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Matsumoto N, Ward MP, Halasa T, Schemann K, Khounsy S, Douangngeun B, Thepagna W, Phommachanh P, Siengsanan-Lamont J, Young JR, Toribio JALML, Bush RD, Blacksell SD. Novel estimation of African swine fever transmission parameters within smallholder villages in Lao P.D.R. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:166. [PMID: 38758410 PMCID: PMC11101325 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) disease transmission parameters are crucial for making response and control decisions when faced with an outbreak, yet they are poorly quantified for smallholder and village contexts within Southeast Asia. Whilst disease-specific factors - such as latent and infectious periods - should remain reasonably consistent, host, environmental and management factors are likely to affect the rate of disease spread. These differences are investigated using Approximate Bayesian Computation with Sequential Monte-Carlo methods to provide disease parameter estimates in four naïve pig populations in villages of Lao People's Democratic Republic. The villages represent smallholder pig farmers of the Northern province of Oudomxay and the Southern province of Savannakhet, and the model utilised field mortality data to validate the transmission parameter estimates over the course of multiple model generations. The basic reproductive number between-pigs was estimated to range from 3.08 to 7.80, whilst the latent and infectious periods were consistent with those published in the literature for similar genotypes in the region (4.72 to 6.19 days and 2.63 to 5.50 days, respectively). These findings demonstrate that smallholder village pigs interact similarly to commercial pigs, however the spread of disease may occur slightly slower than in commercial study groups. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that despite diversity across the study groups, the disease behaved in a consistent manner. This data can be used in disease control programs or for future modelling of ASF in smallholder contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Matsumoto
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Tariq Halasa
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrin Schemann
- Sydney Informatics Hub, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Syseng Khounsy
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Bounlom Douangngeun
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Watthana Thepagna
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Phouvong Phommachanh
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Jarunee Siengsanan-Lamont
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James R Young
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jenny-Ann L M L Toribio
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Russell D Bush
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
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Kirkeby C, Boklund A, Larsen LE, Ward MP. Are all avian influenza outbreaks in poultry the same? The predicted impact of poultry species and virus subtype. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:314-323. [PMID: 38362732 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry farms are currently increasing in frequency, with devastating consequences for animal welfare, farmers and supply chains. Some studies have documented the direct spread of the avian influenza virus between farms. Prevention of spread between farms relies on biosecurity surveillance and control measures. However, the evolution of an outbreak on a farm might vary depending on the virus strain and poultry species involved; this would have important implications for surveillance systems, epidemiological investigations and control measures. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we utilized existing parameter estimates from the literature to evaluate the predicted course of an epidemic in a standard poultry flock with 10,000 birds. We used a stochastic SEIR simulation model to simulate outbreaks in different species and with different virus subtypes. The simulations predicted large differences in the duration and severity of outbreaks, depending on the virus subtypes. For both turkeys and chickens, outbreaks with HPAI were of shorter duration than outbreaks with LPAI. In outbreaks involving the infection of chickens with different virus subtypes, the shortest epidemic involved H7N7 and HPAIV H5N1 (median duration of 9 and 17 days, respectively) and the longest involved H5N2 (median duration of 68 days). The most severe outbreaks (number of chickens infected) were predicted for H5N1, H7N1 and H7N3 virus subtypes, and the least severe for H5N2 and H7N7, in which outbreaks for the latter subtype were predicted to develop most slowly. CONCLUSIONS These simulation results suggest that surveillance of certain subtypes of avian influenza virus, in chicken flocks in particular, needs to be sensitive and timely if infection is to be detected with sufficient time to implement control measures. The variability in the predictions highlights that avian influenza outbreaks are different in severity, speed and duration, so surveillance and disease response need to be nuanced and fit the specific context of poultry species and virus subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Kirkeby
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Anette Boklund
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
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Uddin MA, Hossain MT, Rahman AKMA, Siddique MP, Kafi MA, Hossain MG, Chakraborty S, Rahman MM, Khasruzzaman AKM, Ward MP, Islam MA. Characterization, histopathology and immunogenicity of the lumpy skin disease virus isolated during 2019-20 in Bangladesh. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1324243. [PMID: 38725689 PMCID: PMC11081030 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1324243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly contagious vector-borne viral disease of cattle. LSD has emerged in Bangladesh in 2019, causing significant economic losses due to its high morbidity and mortality. This research was designed to isolate, identify, and assess the immunogenicity of LSD virus (LSDV) using nodular tissue samples obtained from affected cattle during the 2019-20 outbreak across nine districts of Bangladesh. Methods To determine the presence of LSDV in nodular tissues, we initially used iiPCR and PCR, followed by histopathological examination. 151 were positive via iiPCR and PCR among the 180 collected samples. The PCR positive 151 samples were then inoculated into 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs via the CAM route to isolate LSDV, confirmed through PCR. Subsequently, partial sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the P32 gene were performed to determine the origin of the circulating LSDV strain. The immunogenicity of selected LSDV strains was assessed through an ELISA test. Results The PCR results revealed a distinct positive band at 192 bp in both the nodular tissue samples and the LSDV isolated from chicken embryo inoculations. Microscopic analysis of the nodular lesions revealed thickening of the epidermis, ballooning degeneration of keratinocytes, and proliferation of follicular epithelia. Additionally, mononuclear infiltration was observed at the demarcation line between infected and healthy tissue, with necrosis of muscular tissues beneath the epidermis. The LSDV isolate from Bangladesh exhibited a close genetic relationship with LSDV strains isolated from neighboring and other regional countries including India, Myanmar, and Mongolia. This observation strongly suggests the possibility of a transboundary spread of the LSD outbreak in Bangladesh during 2019-2020. The results of the immunogenicity test showed that the serum antibody titer remained at a protective level for up to 18 months following secondary immunization with inactivated LSDV antigen. This finding suggests that the inactivated LSDV antigen could be a potential vaccine candidate to protect cattle in Bangladesh against LSDV. Conclusion In conclusion, our research successfully isolated, identified, and characterized LSDV in cattle nodular tissues from the 2019-20 outbreak in Bangladesh. Furthermore, it provided insights into the probable origin of the circulating strain and investigated a potential vaccine candidate to protect cattle in the region from LSDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asir Uddin
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Mahbubul Pratik Siddique
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abdul Kafi
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Golbar Hossain
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Sourav Chakraborty
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Mohummad Muklesur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - A. K. M. Khasruzzaman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Md. Alimul Islam
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Šlapeta J, Ward MP. Embedding research and enquiry in Australian DVM curriculum. Aust Vet J 2024. [PMID: 38653562 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Research and enquiry (R&E) is an integral part of veterinary training. It is a foundation of evidence-based practice. In the University of Sydney Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree R&E culminates in a cap-stone experience in Year 3: a 'professionally focused project', a student-driven and academic supported individual research project. The project provides an authentic experience within a veterinary discipline. Students work with an academic advisor who provides guidance for developing and achieving meaningful educational and professional goals. Successful advising depends upon a shared understanding of, and commitment to, the advising process by students, advisors and the university. The R&E mission can be broadly defined as - veterinarians recognise that evidence-based approach to practice, which is based on the scientific method, leads to the generation of new knowledge that underpins the veterinary medical profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Zhang XX, Lederman Z, Han LF, Schurer JM, Xiao LH, Zhang ZB, Chen QL, Pfeiffer D, Ward MP, Sripa B, Gabriël S, Dhama K, Acharya KP, Robertson LJ, Deem SL, Aenishaenslin C, Dantas-Torres F, Otranto D, Grace D, Wang Y, Li P, Fu C, Poeta P, Md Tanvir Rahman, Kassegne K, Zhu YZ, Yin K, Liu J, Wang ZJ, Guo XK, Gong WF, Schwartländer B, Ren MH, Zhou XN. Towards an actionable One Health approach. Infect Dis Poverty 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 38610035 PMCID: PMC11010417 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing focus on strengthening One Health capacity building on global level, challenges remain in devising and implementing real-world interventions particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing these gaps, the One Health Action Commission (OHAC) was established as an academic community for One Health action with an emphasis on research agenda setting to identify actions for highest impact. MAIN TEXT This viewpoint describes the agenda of, and motivation for, the recently formed OHAC. Recognizing the urgent need for evidence to support the formulation of necessary action plans, OHAC advocates the adoption of both bottom-up and top-down approaches to identify the current gaps in combating zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, addressing food safety, and to enhance capacity building for context-sensitive One Health implementation. CONCLUSIONS By promoting broader engagement and connection of multidisciplinary stakeholders, OHAC envisions a collaborative global platform for the generation of innovative One Health knowledge, distilled practical experience and actionable policy advice, guided by strong ethical principles of One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xi Zhang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zohar Lederman
- Medical Ethics and Humanities Unit, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Le-Fei Han
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Janna M Schurer
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - Li-Hua Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Bing Zhang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Lan Chen
- Branch of animal and vector-borne diseases, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dirk Pfeiffer
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, Australia
| | - Banchob Sripa
- Tropical Disease Research Center, Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Laboratory of foodborne parasitic zoonoses, Department of translational physiology, infectiology and public health, Chair Faculty Committee on Internationalisation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Krishna Prasad Acharya
- Department of Livestock Services, Animal Quarantine Office-Kathmandu, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Sharon L Deem
- One Government Drive, Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Cécile Aenishaenslin
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l, Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Recife, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Delia Grace
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Yang Wang
- Director of Key Laboratory of Animal Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- United Nations Environment Programme-International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Green Chemistry, Chemistry Department, University Nova of Lisbon, Lis-bon, Portugal
| | - Md Tanvir Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Kokouvi Kassegne
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Zhang Zhu
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Yin
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiming Liu
- Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Kui Guo
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Feng Gong
- The Bill &, Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bernhard Schwartländer
- German Ministry of Foreign Afairs (Former Assistant Director General and Chef de Cab‑inet of Dr Tedros at the World Health Organization), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ming-Hui Ren
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of One Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Griebsch C, Kirkwood N, Ward MP, Norris JM. Serological evidence of exposure of healthy dogs to Leptospira in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Aust Vet J 2024; 102:215-221. [PMID: 38220214 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
