1
|
TEH J, Soh B, Selvarajah L, Moore D, Moloney B, O'Hara P, Casserly L. POS-347 PREVALENCE OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN THE MID WEST OF IRELAND AND CANDIDACY FOR TOLVAPTAN THERAPY. Kidney Int Rep 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.03.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
2
|
Hii C, Dhand NK, Toribio JALML, Taylor MR, Wiethoelter A, Schembri N, Sawford K, Kung N, Moloney B, Wright T, Field H, Schemann K. Information delivery and the veterinarian-horse owner relationship in the context of Hendra virus in Australia. Prev Vet Med 2020; 179:104988. [PMID: 32339964 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Hendra virus (HeV) is an emerging bat-borne virus endemic in Australia that can be transmitted from horses to humans and has a high fatality rate for horses and people. Controversy surrounding HeV risk mitigation measures have strained the veterinarian-horse owner relationship. This study aimed to characterise the veterinarian-horse owner relationship in general and also in the context of HeV by analysing data derived from the 'Horse Owners and Hendra Virus: A Longitudinal Study to Evaluate Risk' (HHALTER) study. Australian horse owners were recruited via emails, social media and word-of-mouth for a series of five surveys that were administered online at six-monthly intervals over a two-year period to capture baseline knowledge, attitudes and practices of horse owners regarding HeV and any changes over time. In the current study, descriptive analyses of information sources were performed to understand the use of veterinarians as a HeV information source (Surveys 1 and 5; n = 1195 and n = 617). Ordinal logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with the frequency of horse owner contact with a veterinarian (Survey 3; n = 636). This study found a relative increase over the study period in the proportion of horse owners who had used veterinarians as HeV information source in the last 12 months (from 51.9% to 88.3%). Owning more horses, being older, having a 'duty of care' for other people working with horses and deriving the main income from horse related business were factors associated with more frequent veterinary contact. Results suggest that traditional information sources such as workshops, information packs and risk training are likely to be used by horse owners. Smart phone applications should be considered for use in the future and require further investigation for horse health communication. The findings of this study may be helpful in optimising strategies for horse health information delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charis Hii
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Navneet K Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann L M L Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melanie R Taylor
- Centre for Health Research, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Schembri
- Centre for Health Research, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Sawford
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nina Kung
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, Australia
| | - Therese Wright
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, Australia
| | - Hume Field
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, USA; The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kathrin Schemann
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barnes B, Scott A, Hernandez-Jover M, Toribio JA, Moloney B, Glass K. Modelling high pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in the commercial poultry industry. Theor Popul Biol 2019; 126:59-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
4
|
Glass K, Barnes B, Scott A, Toribio JA, Moloney B, Singh M, Hernandez-Jover M. Modelling the impact of biosecurity practices on the risk of high pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in Australian commercial chicken farms. Prev Vet Med 2019; 165:8-14. [PMID: 30851932 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
As of 2018, Australia has experienced seven outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry since 1976, all of which involved chickens. There is concern that increases in free-range farming could heighten HPAI outbreak risk due to the potential for greater contact between chickens and wild birds that are known to carry low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). We use mathematical models to assess the effect of a shift to free-range farming on the risk of HPAI outbreaks of H5 or H7 in the Australian commercial chicken industry, and the potential for intervention strategies to reduce this risk. We find that a shift of 25% of conventional indoor farms to free-range farming practices would result in a 6-7% increase in the risk of a HPAI outbreak. Current practices to treat water are highly effective, reducing the risk of outbreaks by 25-28% compared to no water treatment. Halving wild bird presence in feed storage areas could reduce risk by 16-19% while halving wild bird access of potential bridge-species to sheds could reduce outbreak risk by 23-25%, and relatively small improvements in biosecurity measures could entirely compensate for increased risks due to the increasing proportion of free-range farms in the industry. The short production cycle and cleaning practices for chicken meat sheds considerably reduce the risk that an introduced low pathogenic avian influenza virus is maintained in the flock until it is detected as HPAI through increased mortality of chickens. These findings help explain HPAI outbreak history in Australia and suggest practical changes in biosecurity practices that could reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Glass
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Australia.
