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Gómez Á, Lacasta D, Teresa Tejedor M, Ruiz de Arcaute M, Ramos JJ, Ruiz H, Ortín A, Villanueva-Saz S, Reina R, Quílez P, Navarro T, Verde M, Borobia M, Windsor PA. Use of a local anaesthetic and antiseptic wound formulation for the treatment of lambs naturally infected with Orf virus. Vet Microbiol 2024; 292:110037. [PMID: 38479302 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110037] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Contagious ecthyma (CE) is a worldwide highly contagious zoonotic viral skin disease of sheep and goats. Treatment for Orf virus (ORFV) infection usually involves topical and oral antibiotics. An anaesthetic and antiseptic topical gel (Multisolfen® or Tri-Solfen®; MS®, Medical Ethics, Australia) has been documented as an efficacious therapy for lesions from mucosal and epithelial viral infections in ruminants. The present study tested a new treatment protocol of MS® for CE therapy on-farm in 150 lambs naturally infected with ORFV. Lambs were divided into three cohorts of 50 lambs each (C, D and E). Cohort C was treated with MS® 3 times with an interval of 3 days between treatments, cohort D was treated daily with hypochlorous acid, whilst cohort E served as untreated controls. The lambs were examined clinically every two days, weight measured weekly, with whole blood and sterile swabs from ORFV lesions collected for haematological analysis and specific ORFV PCR. Cohort C presented fewer lambs displaying ORFV-associated lesions than other cohorts at different times of the experiment. Further, lesions treated with MS® were milder compared with other cohorts. However, following cessation of therapy, most of the lambs again developed ORFV-associated lesions. No differences between cohorts were observed in weight, haematological and PCR results. These findings suggest that topical treatment with MS® is effective for CE in field conditions, especially in the first stages of the clinical course, although treatment with MS® may need to be extended a minimum of 4 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álex Gómez
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain.
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain.
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics Department, CIBER CV (Universidad de Zaragoza-IIS), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain.
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Juan José Ramos
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Héctor Ruiz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Aurora Ortín
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Ramsés Reina
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, Mutilva 31192, Spain.
| | - Pablo Quílez
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Teresa Navarro
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Maite Verde
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Marta Borobia
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, Zaragoza 50013, Spain
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- University of Sydney, Sydney School of. Veterinary Science, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
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Lacasta D, Ríos M, Ruiz de Arcaute M, Ortín A, Ramos JJ, Villanueva-Saz S, Tejedor MT, Ruiz H, Borobia M, Reina R, Gómez A, Navarro T, Windsor PA. Use of a Local Anaesthetic/Antiseptic Formulation for the Treatment of Lambs Experimentally Infected with Orf Virus. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2962. [PMID: 37760362 PMCID: PMC10525785 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182962] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Contagious ecthyma is a highly transmissible eruptive viral disease of the skin and mucosa of sheep and goats distributed worldwide. The treatment of orf lesions is usually based on the use of antiseptics and antibiotics for the management of presumptive secondary infections, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance. The wound dressing formulation Tri-Solfen® (TS) containing two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and bupivacaine), adrenaline and an antiseptic (cetrimide) in a gel formulation has been demonstrated to reduce suffering and enhance recovery in cattle and buffalo with oral and skin lesions due to foot-and-mouth disease virus infection and reduced the orf viral load in lambs. In the present study, experimental infection with the orf virus was conducted in 50 newborn lambs and 25 animals were treated after the presence of the first lesions with TS and repeated three days later. Daily clinical examination, haematological, serological, biomolecular and post-mortem analyses were conducted during 34 days after treatment. Results indicated that treatment had no effect on weight gain and clinical progression of the lesions. It was determined that seroconversion after experimental infection occurs 34 days after infection and suggested that the deep basal epithelial location of the orf lesions may have prevented the therapy from having altered the clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Marina Ríos
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Aurora Ortín
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Juan José Ramos
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - María Teresa Tejedor
- Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics Department, CIBER CV (Universidad de Zaragoza-IIS), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Héctor Ruiz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Marta Borobia
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Ramsés Reina
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología, CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra, 31192 Mutilva, Spain;
| | - Alex Gómez
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Teresa Navarro
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.R.); (M.R.d.A.); (A.O.); (J.J.R.); (S.V.-S.); (H.R.); (M.B.); (A.G.); (T.N.)
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia;
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Windsor PA, Hill J. Provision of High-Quality Molasses Blocks to Improve Productivity and Address Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Smallholder Cattle and Buffalo: Studies from Lao PDR. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233319. [PMID: 36496839 PMCID: PMC9740818 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233319] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Large ruminant production in developing countries is inefficient with low growth rates and likely high greenhouse gas emissions per unit of meat or milk produced. Trials conducted in Lao PDR from 2017 to 2020, studied ad libitum supplementation for 12 weeks with 20 kg high-quality molasses nutrient blocks (Four Seasons Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia), that were either non-medicated; fenbendazole-medicated (Panacur100®, Coopers Australia, 5 g/kg); triclabendazole-medicated (Fasinex®, Novartis Australia, 5 g/kg or 10 g/kg, respectively); or formulated with urea (8% or 10% urea, respectively). Average daily gains were determined for access to all molasses blocks and compared with access to control blocks, no supplementation, or previously determined free-grazing baseline average daily gains (55−84 g in cattle; 92−106 g in buffalo). Productivity was significantly improved following access to all molasses blocks. Average daily gains following access to 8% urea and control blocks were calculated for three age cohorts of cattle: young calves <8 m (238−298 g), growing cattle (143−214 g) and lactating cows (179−191 g). Modelling using IPCC Inventory software model V 2.69 of published data demonstrated a conservative net abatement of 350 kg CO2e was achievable over a 200-day feeding period. An additional trial of Emissions control blocks (n = 200) distributed to farmers (n = 60) and two educational institutions were conducted. Consumption rates (156 g/day) and farmer and institutional acceptance of these blocks were similar to our published findings with other molasses blocks, confirming all formulations of blocks improved animal productivity and body condition score, with healthier animals that were easier to manage. Modelling of changes in greenhouse gas emissions intensity identified an abatement of 470 kg CO2e per Emissions control blocks consumed, delivering a total project emissions abatement of 94 t CO2e. Provision of high-quality molasses blocks significantly improved smallholder large ruminant productivity and addition of greenhouse gas reducing agents is likely to achieve impressive abatement of greenhouse gas emissions due to improved efficiency of rumen fermentation and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Julian Hill
