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Dawood M, Rahman AU, Rahman G, Nadeem B, Miandad M. Geo-statistical analysis of climatic variability and trend detection in the Hindu Kush region, North Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:4. [PMID: 38044361 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper is an effort of geo-statistical analysis of rainfall variability and trend detection in the eastern Hindu Kush region located in the north-west of Pakistan. The eastern section of the HK region lies in the western part of Pakistan. Exploring rainfall variability and quantifying its trend and magnitude is one of the key indicators among all climatic parameters. In the study area, Pakistan Meteorology Department (PMD) has established seven meteorological stations: Drosh, Chitral, Dir, Timergara, Saidu Sharif, Malam Jabba, and Kalam. Daily, mean monthly, and mean annual rainfall time series data for all the met stations were geo-statistically analyzed in the GIS environment for detecting monthly and annual variability in rainfall, variability, and trend detection. Mann-Kendall (MK) and Theil-Sen's slope (TSS) statistical tests were applied to rainfall data. Initially, the MK test was applied for detection of trends and TSS test was used to quantify the change in magnitude. The results indicate that the rainfall variability in intensity and trend pattern detection. The analysis confirms that an extremely significant rainfall trend in the case of mean annual rainfall was predicted at Dir and Malam Jabba meteorological stations. Opposite to this, at Kalam and Chitral stations, a less significant rainfall trend was noted. In a similar context, no prominent rainfall trend has been found at Drosh, Timergara, and Saidu Sharif meteorological stations. Likewise, using TSS, an extremely negative variation in the magnitude of rainfall was verified at Kalam and Malam Jabba. However, a noteworthy positive change in rainfall magnitude has been noted at Dir and Saidu Sharif meteorological stations. The findings of this research have the potential to assist the decision and policy makers and academicians to think truly and conduct more scientific research studies to mitigate climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Dawood
- Department of Geography, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan.
| | - Atta-Ur Rahman
- Department of Geography, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ghani Rahman
- Department of Geography, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Basit Nadeem
- Department of Geography, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
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Barja I, Navarro-Castilla Á, Ortiz-Jiménez L, España Á, Hinojosa R, Sánchez-Sotomayor D, Iglesias Á, España J, Rubio-Sánchez S, Martín-Romero S, Vielva J, Horcajada-Sánchez F. Wild Ungulates Constitute the Basis of the Diet of the Iberian Wolf in a Recently Recolonized Area: Wild Boar and Roe Deer as Key Species for Its Conservation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3364. [PMID: 37958119 PMCID: PMC10647792 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) is recolonizing historical distribution areas after decades of absence. As in other human-dominated landscapes, finding a balance to protect this species by favoring recolonization and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts is a challenge. Since wolves are often generalist opportunistic predators, we studied their diet composition in central Spain to evaluate the consumption of domestic ungulates and provide reliable data that could help local authorities to deal with the current wolf-cattle ranchers conflict and coexistence. Diet composition (% prey occurrence, % prey ingested biomass) was analyzed through the identification of prey hairs present in 671 scats collected between 2017 and 2021. The wolves fed more on wild ungulates (82% occurrence) than domestic ones (18%). Wild boar (Sus scrofa, 44% occurrence) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, 35%) were the most consumed prey. The wolves positively selected these two species. The wolves' diets varied between seasons, years, and forest regions, but a diet based on wild ungulates predominated over domestic ones. Food niche breadth showed variations depending on seasons and years. Preserving the availability and diversity of wild ungulates may favor reducing livestock attacks and would be an achievable goal that would help to conserve this species and reduce conservation conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barja
- Unidad de Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Research Centre in Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Navarro-Castilla
- Unidad de Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Research Centre in Biodiversity and Global Change (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Ortiz-Jiménez
- Unidad de Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel España
- Unidad de Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Hinojosa
- SIGNATUR, Carretera de la Sierra, 45, Villavieja del Lozoya, 28739 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Sánchez-Sotomayor