| | - B Barnes
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Australia
| | - A Scott
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - J-A Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - B Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Australia
| | - M Singh
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - M Hernandez-Jover
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scott AB, Toribio JA, Singh M, Groves P, Barnes B, Glass K, Moloney B, Black A, Hernandez-Jover M. Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Exposure Risk Assessment in Australian Commercial Chicken Farms. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:68. [PMID: 29755987 PMCID: PMC5932326 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the pathways of exposure to low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus among Australian commercial chicken farms and estimated the likelihood of this exposure occurring using scenario trees and a stochastic modeling approach following the World Organization for Animal Health methodology for risk assessment. Input values for the models were sourced from scientific literature and an on-farm survey conducted during 2015 and 2016 among Australian commercial chicken farms located in New South Wales and Queensland. Outputs from the models revealed that the probability of a first LPAI virus exposure to a chicken in an Australian commercial chicken farms from one wild bird at any point in time is extremely low. A comparative assessment revealed that across the five farm types (non-free-range meat chicken, free-range meat chicken, cage layer, barn layer, and free range layer farms), free-range layer farms had the highest probability of exposure (7.5 × 10-4; 5% and 95%, 5.7 × 10-4-0.001). The results indicate that the presence of a large number of wild birds on farm is required for exposure to occur across all farm types. The median probability of direct exposure was highest in free-range farm types (5.6 × 10-4 and 1.6 × 10-4 for free-range layer and free-range meat chicken farms, respectively) and indirect exposure was highest in non-free-range farm types (2.7 × 10-4, 2.0 × 10-4, and 1.9 × 10-4 for non-free-range meat chicken, cage layer, and barn layer farms, respectively). The probability of exposure was found to be lowest in summer for all farm types. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the proportion of waterfowl among wild birds on the farm, the presence of waterfowl in the range and feed storage areas, and the prevalence of LPAI in wild birds are the most influential parameters for the probability of Australian commercial chicken farms being exposed to avian influenza (AI) virus. These results highlight the importance of ensuring good biosecurity on farms to minimize the risk of exposure to AI virus and the importance of continuous surveillance of LPAI prevalence including subtypes in wild bird populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bullanday Scott
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mini Singh
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Groves
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Belinda Barnes
- Quantitative Sciences, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kathryn Glass
- College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Black
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Hernandez-Jover
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scott AB, Singh M, Groves P, Hernandez-Jover M, Barnes B, Glass K, Moloney B, Black A, Toribio JA. Biosecurity practices on Australian commercial layer and meat chicken farms: Performance and perceptions of farmers. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195582. [PMID: 29668707 PMCID: PMC5906091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes the level of adoption of biosecurity practices performed on Australian commercial chicken meat and layer farms and farmer-perceived importance of these practices. On-farm interviews were conducted on 25 free range layer farms, nine cage layer farms, nine barn layer farms, six free range meat chicken farms and 15 barn meat chicken farms in the Sydney basin bioregion and South East Queensland. There was a high level of treatment of drinking water across all farm types; town water was the most common source. In general, meat chicken farms had a higher level of adoption of biosecurity practices than layer farms. Cage layer farms had the shortest median distance between sheds (7.75m) and between sheds and waterbodies (30m). Equipment sharing between sheds was performed on 43% of free range meat chicken farms compared to 92% of free range layer farms. There was little disinfection of this shared equipment across all farm types. Footbaths and visitor recording books were used by the majority of farms for all farm types except cage layer farms (25%). Wild birds in sheds were most commonly reported in free range meat chicken farms (73%). Dogs and cats were kept across all farm types, from 56% of barn layer farms to 89% of cage layer farms, and they had access to the sheds in the majority (67%) of cage layer farms and on the range in some free range layer farms (44%). Most biosecurity practices were rated on average as ‘very important’ by farmers. A logistic regression analysis revealed that for most biosecurity practices, performing a practice was significantly associated with higher perceived farmer importance of that biosecurity practice. These findings help identify farm types and certain biosecurity practices with low adoption levels. This information can aid decision-making on efforts used to improve adoption levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda Black
