key stakeholders to rebuild the supply chain of inputs and fish marketing for sustainable aquaculture practices. International agencies, donors, government and non-governmental organizations, researchers, and policymakers need to develop policies to support aquaculture production and supply chains.
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Desvars-Larrive A, Käsbohrer A. Surveillance and Control of African Swine Fever in the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic, March-May 2020: A Multi-Country E-Survey. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:867631. [PMID: 35774983 PMCID: PMC9238323 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.867631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Stringent COVID-19 public health and social measures (PHSMs) have challenged the work of animal health professionals, especially in the early phase of the pandemic. We aimed to qualitatively describe how COVID-19 PHSMs have affected the surveillance and control of African swine fever (ASF) in Europe, assess how professionals engaged in these activities perceived the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, and identify potential areas of improvement. An online questionnaire was proposed via email between 9 December 2020 and 22 January 2021 to professionals engaged in ASF-related activities in Europe and Eastern neighboring countries. The questionnaire contained questions pertaining to ASF surveillance and control activities between March and May 2020, respondent's perception of the impact of COVID-19 PHSMs on these activities, and respondent's opinion on potential improvements to prepare for future crises. Economic and sanitary variables were used to describe the national contexts over the study period. Twenty-seven respondents from 24 countries participated to the study. Essential activities related to surveillance and management of ASF were reduced and/or adapted but maintained in most surveyed countries. Communication was mentioned as the first area of improvement during crisis while maintenance of efficient veterinary services and surveillance activities were cited second and third top priorities. The need for the development of remote procedures was also recognized. Some respondents highlighted difficulties in ensuring biosecurity and biosafety of the field actors due to shortage in protective equipment. Only a small majority (52%) of the survey participants agreed that their institution/working group is better prepared to future lockdown-type situations. Our study emphasizes that short-term measures were globally successful to tackle the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the routine duties of professionals involved in ASF surveillance and control. Our findings suggest that country-specific improvements are necessary to support and advance the preparedness of the actors involved in infectious animal disease surveillance and control in case lockdown-like measures are implemented. Overall, our results highlight the crucial importance of recognizing animal health services as essential activities during crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Desvars-Larrive
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- VetFarm, University of Veterinary Medicine, Pottenstein, Austria
- Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Amélie Desvars-Larrive
| | - Annemarie Käsbohrer
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Unit of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Yiakoulaki M, Tsiobani E, Galliou CI, Papaspyropoulos K. The effects of restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the extensive farming system of small ruminants. Arch Anim Breed 2022; 65:157-169. [PMID: 35529319 PMCID: PMC9069180 DOI: 10.5194/aab-65-157-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vigorous restrictive measures were imposed worldwide to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effects those measures had on
livestock production systems have not yet been sufficiently clarified. The literature has focused mainly on the impact of COVID-19 on the intensive
livestock production system, especially the meat and milk supply chain, as well as the welfare of animals, highlighting its fragility, but
failed to address the way the restrictive measures affected the extensive farming system of small ruminants. In this study, we aimed to investigate
the effect of the restrictive measures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the parameters of sheep and goat extensive farming
systems. We used a survey and personal interviews to record the breeders' profile and the structural characteristics of the holdings, and we showed
that the restrictive measures had no effect on the parameters of small ruminant extensive farming systems, except for the daily work routine of
breeders, which was negatively affected in holdings with a high number of sheep. We expect this study to be helpful to policy makers regarding
formulating interventions for the resilience and the stability of the sheep and goat extensive farming system in future situations of emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D. Yiakoulaki
- Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Eleni T. Tsiobani
- Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos G. Papaspyropoulos
- Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
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15
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Pawłowska J, Borecka A, Sowula-Skrzyńska E. Effect of COVID-19 on poultry production in Poland. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2022.2054751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Pawłowska
- Department of Production Systems and Environment, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Anna Borecka
- Department of Production Systems and Environment, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sowula-Skrzyńska
- Department of Production Systems and Environment, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice, Poland
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16