In 2017, highly fatal canine leptospirosis emerged in Sydney, Australia. Based on results of microscopic agglutination testing (MAT), serovar Copenhageni appeared to be the most common causative serovar. Prior to this, no clinical cases had been reported since 1976. In a serosurvey of healthy dogs in Australian shelters in 2004, 2.4% of 431 New South Wales dogs had serological evidence of exposure to Copenhageni, the most prevalent serovar. The aim of this study was to estimate the current prevalence of Leptospira exposure and associated serovars in healthy Sydney dogs, previously unvaccinated against Leptospira. Serum samples from 411 healthy dogs in leptospirosis hotspots and neighbouring suburbs were collected before vaccination. MAT for 23 serovars was performed at the WHO Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory in Queensland, Australia. The overall seroprevalence was 4.1% (17/411) with low titres (1/50-1/200) detected. Eleven dogs were from known leptospirosis hotspots. Eight dogs were known to hunt rodents. One dog had been in contact with a leptospirosis positive dog 1 year prior. Serovar Topaz was the most prevalent serovar (n = 5) followed by serovars Australis (n = 4), Copenhageni (n = 4), Djasiman (n = 2), Cynopteri (n = 1), Javanica (n = 1), Medanensis (n = 1), and Pomona (n = 1). In conclusion, serological evidence of exposure of dogs in Sydney to Leptospira is low, but apparently has increased since 2004. Positive titres to serovars not previously reported to cause disease in dogs could be due to low virulence of those serovars or cross-reactivity with other serovars.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Griebsch
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - N Kirkwood
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Ktenas S, Roeber F, Meggiolaro MN, Ktenas A, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Comparison of Giardia duodenalis point-of-care antigen faecal tests to reference laboratory assays in non-symptomatic dogs. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110139. [PMID: 38295676 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent enteric parasites of dogs. Point-of-care antigen tests (POC) are rapid and do not require additional equipment, or a specialised diagnostic laboratory. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic tests available in veterinary practices and in a diagnostic laboratory for the detection of G. duodenalis on a cohort of group-housed dogs from New South Wales, Australia. Two different POC tests were used for the detection of G. duodenalis. Laboratory tests used were the multiplexed-tandem PCR panel (MT-PCR) that includes detection of G. duodenalis DNA, and two reference tests (an in-house TaqMan real-time PCR and a direct immunofluorescence assay, DFA). Canine faecal samples (n = 40) were tested simultaneously for the detection of G. duodenalis. Using either DFA or TaqMan real-time PCR as reference tests, 77.5% (31/40) and 82.5% (33/40) of dogs tested positive, respectively. Agreement (Kappa) between the DFA and TaqMan real-time PCR was 0.84 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.00). There was substantial G. duodenalis test outcome agreement between the two POC tests, Kappa = 0.75. Combining the two POC tests yielded 77% sensitivity and 100% specificity with DFA as reference, and for TaqMan real-time PCR it was 73% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The MT-PCR was in excellent agreement with each reference test, DFA or TaqMan real-time PCR. Due to the high specificity of both POC tests, they can be confidently used as rule-in diagnostics. Confirmatory testing that detects different biological parameters such as DNA, e.g. PCR (inc. MT-PCR), should be implemented before concluding that a dog is negative for the presence of G. duodenalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Ktenas
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Florian Roeber
- Wongaburra Research Centre, Invetus Pty Ltd., NSW 2470, Australia
| | - Maira N Meggiolaro
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Athena Ktenas
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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8
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Stocker T, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Nationwide USA re-analysis of amplicon metabarcoding targeting β-tubulin isoform-1 reveals absence of benzimidazole resistant SNPs in Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Uncinaria stenocephala. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110118. [PMID: 38278035 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Nationwide sampling by Venkatesan and colleagues (2023) described the resistance status of the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, to benzimidazoles across the USA via β-tubulin isotype-1 amplicon metabarcoding. In this study, we aimed to use the existing public amplicon metabarcoding data and mine it for the presence of β-tubulin isotype-1 sequences that belong to hookworm species other than A. caninum. Through bioinformatics analysis we assigned species to A. caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Uncinaria stenocephala. All non-A. caninum sequences contained only the benzimidazole susceptible residues of β-tubulin isotype-1. Using two β-tubulin isotype-1 metabarcoding sequence data (assay targeting 134 and 167 codons, and assay targeting 198 and 200 codons), 2.0% (6/307) and 2.9% (9/310) individual samples had hookworms other than A. caninum (A. braziliense n = 5, A. tubaeforme n = 4 and U. stenocephala n = 2), respectively. We identified one sample containing A. braziliense in each of the Northeastern region and Midwestern region, and in three samples from the Southern region. Presence of A. tubaeforme in dog faeces is considered as pseudoparasitism. There were no statistically significant regional differences for the distribution of each species, for either of the two assays independently or combined (χ2 tests, P > 0.05). Our work demonstrates the utility of the amplicon metabarcoding for the identification of species through antemortem assays, thus resolving the dilemma of assigning hookworm species based on either post-mortem or egg sizes for the identification of hookworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Stocker
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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9
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Jeppesen A, Eyers R, Evans D, Ward MP, Quain A. Comparison of Reported Fatalities, Falls and Injuries in Thoroughbred Horse Jumps and Flat Races in the 2022 and 2023 Jumps Race Seasons in Victoria, Australia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:804. [PMID: 38473189 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Jumps racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing that involves hurdles and steeples and typically longer distances, and heavier weights compared with flat racing, which does not incorporate obstacles. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in Victoria, one of eight states and territories. The continuation of jumps racing is contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. While measures have been introduced by the industry to improve the safety of riders and horses, the rates of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in jumps races have not been collectively reported in Australia since the 2012 to 2014 race seasons. Although information on individual horse fatalities, falls and injuries is published by Racing Victoria in Stewards' Reports, the data are not aggregated, and so cannot readily be used to assess trends or evaluate the efficacy of safety measures introduced by the industry. The aim of this study was to determine the fatality, fall and injury rates for horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races in Victoria in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons compared with horses participating in flat races at the same race meets. Data on horse fatalities, falls and injuries were extracted from the published Racing Victoria race results and Stewards' Reports for the jumps races (n = 150) and corresponding flat races (n = 157) held at the 38 jumps race meets in Victoria in 2022 and 2023. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. The rate of horse fatalities in jumps races was 3.3 per 1000 starts, with no fatalities in flat races. The rate of horse falls in hurdle races was 24 per 1000 starts and 41.6 per 1000 starts in steeplechase races, comparable with rates previously reported in the 2012 to 2014 seasons. There were no falls in flat races. Horse injuries occurred at a rate of 68.9 per 1000 starts in jumps races compared with 18.8 per 1000 starts in flat races. In hurdle and steeplechase races, veterinary clearance being required following horse injury was 5.4 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.8-10.2) and 7.2 times (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.3-15.6) more likely, respectively, compared with flat races. The risk of trauma was 4 times more likely in hurdle and steeplechase races (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7-13.3 and OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2-13.4, respectively) and the risk of lameness was increased by 2.5 times in hurdles (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.2) and 5.1 times in steeplechase races (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3-11.5), compared with flat races. These findings support concerns about the welfare of horses involved in jumps racing and of the need for further safety measures to reduce these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeppesen
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Di Evans
- RSPCA Australia, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anne Quain
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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10
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Liu Y, Yin Y, Ward MP, Li K, Chen Y, Duan M, Wong PPY, Hong J, Huang J, Shi J, Zhou X, Chen X, Xu J, Yuan R, Kong L, Zhang Z. Optimization of Screening Strategies for COVID-19: Scoping Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e44349. [PMID: 38412011 PMCID: PMC10933748 DOI: 10.2196/44349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 screening is an effective nonpharmaceutical intervention for identifying infected individuals and interrupting viral transmission. However, questions have been raised regarding its effectiveness in controlling the spread of novel variants and its high socioeconomic costs. Therefore, the optimization of COVID-19 screening strategies has attracted great attention. OBJECTIVE This review aims to summarize the evidence and provide a reference basis for the optimization of screening strategies for the prevention and control of COVID-19. METHODS We applied a methodological framework for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. We conducted a scoping review of the present publications on the optimization of COVID-19 screening strategies. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier ScienceDirect databases for publications up to December 31, 2022. English publications related to screening and testing strategies for COVID-19 were included. A data-charting form, jointly developed by 2 reviewers, was used for data extraction according to the optimization directions of the screening strategies. RESULTS A total of 2770 unique publications were retrieved from the database search, and 95 abstracts were retained for full-text review. There were 62 studies included in the final review. We summarized the results in 4 major aspects: the screening population (people at various risk conditions such as different regions and occupations; 12/62, 19%), the timing of screening (when the target population is tested before travel or during an outbreak; 12/62, 19%), the frequency of screening (appropriate frequencies for outbreak prevention, outbreak response, or community transmission control; 6/62, 10%), and the screening and detection procedure (the choice of individual or pooled detection and optimization of the pooling approach; 35/62, 56%). CONCLUSIONS This review reveals gaps in the optimization of COVID-19 screening strategies and suggests that a number of factors such as prevalence, screening accuracy, effective allocation of resources, and feasibility of strategies should be carefully considered in the development of future screening strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhua Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Yin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mengwei Duan
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, China
| | | | - Jie Hong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayao Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingcai Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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11
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Lu X, Griebsch C, Norris JM, Ward MP. Landscape, Socioeconomic, and Meteorological Risk Factors for Canine Leptospirosis in Urban Sydney (2017-2023): A Spatial and Temporal Study. Vet Sci 2023; 10:697. [PMID: 38133248 PMCID: PMC10747920 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira spp. We described reported clinical cases of canine leptospirosis in the council areas of the Inner West and the City of Sydney, Australia, from December 2017 to January 2023 and tested the association with urban spatial (landscape and socioeconomic factors, community seroprevalence, and urban heat island effect) and temporal (precipitation and minimum and maximum temperature) factors and the cases using log-transformed Poisson models, spatially stratified population-adjusted conditional logistic models, General Additive Models (GAMs), and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models. The results suggested that canine leptospirosis is now endemic in the study area. A longer distance to the nearest veterinary hospital (RR 0.118, 95% CI -4.205--0.065, p < 0.05) and a mildly compromised Index of Economic Resources (IER) (RR 0.202, 95% CI -3.124--0.079, p < 0.05) were significant protective factors against leptospirosis. In areas proximal to the clinical cases and seropositive samples, the presence of tree cover was a strong risk factor for higher odds of canine leptospirosis (OR 5.80, 95% CI 1.12-30.11, p < 0.05). As the first study exploring risk factors associated with canine leptospirosis in urban Sydney, our findings indicate a potential transmission from urban green spaces and the possibility of higher exposure to Leptospira-or increased case detection and reporting-in areas adjacent to veterinary hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; (X.L.); (C.G.); (J.M.N.)