- Unidad de Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángel Iglesias
- Unidad de Zoología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José España
- SIGNATUR, C/Asunción Castell, 22, 28739 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Rubio-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, TRAGSA, 28740 Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Martín-Romero
- Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, TRAGSA, 28740 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Vielva
- Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Vivienda y Agricultura, Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, 28740 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Horcajada-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación, Seguimiento y Evaluación del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, TRAGSA, 28740 Madrid, Spain
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Ehrlich M, Madden C, McBride DS, Nolting JM, Huey D, Kenney S, Wang Q, Saif LJ, Vlasova A, Dennis P, Lombardi D, Gibson S, McLaine A, Lauterbach S, Yaxley P, Winston JA, Diaz-Campos D, Pesapane R, Flint M, Flint J, Junge R, Faith SA, Bowman AS, Hale VL. Lack of SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Detection among a Convenience Sampling of Ohio Wildlife, Companion, and Agricultural Animals, 2020-2021. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2554. [PMID: 37627345 PMCID: PMC10451347 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in humans in late 2019 and spread rapidly, becoming a global pandemic. A zoonotic spillover event from animal to human was identified as the presumed origin. Subsequently, reports began emerging regarding spillback events resulting in SARS-CoV-2 infections in multiple animal species. These events highlighted critical links between animal and human health while also raising concerns about the development of new reservoir hosts and potential viral mutations that could alter the virulence and transmission or evade immune responses. Characterizing susceptibility, prevalence, and transmission between animal species became a priority to help protect animal and human health. In this study, we coalesced a large team of investigators and community partners to surveil for SARS-CoV-2 in domestic and free-ranging animals around Ohio between May 2020 and August 2021. We focused on species with known or predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, highly congregated or medically compromised animals (e.g., shelters, barns, veterinary hospitals), and animals that had frequent contact with humans (e.g., pets, agricultural animals, zoo animals, or animals in wildlife hospitals). This included free-ranging deer (n = 76 individuals), free-ranging mink (n = 57), multiple species of bats (n = 59), and other wildlife in addition to domestic cats (n = 275) and pigs (n = 184). In total, we tested 792 individual animals (34 species) via rRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was not detected in any of the tested animals despite a major peak in human SARS-CoV-2 cases that occurred in Ohio subsequent to the peak of animal samplings. Importantly, we did not test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this study, which limited our ability to assess exposure. While the results of this study were negative, the surveillance effort was critical and remains key to understanding, predicting, and preventing the re-emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in humans or animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Ehrlich
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Christopher Madden
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Dillon S. McBride
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Jacqueline M. Nolting
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Devra Huey
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Scott Kenney
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Qiuhong Wang
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Linda J. Saif
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Anastasia Vlasova
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center for Food Animal Health, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Patricia Dennis
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
- Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland, OH 44144, USA
| | | | | | - Alexis McLaine
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarah Lauterbach
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Page Yaxley
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jenessa A. Winston
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dubraska Diaz-Campos
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Risa Pesapane
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mark Flint
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Jaylene Flint
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Randy Junge
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Powell, OH 43065, USA
| | - Seth A. Faith
- Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew S. Bowman
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
| | - Vanessa L. Hale
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA (A.V.)