- Ternes Scientific, Upwey, VIC 3158, Australia
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Sevidzem SL, Koumba AA, Mavoungou JF, Windsor PA. Spatial meta-analysis of the occurrence and distribution of tsetse-transmitted animal trypanosomiasis in Cameroon over the last 30 years. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:1-38. [PMID: 35473820 PMCID: PMC9128350 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822000772] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Cameroon, >90% of cattle are considered exposed to African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) infection, with the presence of tsetse rendering cattle husbandry as a very difficult proposition. A systematic review of data on AAT and tsetse from 1990 to 2021 was conducted to develop a national atlas. The review identified 74 relevant scientific documents, with three pathogenic Trypanosoma species (Trypanosoma vivax , T. congolense and T. brucei s.l.) most frequently identified as causing AAT. Trypanosoma grayi , T. theileri , T. simiae and the human African trypanosomiasis causative agent T. brucei gambiense were also identified in a wide range of hosts. The tsetse fly fauna of Cameroon comprises nine species, with Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. fuscipes fuscipes the most widely distributed following their identification in seven and five of the 10 regions, respectively. Two species, Glossina nigrofusca and G. pallicera pallicera appeared to be rare and were restricted to both forest and protected areas. The presence of AAT is associated with the presence of tsetse in the livestock–human–wildlife interface of Cameroon. AAT occurs beyond the tsetse belts of the country where mechanical vectors are abundant. This study provides AAT and tsetse maps to support ongoing interventions in Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas Lendzele Sevidzem
- Programme Onchocercoses Field Station Laboratory, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Organisation Pour la Production Laitière et d'Embouche Bovine (PLEB), Adamawa, Cameroon
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Vectorielle, Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale, Libreville, Gabon
- Université Internationale de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Aubin Armel Koumba
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Vectorielle, Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale, Libreville, Gabon
- Université Internationale de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Jacques François Mavoungou
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Vectorielle, Département de Biologie et Ecologie Animale, Institut de Recherche en Ecologie Tropicale, Libreville, Gabon
- Université Internationale de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon
- Université des Sciences et Techniques, Franceville, Gabon
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Windsor PA. Corrigendum: Progress With Livestock Welfare in Extensive Production Systems: Lessons From Australia. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:882457. [PMID: 35464362 PMCID: PMC9019684 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.882457] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Windsor PA. Corrigendum: Progress With Livestock Welfare in Extensive Production Systems: Lessons From Australia. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:827685. [PMID: 35083311 PMCID: PMC8785118 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.827685] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Olmo L, Reichel MP, Windsor PA, Suon S, Wahl LC, Thomson PC, Bush RD. Are infectious reproductive pathogens of large ruminants a threat to improving food security? An investigation from Cambodia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:480. [PMID: 34561731 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02897-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In Cambodia, information on common pathogens causing reproductive losses in cattle and buffalo are lacking, despite there being a need to address livestock health to enhance food security. We analysed stored buffalo (n = 29) and cattle (n = 471) serum samples collected in 2016 using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Antibodies to Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo and Brucella abortus were detected in buffalo samples at 79.3% (95% CI 64.6-94.0), 3.4% (95% CI 0-10.0), 0% and 0%, respectively, and in cattle at 4.2% (95% CI 2.4-6.0), 6.4% (95% CI 4.2-8.6), 8.1% (95% CI 5.6-10.6) and 0%, respectively. The high N. caninum seroprevalence in buffalo was associated with increasing age, with buffalo having a 13.1% chance of being seropositive at birth, increasing to 99.4% by age 7 (p = 0.045). This suggests a predominance of horizontal transmission, possibly from exposure to faeces from free-roaming village dogs. Cattle L. interrogans serovar Hardjo seroprevalence was highest in Tbong Khmum province (20.4%) compared to other provinces (p < 0.001), and may be compromising bovine fertility and creating a zoonotic risk for smallholders who may contract leptospirosis from farm work. These high infection rates prompt further research to determine: to what extent these pathogens are linked to the low reproductive efficiency observed in large ruminants in Cambodia, the risk factors to pathogen exposure and appropriate strategies to reduce these risks. Low BVDV and B. abortus exposure is an important observation. Increasing large ruminant livestock trade into the country will require improved biosecurity and disease surveillance to prevent their emergence. An enhanced understanding of the status of infectious reproductive livestock pathogens in Cambodia can assist development projects to make evidence-based strategies to enhance cattle and buffalo health and improve food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Olmo
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
| | - Michael Philipp Reichel
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Sothoeun Suon
- General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Lloyd Christian Wahl
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Peter Campbell Thomson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Russell David Bush
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
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Sieng S, Patrick IW, Windsor PA, Walkden-Brown SW, Kerr J, Sen S, Sar C, Smith RGB, Kong R. Contributions of village animal health workers to foot-and-mouth disease control in Cambodia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e406-e422. [PMID: 34492173 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14317] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Local animal health services in rural communities in Cambodia are mainly provided by village animal health workers (VAHWs), although the participation and contribution of VAHWs to livestock disease prevention are uncertain. The participation of the VAHWs as identified by their 'dropout rate' was examined in a desktop review in December 2020 of the national data on VAHWs recorded between 2011 and 2020. The contribution and involvement of VAHWs in disease prevention programmes were examined in a survey conducted between February and March 2014, then analyzed in the context of other surveys of VAHW knowledge, attitudes and practices. The survey involved guided group discussion with VAHWs (n = 198) from the two Cambodian provinces of Kampong Cham and Pursat. This study identified that VAHWs generated less than 22% of their annual household incomes from animal health services. Less than one-third had vaccinated livestock against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with none having vaccinated cattle every 6 months during the study period, and nearly half of the VAHWs having never vaccinated their own cattle against FMD. As no privately provided FMD vaccination services occurred in these communities, with all vaccines delivered through the government-subsidized programme, the