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12
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Singh BB, Ward MP, Dhand NK. Host characteristics and their influence on zoonosis, disease emergence and multi-host pathogenicity. One Health 2023; 17:100596. [PMID: 37404948 PMCID: PMC10316652 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between agent-host-environment characteristics is responsible for the emergence and zoonotic potential of infectious disease pathogens. Many studies have investigated key agent characteristics and environmental factors responsible for these phenomena. However, little is known about the role played by host characteristics in zoonoses, disease emergence and the ability of pathogens to infect multiple hosts. We compiled a dataset of 8114 vertebrate host-agent interactions from published literature. Multiple host characteristics and the pathogen's zoonotic, emergence and multi-host potential were then linked to the dataset. The associations between zoonotic, emerging human pathogen and multi-host pathogenicity and several host characteristics were explored using logistic regression models. The numbers of publications and sequences from the agent-host combinations were used to control for the research effort. Hosts in the class Aves (odds ratio [OR] 20.87, 95% CI 2.66-163.97) and Mammalia (OR 26.09, 95% CI 3.34-203.87) were more likely to host a zoonotic pathogen compared to the class Amphibia. Similarly, hosts having Bursa fabricii (i.e., birds) (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.3) were more likely to host an emerging human pathogen. The odds of being a zoonotic pathogen were highest when the host female required a greater number of days for maturity, and the pathogen was able to affect a greater number of host species. In contrast, the hosts from which a higher number of pathogens were reported were less likely (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.31-0.49) to be associated with an emerging human pathogen. The odds of an emerging human pathogen were highest when the host had a higher adult body mass, and the specific pathogen could affect more host species. The odds of a pathogen infecting multiple hosts were highest when a host had shorter female maturity days (>670-2830 days) and lower birth/hatching weight (>42.2-995 g) compared to longer female maturity days (>2830-6940 days) and greater birth/hatching weight (>3.31-1160 kg). We conclude that several host characteristics - such as mass, maturity, immune system and pathogen permissiveness- are linked with zoonoses, disease emergence or multi-host pathogenicity. These findings can contribute to preparedness for emerging infections and zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbir B. Singh
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, 2570, NSW, Australia
- Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004, India
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, 2570, NSW, Australia
| | - Navneet K. Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, 2570, NSW, Australia
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13
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Rivory P, Pillay K, Lee R, Taylor D, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Fatal neural angiostrongyliasis in the Bolivian squirrel monkey ( Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis) leading to defining Angiostrongylus cantonensis risk map at a zoo in Australia. One Health 2023; 17:100628. [PMID: 38024275 PMCID: PMC10665155 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the A. cantonensis cox1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for Angiostrongylus detection, speciation, and cox1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, cox1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and Angiostrongylus detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for Angiostrongylus surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. Angiostrongylus-positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of A. cantonensis in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial cox1 sequencing detected only A. cantonensis, with the Ac13 cox1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 A. cantonensis cox1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were Angiostrongylus-negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. cantonensis in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Kresen Pillay
- Sydney Zoo, Bungarribee, New South Wales 2767, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- NSW Health Pathology, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Lab Services, Level 3 ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - David Taylor
- Vetnostics, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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14
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Chan H, Pepper BM, Ward MP, Quain A. Euthanasia of Cats by Australian Veterinarians: A Survey of Current Practices. Vet Sci 2023; 10:627. [PMID: 37888579 PMCID: PMC10610671 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to document the contemporary feline euthanasia practices among Australian veterinarians and determine the factors associated with the administration of a premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia. Australian veterinarians who had euthanised at least one cat during the previous 12 months were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. From 615 valid responses, 585 respondents (95.1%) had euthanised at least one cat in the last 12 months, of which 462 respondents (75.1%) had performed an emergency euthanasia. Intravenous (IV) injection (n = 536, 91.6%) of pentobarbitone sodium (n = 584, 99.8%) was the predominant primary method. Premedication or sedation was administered to cats by 415/585 (71.0%) and 242/462 (52.4%) of respondents in non-emergency and emergency euthanasia, respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, for non-emergency euthanasia, being female and working in a metropolitan area were significant predictors for administering a premedication or sedation (p < 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively). For emergency euthanasia, working in an 'other' type of practice was a significant predictor for administering a premedication or sedation (p < 0.001). Australian veterinarians vary in their approach to feline euthanasia. There is scope for refinement of euthanasia techniques to maximise the welfare of cats, their owners or guardians, and veterinary team members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anne Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (H.C.); (B.M.P.); (M.P.W.)
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15
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Jung Kjær L, Ward MP, Boklund AE, Larsen LE, Hjulsager CK, Kirkeby CT. Author Correction: Using surveillance data for early warning modelling of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Europe reveals a seasonal shift in transmission, 2016-2022. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16612. [PMID: 37789088 PMCID: PMC10547703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43740-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Michael P Ward
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Anette Ella Boklund
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Carsten Thure Kirkeby
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Matsumoto N, Siengsanan-Lamont J, Halasa T, Young JR, Ward MP, Douangngeun B, Theppangna W, Khounsy S, Toribio JALML, Bush RD, Blacksell SD. Retrospective investigation of the 2019 African swine fever epidemic within smallholder pig farms in Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1277660. [PMID: 37841473 PMCID: PMC10576527 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1277660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2019 African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR or Laos) represented a major epidemiologic event where a transitioning lower-middle income nation (LMIC) experienced a viral epidemic in a naïve pig population. The diversity of pig management styles creates challenges for local and regional policymakers when formulating recommendations to control an ASF outbreak. The aim of this study were to investigate the management of pigs in villages of Oudomxay province that were affected by ASF in 2019, as a case study in a smallholder pig-rasing system in northern Laos. The frequencies of well known risk factors were measured in the affected villages and the timelines and household level stock losses due to the outbreak were investigated. These findings were compared to data available from a similar outbreak in the southern province of Savannakhet. Disease control implications of these findings are discussed. Mean losses were 3.0-23.3 pigs per household, with a mean lost herd value of USD 349, 95% CI (294-415). These pig losses reflect those estimated in Savannakhet (6.7 pigs per household). However, the financial loss estimated per household was higher, USD 349 versus USD 215, possibly due to higher pig values and a higher input/output management approach in Oudomxay. The investigation revealed the presence of numerous ASF risk factors, such as swill-feeding and free-ranging. In addition, poor biosecurity practices - such as inappropriate garbage disposal and slaughtering - that could contaminate the environment were present. ASF cases occurred across all villages between June and December 2019, with outbreak periods ranging from 22-103 days. These values are consistent with the outbreak in Savannakhet; however, notable differences in management styles were observed. These findings demonstrate the need for more disease control resources from the village to the Governmental level. Villages need support in enacting context appropriate biosecurity measures, whilst the ongoing surveillance and investigation of ASF require investment in logistical and veterinary resources at the Governmental level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Matsumoto
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jarunee Siengsanan-Lamont
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tariq Halasa
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James R. Young
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Bounlom Douangngeun
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Watthana Theppangna
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Syseng Khounsy
- National Animal Health Laboratory, Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane, Laos
| | | | - Russell D. Bush
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
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17
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Jung Kjær L, Ward MP, Boklund AE, Larsen LE, Hjulsager CK, Kirkeby CT. Using surveillance data for early warning modelling of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Europe reveals a seasonal shift in transmission, 2016-2022. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15396. [PMID: 37717056 PMCID: PMC10505205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42660-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian influenza in wild birds and poultry flocks constitutes a problem for animal welfare, food security and public health. In recent years there have been increasing numbers of outbreaks in Europe, with many poultry flocks culled after being infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Continuous monitoring is crucial to enable timely implementation of control to prevent HPAI spread from wild birds to poultry and between poultry flocks within a country. We here utilize readily available public surveillance data and time-series models to predict HPAI detections within European countries and show a seasonal shift that happened during 2021-2022. The output is models capable of monitoring the weekly risk of HPAI outbreaks, to support decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Jung Kjær
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Michael P Ward
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Anette Ella Boklund
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Carsten Thure Kirkeby
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Liu Y, Zhang J, P Ward M, Tu W, Yu L, Shi J, Hu Y, Gao F, Cao Z, Zhang Z. Impacts of sample ratio and size on the performance of random forest model to predict the potential distribution of snail habitats. Geospat Health 2023; 18. [PMID: 37401413 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2023.1151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have considered the impacts of sample size and sample ratio of presence and absence points on the results of random forest (RF) testing. We applied this technique for the prediction of the spatial distribution of snail habitats based on a total of 15,000 sample points (5,000 presence samples and 10,000 control points). RF models were built using seven different sample ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) and the optimal ratio was identified via the Area Under the Curve (AUC) statistic. The impact of sample size was compared by RF models under the optimal ratio and the optimal sample size. When the sample size was small, the sampling ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 were significantly better than the sample ratios of 4:1 and 3:1 at all four levels of sample sizes (p<0.01) and there was no significant difference among the ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (p>0.05). The sample ratio of 1:2 appeared to be optimal for a relatively large sample size with the lowest quartile deviation. In addition, increasing the sample size produced a higher AUC and a smaller slope and the most suitable sample size found in this study was 2400 (AUC=0.96). This study provides a feasible idea to select an appropriate sample size and sample ratio for ecological niche modelling (ENM) and also provides a scientific basis for the selection of samples to accurately identify and predict snail habitat distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney.
| | - Wei Tu
- Department of Geology and Geography, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA.
| | - Lili Yu
- Peace Center for Biostatistics, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA.
| | - Jin Shi
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Yi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Fenghua Gao
- Anhui Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Hefei.
| | - Zhiguo Cao
- Anhui Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Hefei.