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Rahimi P, Islam MS, Duarte PM, Tazerji SS, Sobur MA, El Zowalaty ME, Ashour HM, Rahman MT. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food production and animal health. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022; 121:105-113. [PMID: 34898853 PMCID: PMC8647343 DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in Wuhan, China and spread to other countries and continents causing a variety of respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms which led to death in severe cases. SCOPE AND APPROACH In this review, we discuss and analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal production systems and food production of meat, dairy, eggs, and processed food, in addition to assessing the impact of the pandemic on animal healthcare systems, animal healthcare quality, animal welfare, food chain sustainability, and the global economy. We also provide effective recommendations to animal producers, veterinary healthcare professionals, workers in animal products industries, and governments to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on livestock farming and production systems. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Port restrictions, border restrictions, curfews, and social distancing limitations led to reduced quality, productivity, and competitiveness of key productive sectors. The restrictions have hit the livestock sector hard by disrupting the animal feed supply chain, reducing animal farming services, limiting animal health services including delays in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, limiting access to markets and consumers, and reducing labor-force participation. The inhumane culling of animals jeopardized animal welfare. Egg smashing, milk dumping, and other animal product disruptions negatively impacted food production, consumption, and access to food originating from animals. In summary, COVID-19 triggered lockdowns and limitations on local and international trade have taken their toll on food production, animal production, and animal health and welfare. COVID-19 reverberations could exacerbate food insecurity, hunger, and global poverty. The effects could be massive on the most vulnerable populations and the poorest nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Rahimi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Phelipe Magalhães Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Sina Salajegheh Tazerji
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Abdus Sobur
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mohamed E El Zowalaty
- Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hossam M Ashour
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Md Tanvir Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
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17
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Chen J, Yang CC. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Revenue of the Livestock Industry: A Case Study of China. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123586. [PMID: 34944361 PMCID: PMC8697937 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the revenue of the livestock industry and to study the challenges COVID-19 brings to the livestock industry. From the perspective of financial statements, we use the revenue function of listed Chinese livestock companies from 2015 to 2020 to quantitatively estimate the impact of the pandemic. The study results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the revenue of the livestock industry and has different implications on livestock enterprises of various sizes. Based on the above study results, we provide further suggestions for measures that governments and livestock companies can consider to reduce the impact of the pandemic, thereby increasing the level of sales of livestock products. Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has affected social order and people’s health and has also caused a heavy blow to the livestock industry, affecting animal management and welfare. The livestock industry is one of the main contributors to economic growth in many regions, and it is of great significance to people’s lives and regional economic growth. COVID-19 has reduced the livestock industry’s market as well as consumers’ opportunities to purchase livestock products, resulting in no sales or low sales of livestock or their products. The main purpose of this study is to consider the impact of the pandemic on the revenue of the livestock industry, and to study the challenges arising from the pandemic to the livestock industry. Based on the perspective of financial statements, we estimate the impact of COVID-19 through the translog revenue function of listed Chinese livestock companies from 2015 to 2020, and the study results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the revenue of the livestock industry, but the decline in revenue of large livestock enterprises is lower than that of small and medium-sized livestock enterprises. In the last two parts of this study, we make policy recommendations to livestock enterprises and the authorities.
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18
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Macdonald M. Emerging from COVID-19: A New, Rights-Based Relationship with the Nonhuman World? Health Hum Rights 2021; 23:13-20. [PMID: 34966221 PMCID: PMC8694304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This essay argues that the global response to COVID-19 should lead to new thinking and action, and specifically, a new relationship with the nonhuman world that is centered on mutuality and respect, not commodification and exploitation. Such a response would acknowledge and embed concepts like ecological justice and One Welfare in policy and practice, particularly regarding the consequences of intensive animal agriculture and production of monocultures of feedstock for the billions of farmed animals used in food production each year. Drawing on examples from the Global South and Global North, the essay suggests ways forward that provide opportunities for new thinking, research, and action, with the COVID-19 crisis contextualized by the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises. With deep inequalities and infringement of rights embedded in each of these global challenges, successfully addressing them likely depends on useful disruptions in, and a bridging of, the divides that have separated human and nonhuman rights and have limited the intersections between public health, the environment, and animal welfare and rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Macdonald
- Executive director and founder of Brighter Green, Brooklyn, USA.,Please address correspondence to the author.