findings confirmed that VAHWs only vaccinated animals against FMD when vaccines were made available by the Government. The desktop review found that the number of VAHWs in 2020 declined by more than 24% since 2017, and the proportion of female VAHWs was consistently low, with a mean of 8.26 (±1.019). These findings confirm findings from previous studies that identified considerable weaknesses in the VAHW system in Cambodia, particularly in contributing to FMD control. Cambodian animal health authorities require more effective policies to strengthen the current VAHW system, improving their services delivery; their retention as 'active'; their development of more sustainable roles with lower 'dropout' rates and the prolonged gender inequity. With the limited availability of government-subsidized FMD vaccination currently, extension programmes that engage VAHWs and farmers in seeking privately funded and delivered FMD vaccination that incorporates appropriate multivalent FMD serotype vaccines of high quality, delivered in small dose vials from a robust cold chain, is suggested. This strategy would assist VAHWs to contribute to the provision of private livestock vaccination services that are likely essential for sustainable FMD prevention and control in Cambodia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Socheat Sieng
- General Directorate of Animal Health and Production, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Ian Walter Patrick
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,ARECS P/L, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen William Walkden-Brown
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James Kerr
- Hunter Local Land Services, Paterson, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sovann Sen
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Chetra Sar
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Reatrey Kong
- Independent Livestock Consultant, Pursat, Cambodia
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Abstract
The extensive livestock production industries are vital to the national economy of Australia. Continuing improvements to extensively-raised livestock welfare is desirable, necessary and in some situations mandatory, if the social license for animal sourced food and fiber production is to continue sustainably. However, meeting increasingly high welfare standards is challenging. The changing climate in this millennium, has seen the occurrence of two of the most severe drought periods on record in Australia, resulting in complex welfare issues arising from unforeseen disease, trade and environmental catastrophes. The onset of the first drought coincided with an uncontrolled epidemic of ovine paratuberculosis. It ended just prior to a temporary ban on live export of tropical cattle to Indonesia that induced a major market failure and led to severe morbidity and mortality on some beef properties. The second drought period progressed in severity and culminated in the most extreme bushfires recorded, causing unprecedented levels of mortality, morbidity and suffering in farmed animals and wildlife. Temperature extremes have also caused periodic heat-associated or cold-induced hyopthermia losses, requiring increased vigilance and careful management to reduce both temperature-induced stress during transport and the high ovine peri-parturient losses traditionally observed in extensive sheep farming. Several issues remain controversial, including surgical mulesing of wool sheep to manage flystrike, and the continuing live export trade of sheep and cattle. However, in reviewing the increasingly complex welfare challenges for the extensive livestock population industries that are export trade dependent and remain vulnerable to welfare activism, it appears progress has been made. These include development of prescribed livestock welfare Standards and Guidelines and the introduction of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) to address export concerns. Further, the sheep mulesing crisis led to improved producer welfare attitudes and practices, including pain management during aversive husbandry procedures that is now occurring globally. Finally, innovations in animal welfare surveillance and assessment, are additional encouraging signs that suggest improving change management of extensive farm animal welfare is occurring that provides lessons well-beyond Australian shores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Lacasta D, Reina R, Ruiz de Arcaute M, Ferrer LM, Benito AA, Tejedor MT, Echeverria I, Ruiz H, Martinez Cardenas S, Windsor PA. Effect of a Topical Formulation on Infective Viral Load in Lambs Naturally Infected with Orf Virus. Vet Med (Auckl) 2021; 12:149-158. [PMID: 34136371 PMCID: PMC8200145 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s306355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Orf is a highly contagious eruptive viral disease of the skin and mucosa of sheep and goats. Although vaccination with live or attenuated orf virus is the preferred option for disease control, the vaccine is unavailable in many countries. Treatment of orf lesions involves standard hygiene and in numerous cases, management of presumptive secondary infections with antibiotics, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The wound dressing formulation Tri-Solfen® containing two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and bupivacaine), adrenaline and an antiseptic (cetrimide) in a gel formulation was developed for pain relief in sheep undergoing surgical husbandry procedures in Australia. Recently, TS therapy was found to reduce suffering and enhance recovery in cattle and buffalo with oral and skin lesions due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus infection. It was noted that TS has a low pH and is potentially viricidal, potentially aiding disease control. Methods One-month-old lambs (n=14), naturally infected with orf, were recruited from a farm during a natural outbreak of the disease. The animals were selected at the early stages of the infection and randomly divided into two cohorts: Group A (n=11) treated with the topical wound gel formulation (TS); and Group B (n=3) an untreated control group. Swabs were obtained before treatment (T0) and on days one (T1), 3 (T2) and 5 (T3) post-treatment, then submitted to direct DNA extraction with real-time PCR quantification, plus incubation with primary tissue cultures from ovine skin fibroblasts (OSF) and T-immortalized goat embryonic fibroblasts (TIGEF). Results Although no significant differences were found in the clinical progression of the lesions and PCR quantification (p=0.722) between these small cohorts, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in reduction in infective viral load between the groups when assessed in OSF cell cultures between T0 and T3. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest that treatment of early stage lesions with this TS may reduce the infective viral load present in orf lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Ramses Reina
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra), Mutilva, 31192, Navarra, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz de Arcaute
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ferrer
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | | | - Maria Teresa Tejedor
- Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics Department, CIBER CV (Universidad de Zaragoza-IIS), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Irache Echeverria
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología (CSIC-Gobierno de Navarra), Mutilva, 31192, Navarra, Spain
| | - Hector Ruiz
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Silvia Martinez Cardenas
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50013, Spain
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