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Department of Epidemiology and Health statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
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19
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Huang J, Chen Y, Liu G, Tu W, Bergquist R, P Ward M, Zhang J, Xiao S, Hong J, Zhao Z, Li X, Zhang Z. Optimizing allocation of colorectal cancer screening hospitals in Shanghai: a geospatial analysis. Geospat Health 2023; 18. [PMID: 37401409 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2023.1152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Screening programmes are important for early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) but they are not equally efficient in all locations. Depending on which hospital people belong to, they often are not willing to follow up even after a positive result, resulting in a lower-than-expected overall detection rate. Improved allocation of health resources would increase the program's efficiency and assist hospital accessibility. A target population exceeding 70,000 people and 18 local hospitals were included in the investigation of an optimization plan based on a locationallocation model. We calculated the hospital service areas and the accessibility for people in communities to CRC-screening hospitals using the Huff Model and the Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) approach. We found that only 28.2% of the residents with initially a positive screening result had chosen followup with colonoscopy and significant geographical differences in spatial accessibility to healthcare services indeed exist. The lowest accessibility was found in the Southeast, including the Zhangjiang, Jichang and Laogang communities with the best accessibility mainly distributed near the city centre of Lujiazui; the latter also had relatively a high level of what is called "ineffective screening" as it represents wasteful resource allocation. It is recommended that Hudong Hospital should be chosen instead of Punan Hospital as the optimization, which can improve the service population of each hospital and the populations served per colonoscope. Based on our results, changes in hospital configuration in colorectal cancer screening programme are needed to achieve adequate population coverage and equitable facility accessibility. Planning of medical services should be based on the spatial distribution trends of the population served.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Yichen Chen
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.
| | - Gu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the first people's Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan.
| | - Wei Tu
- Department of Geology and Geography, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA.
| | | | - Michael P Ward
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Shuang Xiao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Jie Hong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
| | - Xiaopan Li
- Department of Health Management Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Office of Scientific Research and Information Management, Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai.
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20
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Bedoya-Pérez MA, Westman ME, Loomes M, Chung NYN, Knobel B, Ward MP. Pathogenic Leptospira Species Are Present in Urban Rats in Sydney, Australia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1731. [PMID: 37512903 PMCID: PMC10383884 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging disease among people and dogs in Sydney, Australia. However, the routes of Leptospira transmission in these cases, and in particular the possible role of rats as reservoirs of infection in Sydney, are unknown. Rats were collected within the City of Sydney Council area and their kidneys were tested for pathogenic Leptospira DNA by real-time (q)PCR. A subset of rats also had qPCR testing performed on whole blood and urine, and Microscopic Agglutination Testing (MAT) that included a panel of 10 Leptospira serovars from nine different Leptospira serogroups was performed on a subset of serum samples. Based on qPCR testing, the proportion of rats with Leptospira DNA in their kidneys was 9/111 (8.1%). qPCR testing of blood samples (n = 9) and urine (n = 4) was negative. None of the 10 serum samples tested MAT positive. A primary cluster of qPCR-positive locations was detected based on six infected rats, which partially overlapped with a previously identified cluster of canine leptospirosis cases in Sydney. These findings suggest that rats in Sydney might play a role in the transmission of leptospirosis to dogs and people. Further testing of rats in Sydney and investigation into other possible wildlife reservoirs of infection and environmental sources of leptospires are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Bedoya-Pérez
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark E Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Max Loomes
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nga Yee Natalie Chung
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Benjamin Knobel
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Woodbridge Road, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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21
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Enos JK, Ducay R, Paitz RT, Ward MP, Hauber ME. Female red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) do not alter nest site selection, maternal programming, or hormone-mediated maternal effects in response to perceived nest predation or brood parasitism risk. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023:114322. [PMID: 37247827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Predation or brood parasitism risks can change the behaviors and reproductive decisions in many parental animals. For oviparous species, mothers can mitigate their reproductive success in at least three ways: (1) by avoiding nest sites with high predation or parasitism risks, (2) through hormonal maternal effects that developmentally prime offspring for survival in risky environments, or (3) by investing less in reproduction when predation or parasitism risks are high. Here, we tested if perceived predation and parasitism risks can induce any of these behavioral or physiological responses by exposing female red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to playbacks of two major nest threats, a predator (Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii) and an obligate brood parasite (brown-headed cowbird; Molothrus ater), as well as two controls (harmless Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna; and silence). We found that female blackbirds did not avoid nesting at sites treated with predator or brood parasite playbacks, nor were females more likely to abandon nesting attempts at these sites. Egg size and yolk hormone profiles, which are common proxies for maternal investment in oviparous species, were statistically similar across treatment sites. Instead, we found intraclutch variation in yolk steroid hormone profiles: concentrations of three progestogens (pregnanedione, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, and deoxycorticosterone) and two androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) were higher in third-laid than first-laid eggs. Our study largely confirms previous findings of consistent intraclutch yolk hormone variation in this species, in birds in general, and in other oviparous lineages, but uniquely reports on several yolk steroid hormones largely overlooked in the literature on hormone-mediated maternal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice K Enos
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA.
| | - Rebecca Ducay
- Southern Illinois University, School of Forestry, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, USA
| | - Ryan T Paitz
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois 61790, USA
| | - Michael P Ward
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA; Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820, USA; Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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22
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Pepper BM, Chan H, Ward MP, Quain A. Euthanasia of Dogs by Australian Veterinarians: A Survey of Current Practices. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050317. [PMID: 37235400 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Euthanasia techniques utilised by veterinarians impact the welfare of many dogs in their final moments. Despite euthanasia guidelines, little is known about euthanasia techniques used in practice. We administered an online survey of Australian veterinarians who had euthanised at least one dog in the previous 12 months. We found that 668 (96.8%) had euthanised a dog in the previous 12 months, almost all using intravenous pentobarbitone sodium (n = 651, 99.7%). For non-emergency euthanasia (n = 653), the majority (n = 442, 67.7%) administered a premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia versus less than half for emergency euthanasia (n = 286, 46.4%). Practices and views about euthanasia varied. Female veterinarians and veterinarians located in metropolitan regions were more likely to administer a premedication or sedation prior to non-emergency euthanasia (p < 0.05). Veterinarians in private mixed animal practices were less likely to administer a premedication or sedation prior to a non-emergency euthanasia (p < 0.05). For non-emergency and emergency euthanasia, veterinarians who worked in "other" practice types were more likely to administer a premedication or sedation than private companion animal practices (p < 0.05). The possible reasons for differences in euthanasia practices are explored, and scope for refinement is identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Marlene Pepper
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Hedia Chan
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anne Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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23
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Jones TM, Di Giovanni AJ, Hauber ME, Ward MP. Ontogenetic effects of brood parasitism by the Brown-headed Cowbird on host offspring. Ecology 2023; 104:e3925. [PMID: 36423935 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nest-sharer avian brood parasites do not evict or otherwise kill host chicks, but instead inflict a range of negative effects on their nestmates that are mediated by interactions between the parasite and host life history traits. Although many of the negative fitness effects of avian brood parasitism are well documented across diverse host species, there remains a paucity of studies that have examined the impacts of parasitism across the entirety of host ontogeny (i.e., from when an egg is laid until independence). More specifically, few studies have examined the impact of brood parasitism on the pre- and post-fledging development, physiology, behavior, and survival of host offspring. To help fill this knowledge gap, we assessed the effects of brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) across the ontogeny (incubation, nestling, and post-fledging period) of nine sympatrically breeding host species in central Illinois, USA; due to sample sizes, impacts on the post-fledging period were only examined in two of the nine species. Specifically, we examined the impact of brood parasitism on ontogenetic markers including the embryonic heart rate, hatching rate, nestling period length, nest survival, and offspring growth and development. Additionally, in species in which we found negative impacts of cowbird parasitism on host nestmate ontogeny, we examined whether the difference in adult size between parasites and their hosts and their hatching asynchrony positively predicted variation in host costs across these focal taxa. We found that costs of cowbird parasitism were most severe during early nesting stages (reduction in the host clutch or brood size) and were predicted negatively by host size and positively by incubation length. In contrast, we only found limited costs of cowbird parasitism on other stages of host ontogeny; critically, post-fledging survival did not differ between host offspring that fledged alongside cowbirds and those that did not. Our findings (i) highlight the direct costs of cowbird parasitism on host fitness, (ii) provide evidence for when (the stage) those costs are manifested, and (iii) may help to explain why many anti-cowbird defenses of hosts have evolved for protection from parasitism during the laying and incubation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Jones
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA.,Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA.,Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alexander J Di Giovanni
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Mark E Hauber
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA.,Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael P Ward
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA.,Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
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24
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Singh BB, Ward MP, Kostoulas P, Dhand NK. Zoonosis-Why we should reconsider "What's in a name?". Front Public Health 2023; 11:1133330. [PMID: 36860402 PMCID: PMC9969093 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1133330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Balbir B. Singh
- Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Navneet K. Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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25
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Huang J, Li K, Xiao S, Hu J, Yin Y, Zhang J, Li S, Wang W, Hong J, Zhao Z, Chen X, Liu Y, Shi J, Hu F, Ran X, Ge Y, Jiang H, Liu Z, Ward MP, Zhang Z. Global epidemiology of animal influenza infections with explicit virus subtypes until 2016: A spatio-temporal descriptive analysis. One Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100514] [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: 02/22/2023] Open
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26
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Kirkeby C, Brookes VJ, Ward MP, Dürr S, Halasa T. Corrigendum: A practical introduction to mechanistic modeling of disease transmission in veterinary science. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1129870. [PMID: 36756311 PMCID: PMC9900625 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1129870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.546651.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Kirkeby