- Center of Microbiome Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Shi R, Zhang Y, Wang C. Dynamic Analysis and Optimal Control of Fractional Order African Swine Fever Models with Media Coverage. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2252. [PMID: 37508030 PMCID: PMC10376020 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever is a highly contagious virus that causes pig disease. Its onset process is short, but the mortality rate is as high as 100%. There are still no effective drugs that have been developed to treat African swine fever, and prevention and control measures are currently the best means to avoid infection in pig herds. In this paper, two fractional order mathematical models with media coverage are constructed to describe the transmission of African swine fever. The first model is a basic model with media coverage, and no control measures are considered. For this model, the reproduction number is obtained by using the next generation matrix method. Then, the sufficient conditions for the existence and stability of two equilibriums are obtained. Based on the first model, the second model is established incorporating two control measures. By using Pontryagin's maximal principle, the optimal control solution is derived. After that, some numerical simulations are performed for the two models to verify the theoretical results. Both the qualitative analysis and numerical results indicate that timely media coverage combined with disinfection control measures is crucial to preventing the spread of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Shi
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Yihong Zhang
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Cuihong Wang
- School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan 030031, China
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Choi JH, Namgung H, Lim SJ, Kim EK, Oh Y, Park YC. Predicting Suitable Areas for African Swine Fever Outbreaks in Wild Boars in South Korea and Their Implications for Managing High-Risk Pig Farms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2148. [PMID: 37443946 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars, with no effective vaccine or treatment available. In South Korea, extensive measures have been implemented to prevent ASF transmission between wild boars and ASF spillover from wild boars to pig farm sectors, including the search for ASF-infected carcasses in mountainous forests and the installation of fences across wide areas of these forests. To determine the priority search range for infected carcasses and establish pig farm-centered quarantine measures, it is necessary to predict the specific path of ASF outbreaks in wild boars and identify pig farms at high risk of ASF spillover from wild boars. Here, we aimed to predict suitable areas and geographical paths for ASF outbreaks in wild boars using the MaxEnt model and shortest-path betweenness centrality analysis. The analysis identified a high frequency of ASF outbreaks in areas with a suitability value ≥0.4 on the suitability map and in areas within a 1.8 km range from the path on the shortest-path map, indicating these areas were high-risk zones for ASF outbreaks. Among the 5063 pig farms analyzed, 37 were in the high-risk zone on the suitability map, 499 were in the high-risk zone on the shortest-path map, and 9 were in both risk zones. Of the 51 pig farm sectors with a dense distribution of pig farms (kernel density ≥ 8), 25 sectors were in contact with or partially overlapped the high risk zone on the suitability map, 18 sectors were located within the high risk zone on the shortest-path map, and 14 sectors were located within both risk zones. These findings aided in determining the priority range for searches for wild boar carcasses and enabled the establishment of preemptive ASF prevention measures around the pig farming sectors that are at risk of ASF spillover from wild boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hui Choi
- College of Forest & Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Namgung
- Ecological Survey Division, Korea National Park Research Institute, Wonju 26441, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Jin Lim
- College of Forest & Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Kyeong Kim
- Ecological Survey Division, Korea National Park Research Institute, Wonju 26441, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonsu Oh
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Chul Park
- College of Forest & Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
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Marchetti C, Mastrogiuseppe L, Vanin S, Cecchi R, Gherardi M. On-Site Inspection Form in Veterinary Cases: The Parma Veterinary Form. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2064. [PMID: 37443862 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The on-site inspection of the scene of an animal cadaver is crucial for a correct interpretation of the autopsy results, to determine the manner, method, and cause of death. This information plays a crucial role in the control of public health including the prevention of zoonoses. It is also fundamental for the recognition and the contrast of crimes against animals and to animal abuse phenomena, considered an alert sign of an anti-social or violent behavior of humans. Today the best veterinary procedure requires an accurate collection of the evidence at the scene that can be then handed to experts belonging to other forensic disciplines for further evaluation and data interpretation. In this paper authors suggest a form aiming to facilitate either the on-site and the autopsy activities, as a guarantee of the quality of the forensic process starting from the discovery scene up to the reconstruction of the case. Essential is training of non-medical personnel who often represent the first responder to be present on the scene. The form is inspired by the interdisciplinary form developed by the European Council of Legal Medicine and represents an initial tool to stimulate a multidisciplinary activity in close synergy with other forensic experts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Mastrogiuseppe