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Sydney, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Scott AB, Toribio JALML, Singh M, Groves P, Barnes B, Glass K, Moloney B, Black A, Hernandez-Jover M. Low- and High-Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 and H7 Spread Risk Assessment Within and Between Australian Commercial Chicken Farms. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:63. [PMID: 29686993 PMCID: PMC5900437 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study quantified and compared the probability of avian influenza (AI) spread within and between Australian commercial chicken farms via specified spread pathways using scenario tree mathematical modeling. Input values for the models were sourced from scientific literature, expert opinion, and a farm survey conducted during 2015 and 2016 on Australian commercial chicken farms located in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. Outputs from the models indicate that the probability of no establishment of infection in a shed is the most likely end-point after exposure and infection of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) in one chicken for all farm types (non-free range meat chicken, free range meat chicken, cage layer, barn layer, and free range layer farms). If LPAI infection is established in a shed, LPAI is more likely to spread to other sheds and beyond the index farm due to a relatively low probability of detection and reporting during LPAI infection compared to high-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection. Among farm types, the median probability for HPAI spread between sheds and between farms is higher for layer farms (0.0019, 0.0016, and 0.0031 for cage, barn, and free range layer, respectively) than meat chicken farms (0.00025 and 0.00043 for barn and free range meat chicken, respectively) due to a higher probability of mutation in layer birds, which relates to their longer production cycle. The pathway of LPAI spread between sheds with the highest average median probability was spread via equipment (0.015; 5-95%, 0.0058-0.036) and for HPAI spread between farms, the pathway with the highest average median probability was spread via egg trays (3.70 × 10-5; 5-95%, 1.47 × 10-6-0.00034). As the spread model did not explicitly consider volume and frequency of the spread pathways, these results provide a comparison of spread probabilities per pathway. These findings highlight the importance of performing biosecurity practices to limit spread of the AI virus. The models can be updated as new information on the mechanisms of the AI virus and on the volume and frequency of movements shed-to-shed and of movements between commercial chicken farms becomes available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bullanday Scott
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann L M L Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mini Singh
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Groves
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Belinda Barnes
- Quantitative Sciences, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kathryn Glass
- College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Black
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Hernandez-Jover
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia.,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scott AB, Singh M, Toribio JA, Hernandez-Jover M, Barnes B, Glass K, Moloney B, Lee A, Groves P. Correction: Comparisons of management practices and farm design on Australian commercial layer and meat chicken farms: Cage, barn and free range. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194086. [PMID: 29505606 PMCID: PMC5837182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188505.].
Collapse
|
9
|
Scott AB, Singh M, Toribio JA, Hernandez-Jover M, Barnes B, Glass K, Moloney B, Lee A, Groves P. Comparisons of management practices and farm design on Australian commercial layer and meat chicken farms: Cage, barn and free range. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188505. [PMID: 29166389 PMCID: PMC5699831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few published studies describing the unique management practices, farm design and housing characteristics of commercial meat chicken and layer farms in Australia. In particular, there has been a large expansion of free range poultry production in Australia in recent years, but limited information about this enterprise exists. This study aimed to describe features of Australian commercial chicken farms, with particular interest in free range farms, by conducting on-farm interviews of 25 free range layer farms, nine cage layer farms, nine barn layer farms, six free range meat chicken farms and 15 barn meat chicken farms in the Sydney basin bioregion and South East Queensland. Comparisons between the different enterprises (cage, barn and free range) were explored, including stocking densities, depopulation procedures, environmental control methods and sources of information for farmers. Additional information collected for free range farms include range size, range characteristics and range access. The median number of chickens per shed was greatest in free range meat chicken farms (31,058), followed by barn meat chicken (20,817), free range layer (10,713), barn layer (9,300) and cage layer farms (9,000). Sheds had cooling pads and tunnel ventilation in just over half of both barn and free range meat chicken farms (53%, n = 8) and was least common in free range layer farms (16%, n = 4). Range access in free range meat chicken farms was from sunrise to dark in the majority (93%, n = 14) of free range meat chicken farms. Over half of free range layer farms (56%, n = 14) granted range access at a set time each morning; most commonly between 9:00 to 10.00am (86%, n = 12), and chickens were placed back inside sheds when it was dusk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Bullanday Scott
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Mini Singh
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marta Hernandez-Jover
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Charles Sturt University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Belinda Barnes
- Quantitative Sciences, Department of Agriculture, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kathryn Glass
- College of Medicine, Biology and Environment, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Lee
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Groves