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark,*Correspondence: Carsten Kirkeby ✉
| | - Victoria J. Brookes
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga, NSW, Australia,Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries), Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Salome Dürr
- Department of Clinical Research and Public Health, Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tariq Halasa
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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27
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Li K, Shi J, Liu X, Ward MP, Wang Z, Liu R, Zhao Z, Yin Y, Liu Y, Hong J, Huang J, Chen X, Zhang Z. Early warning signals for Omicron outbreaks in China: A retrospective study. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28341. [PMID: 36424350 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Omicron variant has become the dominant COVID-19 variant worldwide due to its rapid and cryptic spread. Therefore, successful early warning is of great importance to be able to control epidemics in their early phase, before developing into large outbreaks. COVID-19-related Baidu search index, which reflects human behavior to a certain degree, was used to retrospectively detect the warning signs for Omicron variant outbreaks in China in 2022. The characteristics and effects of warning signs were analyzed in detail. We detected the presence of early warning signs (both high and low thresholds) and found that these occurred 4-7 days earlier than traditional epidemiological surveillance and >20 days earlier than the implementation of the local "lockdown" policy. Compared with the "high threshold" warning, the early warning effect of the "low threshold" is also vital because it indicates a negligence about epidemic prevention and control. However, there is obvious heterogeneity in the optimal threshold for detecting early warning signs and their distribution in different cities. Multi-source and multi-point early warning systems should be established via combining internet-based big data in the future to conduct effective and early real-time warning. This would create precious time for the early control of COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Geomatics and Spatial Information, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zengliang Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Geomatics and Spatial Information, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Yin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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28
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Oberin M, Hillman A, Ward MP, Holley C, Firestone S, Cowled B. The Potential Role of Wild Suids in African Swine Fever Spread in Asia and the Pacific Region. Viruses 2022; 15:61. [PMID: 36680101 PMCID: PMC9867030 DOI: 10.3390/v15010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) in Asia and the Pacific is currently dominated by ASF virus transmission within and between domestic pig populations. The contribution made by wild suids is currently not well understood; their distribution, density and susceptibility to the virus has raised concerns that their role in the epidemiology of ASF in the region might be underestimated. Whilst in the Republic of Korea wild suids are considered important in the spread and maintenance of ASF virus, there is an apparent underreporting to official sources of the disease in wild suids from other countires and regions. A review of the current literature, an analysis of the official reporting resources and a survey of the World Organisation of Animal Health Member delegates in Asia and the Pacific were used to assess the potential role of wild suids in ASF outbreaks, and also to gain insight into what ASF management or control strategies are currently implemented for wild suids. Applying appropriate population control and management strategies can be increased in some areas, especially to assist in the conservation of endangered endemic wild suids in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalene Oberin
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Ausvet, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Alison Hillman
- Ausvet, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Caitlin Holley
- The World Organisation for Animal Health, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Simon Firestone
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Brendan Cowled
- Ausvet, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
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29
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Askren RJ, Eichholz MW, Sharp CM, Washburn BE, Beckerman SF, Pullins CK, Fournier AMV, Vonbank JA, Weegman MD, Hagy HM, Ward MP. Behavioral responses of Canada geese to winter harassment in the context of human‐wildlife conflicts. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Askren
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and Illinois Natural History Survey University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
| | - Mike W. Eichholz
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Center for Ecology, School of Biological Sciences Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale IL 62901 USA
| | | | - Brian E. Washburn
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center Sandusky OH 44870 USA
| | - Scott F. Beckerman
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Springfield IL 62711 USA
| | - Craig K. Pullins
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Chicago IL 60666 USA
| | - Auriel M. V. Fournier
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Forbes Biological Station University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Havana IL 62644 USA
| | - Jay A. Vonbank
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M University—Kingsville Kingsville TX 78363 USA
| | - Mitch D. Weegman
- School of Natural Resources University of Missouri Columbia MO 65211 USA
| | - Heath M. Hagy
- National Wildlife Refuge System U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Stanton TN 38069 USA
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and Illinois Natural History Survey University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
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30
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Kirkeby C, Ward MP. A review of estimated transmission parameters for the spread of avian influenza viruses. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3238-3246. [PMID: 35959696 PMCID: PMC10088015 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Avian influenza poses an increasing problem in Europe and around the world. Simulation models are a useful tool to predict the spatiotemporal risk of avian influenza spread and evaluate appropriate control actions. To develop realistic simulation models, valid transmission parameters are critical. Here, we reviewed published estimates of the basic reproduction number (R0 ), the latent period and the infectious period by virus type, pathogenicity, species, study type and poultry flock unit. We found a large variation in the parameter estimates, with highest R0 estimates for H5N1 and H7N3 compared with other types; for low pathogenic avian influenza compared with high pathogenic avian influenza types; for ducks compared with other species; for estimates from field studies compared with experimental studies; and for within-flock estimates compared with between-flock estimates. Simulation models should reflect this observed variation so as to produce more reliable outputs and support decision-making. How to incorporate this information into simulation models remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Kirkeby
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Uddin MA, Islam MA, Rahman AKMA, Rahman MM, Khasruzzaman AKM, Ward MP, Hossain MT. Epidemiological investigation of lumpy skin disease outbreaks in Bangladeshi cattle during 2019-2020. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3397-3404. [PMID: 36053488 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an acute infectious viral disease of cattle with a wide distribution that emerged in Bangladesh in 2019, causing huge economic losses. This study was undertaken to investigate the epidemiological features of LSD emergence in nine districts of Bangladesh between December 2019 and December 2020. A total of 8215 cattle from 603 herds were investigated and LSD was diagnosed based on the characteristic clinical findings. A standard questionnaire was administered to collect herd-level data including location, herd size, number of LSD-infected cattle, number died due to LSD, farm type, season, house type, vector presence, sanitation and fly repellent use. Similarly, data on clinical signs, sex, age, animal class and breed of the LSD-infected cattle were also recorded. The herd-level attack risk (%) and mortality risk (%) were calculated based on the number of infected and dead cattle, respectively, as a proportion of total cattle. The herd-level risk factors for LSD were identified using a multivariable Poisson regression model. The most common clinical signs were skin nodules (100%), fever (97.9%) and depression with anorexia and weight loss (97.9%). Crossbred (84.9%) and female (72.2%) cattle were mostly affected by LSD. The overall LSD attack risk, mortality risk and case fatality were 26.5%, 0.26% and 0.97%, respectively. The LSD attack risk was significantly higher in small herds (risk ratio: [RR] 1.39; 95% CI: 1.27; 1.53) than large herds. In addition, significantly higher LSD attack risk was observed in semi-intensive management systems (RR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.01; 1.64) than intensive management systems. Moreover, it was also significantly higher in hut (RR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.12; 2.92), temporary (RR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.21; 2.17) and tin-shed houses (RR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.11; 1.51) than in semi-building houses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed epidemiological study of LSD emergence in South Asia. Female crossbred cattle in small herds under semi-intensive management should be prioritized for LSD surveillance and vaccination to prevent further outbreaks and control the impact of the disease in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asir Uddin
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md Alimul Islam
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - A K M Anisur Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Mohummad Muklesur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - A K M Khasruzzaman
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
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Gong J, Griebsch C, Kirkwood N, Norris JM, Ward MP. Emerging canine leptospirosis in Sydney and the role of population demographics. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2485-e2494. [PMID: 35533268 PMCID: PMC9790327 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
An outbreak of canine leptospirosis commenced in Sydney, Australia in 2017. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine if clusters of leptospirosis occurred during this outbreak, and if these were associated with host factors, to assist investigation of the drivers of emerging leptospirosis at this location. Within the City of Sydney local government area, 13 cases were reported during the outbreak. Administrative data on the canine population were collected and mapped. Clusters of leptospirosis cases were detected using a retrospective space-time analysis and a discrete Poisson probability statistical model. Sydney dog population registration [55.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.8-58.1%] was lower than the Australian national average (80%). The distribution of dog types, based on the United Kennel Club standards, was significantly (p < .0001) different to that of the national profile: there was a distinct preference in Sydney for companion dogs. The age distribution of dogs in Sydney did not reflect a typical right-skewed curve; instead, a relatively uniform distribution was observed between the age group of 1 to 8 years. A primary disease cluster (radius 1.1 km) in the eastern area of the Sydney City Council was identified (4 cases observed between 24 May and 9 August 2019 vs. 0.10 cases expected), p = .0450. When adjusted for the age, breed type and sex distribution of the population, similar clusters were identified; in the case of age-adjustment, the spatiotemporal cluster identified was larger and of longer duration (seven cases observed between 28 June and 11 November 2019 versus 0.34 cases expected), p = .0025. The presence of clusters of canine leptospirosis in the City of Sydney during this outbreak, which persisted after adjustment for demographics (age, sex, breed type), suggest that environmental factors - rather than host or pathogen factors - might be responsible for the emergence of leptospirosis. Environmental factors that potentially might be linked to this outbreak of canine leptospirosis and the clusters observed require investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Gong
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christine Griebsch
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Nicolle Kirkwood
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jacqueline M. Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamperdownNew South WalesAustralia