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19
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Wu K, Yu Y, Chen C, Fu Z. Is One Health a Viable Strategy in Animal Health Litigation: Evidence from Civil Lawsuits in China. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092560. [PMID: 34573525 PMCID: PMC8468116 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Strategic litigation launched to protect animal welfare worldwide branches out with several tactical themes: environmental protection, child abuse, veterinarian malpractice, product liability and quasi-family member. Currently, the litigation strategy themed in One Health has been observed in legal practice in Chinese mainland. Using 1520 zoonosis related civil lawsuit judgments, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of this litigation strategy in animal health cases from Chinese mainland. It has been confirmed that using the litigation strategy themed in One Health results in more successful outcomes and larger damage awards, so there might be a practical value in using this strategy in animal welfare lawsuits. Abstract Several litigation strategies are used to gain support from courts in order to protect animals. While the emerging litigation strategy themed in One Health stimulates judicial protection in the animal health sector, little is known about whether and how such strategies are supported by courts. In this article, we investigate how animal welfare litigation strategies influence judge’s choices within their discretion. We argue that litigators equipped with the litigation strategy themed in One Health are placed in an advantageous position in animal health cases, but that this tendency varies markedly across zoonoses. Specifically, we suggest that litigators utilizing One Health’s litigation strategy are associated with higher probabilities to win, whereas normal litigators are not. Further, we propose that litigators equipped with the One Health litigation strategy are awarded more damages from judges. We test and find support for our predictions using a cross sectional dataset of civil lawsuit cases centering on the animal health industry in Chinese mainland. Our findings indicate that courts indeed were persuaded by the One Health litigation strategy, even when bound by the discretion rules. At the same time, we suggest that for advocates who would like to litigate for animal welfare in the animal health sector, the litigation strategy themed in One Health might have potentially positive implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wu
- School of Law, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China;
| | - Ying Yu
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan 430073, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Zheming Fu
- School of Law, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China;
- Maurer School of Law, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN 47405-7000, USA
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20
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Gomes-Neves E, Marques S, Alves-Pereira A, Osório P, Müller A, Baptista CS. Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions in Portugal: A Questionnaire to Municipal and Animal Association Shelters. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2532. [PMID: 34573498 PMCID: PMC8472707 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has an indirect impact on the health and welfare of animals. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on Municipal and Association animal shelters. A questionnaire was sent to 97 Municipal shelters and 65 Associations. Questions focused on public funding, management and animal welfare during COVID-19 restrictions. The response rate was 43.3% (42/97) for Municipal shelters and 38.5% (25/65) for Associations. Municipal shelters (67%) received over 80% of public funding, whereas 68% of the Associations received less than 50%. During the COVID-19 restrictions, financial difficulties were observed by 52% of Associations and 5% of Municipal shelters, and a lack of volunteers was observed by 56% of Associations and 17% of Municipal shelters. Operational difficulties were indicated by 43% of Associations and 12% of Municipal shelters, and a lack of instructions was observed by 31% of Municipal shelters and 4% of Associations. No significant differences were obtained on abandonment, adoption, clinical support, exercise and interaction. Decreased feed supply was reported by 40% of Associations and 5% of Municipal shelters. During the COVID-19 restrictions, Municipal shelters were more affected by the lack of instructions, and Associations were more affected by external factors such as a decrease in feed supply, volunteers and funding. Preparedness and contingency plans seem essential to face unpredicted crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Gomes-Neves
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (S.M.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Marques
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (S.M.)