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Sieng S, Patrick IW, Windsor PA, Walkden-Brown SW, Sar C, Smith RGB, Kong R. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of smallholder farmers on foot and mouth disease control in two Cambodian provinces. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1983-1998. [PMID: 34105252 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Food-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Cambodia. The control programme for FMD has relied on vaccination, with poor vaccination uptake by smallholder farmers becoming an increasing concern. A study to improve the understanding of farmer knowledge, attitudes and practices of FMD control and vaccination was conducted in two Cambodian provinces (Kampong Cham and Pursat). The aim was to identify opportunities to improve the livestock disease control programmes provided by both the government and private sectors. The survey comprised 300 smallholder farmers using a one-on-one interview technique and was completed between January to February 2014. Results identified that over two-thirds of the respondent farmers had not vaccinated their cattle over 2 years (2011-2013). Of those who did, most cattle were vaccinated either once a year or once every 3 years. A booster had never been administered. It was concluded that the FMD vaccine had only been administered through an unreliable and limited government vaccination programme, and private FMD vaccination services were not accessed in the study areas. FMD outbreaks occurred every year during the study period, with a morbidity rate of over 30%. Isolation of first infected cattle from the household herd was not practiced, with treatment identified as the first preference intervention. Farmers often assisted other farmers to restrain and treat infected cattle both before (57%) and after (43%) their own cattle were infected. This indicated that most farmers did not practice basic biosecurity measures and chose to report FMD outbreaks to the village animal health workers (VAHW), friends, neighbours and relatives in preference to government officials. It was concluded that poor knowledge of disease transmission and biosecurity, with low FMD vaccination coverage and a focus on treatment, contribute to regular FMD outbreaks in these communities. Improvement of FMD control requires the cooperation of villagers, VAHWs and village leaders in disease reporting, with either improved funding of government vaccination services or establishing a private FMD vaccination service. Training programmes for farmers on disease transmission, and the importance of biosecurity and vaccination, including information on the cost-benefits of treatment versus full fee bi-annual FMD vaccination, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Socheat Sieng
- General Department of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Ian Walter Patrick
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,ARECS P/L, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen William Walkden-Brown
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chetra Sar
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Reatrey Kong
- Independent Livestock Consultant, Pursat, Cambodia
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12
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Cronin N, Loukopoulos P, Brown D, O'Rourke BA, Morrice G, Windsor PA. Suspected hereditary cervicothoracic vertebral subluxation with cervical myopathy in Poll Merino sheep. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:499-504. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N Cronin
- Animal Biosecurity and Welfare, Central West Local Land Services 46 Sherriff Street, Forbes New South Wales 2871 Australia
| | - P Loukopoulos
- School of Animal and Veterinary SciencesCharles Sturt University Albert Pugsley Place, Wagga Wagga New South Wales 2650 Australia
| | - D Brown
- Animal Genetics and Breeding UnitUniversity of New England Armidale New South Wales 2351 Australia
| | - BA O'Rourke
- New South Wales Department of Primary IndustriesElizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute Menangle New South Wales 2568 Australia
| | - G Morrice
- Animal Biosecurity and WelfareRiverina Local Land Services 8 Bolton Street, Narrandera New South Wales 2700 Australia
| | - PA Windsor
- Sydney School of Veterinary ScienceThe University of Sydney Camden New South Wales 2570 Australia
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13
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Van der Saag D, Lomax S, Windsor PA, Taylor C, White PJ. Evaluating treatments with topical anaesthetic and buccal meloxicam for pain and inflammation caused by amputation dehorning of calves. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198808. [PMID: 29897950 PMCID: PMC5999227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the effects of a topical anaesthetic (TA) and buccal meloxicam (BM) on behaviour, maximum wound temperature and wound morphology following amputation dehorning of beef calves, 50 unweaned Hereford calves were randomly allocated to: (1) sham dehorning / control (CON, n = 14); (2) amputation dehorning (D, n = 12); (3) amputation dehorning with pre-operative buccal meloxicam (DBM, n = 12); and (4) amputation dehorning with post-operative topical anaesthetic (DTA, n = 12). Videos of the calves were captured for 3 h following treatment. Each calf was later observed for 5 min every hour and the frequency and duration of specific behaviours displayed during these focal periods was recorded. Infrared and digital photographs of dehorning wounds were collected from all dehorned calves on days 1, 3 and 7 following treatment. Infrared photographs were used to identify the maximum temperature within the wound area. Digital photographs were used to score wounds based on visual signs of inflammation and healing, using a numerical rating scale of 1 to 3, with morphological aspects of inflammation increasing and morphological aspects of healing decreasing with progressive scores. CON calves displayed fewer head shakes than all dehorned calves at 2 and 3 h following treatment (P = 0.025). CON and DTA calves displayed less head turns than DBM calves at 2 h following treatment (P = 0.036). CON calves displayed fewer combined point behaviours than all dehorned calves at 2 h following treatment (P = 0.037). All dehorning wounds had a greater maximum temperature on days 3 and 7 compared to day 1 (P = 0.003). All wound morphology scores decreased from day 1 to day 3 and wound morphology scores of DBM and DTA calves increased from day 3 to day 7 (P = 0.03). Although flystrike may have confounded these observations, no clear effects of TA or BM on behaviour, maximum wound temperature or wound morphology following dehorning of calves were observed. Further research is required to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of these products for amputation dehorning of calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Van der Saag
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sabrina Lomax
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Casey Taylor
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter John White
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Phythian CJ, Jackson B, Bell R, Citer L, Barwell R, Windsor PA. Abattoir surveillance of Sarcocystis spp., Cysticercosis ovis and Echinococcus granulosus in Tasmanian slaughter sheep, 2007-2013. Aust Vet J 2018; 96:62-68. [PMID: 29479682 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis spp., Cysticercus ovis and Echinococcus granulosus recorded at routine postmortem inspection of Tasmanian slaughter sheep during 2007 to 2013. METHODS A retrospective analysis of routine postmortem meat inspection data maintained on 352,325 Tasmanian adult slaughter sheep inspected across nine abattoirs in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia as part of the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project (NSHMP). RESULTS During the period 1 September 2007 to 30 June 2013, the estimated prevalence of macroscopic Sarcocystis spp. was 14.3%, C. ovis was 3.2% and E. granulosus was 0.01%. Mean Sarcocystis spp. line prevalence ranged from 0% to 33.5%. Significant between-abattoir differences in the level of sarcosporidiosis (P < 0.001) and C. ovis were found (P < 0.001). Overall, very low levels of hydatidosis were recorded throughout the surveillance period. Predicted within-line prevalence of macroscopic sarcocysts in animals coming from a known/recorded local government area (LGA) (P < 0.001) was lower than that of lines where the LGA was unknown or not recorded. A higher prevalence of sarcocystosis was recorded in lines of sheep aged ≥ 2 years compared with those < 2 years (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Reasons for the significant between-abattoir differences in recorded levels of ovine sarcosporidiosis and cysticercosis remain unknown, but may represent sampling bias, with subsets of slaughter sheep going to abattoirs with different tiers or access to markets. Further investigation into apparent differences, including epidemiological studies of properties with high lesion prevalence, comparing meat inspector diagnostic sensitivity, assessing the effect of line speed and tiers and market access in different abattoirs, may be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Phythian