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Cheng J, Ward MP. Risk factors for the spread of African Swine Fever in China: A systematic review of Chinese-language literature. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1289-e1298. [PMID: 35490407 PMCID: PMC9790558 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) is a contagious pathogen that can cause severe acute haemorrhagic fever in pigs. The first occurrence of an ASF outbreak in Asia was reported in China in August 2018. The devastating impacts caused by ASF on the pig industry have strongly focused research on risk factors for the spread of ASFV. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the potential knowledge gap in the English literature on risk factors for the spread of ASFV in outbreaks that occurred in China, 2018-2020. China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was searched as the primary database. Sixty-four records were screened, and 31 (48%) records were included in data extraction. These records were also assessed for quality of evidence. Frequency tables for reported risks were created, considering quality of evidence. A narrative summary of mortality rate and case fatality rate reported in a small number of records was made. Mortality rate was reported in seven studies, ranging from 3.7% to 84.0% (median 11.9%). Case fatality rate was reported in six studies, ranging from 20.6% to 100% (median 63.3%). Based on 31 reviewed records, live pig transport, swill feeding and vehicles were the three most important risks for spread contributing to the ASF epidemic in China. Bites of infected Ornithodoros ticks was stated in 12 low level of evidence records but only 1 high level of evidence record as a risk factor for transmission. Direct contact with wild pigs was reported to be a risk factor in 8 records with low level of evidence, and 1 record from the high level of evidence group. However, limited evidence was provided to support the tick-domestic pig or wild pig-domestic pig transmission routes in China. Lack of resources to obtain veterinary assistance and to improve husbandry and biosecurity was mentioned four times in the 31 records, especially in remote rural areas. In conclusion, to effectively control the spread of ASF, it is very important to reduce mechanical dissemination of ASFV by vehicles and live pig transport involved in the production cycle and to ensure that transported pigs are always subject to inspection and quarantine. Additionally, despite strict implementation of prohibition on swill feeding often being impractical or nearly impossible, ensuring the safety of pig feed can greatly contribute to disease prevention. Improvement in biosecurity management, specifically environment disinfection, carcass disposal, and decontamination of vehicles and personnel will be most effective in reducing the risk of infection in small-scale pig farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieming Cheng
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Lu X, Ward MP. Spatiotemporal analysis of reported classical swine fever outbreaks in China (2005-2018) and the influence of weather. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3183-e3195. [PMID: 35007396 PMCID: PMC9787383 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Classical swine fever (CSF) is a viral disease that causes enormous economic losses in the swine industry in endemic countries including China. The aims of the current study were to describe the spatial distribution of annual CSF reports in China from 2005 to 2018, identify spatiotemporal clusters of annual CSF reports during this time period and to investigate the correlations between climate factors (rainfall, wind speed, temperature, vapour pressure and relative humidity) and the occurrence of CSF outbreaks. The strongest (Moran's index > 0.19), significant (p < .05) spatial clustering of reported outbreaks was observed during the first 4 years of the study period. This clustering was apparent in the four southern provinces of Guizhou, Guangxi, Guangdong and Yunnan. Five of the six significant (p ≤ .0001) spatiotemporal clusters occurred during the period 2005-2012. These were widely dispersed, with four clusters persisting for only 1 or 2 years, whereas two clusters (Jiangxi and Yunnan) persisted for 8 and 7 years, respectively. As a result of implementation of a national animal disease control plan and increasing coverage of vaccination, CSF outbreaks in China have generally been controlled and reduced, becoming sporadic in most provinces by 2018. We also confirmed that low relative humidity and high wind speed were significant weather variables associated with the occurrence of CSF. Furthermore, our study has confirmed that CSF is still endemic in some Chinese provinces, and we recommend that the national CSF control protocol be updated and standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lu
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamdenAustralia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of SydneyCamdenAustralia
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Quain A, Mullan S, Ward MP. “There Was a Sense That Our Load Had Been Lightened”: Evaluating Outcomes of Virtual Ethics Rounds for Veterinary Team Members. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:922049. [PMID: 35923822 PMCID: PMC9339959 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.922049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical ethics support services (CESS) are employed in healthcare to improve patient care and help team members develop skills to recognize and navigate ethically challenging situations (ECS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ethics rounds, one form of CESS, on veterinary team members. An anonymous, online mixed-methods survey incorporating a 15-item instrument designed to assess the outcomes of moral case deliberation originally developed for human healthcare workers (the Euro-MCD 2.0), was developed. The survey was administered to veterinary team members prior to and following participation in a 90-min virtual ethics rounds session. A total of 23 sessions of virtual ethics rounds were held. In total, 213 individuals participated, and 89 completed both surveys (response rate 41.8%). Most respondents were female (n = 70, 81%). Most were veterinarians (n = 51, 59%), followed by other veterinary team members (practice manager, animal attendant) (n = 18, 21%), veterinary nurses or animal health technicians (n = 10, 12%) and veterinary students (n = 8, 9%). Age ranged from 20 to 73 (median 41, IQR 32–52, n = 87). While there was no statistically significant difference between overall modified Euro-MCD 2.0 scores between T1 and T2, there were statistically significant changes in 7 out of 15 Euro-MCD 2.0 items in the domains of moral competence and moral teamwork. Reflexive thematic analysis of free-text responses identified themes including the types, impact and barriers to resolving ECS, the impacts of ethics rounds on veterinary team members and constraints preventing veterinary team members from speaking up in the face of ECS. While participants largely described the impact of ethics rounds as beneficial (for example, by facilitating clarification of thinking about ECS, allowing participants to see ECS from the perspective of others and providing a safe space for discussion), reflecting on ECS could be stressful for participants. Active participation in ethics rounds may be inhibited in the context of power imbalance, or in settings where bullying occurs. Overall, carefully facilitated ethics rounds has the potential to improve the ability of veterinary team members to identify and navigate ECS, and potentially mitigate moral distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Quain
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Anne Quain
| | | | - Michael P. Ward
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Khan MK, Islam MN, Hassan J, Paul SK, Islam MA, Pateras K, Kostoulas P, Ward MP, Rahman AKMA, Alam MM. Hierarchical true prevalence, risk factors and clinical symptoms of tuberculosis among suspects in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262978. [PMID: 35819968 PMCID: PMC9275716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262978] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The study was aimed to estimate the true prevalence of human tuberculosis (TB); identify risk factors and clinical symptoms of TB; and detect rifampicin (RIF) sensitivity in three study areas of Bangladesh.
Methods
The cross-sectional study was conducted in three Bangladesh districts during 2018. Potential risk factors, clinical symptoms, and comorbidities were collected from 684 TB suspects. Sputum specimens were examined by LED microscopy. TB hierarchical true prevalence, risk factors and clinical symptoms were estimated and identified using a Bayesian analysis framework. Rifampicin sensitivity of M. tuberculosis (MTB) was detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.
Results
The median TB true prevalence was 14.2% (3.8; 34.5). Although overall clustering of prevalence was not found, several DOTS centers were identified with high prevalence (22.3% to 43.7%). Risk factors for TB identified (odds ratio) were age (> 25 to 45 years 2.67 (1.09; 6.99), > 45 to 60 years 3.43 (1.38; 9.19) and individuals in families/neighborhoods where a TB patient(s) has (ve) already been present (12.31 (6.79; 22.60)). Fatigue, night sweat, fever and hemoptysis were identified as important clinical symptoms. Seven of the GeneXpert MTB/RIF positive sputum specimens (65) were resistant to rifampicin.
Conclusions
About one in every seven TB suspects was affected with TB. A number of the TB patients carry multi drug resistant MTB. Hierarchical true prevalence estimation allowed identifying DOTS centers with high TB burden. Insights from this study will enable more efficient use of DOTScenters-based TB surveillance to end the TB epidemic in Bangladesh by 2035.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Kamruzzaman Khan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- Department of Community Medicine, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nazimul Islam
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Jayedul Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Shaymal Kumar Paul
- Department of Microbiology, Netrokona Medical College, Netrokona, Bangladesh
| | - M. Ariful Islam
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Konstantinos Pateras
- Laboratory of Epidemiology & Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Public Health, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology & Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Public Health, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A. K. M. Anisur Rahman
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mahbub Alam
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
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Cowled BD, Hillman A, Ward MP, Clutterbuck H, Doyle M, Webb Ware J, Thomas M, Plain K, Barwell R, Laurence M, Pfeiffer C. The black summer bushfires: impacts and risk factors for livestock bushfire injury in south-eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:306-317. [PMID: 35514115 PMCID: PMC9546107 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The 2019/2020 Australian bushfires were the largest bushfire event in modern Australian history. While actions to mitigate risk to homes from bushfires are well reported, there is very little research reported on the impacts of bushfires on livestock. With an increasing incidence of bushfires predicted, there is an urgent need to identify how farmers can best protect their livestock. Objectives Compare bushfire affected farms with and without injured livestock to identify associations between risk factors and bushfire injury. Infer management approaches that can be used to reduce bushfire injury in livestock. Method A case‐control study using a structured interview questionnaire, delivered in late 2020 to cattle and sheep farmers in south‐eastern Australia (New South Wales and Victoria) whose farmland was burnt in the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires. Case farms were farms with bushfires injured or killed livestock. Control farms were farms that had no bushfire injured livestock but that still had fire present on the farm. Interview responses were summarised and information theoretical approaches were used to identify potential risk factors for livestock bushfire injury and protective actions that could inform future fire‐preparation recommendations. Results and discussion Of 46 farms in the case‐control study, 21 (46%) reported bushfire injured or killed livestock. Apparent protective factors identified included: preparation (having a bushfire plan and more than two farm bushfire fighting units), backburning and receiving assistance from fire authorities. Combined beef and sheep grazing enterprises appeared to have an increased risk of bushfire injury to livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Cowled
- Ausvet Pty Ltd, 34 Thynne St, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Hillman
- Ausvet Pty Ltd, 34 Thynne St, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H Clutterbuck
- South East Local Land Services, 159 Auburn St, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, 159 Auburn St, Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Webb Ware
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - M Thomas
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Plain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Barwell
- Animal Health Australia, Level 2, 95 Northbourne Ave, Turner, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - M Laurence
- Meat and Livestock Australia, Level 1, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney, New South Wales, 2060, Australia
| | - C Pfeiffer
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Brookes VJ, Wismandanu O, Sudarnika E, Roby JA, Hayes L, Ward MP, Basri C, Wibawa H, Davis J, Indrawan D, Manyweathers J, Nugroho WS, Windria S, Hernandez-Jover M. A scoping review of live wildlife trade in markets worldwide. Sci Total Environ 2022; 819:153043. [PMID: 35032529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wet markets sell fresh food and are a global phenomenon. They are important for food security in many regions worldwide but have come under scrutiny due to their potential role in the emergence of infectious diseases. The sale of live wildlife has been highlighted as a particular risk, and the World Health Organisation has called for the banning of live, wild-caught mammalian species in markets unless risk assessment and effective regulations are in place. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a global scoping review of peer-reviewed information about the sale of live, terrestrial wildlife in markets that are likely to sell fresh food, and collated data about the characteristics of such markets, activities involving live wildlife, the species sold, their purpose, and animal, human, and environmental health risks that were identified. Of the 56 peer-reviewed records within scope, only 25% (n = 14) focussed on disease risks; the rest focused on the impact of wildlife sale on conservation. Although there were some global patterns (for example, the types of markets and purpose of sale of wildlife), there was wide diversity and huge epistemic uncertainty in all aspects associated with live, terrestrial wildlife sale in markets such that the feasibility of accurate assessment of the risk of emerging infectious disease associated with live wildlife trade in markets is currently limited. Given the value of both wet markets and wildlife trade and the need to support food affordability and accessibility, conservation, public health, and the social and economic aspects of livelihoods of often vulnerable people, there are major information gaps that need to be addressed to develop evidence-based policy in this environment. This review identifies these gaps and provides a foundation from which information for risk assessments can be collected.