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), Laboratório Associado em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva (InBIO), Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas No.7, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Osório
- Shelter Veterinarian, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.A.-P.); (P.O.)
| | - Alexandra Müller
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (S.M.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia S. Baptista
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (S.M.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
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21
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Sattar AA, Mahmud R, Mohsin MAS, Chisty NN, Uddin MH, Irin N, Barnett T, Fournie G, Houghton E, Hoque MA. COVID-19 Impact on Poultry Production and Distribution Networks in Bangladesh. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2021.714649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected numerous economic sectors across the world, including livestock production. This study investigates how the pandemic has impacted the poultry production and distribution network (PDN), analyses stakeholders' changing circumstances, and provides recommendations for rapid and long-term resilience. This is based on a literature review, social media monitoring, and key informant interviews (n = 36) from across the poultry sector in Bangladesh. These included key informants from breeder farms and hatcheries, pharmaceutical suppliers, feed companies, dealers, farmers, middlemen, and vendors. We show that the poultry sector was damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, partly as a result of the lockdown and also by rumors that poultry and their products could transmit the disease. This research shows that hardly any stakeholder escaped hardship. Disrupted production and transportation, declining consumer demand and volatile markets brought huge financial difficulties, even leading to the permanent closure of many farms. We show that the extent of the damage experienced during the first months of COVID-19 was a consequence of how interconnected stakeholders and businesses are across the poultry sector. For example, a shift in consumer demand in live bird markets has ripple effects that impact the price of goods and puts pressure on traders, middlemen, farmers, and input suppliers alike. We show how this interconnectedness across all levels of the poultry industry in Bangladesh makes it fragile and that this fragility is not a consequence of COVID-19 but has been revealed by it. This warrants long-term consideration beyond the immediate concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
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22
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Windsor PA. Progress With Livestock Welfare in Extensive Production Systems: Lessons From Australia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:674482. [PMID: 34422941 PMCID: PMC8377471 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.674482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The extensive livestock production industries are vital to the national economy of Australia. Continuing improvements to extensively-raised livestock welfare is desirable, necessary and in some situations mandatory, if the social license for animal sourced food and fiber production is to continue sustainably. However, meeting increasingly high welfare standards is challenging. The changing climate in this millennium, has seen the occurrence of two of the most severe drought periods on record in Australia, resulting in complex welfare issues arising from unforeseen disease, trade and environmental catastrophes. The onset of the first drought coincided with an uncontrolled epidemic of ovine paratuberculosis. It ended just prior to a temporary ban on live export of tropical cattle to Indonesia that induced a major market failure and led to severe morbidity and mortality on some beef properties. The second drought period progressed in severity and culminated in the most extreme bushfires recorded, causing unprecedented levels of mortality, morbidity and suffering in farmed animals and wildlife. Temperature extremes have also caused periodic heat-associated or cold-induced hyopthermia losses, requiring increased vigilance and careful management to reduce both temperature-induced stress during transport and the high ovine peri-parturient losses traditionally observed in extensive sheep farming. Several issues remain controversial, including surgical mulesing of wool sheep to manage flystrike, and the continuing live export trade of sheep and cattle. However, in reviewing the increasingly complex welfare challenges for the extensive livestock population industries that are export trade dependent and remain vulnerable to welfare activism, it appears progress has been made. These include development of prescribed livestock welfare Standards and Guidelines and the introduction of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) to address export concerns. Further, the sheep mulesing crisis led to improved producer welfare attitudes and practices, including pain management during aversive husbandry procedures that is now occurring globally. Finally, innovations in animal welfare surveillance and assessment, are additional encouraging signs that suggest improving change management of extensive farm animal welfare is occurring that provides lessons well-beyond Australian shores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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23
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Ekstrand K, Flanagan AJ, Lin IE, Vejseli B, Cole A, Lally AP, Morris RL, Morgan KN. Animal Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the Welfare of Animals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2044. [PMID: 34359172 PMCID: PMC8300090 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The accelerated pace of research into Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) necessitates periodic summaries of current research. The present paper reviews virus susceptibilities in species with frequent human contact, and factors that are best predictors of virus susceptibility. Species reviewed were those in contact with humans through entertainment, pet, or agricultural trades, and for whom reports (either anecdotal or published) exist regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or the resulting disease state COVID-19. Available literature was searched using an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted engine, as well as via common databases, such as Web of Science and Medline. The present review focuses on susceptibility and transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and polymorphisms in transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) that contribute to species differences. Dogs and pigs appear to have low susceptibility, while ferrets, mink, some hamster species, cats, and nonhuman primates (particularly Old World species) have high susceptibility. Precautions may therefore be warranted in interactions with such species, and more selectivity practiced when choosing appropriate species to serve as models for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J. Flanagan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA;
| | - Ilyan E. Lin
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Brendon Vejseli
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Allicyn Cole
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
| | - Anna P. Lally
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
| | - Robert L. Morris
- Department of Biology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (I.E.L.); (B.V.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Kathleen N. Morgan
- Program in Neuroscience, Wheaton College, Norton, MA 02766, USA; (A.C.); (A.P.L.)