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Production Animal Clinical Medicine, Section for Small Ruminants, 4325 Sandnes, Norway
| | - B Jackson
- Biosecurity Tasmania, Department for Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmanian Government, Launceston, Tasmania
| | - R Bell
- Biosecurity Tasmania, Department for Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmanian Government, Launceston, Tasmania
| | - L Citer
- Animal Health Australia, Braddon Australia Capital Territory, Australia
| | - R Barwell
- Animal Health Australia, Braddon Australia Capital Territory, Australia
| | - P A Windsor
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Calvani NED, Windsor PA, Bush RD, Šlapeta J. Scrambled eggs: A highly sensitive molecular diagnostic workflow for Fasciola species specific detection from faecal samples. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005931. [PMID: 28915255 PMCID: PMC5617325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fasciolosis, due to Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, is a re-emerging zoonotic parasitic disease of worldwide importance. Human and animal infections are commonly diagnosed by the traditional sedimentation and faecal egg-counting technique. However, this technique is time-consuming and prone to sensitivity errors when a large number of samples must be processed or if the operator lacks sufficient experience. Additionally, diagnosis can only be made once the 12-week pre-patent period has passed. Recently, a commercially available coprological antigen ELISA has enabled detection of F. hepatica prior to the completion of the pre-patent period, providing earlier diagnosis and increased throughput, although species differentiation is not possible in areas of parasite sympatry. Real-time PCR offers the combined benefits of highly sensitive species differentiation for medium to large sample sizes. However, no molecular diagnostic workflow currently exists for the identification of Fasciola spp. in faecal samples. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A new molecular diagnostic workflow for the highly-sensitive detection and quantification of Fasciola spp. in faecal samples was developed. The technique involves sedimenting and pelleting the samples prior to DNA isolation in order to concentrate the eggs, followed by disruption by bead-beating in a benchtop homogeniser to ensure access to DNA. Although both the new molecular workflow and the traditional sedimentation technique were sensitive and specific, the new molecular workflow enabled faster sample throughput in medium to large epidemiological studies, and provided the additional benefit of speciation. Further, good correlation (R2 = 0.74-0.76) was observed between the real-time PCR values and the faecal egg count (FEC) using the new molecular workflow for all herds and sampling periods. Finally, no effect of storage in 70% ethanol was detected on sedimentation and DNA isolation outcomes; enabling transport of samples from endemic to non-endemic countries without the requirement of a complete cold chain. The commercially-available ELISA displayed poorer sensitivity, even after adjustment of the positive threshold (65-88%), compared to the sensitivity (91-100%) of the new molecular diagnostic workflow. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Species-specific assays for sensitive detection of Fasciola spp. enable ante-mortem diagnosis in both human and animal settings. This includes Southeast Asia where there are potentially many undocumented human cases and where post-mortem examination of production animals can be difficult. The new molecular workflow provides a sensitive and quantitative diagnostic approach for the rapid testing of medium to large sample sizes, potentially superseding the traditional sedimentation and FEC technique and enabling surveillance programs in locations where animal and human health funding is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Mekong Livestock Research Group, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- Mekong Livestock Research Group, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Russell David Bush
- Mekong Livestock Research Group, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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16
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Young JR, Suon S, Olmo L, Bun C, Hok C, Ashley K, Bush RD, Windsor PA. Investigation of smallholder farmer biosecurity and implications for sustainable foot-and-mouth disease control in Cambodia. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 64:2000-2012. [PMID: 28116869 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In Cambodia, the majority of the population is rural and reliant on subsistence agriculture, with cattle raised by smallholder farmers using traditional practices, resulting in low productivity and vulnerability to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). As FMD causes deleterious impacts on rural livelihoods, known FMD risk factors were reviewed, using knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) surveys of smallholders (n = 240) from four regions. The study aimed to understand current biosecurity threats to smallholder livelihoods and investigate the hypothesis that smallholder farmers practising FMD risk management should be associated with higher incomes from cattle. Descriptive data were examined to demonstrate trends in KAP and a multivariable linear regression model developed to identify cattle income predictors. Results showed that baseline mean knowledge scores were low at 28.4% across all regions and basic biosecurity practices, including quarantine of new cattle, isolation of sick cattle and FMD vaccination, were lacking. As farmers purchase and sell cattle from and to various administration levels (including export), there is high risk of FMD transmission into and from smallholder communities. The final multivariable linear regression model identified significant explanatory parameters for annual cattle income, including region, number of calves born, forage plot size (ha), vaccination of cattle and the number of cattle purchased (F pr. < 0.001, R2 = 29.9). Individual biosecurity practices including FMD vaccination were not significant predictors of income. With the current focus of farmers on treatment of FMD with inappropriate antibiotics leading to potential anti-microbial residue issues, yet receptivity to payment for vaccine in most regions, there is an urgent need for a coordinated national biosecurity and FMD management public awareness campaign. Further, to enhance the association between improved cattle health and rural livelihoods, it is recommended that livestock development programmes implement a systems approach to enhance farmer KAP in biosecurity, nutrition, reproduction and marketing of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Young
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - S Suon
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - L Olmo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - C Bun
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - C Hok
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - K Ashley
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - R D Bush