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Affiliation(s)
- V J Brookes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden 2570, Australia.
| | - O Wismandanu
- Veterinary Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
| | - E Sudarnika
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University, Indonesia
| | - J A Roby
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - L Hayes
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden 2570, Australia
| | - C Basri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University, Indonesia
| | - H Wibawa
- Disease Investigation Centre Wates, Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - J Davis
- Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra, Australia
| | - D Indrawan
- School of Business, IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University, Indonesia
| | - J Manyweathers
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - W S Nugroho
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
| | - S Windria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Microbiology, Veterinary Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Indonesia
| | - M Hernandez-Jover
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (NSW Dept. of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Rabies is an ancient yet still neglected tropical disease (NTD). This review focuses upon highlights of recent research and peer-reviewed communications on the underestimated tropical burden of disease and its management due to the complicated dynamics of virulent viral species, diverse mammalian reservoirs, and tens of millions of exposed humans and animals – and how laboratory-based surveillance at each level informs upon pathogen spread and risks of transmission, for targeted prevention and control. Recent Findings While both human and rabies animal cases in enzootic areas over the past 5 years were reported to PAHO/WHO and OIE by member countries, still there is a huge gap between these “official” data and the need for enhanced surveillance efforts to meet global program goals. Summary A review of the complex aspects of rabies perpetuation in human, domestic animal, and wildlife communities, coupled with a high fatality rate despite the existence of efficacious biologics (but no therapeutics), warrants the need for a One Health approach toward detection via improved laboratory-based surveillance, with focal management at the viral source. More effective methods to prevent the spread of rabies from enzootic to free zones are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E. Rupprecht
- LYSSA LLC, Atlanta, GA USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL USA
| | - Reeta S. Mani
- Department of Neurovirology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in Rabies, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Philip P. Mshelbwala
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Sergio E. Recuenco
- Facultad de Medicina San Fernando, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW Australia
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Uddin Ahmed N, Khair A, Hassan J, Khan MAHNA, Rahman AKMA, Hoque W, Rahman M, Kobayashi N, Ward MP, Alam MM. Risk factors for bovine rotavirus infection and genotyping of bovine rotavirus in diarrheic calves in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264577. [PMID: 35213667 PMCID: PMC8880881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine rotavirus (BRV) is considered the leading cause of calf diarrhea worldwide, including Bangladesh. In this study we aimed to identify risk factors for BRV infection and determine the G and P genotypes of BRV strains in diarrheic calves. Fecal samples were collected from 200 diarrheic calves in three districts between January 2014 and October 2015. These samples were screened to detect the presence of BRV using rapid test-strips BIO K 152 (RTSBK). The RTSBK positive samples were further tested by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the silver staining technique to detect rotavirus dsRNA. Risk factors were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The G and P genotypes of BRV were determined by RT-PCR and sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the neighbor-joining method using CLC sequence viewer 8.0. About 23% of the diarrheic calves were BRV positive. The odds of BRV infection were 3.8- (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.0–14.7) and 3.9-times (95% CI:1.1–14.2) higher in Barisal and Madaripur districts, respectively, than Sirrajganj. The risk of BRV infection was 3.1-times (95% CI: 1.5–6.5) higher in calves aged ≤ 5 weeks than those aged >5 weeks. Moreover, the risk of BRV infection was 2.6-times (95% CI:1.1–5.8) higher in crossbred (Holstein Friesian, Shahiwal) than indigenous calves. G6P[11] was the predominant genotype (94.4%), followed by G10P[11] (5.6%). The BRV G6 strains were found to be closest (98.9–99.9%) to Indian strains, and BRV G10 strains showed 99.9% identities with Indian strain. The VP4 gene of all P[11] strains showed >90% identities to each other and also with Indian strains. The most frequently identified BRV genotype was G6P[11]. About 23% of calf diarrhea cases were associated with BRV. To control disease, high-risk areas and younger crossbred calves should be targeted for surveillance and management. The predominant genotype could be utilized as the future vaccine candidate or vaccines with the dominant genotype should be used to control BRV diarrhea in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Uddin Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Abul Khair
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- IUBAT-International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jayedul Hassan
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - A. K. M. Anisur Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Warda Hoque
- Infectious Diseases Division, Virology Laboratory, icddr,b, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafizur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, Virology Laboratory, icddr,b, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nobumichi Kobayashi
- Department of Hygiene, School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Md. Mahbub Alam
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
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Quain A, Mullan S, Ward MP. Low and No-Contact Euthanasia: Associated Ethical Challenges Experienced by Veterinary Team Members during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050560. [PMID: 35268128 PMCID: PMC8908847 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary During the COVID-19 pandemic, many veterinary practices have been required to move to a low or no-contact consultation model to minimise the risk of SARS-CoV-2. Utilising data from a global survey, we explored the experiences of veterinary team members performing low and no-contact euthanasia during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that low and no-contact euthanasia were encountered as common and/or stressful ethical challenges in the pandemic. In order to minimise the potential negative impacts of low and no-contact euthanasia on veterinary team members, clients and animal patients, there is a need for a toolkit of protocols to assist veterinary team members in provision of low-contact euthanasia, and avoidance of no-contact euthanasia wherever possible. Abstract Background: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many veterinary practices around the world have shifted to a low or no-contact consultation model to ensure the safety of their team members and clients, and comply with public health orders, while continuing to provide veterinary care. Methods: We performed reflexive thematic analysis on a subset of data collected using a mixed-methods survey of veterinary team members globally. Results: There were 540 valid responses available for analysis. Low and no-contact euthanasia we raised as a common and/or stressful ethical challenge for 22.8% of respondents. We identified five key themes: no-contact euthanasia as a unique ethical challenge; balancing veterinary team safety with the emotional needs of clients; low and no-contact protocols may cause or exacerbate fear, anxiety and distress in veterinary patients; physical distancing was more challenging during euthanasia consultations; and biosecurity measures complicated communication around euthanasia and end-of-life decision making. Recommendations: In light of concerns highlighted by respondents, we recommend the development of a toolkit of protocols that will assist veterinary team members in performing low-contact euthanasia in a range of circumstances, in alignment with their values and professional ethical codes. Professional bodies may be involved in developing, updating and disseminating this information, and ensuring a continuous supply chain of PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Siobhan Mullan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
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Cowled BD, Bannister-Tyrrell M, Doyle M, Clutterbuck H, Cave J, Hillman A, Plain K, Pfeiffer C, Laurence M, Ward MP. The Australian 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires: Analysis of the Pathology, Treatment Strategies and Decision Making About Burnt Livestock. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:790556. [PMID: 35242835 PMCID: PMC8886614 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.790556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2019/2020, Australia experienced a severe bushfire event, with many tens of thousands of livestock killed or euthanized. Little systematic research has occurred to understand livestock bushfire injuries, risk factors for injury, or how to make decisions about management of bushfire-injured livestock. Addressing this research gap is important as there is an increasing bushfire incidence globally. This paper presents qualitative research findings about bushfire-injured and killed livestock in the south-east of Australia after the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires. We describe observed pathology, treatments used, and risk factors for injury, then use thematic analysis to understand decision making about managing fire-injured livestock. Livestock injured by the fires showed pathology predominantly associated with the common integument (feet, hooves and skin) and signs of acute respiratory damage. It could take several days for the full extent of burns to become apparent, leaving prognostic doubt. Treatment strategies included immediate euthanasia, salvage slaughter, retention for later culling, treatment and recovery on farm, hospitalization and intensive treatment, or no intervention. Risk factors reported for livestock injury included lack of warnings about an impending fire, the type and amount of vegetation around livestock and the weather conditions on the day the fire reached livestock. Moving stock to an area with little vegetation before fire arrived was seen as protective. Decision making regarding injured livestock appeared influenced by three main themes: (1) observations on the severity of pathology, clinical signs and level of prognostic doubt, (2) pre-existing beliefs about animal welfare (responsibility to minimize unnecessary suffering) and (3) assumptions about the future. The management of livestock was largely appropriate due to the rapid provision of veterinary expertise. However, it is likely that some injured livestock were euthanized due to conservative veterinary advice driven by a lack of opportunity to re-assess stock, with impacts on farmers. In future, resourcing regular revisits of injured livestock to manage risks of gradual progression of burn pathology may facilitate more accurate prognostic assessment, provided injured animals can receive appropriate pain relief. In addition, a more comprehensive burns classification system linked to prognosis that can be rapidly applied in the field may assist assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan D. Cowled
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brendan D. Cowled
| | | | - Mark Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, Goulburn, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jeff Cave
- Biosecurity and Agriculture Services, Agriculture Victoria, Wodonga, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Karren Plain
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Caitlin Pfeiffer
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Michael P. Ward
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Pasfield K, Gottlieb T, Tartari E, Ward MP, Quain A. Sickness presenteeism associated with influenza-like illness in veterinarians working in New South Wales: Results of a state-wide survey. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:243-253. [PMID: 35168290 PMCID: PMC9304280 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickness presenteeism in the veterinary profession potentially jeopardises the wellbeing of veterinary team members and endangers quality of patient care. In veterinary team members with influenza-like illness (ILI), sickness presenteeism poses a risk to the health and wellbeing of colleagues and clients, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with sickness presenteeism in NSW registered veterinarians suffering from ILI, both before and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Veterinarians registered in NSW were invited to complete an anonymous online mixed-methods survey between 31 March 2021 and 31 June 2021, regarding sickness presenteeism and absenteeism associated with ILI. The questionnaire was distributed through online and print newsletters of the Australian Veterinary Association NSW Branch and the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board. RESULTS From a total of 122 participants, 81 veterinarians (66.4%) reported that they would attend work despite displaying symptoms of ILI. Most veterinarians would stay at home with a fever alone (n = 108, 88.5%), however, many would still attend work with a sore throat (n = 121, 99.2%) or a dry cough (n = 91, 74.6%). Sickness presenteeism was significantly associated with lack of staff to cover workers. Although sickness presenteeism remained common, participants reported that they were less likely to attend work with symptoms of ILI since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. DISCUSSION The data are discussed in relation to sickness presenteeism in healthcare workers. These findings underscore an urgent need for relief staff to decrease sickness presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pasfield
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - T Gottlieb
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Tartari
- Infection Control Programme and WHO Collaborating Centre on Patient Safety, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Gill GS, Singh BB, Dhand NK, Aulakh RS, Ward MP, Brookes VJ. Stray Dogs and Public Health: Population Estimation in Punjab, India. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020075. [PMID: 35202328 PMCID: PMC8878280 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The overpopulation of stray dogs is a serious public health and animal welfare concern in India. Neglected zoonotic diseases such as rabies and echinococcosis are transmitted at the stray–dog human interface, particularly in low to middle-income countries. The current study was designed to estimate the stray dog populations in Punjab to enhance the implementation of animal birth and disease (for example, rabies vaccination) control programs. This is the first systematic estimation of the stray dog population using a recommended method (mark–re-sight) in Punjab, India. The study was conducted from August 2016 to November 2017 in selected villages or wards in Punjab. For the rural areas, 22 sub-districts in each district were randomly selected, then one village from each of the 22 selected sub-districts was selected (by convenience sampling). For urban areas, 3 towns (less than 100,000 human population) and 2 large cities (more than or equal to 100,000 human population) were randomly selected, followed by convenience selection of two wards from each of the 5 selected towns/cities. To estimate the dog population size, we used a modified mark–re-sight procedure and analysed counts using two methods; the Lincoln–Petersen formula with Chapman’s correction, and an application of Good–Turing theory (SuperDuplicates method; estimated per km2 and per 1000 adult humans and were compared between localities (villages vs. towns), dog sex (male vs. female) and age group (young vs. adult) using linear mixed models with district as a random effect. The predicted mean (95% CI) count of the dogs per village or ward were extrapolated to estimate the number of stray dogs in Punjab based on (a) the number of villages and wards in the state; (b) the adult human population of the state and (c) the built-up area of the state. Median stray dog populations per village and per ward using the Lincoln–Petersen formula with Chapman’s correction were estimated to be 33 and 65 dogs, respectively. Higher estimates of 61 per village and 112 per ward are reported using the SuperDuplicates method. The number of males was significantly higher than the number of females and the number of adult dogs was about three times the number of young dogs. Based on different methods, estimates of the mean stray dog population in the state of Punjab ranged from 519,000 to 1,569,000. The current study revealed that there are a substantial number of stray dogs and a high number reside in rural (versus urban) areas in Punjab. The estimated stray dog numbers pose a potential public health hazard in Punjab. This impact requires assessment. The estimated stray dog numbers will help develop a dog population and rabies control program in which information about the logistics required as well as costs of implementing such programmes in Punjab can be incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurlal S. Gill
- Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana 141001, India; (G.S.G.); (R.S.A.)