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24
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Wernli D, Clausin M, Antulov-Fantulin N, Berezowski J, Biller-Andorno N, Blanchet K, Böttcher L, Burton-Jeangros C, Escher G, Flahault A, Fukuda K, Helbing D, Jaffé PD, Søgaard Jørgensen P, Kaspiarovich Y, Krishnakumar J, Lawrence RJ, Lee K, Léger A, Levrat N, Martischang R, Morel CM, Pittet D, Stauffer M, Tediosi F, Vanackere F, Vassalli JD, Wolff G, Young O. Building a multisystemic understanding of societal resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006794. [PMID: 34301677 PMCID: PMC8300552 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current global systemic crisis reveals how globalised societies are unprepared to face a pandemic. Beyond the dramatic loss of human life, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered widespread disturbances in health, social, economic, environmental and governance systems in many countries across the world. Resilience describes the capacities of natural and human systems to prevent, react to and recover from shocks. Societal resilience to the current COVID-19 pandemic relates to the ability of societies in maintaining their core functions while minimising the impact of the pandemic and other societal effects. Drawing on the emerging evidence about resilience in health, social, economic, environmental and governance systems, this paper delineates a multisystemic understanding of societal resilience to COVID-19. Such an understanding provides the foundation for an integrated approach to build societal resilience to current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Wernli
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mia Clausin
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - John Berezowski
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Biller-Andorno
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva and Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Böttcher
- Computational Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Gérard Escher
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Keiji Fukuda
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dirk Helbing
- Computational Social Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philip D Jaffé
- Interfaculty Center for Children's Rights Studies, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Søgaard Jørgensen
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm, Sweden
- Global Economic Dynamics and the Biosphere, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuliya Kaspiarovich
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jaya Krishnakumar
- Institute of Economics and Econometrics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roderick John Lawrence
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, Geneva School of Social Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kelley Lee
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anaïs Léger
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Levrat
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Law, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Romain Martischang
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chantal M Morel
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Didier Pittet
- Infection Control Programme, University of Geneva Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maxime Stauffer
- Geneva Science Policy Interface, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Simon Institute for Longterm Governance, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Flore Vanackere
- Geneva Transformative Governance Lab, Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Dominique Vassalli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- International Institute for the Rights of the Child, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Gaélane Wolff
- Global Studies Institute, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oran Young
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
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25
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The Impact of COVID-19 on the Working Equid Community: Responses from 1530 Individuals Accessing NGO Support in 14 Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051363. [PMID: 34064832 PMCID: PMC8151231 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was declared on 11 March 2020. The working equid community includes some of the world's most marginalised people, who rely on animals for their daily lives and livelihoods. A cross-sectional study investigated the effects of COVID-19 on working equid communities, with the intention of developing methods for replication in future unprecedented events. A multi-language survey was developed, involving 38 predominantly closed questions, and carried out face-to-face, over telephone, or online. There were 1530 respondents from a population of individuals who received support from equid welfare projects across 14 low- or middle-income countries projects during November and December 2020. Overall, at the time of survey completion, 57% (875/1522) of respondents reported that their equids were working less, 76% (1130/1478) reported a decreased monthly income from equids, and 78% (1186/1519) reported a reduction in household income compared to pre-pandemic levels. Costs of equid upkeep remained the same for 58% (886/1519) of respondents and 68% (1034/1518) reported no change in the health of their equid. The potential long-term impacts on human and equid welfare due to reported financial insecurities necessitates monitoring. A One Welfare approach, involving collaboration with governments, humanitarian, and animal welfare non-governmental organisations is required to mitigate deep-rooted issues.