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wiethoelter AK, Schembri N, Dhand NK, Sawford K, Taylor MR, Moloney B, Wright T, Kung N, Field HE, Toribio JALML. Australian horse owners and their biosecurity practices in the context of Hendra virus. Prev Vet Med 2017; 148:28-36. [PMID: 29157371 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, outbreaks of exotic as well as newly emerging infectious diseases have highlighted the importance of biosecurity for the Australian horse industry. As the first potentially fatal zoonosis transmissible from horses to humans in Australia, Hendra virus has emphasised the need to incorporate sound hygiene and general biosecurity practices into day-to-day horse management. Recommended measures are widely publicised, but implementation is at the discretion of the individual owner. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine current levels of biosecurity of horse owners and to identify factors influencing the uptake of practices utilising data from an online survey. Level of biosecurity (low, medium, high), as determined by horse owners' responses to a set of questions on the frequency of various biosecurity practices performed around healthy (9 items) and sick horses (10 items), was used as a composite outcome variable in ordinal logistic regression analyses. The majority of horse owners surveyed were female (90%), from the states of Queensland (45%) or New South Wales (37%), and were involved in either mainly competitive/equestrian sports (37%) or recreational horse activities (35%). Seventy-five percent of owners indicated that they follow at least one-third of the recommended practices regularly when handling their horses, resulting in medium to high levels of biosecurity. Main factors associated with a higher level of biosecurity were high self-rated standard of biosecurity, access to personal protective equipment, absence of flying foxes in the local area, a good sense of control over Hendra virus risk, likelihood of discussing a sick horse with a veterinarian and likelihood of suspecting Hendra virus in a sick horse. Comparison of the outcome variable with the self-rated standard of biosecurity showed that over- as well as underestimation occurred. This highlights the need for continuous communication and education to enhance awareness and understanding of what biosecurity is and how it aligns with good horsemanship. Overall, strengthened biosecurity practices will help to improve animal as well as human health and increase preparedness for future disease outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke K Wiethoelter
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW, 2006, Australia; Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Nicole Schembri
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Navneet K Dhand
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kate Sawford
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Melanie R Taylor
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia; Organisational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Therese Wright
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
| | - Nina Kung
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia
| | - Hume E Field
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia; EcoHealth Alliance, New York 10001, USA
| | - Jenny-Ann L M L Toribio
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wiethoelter AK, Sawford K, Schembri N, Taylor MR, Dhand NK, Moloney B, Wright T, Kung N, Field HE, Toribio JALML. "We've learned to live with it"-A qualitative study of Australian horse owners' attitudes, perceptions and practices in response to Hendra virus. Prev Vet Med 2017; 140:67-77. [PMID: 28460752 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hendra virus causes sporadic zoonotic disease in Australia following spill over from flying foxes to horses and from horses to people. Prevention and risk mitigation strategies such as vaccination of horses or biosecurity and property management measures are widely publicised, but hinge on initiative and action taken by horse owners as they mediate management, care and treatment of their animals. Hence, underlying beliefs, values and attitudes of horse owners influence their uptake of recommended risk mitigation measures. We used a qualitative approach to investigate attitudes, perceptions and self-reported practices of horse owners in response to Hendra virus to gain a deeper understanding of their decision-making around prevention measures. Data presented here derive from a series of in-depth interviews with 27 horse owners from Hendra virus 'hot spot' areas in New South Wales and Queensland. Interviews explored previous experience, perceptions and resulting behaviour as well as communication around Hendra virus. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVivo using thematic analysis. Analysis revealed four major themes: perception of Hendra virus as a risk and factors influencing this perception, Hendra virus risk mitigation strategies implemented by horse owners, perceived motivators and barriers of these strategies, and interaction of perceived risk, motivators and barriers in the decision-making process. Although Hendra virus disease was perceived as a serious threat to the health of horses and humans, individual risk perception diverged among horse owners. Perceived severity, likelihood and unpredictability as well as awareness and knowledge of Hendra virus, trust in information obtained and information pathways, demographic characteristics and personal experience were the main factors influencing Hendra virus risk perceptions. Other key determinants of horse owners' decision-making process were attitudes towards Hendra virus risk mitigation measures as well as perceived motivators and barriers thereof. Horse owners' awareness of the necessity to consider individual Hendra virus risk and adequate risk management strategies was described as a learning process, which changed over time. However, different perceptions of risk, barriers and motivators in combination with a weighing up of advantages and disadvantages resulted in different behaviours. These findings demonstrate the multifactorial determinants of cognitive mediating processes and facilitate a better understanding of horse owners' perspectives on preventive horse health measures. Furthermore, they provide valuable feedback to industry and government stakeholders on how to improve effective risk communication and encourage uptake of recommended risk mitigation measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke K Wiethoelter
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW 2006, Australia; Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia.