- Department of Prevention, Unit of Veterinary, Regional Health Unit of Molise, ASREM, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Rossana Cecchi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Forensic Pathology, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Mirella Gherardi
- Department of Prevention of the Local Health Authority, SC Medicina Legale AUSL Valle D'Aosta, 11100 Aosta, Italy
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Miguel-Batuecas A, Fuertes-Recuero M, Díaz-Regañón D, Ortiz-Díez G, Revuelta L, De Pablo-Moreno JA. Animal Research in Spain: A Study of Public Perception and Attitudes. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2039. [PMID: 37370549 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the time of Hippocrates in the 4th century BC, animal research has been extensively used for various purposes up to the present day. However, the use of animals for research has also been controversial for a long time. We report the findings of a public, online questionnaire-based survey designed to assess the opinions of a sample of Spanish society regarding animal research. Demographic data and opinions were obtained from 806 respondents. The results indicated a high level of acceptance of animal research (73.1%). However, certain factors, such as completing the questionnaire immediately after a reading negative media report (OR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.64-3.54; p < 0.001), being a woman (OR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.24-2.53; p = 0.002) or having a non-scientific background (OR = 2.47; 95%CI: 1.76-3.47; p < 0.001), were associated with a tendency towards a more negative opinion. The opinions seemed to be influenced by gender, education level and by protest incidents reported in the media. Our results also indicate that a lot of information regarding animal welfare, such as care and handling protocols, along with legislation was unknown to individuals. Further, a growing popularity of companion species and opposition to animal experimentation for non-biomedical purposes were reflected in the responses obtained. The use of animals for research purposes emerged as a sensitive social issue in terms of concerns about animal ethics and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Miguel-Batuecas
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Fuertes-Recuero
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Díaz-Regañón
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo Ortiz-Díez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Revuelta
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A De Pablo-Moreno
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Makovska I, Dhaka P, Chantziaras I, Pessoa J, Dewulf J. The Role of Wildlife and Pests in the Transmission of Pathogenic Agents to Domestic Pigs: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1830. [PMID: 37889698 PMCID: PMC10251848 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild animals and pests are important reservoirs and vectors of pathogenic agents that can affect domestic pigs. Rapid globalization, anthropogenic factors, and increasing trends toward outdoor pig production facilitate the contact between domestic pigs and wildlife. However, knowledge on the transmission pathways between domestic pigs and the aforementioned target groups is limited. The present systematic review aims to collect and analyze information on the roles of different wild animal species and pests in the spread of pathogens to domesticated pigs. Overall, 1250 peer-reviewed manuscripts published in English between 2010 and 2022 were screened through the PRISMA framework using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 84 studies reporting possible transmission routes of different pathogenic agents were included. A majority of the studies (80%) focused on the role of wild boars in the transmission of pathogenic agents to pig farms. Studies involving the role of rodents (7%), and deer (6%) were the next most frequent, whereas the role of insects (5%), wild carnivores (5%), wild birds (4%), cats (2%), and badgers (1%) were less available. Only 3.5% of studies presented evidence-based transmission routes from wildlife to domestic pigs. Approximately 65.5% of the included studies described possible risks/risk factors for pathogens' transmission based on quantitative data, whereas 31% of the articles only presented a hypothesis or qualitative analysis of possible transmission routes or risk factors and/or contact rates. Risk factors identified include outdoor farms or extensive systems and farms with a low level of biosecurity as well as wildlife behavior; environmental conditions; human activities and movements; fomites, feed (swill feeding), water, carcasses, and bedding materials. We recommend the strengthening of farm biosecurity frameworks with special attention to wildlife-associated parameters, especially in extensive rearing systems and high-risk zones as it was repeatedly found to be an important measure to prevent pathogen transmission to domestic pigs. In addition, there is a need to focus on effective risk-based wildlife surveillance mechanisms and to raise awareness among farmers about existing wildlife-associated risk factors for disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Makovska
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (P.D.); (I.C.); (J.P.); (J.D.)
| | - Pankaj Dhaka
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (P.D.); (I.C.); (J.P.); (J.D.)
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana 141004, India
| | - Ilias Chantziaras
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (P.D.); (I.C.); (J.P.); (J.D.)
| | - Joana Pessoa
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (P.D.); (I.C.); (J.P.); (J.D.)
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (P.D.); (I.C.); (J.P.); (J.D.)
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