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26
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Abu Hatab A, Krautscheid L, Boqvist S. COVID-19, Livestock Systems and Food Security in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review of an Emerging Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:586. [PMID: 34064749 PMCID: PMC8151861 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we carried out a systematic literature review to document the emerging scientific knowledge about COVID-19 impact on livestock systems and food security in developing countries to identify gaps and possible avenues for future research undertakings. Specifically, we systematically reviewed 68 peer-reviewed articles extracted based on rigorous selection criteria from Scopus, PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases and published between December 2019 and February 2021. Our results reveal that livestock supply chains presented an important 'intermediary' pathway through which the pandemic affected various dimensions of food security in developing countries. Although the research response has been rapid in terms of both quantity and temporal succession, we find a highly suggestive disjunction in studies analyzing the interconnections between COVID-19 pandemic, livestock systems and food security in developing countries. With respect to the livestock supply chain, the bulk of the reviewed evidence focuses on production and consumption, whereas considerably less focus is given to the pandemic's impact on intermediaries within livestock chains, including traders, intermediaries and processors. The analysis of livestock supply chain resilience revolves predominantly around the 'absorbance' and 'recovery' phases of resilience, whereas only a small subset of the literature investigates actions taken by supply chain actors to 'plan' or to 'adapt' livestock systems in order to reduce their vulnerability and enhance their overall resilience. Furthermore, food security has often been narrowly defined, with the majority of articles focusing on 'availability' and 'accessibility' to food due to the pandemic, and other dimensions of food security, including utilization, stability and sustainability, have been widely neglected. Based on our findings, we recommend future research to examine the dynamics of propagation of COVID-19 impact through livestock supply chains in order to develop more targeted interventions that enhance the capacity of developing countries to cope with this and future disruptions and mitigate their food insecurity outcomes. To this end, more holistic, integrated and resilience-based approaches are much recommended to recognize the complex nature of livestock systems in developing countries and to address the multifaceted and widespread effects of COVID-19 on food security channeled through livestock chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assem Abu Hatab
- Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Economics & Rural Development, Arish University, 455 11 Arish, Egypt
| | - Lena Krautscheid
- Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Sofia Boqvist
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
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27
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Ijaz M, Yar MK, Badar IH, Ali S, Islam MS, Jaspal MH, Hayat Z, Sardar A, Ullah S, Guevara-Ruiz D. Meat Production and Supply Chain Under COVID-19 Scenario: Current Trends and Future Prospects. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:660736. [PMID: 34026895 PMCID: PMC8137951 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.660736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted meat production, supply chain, and meat prices that caused a severe socio-economic crisis worldwide. Initially, meat and meat products' prices increased due to less production and increased demand because of panic buying. Whereas, later on, both meat production and demand were significantly decreased due to lockdown restrictions and lower purchasing power of the consumers that results in a decrease in meat prices. In early April 2020, meat packing facilities started to shut down due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus among workers. Furthermore, meat producers and processors faced difficulty in harvesting and shipment of the products due to lockdown situations, decrease in labor force, restrictions in movement of animals within and across the country and change in legislation of local and international export market. These conditions adversely impacted the meat industry due to decrease in meat production, processing and distribution facilities. It is suggested that the integration among all the meat industry stakeholders is quite essential for the sustainability of the industry's supply chain to cope with such devastating conditions the future may hold. This review aimed to discuss different aspects of the meat industry and supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic and proposed some future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muawuz Ijaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Jhang, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Kashif Yar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Jhang, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Meat Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Hussain Badar
- Department of Meat Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sher Ali
- Department of Meat Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Hayat Jaspal
- Department of Meat Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Production and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Hayat
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Jhang, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Aneeqa Sardar
- Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sana Ullah
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Denise Guevara-Ruiz
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
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28