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana 141004, India
| | - Balbir B. Singh
- Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana 141001, India; (G.S.G.); (R.S.A.)
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (N.K.D.); (M.P.W.); (V.J.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Navneet K. Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (N.K.D.); (M.P.W.); (V.J.B.)
| | - Rabinder S. Aulakh
- Centre for One Health, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana 141001, India; (G.S.G.); (R.S.A.)
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (N.K.D.); (M.P.W.); (V.J.B.)
| | - Victoria J. Brookes
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia; (N.K.D.); (M.P.W.); (V.J.B.)
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45
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Griebsch C, Kirkwood N, Ward MP, So W, Weerakoon L, Donahoe S, Norris JM. Emerging leptospirosis in urban Sydney dogs: a case series (2017-2020). Aust Vet J 2022; 100:190-200. [PMID: 35076093 PMCID: PMC9306944 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Canine leptospirosis has not been reported in the Sydney dog population since 1976. However, between 2017 and 2020, leptospirosis was confirmed in 17 dogs, five of which were known to hunt rodents. Dogs infected between 2017 and 2019 lived within a 3 km radius in the Inner City of Sydney (n = 11). In 2020, cases emerged across a broader area of Sydney; Inner City (n = 1), Inner West (n = 3), Lower North Shore (n = 1) and Upper North Shore (n = 1). The disease was characterised by severe hepatorenal involvement resulting in an unusually high case fatality rate (88%). In conjunction with supportive clinical signs, diagnosis was confirmed by real‐time PCR on whole blood (n = 1), kidney (n = 1), urine (n = 4), whole blood and urine (n = 9) or by seroconversion (n = 3). Antibody titres determined by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to Leptospira serovars were measured in 12 dogs: seven were positive for serovar Copenhageni, one was positive for serovar Hardjo, three were negative for all serovars, likely due to insufficient time for seroconversion before death and one had a low positive titre (1/50) for serovars Australis and Robinsoni. This sudden emergence of a highly fatal disease in pet dogs in Sydney has led to the introduction of Leptospira vaccination protocols for dogs living in inner Sydney using a monovalent vaccine containing serovar Copenhageni. The success of this vaccination program will require ongoing research to understand the emergence of leptospirosis in this region and the serovars involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Griebsch
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - N Kirkwood
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - M P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - W So
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - L Weerakoon
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - S Donahoe
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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Skinner AA, Ward MP, Souza‐Cole I, Wright JR, Thompson FR, Benson TJ, Matthews SN, Tonra CM. High spatiotemporal overlap in the non‐breeding season despite geographically dispersed breeding locations in the eastern whip‐poor‐will (
Antrostomus vociferus
). DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A. Skinner
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Ian Souza‐Cole
- Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
| | - James R. Wright
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Frank R. Thompson
- United States Forest ServiceNorthern Research Station Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Thomas J. Benson
- Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute University of Illinois Champaign Illinois USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Stephen N. Matthews
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Christopher M. Tonra
- School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
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Abstract
Abstract
Despite a large literature on the ontogeny of animal behavior, our understanding of behavioral development in young songbirds remains relatively poor. This is particularly true for the post-fledging period, where it is often difficult to follow and observe small, freely moving fledglings for extended periods of time. Fortunately, technological advances have enabled more robust examinations of songbird post-fledging behaviors. To provide greater insight into fledgling developmental and behavioral ecology, we used automated radio-telemetry systems to document post-fledging activity rates of juveniles across 9 songbird species of east-central Illinois, USA. Specifically, we sought to examine differences in the ontogeny of activity rates across species, and compare activity rates to intrinsic (e.g. morphological traits, age) and extrinsic (e.g. predation risk, brood size) factors that have the potential to influence fledgling behavior. While post-fledging activity rates differed by species, our findings show remarkable similarities in the ontogeny of fledgling activity across the avian community; all species exhibited a steady increase in activity rates with post-fledging age, with rates leveling off roughly 3 to 4 weeks post-fledging. These general patterns mirrored rates of post-fledging mortality (primarily due to predation) across the period, including the presence or absence of a post-fledging bottleneck, in which species with bottlenecks exhibit slight declines in activity rates during the first few days out of the nest. Alongside fledgling age and mortality risk, our findings also suggest that juvenile wing development and brood size at fledging mediate fledgling activity rates within and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Jones
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Michael P Ward
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
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Zhao Z, Zheng C, Qi H, Chen Y, Ward MP, Liu F, Hong J, Su Q, Huang J, Chen X, Le J, Liu X, Ren M, Ba J, Zhang Z, Chang Z, Li Z. Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 interventions on the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease in mainland China. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2022; 20:100362. [PMID: 35005671 PMCID: PMC8720138 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background In early 2020, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were implemented in China to reduce and contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. These NPIs might have also reduced the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Methods The weekly numbers of HFMD cases and meteorological factors in 31 provincial capital cities and municipalities in mainland China were obtained from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) and National Meteorological Information Center of China from 2016 to 2020. The NPI data were collected from local CDCs. The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated for the entire year of 2020, and for January-July 2020 and August-December 2020. The expected case numbers were estimated using seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models. The relationships between kindergarten closures and incidence of HFMD were quantified using a generalized additive model. The estimated associations from all cities were pooled using a multivariate meta-regression model. Findings Stringent NPIs were widely implemented for COVID-19 control from January to July 2020, and the IRRs for HFMD were less than 1 in all 31 cities, and less than 0·1 for 23 cities. Overall, the proportion of HFMD cases reduced by 52·9% (95% CI: 49·3-55·5%) after the implementation of kindergarten closures in 2020, and this effect was generally consistent across subgroups. Interpretation The decrease in HFMD incidence was strongly associated with the NPIs for COVID-19. HFMD epidemic peaks were either absent or delayed, and the final epidemic size was reduced. Kindergarten closure is an intervention to prevent HFMD outbreaks. Funding This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81973102 & 81773487), Public Health Talents Training Program of Shanghai Municipality (GWV-10.2-XD21), the Shanghai New Three-year Action Plan for Public Health (GWV-10.1-XK16), the Major Project of Scientific and Technical Winter Olympics from National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFF0306000), 13th Five-Year National Science and Technology Major Project for Infectious Diseases (2018ZX10725-509) and Key projects of the PLA logistics Scientific research Program (BHJ17J013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Canjun Zheng
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hongchao Qi
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden NSW, Australia
| | - Fengfeng Liu
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Hong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxu Le
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuliang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minrui Ren
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbo Ba
- Naval Medical Center of PLA, 880 Xiangyin Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaorui Chang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission of China
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Ward MP. The African swine fever threat to Australia. Microbiol Aust 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/ma22060] [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: 12/12/2022] Open
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Ward MP, Liu Y, Xiao S, Zhang Z. Challenges in the control of COVID-19 outbreaks caused by the delta variant during periods of low humidity: an observational study in Sydney, Australia. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:139. [PMID: 34937575 PMCID: PMC8694908 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since the appearance of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a growing body of evidence has suggested that weather factors, particularly temperature and humidity, influence transmission. This relationship might differ for the recently emerged B.1.617.2 (delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2. Here we use data from an outbreak in Sydney, Australia that commenced in winter and time-series analysis to investigate the association between reported cases and temperature and relative humidity. Methods Between 16 June and 10 September 2021, the peak of the outbreak, there were 31,662 locally-acquired cases reported in five local health districts of Sydney, Australia. The associations between daily 9:00 am and 3:00 pm temperature (°C), relative humidity (%) and their difference, and a time series of reported daily cases were assessed using univariable and multivariable generalized additive models and a 14-day exponential moving average. Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the likelihood ratio statistic were used to compare different models and determine the best fitting model. A sensitivity analysis was performed by modifying the exponential moving average. Results During the 87-day time-series, relative humidity ranged widely (< 30–98%) and temperatures were mild (approximately 11–17 °C). The best-fitting (AIC: 1,119.64) generalized additive model included 14-day exponential moving averages of 9:00 am temperature (P < 0.001) and 9:00 am relative humidity (P < 0.001), and the interaction between these two weather variables (P < 0.001). Humidity was negatively associated with cases no matter whether temperature was high or low. The effect of lower relative humidity on increased cases was more pronounced below relative humidity of about 70%; below this threshold, not only were the effects of humidity pronounced but also the relationship between temperature and cases of the delta variant becomes apparent. Conclusions We suggest that the control of COVID-19 outbreaks, specifically those due to the delta variant, is particularly challenging during periods of the year with lower relative humidity and warmer temperatures. In addition to vaccination, stronger implementation of other interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing might need to be considered during these higher risk periods. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-021-00926-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia.
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- Department of HIV/STD Prevention and Control, Shanghai Municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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