| | - Kate Sawford
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nicole Schembri
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Melanie R Taylor
- Centre for Health Research, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Navneet K Dhand
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Therese Wright
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Nina Kung
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Hume E Field
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; EcoHealth Alliance, NY 10001, USA
| | - Jenny-Ann L M L Toribio
- Farm Animal & Veterinary Public Health, The University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science, NSW 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Waldron R, Kelly M, Moloney B, Kerin M. Prognostic value of pre-operative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in predicting patient survival in lower gastrointestinal malignancy. Eur J Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(17)30296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Courtney D, Moloney B, Lowery A, Kerin M. Patient nutritional status: serum albumin levels a predictive indicator of survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(17)30195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
14
|
Mor SM, Wiethoelter AK, Lee A, Moloney B, James DR, Malik R. Emergence of Brucella suis in dogs in New South Wales, Australia: clinical findings and implications for zoonotic transmission. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:199. [PMID: 27613248 PMCID: PMC5016883 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal reservoirs of brucellosis constitute an ongoing threat to human health globally, with foodborne, occupational and recreational exposures creating opportunities for transmission. In Australia and the United States, hunting of feral pigs has been identified as the principal risk factor for human brucellosis due to Brucella suis. Following increased reports of canine B. suis infection, we undertook a review of case notification data and veterinary records to address knowledge gaps about transmission, clinical presentation, and zoonotic risks arising from infected dogs. Results Between 2011 and 2015, there was a 17-fold increase in the number of cases identified (74 in total) in New South Wales, Australia. Spatial distribution of cases largely overlapped with high feral pig densities in the north of the state. Ninety per cent of dogs had participated directly in pig hunting; feeding of raw feral pig meat and cohabitation with cases in the same household were other putative modes of transmission. Dogs with confirmed brucellosis presented with reproductive tract signs (33 %), back pain (13 %) or lameness (10 %); sub-clinical infection was also common (40 %). Opportunities for dog-to-human transmission in household and occupational environments were identified, highlighting potential public health risks associated with canine B. suis infection. Conclusions Brucellosis due to B. suis is an emerging disease of dogs in Australia. Veterinarians should consider this diagnosis in any dog that presents with reproductive tract signs, back pain or lameness, particularly if the dog has a history of feral pig exposure. Moreover, all people in close contact with these dogs such as hunters, household contacts and veterinary personnel should take precautions to prevent zoonotic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan M Mor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia. .,Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Avenue, Boston, 02111, MA, USA.