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Butler D, Upton L, Mullan S. Capturing Beneficial Changes to Racehorse Veterinary Care Implemented during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1251. [PMID: 33926093 PMCID: PMC8145652 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organisation called for countries to take urgent and aggressive action against a global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Restrictions were introduced in many countries to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and ultimately deaths. Such restrictions have been colloquially referred to as "lockdown". Anecdotal evidence of the beneficial practices that facilitated safe veterinary treatment and equine care had been reported together with an increase in the use of electronic communication and information technologies during the first "lockdown". Thus, the aim of this qualitative study was to capture any beneficial changes to racehorse veterinary care that were implemented during the first "lockdown" period in the UK that lasted from 23 March to 12 May 2020. Ten equine veterinary surgeons who primarily treat racehorses and 10 racehorse trainers were interviewed either by telephone or by videoconferencing. After using thematic analysis from a critical realist social constructionist perspective, four themes were identified. These were, firstly, according to our participants, the trainer-vet relationship is predicated upon a good working relationship, secondly, there had been little or no change in the vet-trainer relationship during the first "lockdown" period. Thirdly, when COVID-19 restrictions were in force, more remote consultations took place using images or videos as well as telephone consults, viewed favourably by both trainers and vets, and finally, intermittent connectivity and poor-quality images and videos limited their effectiveness. In order to fully benefit from the positive changes employed by some vets and trainers in their working relationships, we recommend that rural connectivity is prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Butler
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK;
| | - Lois Upton
- British Horseracing Authority, 75 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LS, UK;
| | - Siobhan Mullan
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK;
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29
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Quain A, Mullan S, McGreevy PD, Ward MP. Frequency, Stressfulness and Type of Ethically Challenging Situations Encountered by Veterinary Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:647108. [PMID: 33912607 PMCID: PMC8071942 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.647108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethically challenging situations (ECS) are common in veterinary settings and can lead to moral stress. However, there is no published information about how a global pandemic affects the frequency and types of ECS encountered by veterinary team members. An online mixed methods survey was developed to determine the frequency, stressfulness and types of ECS experienced by veterinarians, animal health technicians and veterinary nurses since the advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Responses from 540 veterinary team members from 22 countries were analyzed. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the median frequency of ECS encountered by respondents increased from several times per month to several times per week (Spearman Rank Correlation 0.619, P < 0.0001). The most common ECS (encountered at least several times per week) were: challenging decisions about how to proceed when clients have limited finances (64.4%), conflict between personal well-being and professional role (64.3%), conflict between the interests of clients and the interests of their animals (59.6%). These were followed by challenging decisions about what counts as an essential veterinary service (48.1%); conflict between well-being of family/household members and professional role (46.3%); and challenging decisions about whether to perform non-contact veterinary visits (46.3%). The most stressful ECS (reported to be very or maximally stressful) were: conflicts between the interests of clients and the interests of their animals (50.2%), other (42.9%), conflicts between the interests of my employer and my own interests (42.5%), challenging decisions about how to proceed when clients have limited finances (39.4%), conflict between personal well-being and professional role (38.0%), and conflict between well-being of family/household members and professional role (33.6%). Thematic analysis of free-text responses revealed biosecurity, client financial limitations, animal welfare, working conditions, and client relations as prominent themes. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study to describe the impacts of the pandemic on ECS experienced by veterinary teams globally. It identifies an increase in the frequency of ECS associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and a number of stressors unique to the pandemic. We identified a number of resources and strategies that may help veterinary team members navigate ethical challenges that may emerge in their daily work, as well as in the context of global crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Quain
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Siobhan Mullan
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
- University of College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul D. McGreevy
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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30