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Matsumoto N, Nampanya S, Khounsy S, Young JR, Ashley KA, Bush RD, Windsor PA. Challenges for beef production in smallholder communities with low reproductive management skills: a case study from Northern Lao PDR. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016; 49:87-96. [PMID: 27718106 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-016-1162-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Improved large ruminant productivity is increasingly acknowledged as a pathway for the alleviation of rural poverty and food insecurity in smallholder communities in Southeast Asia; yet, in much of Laos, bovine reproductive management is practically absent. Large ruminant reproduction skills were studied, using face-to-face surveys (n=60) of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of farmers, plus an extension of an examination of parameters of reproductive efficiency (n = 1786 cattle and 434 buffalo) in the northern provinces of Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang. The surveys particularly involved female farmers to provide gender-disaggregated data, with females making up 38.3 % of participants. Results confirmed that KAPs of smallholder farmers on bovine reproductive management were low (34-46 %) with trends toward higher KAP scores in male survey respondents. Poor reproductive parameters were identified in both provinces, with low calving percentages of 54-75 and 45-54 % in cattle and buffalo groups, respectively, and prolonged inter-calving intervals of 14.1-19.8 and 26.0 months for the cattle and buffalo groups, respectively. Improving the reproductive efficiency of large ruminants in the northern upland regions would enable smallholder farmers to be more effectively engaged in the dramatic economic growth of the Southeast Asia region, although these findings indicate that intensive training and supportive interventions are required to improve large ruminant reproductive outcomes in communities that have low-level large ruminant husbandry skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Matsumoto
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - S Nampanya
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - S Khounsy
- Department of Livestock and Fisheries, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - J R Young
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - K A Ashley
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - R D Bush
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
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McCarthy D, Windsor PA, Harris C, Lomax S, White PJ. Effect of Topically Applied Anaesthetic Formulation on the Sensitivity of Scoop Dehorning Wounds in Calves. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163181. [PMID: 27648948 PMCID: PMC5029898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The post-operative effects of three formulations of topical anaesthetic and a cornual nerve block on the sensitivity of scoop dehorning wounds in calves were compared in two trials. In Trial 1, 21 female Holstein dairy calves aged 8 to 24 weeks were randomly allocated to two groups: (1) scoop dehorning with a post-operative application of a novel topical anaesthetic powder (DTAP, n = 10); and (2) scoop dehorning with a post-operative application of a novel topical anaesthetic ethanol liquid (DTAE, n = 11). In Trial 2, 18 castrated male and 18 female Hereford beef calves aged 16 to 20 weeks were randomly allocated to four groups: (1) scoop dehorning with a pre-operative cornual nerve block of lignocaine (DCB, n = 9); (2) scoop dehorning with a post-operative application of the novel topical anaesthetic ethanol liquid from Trial 1 (DTAE, n = 9); (3) scoop dehorning with a post-operative application of a topical anaesthetic gel (DTAG, n = 9); and (4) sham dehorning (CON, n = 9). Sensitivity was assessed by scoring the behavioural response of calves to stimulation of the wound or skin at time points before and after treatment. In Trial 1, DTAP calves had a greater probability of displaying more severe responses than DTAE calves at 90 and 180 min (P < 0.001). In Trial 2, at 1 h, DTAG calves had a greater probability of displaying more severe responses than CON calves. At 2 h onwards, all dehorned calves had a greater probability of displaying more severe responses than CON calves (P < 0.001). There were no differences between the responses of DCB, DTAG and DTAE calves at any time point. Topical anaesthetic formulations result in almost immediate but temporary anaesthesia of the wound following scoop dehorning in calves and may provide a practical option for pain relief on-farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique McCarthy
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charissa Harris
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sabrina Lomax
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter John White
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Windsor PA, Eppleston J, Dhand NK, Whittington RJ. Effectiveness of Gudair™ vaccine for the control of ovine Johne's disease in flocks vaccinating for at least 5 years. Aust Vet J 2015; 92:263-8. [PMID: 24964836 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine the prevalence of shedding of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mptb) at least 5 years after starting vaccination with Gudair™ in flocks of varying initial prevalence of ovine Johne's disease (OJD) and identify risk factors for variation in vaccine efficacy. METHODS Pooled faecal culture (PFC) was conducted for 41 flocks from southern NSW and Victoria to determine estimates of current OJD prevalence. The data were compared to estimates of prevalence at or prior to commencement of vaccination at least 5 years earlier, based on available serological or PFC tests when vaccination commenced. A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify risk factors for differing prevalence levels in 36 of the flocks. RESULTS Historical data enabled classification of 37 flocks as high (13; 35.1%), medium (10; 27.0%) or low (14; 37.8%) estimated initial OJD prevalence. Results of PFC in 2008-09 identified that 81.1% (30/37) of flocks had detectable shedders, with 48.6% (18/37) flocks still classified as medium or high OJD prevalence, including 50% (7/14) of flocks initially classified as low prevalence. Shedding was not detected in 18.9% (7/37) flocks. Flocks with OJD prevalence exceeding 1% at 5 years or more following the commencement of vaccination were associated with reports of sheep straying and introduction of new sheep. CONCLUSION Despite significant declines in estimated OJD prevalence following vaccination for ≥5 years, 81.1% of flocks were shedding Mptb and considered at risk of spreading the disease or suffering recrudescence of losses if vaccination were to cease. Flock managers are advised to persist with vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia.
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Abstract
Paratuberculosis is a chronic insidious, often serious, disease of the global small ruminant industries, mainly causing losses from mortalities and reduced productivity on-farm, interference in trading and, in Australia, profound socio-economic impacts that have periodically compromised harmony of rural communities. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, impacts and disease management options for ovine and caprine paratuberculosis are reviewed, comparing current controls in the extensive management system for sheep in wool flocks in Australia with the semi-intensive system of dairy flocks/herds in Greece. Improved understanding of the immune and cellular profiles of sheep with varying paratuberculosis outcomes and the recognition of the need for prolonged vaccination and biosecurity is considered of relevance to future control strategies. Paratuberculosis in goats is also of global distribution although the prevalence, economic impact and strategic control options are less well recognized, possibly due to the relatively meagre resources available for goat industry research. Although there have been some recent advances, more work is required on developing control strategies for goats, particularly in dairy situations where there is an important need for validation of improved diagnostic assays and the recognition of the potential impacts for vaccination. For all species, a research priority remains the identification of tests that can detect latent and subclinical infections to enhance removal of future sources of infectious material from flocks/herds and the food chain, plus predict the likely outcomes of animals exposed to the organism at an early age. Improving national paratuberculosis control programs should also be a priority to manage disease risk from trade. The importance of strong leadership and communication, building trust within rural communities confused by the difficulties in managing this insidious disease, reflects the importance of change management considerations for animal health authorities. Although concerns of vaccine efficacy, safety and issues with diagnosis and administration persist, vaccination is increasingly recognized as providing a robust strategy for managing paratuberculosis, having made important contributions to the health of Australian sheep and the lives of producers with affected properties, and offering a mechanism to reduce risk of infection entering the food chain in ovine and caprine products.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