| | - Anke K Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Lee
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Woodbridge Road, Menangle, 2568, NSW, Australia
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, 161 Kite Street, Orange, 2800, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel R James
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital, 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde, 2113, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Khan S, Gilligan K, O’Brien K, Moloney B, Miller I, Ramphul E, Barron T, Bennett K, Byrne A, Kerin M, Dwyer R. Impact of Aspirin on factors associated with breast cancer lymph node metastasis. Eur J Cancer 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(16)61325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
16
|
Barro AS, Fegan M, Moloney B, Porter K, Muller J, Warner S, Blackburn JK. Redefining the Australian Anthrax Belt: Modeling the Ecological Niche and Predicting the Geographic Distribution of Bacillus anthracis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004689. [PMID: 27280981 PMCID: PMC4900651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecology and distribution of B. anthracis in Australia is not well understood, despite the continued occurrence of anthrax outbreaks in the eastern states of the country. Efforts to estimate the spatial extent of the risk of disease have been limited to a qualitative definition of an anthrax belt extending from southeast Queensland through the centre of New South Wales and into northern Victoria. This definition of the anthrax belt does not consider the role of environmental conditions in the distribution of B. anthracis. Here, we used the genetic algorithm for rule-set prediction model system (GARP), historical anthrax outbreaks and environmental data to model the ecological niche of B. anthracis and predict its potential geographic distribution in Australia. Our models reveal the niche of B. anthracis in Australia is characterized by a narrow range of ecological conditions concentrated in two disjunct corridors. The most dominant corridor, used to redefine a new anthrax belt, parallels the Eastern Highlands and runs from north Victoria to central east Queensland through the centre of New South Wales. This study has redefined the anthrax belt in eastern Australia and provides insights about the ecological factors that limit the distribution of B. anthracis at the continental scale for Australia. The geographic distributions identified can help inform anthrax surveillance strategies by public and veterinary health agencies. This study explores the spatial ecology of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax disease, in Australia. Globally, anthrax is a neglected zoonotic disease that primarily affect herbivores and incidentally humans and all warm-blooded animals. Here, we used historic anthrax outbreaks for the period 1996–2013 and environmental factors in an ecological niche modelling framework to quantitatively define the ecological niche of B. anthracis using a genetic algorithm. This was projected onto the continental landscape of Australia to predict the geographic distribution of the pathogen. The ecological niche of B. anthracis is characterized by a narrow range of ecological conditions, which are geographically concentrated in two disjunct corridors: a dominant corridor paralleling the Eastern Highlands runs from north Victoria to central east Queensland through the centre of New South Wales, while another corridor was predicted in the southwest of Western Australia. These findings provide an estimate of the potential geographic distribution of B. anthracis, and can help inform anthrax disease surveillance across Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alassane S. Barro
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mark Fegan
- AgriBio, Centre for Agribiosciences, Biosciences Research, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Bundoora Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (MF); ; (JKB)
| | - Barbara Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Biosecurity Intelligence and Traceability, Orange New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kelly Porter
- Chief Veterinary Officer's Unit, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Attwood Victoria, Australia
| | - Janine Muller
- AgriBio, Centre for Agribiosciences, Biosciences Research, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Bundoora Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone Warner
- AgriBio, Centre for Agribiosciences, Biosciences Research, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Bundoora Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MF); ; (JKB)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ridoutt C, Lee A, Moloney B, Massey PD, Charman N, Jordan D. Detection of brucellosis and leptospirosis in feral pigs in New South Wales. Aust Vet J 2014; 92:343-7. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Ridoutt
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute; Menangle NSW Australia
| | - A Lee
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute; Menangle NSW Australia
| | - B Moloney
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; Orange NSW Australia
| | - PD Massey
- Hunter New England Population Health; Tamworth NSW Australia
| | | | - D Jordan