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Grandin T. Methods to Prevent Future Severe Animal Welfare Problems Caused by COVID-19 in the Pork Industry. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030830. [PMID: 33809412 PMCID: PMC8002123 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the U.S., the most severe animal welfare problems caused by COViD-19 were in the pork industry. Thousands of pigs had to be destroyed on the farm due to reduced slaughter capacity caused by ill workers. In the future, both short-term and long-term remedies will be needed. In the short-term, a portable electrocution unit that uses scientifically validated electrical parameters for inducing instantaneous unconsciousness, would be preferable to some of the poor killing methods. A second alternative would be converting the slaughter houses to carcass production. This would require fewer people to process the same number of pigs. The pandemic revealed the fragility of large centralized supply chains. A more distributed supply chain with smaller abattoirs would be more robust and less prone to disruption, but the cost of pork would be greater. Small abattoirs can coexist with large slaughter facilities if they process pigs for specialized premium markets such as high welfare pork. The pandemic also had a detrimental effect on animal welfare inspection and third party auditing programs run by large meat buyers. Most in-person audits in the slaughter plants were cancelled and audits were done by video. Video audits should never completely replace in-person audits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temple Grandin
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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31
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Fronteira I, Sidat M, Magalhães JP, de Barros FPC, Delgado AP, Correia T, Daniel-Ribeiro CT, Ferrinho P. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A syndemic perspective. One Health 2021; 12:100228. [PMID: 33614885 PMCID: PMC7887445 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected communities, populations, and countries throughout the world. As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic developed, the extent to which the disease interacted with already existing endemic, non-communicable and infectious diseases became evident, hence deeply influencing health outcomes. Additionally, a synergistic effect has been demonstrated also with socio-economic, cultural, and contextual determinants of health which seem to contribute to poorer health and accumulating social disadvantages. In this essay, using as a starting point the syndemic theory that translates the cumulative and intertwined factors between different epidemics, we argue that the SARS-CoV-2 is a one health issue of a syndemic nature and that the failure to acknowledge this contributes to weakened policy-making processes and public health responses and ineffective health policies and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Fronteira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal,Corresponding author.
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Community Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique
| | - João Paulo Magalhães
- Public Health Unit, Group of Primary Care Centers of Porto Oriental, North Health Regional Administration, Ministry of Health, Portugal
| | | | - António Pedro Delgado
- University of Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago Correia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Malária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro and Centro de Pesquisa Diagnóstico e Treinamento em Malária, Fiocruz e Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Brazil
| | - Paulo Ferrinho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
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32
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García Pinillos R. One welfare impacts of COVID-19 - A summary of key highlights within the one welfare framework. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021; 236:105262. [PMID: 33612900 PMCID: PMC7885704 DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
One Welfare describes the interconnection between animal welfare, human wellbeing and their physical and social environment. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of COVID-19 and emerged as a human pathogen in 2019 although is thought to have a zoonotic source. The original wildlife reservoir and any potential intermediate hosts have not yet been identified. The combination of the virus zoonotic condition together with the impacts of disease control measures has exposed clear interconnections between animals, people and their environment from both a health and a welfare perspective. The One Welfare Framework comprises five sections that can help understand the different One Welfare levels on which the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world. This paper uses the One Welfare Framework to provide an overview of examples, within each of the five sections, where evidence is and/or can be made available to document COVID-19 impacts on One Welfare. The paper identifies a number of areas where further research and evidence gathering is required to better understand the different One Welfare impacts. Based on evidence summarised in this paper the author recommends that those responsible for managing the COVID-19 impacts and for planning the future recovery phase of the pandemic should consider adopting a holistic approach, including both health and welfare, by adopting & One Health, One Welfare & policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca García Pinillos
- One Welfare C.I.C, Kemp House, Kemp House 160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
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33
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Johnson JC, Johnson PA. Rigorizing COVID-19 Blind-Spotting for Competent Political Leadership and Public Health Cognizance. J Glob Infect Dis 2021; 13:62-63. [PMID: 33911460 PMCID: PMC8054783 DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_447_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John C Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Peter A Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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