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King JS, Vaughan JL, Windsor PA. Serological evidence ofNeospora caninumin alpacas from eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2015; 93:259-61. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- JS King
- University of Sydney; Faculty of Veterinary Science; Camden New South Wales Australia
| | - JL Vaughan
- Cria Genesis; Ocean Grove Victoria Australia
| | - PA Windsor
- University of Sydney; Faculty of Veterinary Science; Camden New South Wales Australia
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Samkol P, Sath K, Patel M, Windsor PA, Holtenius K. Survey of smallholder beef cattle production systems in different agro-ecological zones of Cambodia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2015; 47:1299-306. [PMID: 26055891 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-015-0863-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A survey was conducted to better understand the contribution of farm productivity to rural household income and identify differences in production systems, feeding practices and development constraints to smallholder beef cattle producers in the four agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Cambodia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 360 households in the four AEZs: I, the Great Lake Floodplain; II, the Mekong Floodplain; III, the Coastal and IV, the Plateau/Mountainous. In addition, samples of common nutritional resources used for cattle feed were collected for nutrient composition analysis, plus cattle were scored for body condition. Rice farming and cattle production were the most common sources of income in all AEZs. The average cattle herd size was 3.7 (SD = 2.4), but the majority of households raised 1-3 animals. The most common cattle management system was grazing with supplementation, mainly with rice straw and 'cut-and-carry' natural grasses fed during the wet season in all AEZs. The body condition score of all cattle types was 3.2 (SD = 0.8), except for cows in lactation that were 1.8. Major constraints to cattle production in AEZs I, II and III were lack of quality feed resources, capital for cattle production and concerns on breed quality, whereas in AEZ IV, diseases were identified as the main constraint. This survey confirms the importance of cattle to smallholders in the four AEZs. Interventions including farmer education to improve husbandry skills, increase the utilisation of forages and crop residues and address disease issues are necessary to enhance cattle production and rural livelihoods in Cambodia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pok Samkol
- Centre for Livestock and Agriculture Development (CelAgrid), P.O. Box 2423, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
| | - Keo Sath
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Royal University of Agriculture (RUA), P.O. Box 2696, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Mikaela Patel
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7024, SE 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Andrew Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
| | - Kjell Holtenius
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7024, SE 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Nampanya S, Khounsy S, Phonvisay A, Bush RD, Windsor PA. Improving smallholder food security through investigations of carcass composition and beef marketing of buffalo and cattle in northern Lao PDR. Trop Anim Health Prod 2015; 47:681-9. [PMID: 25700673 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-015-0778-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study determined the carcass composition of Lao indigenous buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle (Bos indicus), then examined trends in bovine meat marketing following review of records of beef production and prices in the two major cities of Luang Prabang (LPB) and Xieng Khoung (XK) provinces in northern Laos. Samples from 41 buffalo and 81 cattle (n = 122) were collected from animals slaughtered in May-June 2014, with live weights, carcass weights and other carcass-related variables collected. The animals were classified into four age cohort groups (<2, 2-<4, 4-6 and >6 years) with quantitative and dichotomous qualitative traits determined. There were significant differences in buffalo and cattle predicted mean carcass weights between age classification categories (p = 0.003 and 0.001) but not in dressing percentages (p = 0.1 and 0.1). The carcass weight of buffalo was 104 (±23.1)-176 (±12.0) kg compared to 65 (±8.7)-84 (±6.5) kg of cattle, with dressing percentages of 37-40 and 39-42 %, respectively. Despite an average bovine meat price increase of 42-48 % between 2011 and 2013, there was a reduction in the numbers of large ruminants slaughtered in the surveyed cities of LPB (11 %) and XK (7 %), with bovine meat availability per person of 5.2-6.6 kg (LPB) and 3.0-3.8 kg (XK). Improving the sustainability of the bovine meat supply in Laos requires a systems approach involving improvements to animal health and production, livestock marketing, plus the critical development of improved slaughterhouse facilities enabling a meat-processing sector to emerge. This development pathway is of particular importance for building the capacity of Laos to reduce food insecurity and alleviate the poverty of its largely rural smallholder community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonevilay Nampanya
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia,
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Windsor PA. Managing control programs for ovine caseous lymphadenitis and paratuberculosis in Australia, and the need for persistent vaccination. Vet Med (Auckl) 2014; 5:11-22. [PMID: 32670842 PMCID: PMC7337174 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s44814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovine caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) and ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) or paratuberculosis have been serious diseases in the Australian sheep industry, mainly causing losses from abattoir condemnations from CLA or mortalities on the farm from OJD. CLA is now a disease of minimal concern, with clinical cases reported rarely. Although OJD continues to spread through parts of the sheep population, the catastrophic losses in flocks occurring prior to the introduction of vaccination are now uncommon. Change-management factors relevant to the improvements in both prevalence and producer concerns for CLA and OJD were examined, including drivers and motivation for change, resistance to change, knowledge management, farming system dimensions and leadership. Although extension programs addressing disease risk factors are likely to be of relevance to improved knowledge and attitudes towards disease risk management of producers, improvements in disease-control practices were considered largely attributable to the introduction of vaccination programs for CLA in 1983 and OJD in 2002. Inclusion of the CLA antigen within clostridial vaccines (“6 in 1” vaccine) enabled routine annual CLA vaccination to occur in an increasing proportion of the national flock, with estimates of CLA prevalence suggesting a decline from 26% in 1995 to 5.2% in 2009. Encouraging the routine vaccination of lambs for OJD (Gudair vaccine) in infected flocks to reduce or avoid losses significantly reduced the within-flock prevaccination–postvaccination median prevalence from 2.72% to 0.72%, based on estimated shedding rates of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis determined by pooled fecal culture in 37 infected flocks vaccinating for at least 5 years. Although persistent use of CLA vaccine is a convenient intervention for producers, promoting the persistent use of OJD vaccination to continue disease suppression when clinical cases are undetectable, plus improvements in biosecurity, remain a challenge for animal-health authorities. Despite concerns of vaccine efficacy and safety issues with OJD vaccination, persistent vaccination has produced a profound improvement in the health of Australian sheep, and is a positive development of relevance to sheep production in other countries.