- New South Wales Department of Primary Industries; Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute; 1243 Bruxner Highway Wollongbar NSW 2477 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Moloney B, Sergeant ESG, Taragel C, Buckley P. Significant features of the epidemiology of equine influenza in New South Wales, Australia, 2007. Aust Vet J 2011; 89 Suppl 1:56-63. [PMID: 21711291 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00749.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Equine influenza (EI) was first diagnosed in the Australian horse population on 24 August 2007 at Centennial Park Equestrian Centre (CPEC) in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. By then, the virus had already spread to many properties in NSW and southern Queensland. The outbreak in NSW affected approximately 6000 premises populated by approximately 47,000 horses. Analyses undertaken by the epidemiology section, a distinct unit within the planning section of the State Disease Control Headquarters, included the attack risk on affected properties, the level of under-reporting of affected properties and a risk assessment of the movement of horses out of the Special Restricted Area. We describe the epidemiological features and the lessons learned from the outbreak in NSW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Moloney
- Industry & Investment, Orange, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Sitaram MP, Moloney B, McAbee DD. Prokaryotic expression of bovine lactoferrin deletion mutants that bind to the Ca2+-dependent lactoferrin receptor on isolated rat hepatocytes. Protein Expr Purif 1998; 14:229-36. [PMID: 9790885 DOI: 10.1006/prep.1998.0931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We generated a series of recombinant variants of bovine lactoferrin (Lf) as fusion proteins using two prokaryotic expression vectors and examined the ability of the expressed proteins to compete with native Lf for binding to the Ca2+-dependent Lf receptor on isolated rat hepatocytes. A near-full-length bovine Lf cDNA (pN16b) was expressed in pGEMEX-2 as a gene 10 fusion protein (r-bLf10/-70). Deletions of pN16b were cloned into the HindIII/NotI and BamHI/NotI restriction sites of expression vector pET 32 and expressed as thioredoxin fusion proteins, r-bLfT/-271 and r-bLfT/-310, respectively. r-bLf10/-70, r-bLfT/-271, and r-bLfT/-310 lacked, respectively, the NH2-terminal 70, 271, and 310 amino acids of Lf. Expression of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli BL21-DE3 strain was monitored by denaturing gel electrophoresis or by immunoblot with anti-Lf antibodies. The yield of each of the soluble recombinant proteins was approximately 10 mg/L of BL21-DE3 suspension. r-bLf10/-70 and r-bLfT/-271 competed strongly with 125I-Lf for binding to hepatocytes but r-bLfT/-310 did not. Our findings are consistent with the conclusion that Lf binds to its Ca2+-dependent receptor on hepatocytes via noncarbohydrate determinants contained within its C-lobe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M P Sitaram
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University at Long Beach, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, California, 90840, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Finucane P, Nicklason F, Dewar R, Woodhead JS, MacMahon M, Kelleher BP, Dockrell D, O’Broin SD, Ryder RJW, Walsh JB, Coakley D, Hegarty V, Hassan J, Yanni G, Whelan A, Feighery C, Bresnihan B, Keane J, Chan F, Over J, Finnucane P, Liston R, Clinch D, Scott T, Moloney B, Tiernan E, White S, Murphy K, Henry C, Twomey C, Hyland CM, Gregg ME, Beringer TRO, Henderson SA, Finlay OE, Murphy NM, Boreham CAG, Mollan RAB, Gilmore DH, Browne JP, O’Boyle CA, McGee HM, O’Malley KM, Joyce CRB, Mulkerrin E, Hampton D, Donovan K, Penney M, Sykes D, O’Neill D, Surmon D, Wilcock GK, O’Mahony D, Rowan M, Feely J, Lyons RA, McCarthy R, Murphy S, Rajan L, Fielding JF, Clements L, Cherot E, Greenough WB, West KP. Irish gerontological society. Ir J Med Sci 1992. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02942385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
22
|
Mullins RJ, Fournie JJ, Moloney B, Baumgart K, Jones P, Brown P, Basten A. Serological response to purified mycobacterial phosphatidylinositol mannoside in healthy controls and in patients with tuberculosis and leprosy. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis 1992; 60:353-67. [PMID: 1474276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The serological response to a monoclonal antibody-defined phosphatidylinositol mannoside (L4-PIM) present in all mycobacteria was examined in patients with various mycobacterial diseases and healthy subjects from different populations. IgG but not IgM antibodies were detected in most patients with untreated lepromatous (84%) or borderline lepromatous (65%) leprosy, but in only a minority of those with disease at the tuberculoid end of the leprosy spectrum (< 17% positive). The response to L4-PIM was correlated with the IgM response to disaccharide octyl-bovine serum albumin (dBSA), and decreased with successful treatment. On the other hand, the test proved to be of little value in the diagnosis of untreated tuberculosis (4/15 positive) or atypical mycobacterial infection in patients with AIDS (0/11 positive). IgG antibodies to L4-PIM were also found in a significant proportion of healthy individuals, irrespective of their Mantoux status. These antibodies were shown to be specific for L4-PIM on immunoblotting, and their incidence increased with age in random donors from both urban Australia and rural Papua New Guinea. Despite the limited value of the assay in diagnosis of any particular mycobacterial disease, the presence of antibodies to L4-PIM appears to be a sensitive indicator of subclinical infection with environmental mycobacteria in subjects with an intact immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R J Mullins
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|