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Young JR, Evans-Kocinski S, Bush RD, Windsor PA. Improving Smallholder Farmer Biosecurity in the Mekong Region Through Change Management. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:491-504. [PMID: 26302253 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Transboundary animal diseases including foot-and-mouth disease and haemorrhagic septicaemia remain a major constraint for improving smallholder large ruminant productivity in the Mekong region, producing negative impacts on rural livelihoods and compromising efforts to reduce poverty and food insecurity. The traditional husbandry practices of smallholders largely exclude preventive health measures, increasing risks of disease transmission. Although significant efforts have been made to understand the social aspects of change development in agricultural production, attention to improving the adoption of biosecurity has been limited. This study reviews smallholder biosecurity risk factors identified in the peer-reviewed literature and from field research observations conducted in Cambodia and Laos during 2006-2013, considering these in the context of a change management perspective aimed at improving adoption of biosecurity measures. Motivation for change, resistance to change, knowledge management, cultural dimensions, systems theory and leadership are discussed. Due to geographical, physical and resource variability, the implementation of biosecurity interventions suitable for smallholders is not a 'one size fits all'. Smallholders should be educated in biosecurity principles and empowered to make personal decisions rather than adopt prescribed pre-defined interventions. Biosecurity interventions should be aligned with smallholder farmer motivations, preferably offering clear short-term risk management benefits that elicit interest from smallholders. Linking biosecurity and disease control with improved livestock productivity provides opportunities for sustainable improvements in livelihoods. Participatory research and extension that improves farmer knowledge and practices offers a pathway to elicit sustainable broad-scale social change. However, examples of successes need to be communicated both at the 'evidence-based level' to influence regional policy development and at the village or commune level, with 'champion farmers' and 'cross-visits' used to lead local change. The adoption of applied change management principles to improving regional biosecurity may assist current efforts to control and eradicate transboundary diseases in the Mekong region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Young
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | | | - R D Bush
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Castration involves the removal of the testes and is performed to improve product quality and management of male calves. The procedure has been proven to cause significant pain and stress, and despite several attempts to reduce the impact of castration on animal welfare, there has yet to be a practical and affordable option made available for farmer application. To address this issue, we conducted 2 trials (n = 18 and 27) to examine the efficacy of topical anesthetic Tri-Solfen (TA) to alleviate the pain of surgical castration. Angus bull calves (135.8 ± 5.7 kg) aged 3 to 4 mo were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups, including surgical castration, castration in combination with TA, and uncastrated controls. In Trial 1, pain-related behavior was assessed using a customized numerical rating scale (NRS) over 4 h. In Trial 2, pre- and postoperative skin sensitivity of the wound and periwound areas was assessed using an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer (IITC Life Sciences, Woodland Hills, CA) and von Frey monofilaments (300 g). Sampling was repeated at 1 min and 2, 4, 6, and 24 h after castration. Pain threshold was measured as maximum pressure (g) exerted by the electronic anesthesiometer to invoke animal reflex, and responses to the von Frey monofilaments were scored from 0 to 3 using a NRS on the basis of local and central motor reflexes. Calves treated with TA displayed significantly less pain-related behaviors up to 3.5 h after castration than untreated calves (P < 0.001) and did not differ from uncastrated controls. Topical anesthetic-treated calves also exhibited significantly greater pain threshold of the wound (559.2 ± 14.3 g) and surrounding skin (602.8 ± 16.5 g) than untreated calves (446.0 ± 18.9 and 515.3 ± 20.4 g, respectively; P < 0.001). Control and TA-treated calves had significantly lower mean response scores to von Frey stimulation than untreated calves (0.333, 0.978, and 4.289, respectively; P < 0.001). Results indicate that TA effects rapid and prolonged pain alleviation in calves up to 24 h after castration. Topical anesthesia may present a cost-effective, practical, on-farm approach to pain alleviation and is proposed as a potential tool for reducing the welfare impact on the beef animal in routine husbandry procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lomax
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, NSW 2570, Australia
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Lomax S, Sheil M, Windsor PA. Duration of action of a topical anaesthetic formulation for pain management of mulesing in sheep. Aust Vet J 2013; 91:160-7. [PMID: 23521101 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of topical anaesthesia on 'mothering up' of lambs after mulesing and marking, and for pain alleviation over a 24-h period. DESIGN Two separate trials were performed on Merino lambs undergoing the mules procedure for flystrike prevention, to assess the efficacy of immediate postoperative topical anaesthetic wound dressing containing lignocaine (hydrochloride) 40.6 g/L, bupivacaine (hydrochloride) 4.5 g/L, adrenaline (tartrate) 24.8 mg/L and cetrimide 5.0 g/L in a gel base (Bayer Animal Health, Gordon, NSW, Australia). METHODS In both trials, lambs were assigned to one of three treatment regimens: control, mules procedure with topical anaesthetic (0.5 mL/kg) and mules procedure without topical anaesthetic treatment. Parameters measured included body weight, assessment of skin and wound sensitivity to light touch and pain stimulation, behavioural responses and time to mother up and to feed. RESULTS In both trials there was rapid (1 min) and prolonged (up to 24 h) wound analgesia as shown by lower scores for light touch (P<0.001) and pain responses (P<0.001), with absent or significantly diminished primary and secondary hyperalgesia (P≤0.05) and significant reduction in pain-related behaviours (P<0.001) in treated versus untreated lambs. CONCLUSION Significant pain alleviation and improved recovery can be achieved in lambs for at least 24 h after mulesing through the use of topical anaesthesia. It is suggested that the haemostatic action of adrenalin, together with inhibition of the inflammatory cascade and the barrier effect of the gel within the product, may explain the prolonged anaesthesia up to 24 h observed in the present study. These results suggest that topical anaesthesia has the capacity to dramatically improve the welfare of lambs undergoing mulesing.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lomax
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia.
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Shariflou MR, Wade CM, Kijas J, McCulloch R, Windsor PA, Tammen I, Nicholas FW. Brachygnathia, cardiomegaly and renal hypoplasia syndrome (BCRHS) in Merino sheep maps to a 1.1-megabase region on ovine chromosome OAR2. Anim Genet 2012; 44:231-3. [PMID: 22762779 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2012.02392.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A genome scan was conducted to map the autosomal recessive lethal disorder brachygnathia, cardiomegaly and renal hypoplasia syndrome (BCRHS) in Poll Merino sheep. The scan involved 10 affected and 27 unaffected animals from a single Poll Merino/Merino sheep flock, which were genotyped with the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. Association and homozygosity mapping analyses located the disorder in a region comprising 20 consecutive SNPs spanning 1.1 Mb towards the distal end of chromosome OAR2. All affected animals and none of the unaffected animals were homozygous for the associated haplotype in this region. These results provide the basis for identifying the causative mutation(s) and should enable the development of a DNA test to identify carriers in the Poll Merino sheep population. Understanding the molecular control of BCRHS may provide insight into the fundamental genetic control and regulation of the affected organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Shariflou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Mills K, McClenaughan P, Morton A, Alley D, Lievaart J, Windsor PA, Egerton JR. Effect on time in quarantine of the choice of program for eradication of footrot from 196 sheep flocks in southern New South Wales. Aust Vet J 2012; 90:14-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00872.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Windsor PA, Kessell AE, Finnie JW. Review of neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. VI: postnatal bovine, and ovine and caprine, neurogenetic disorders. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:432-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Characterise a lethal genetic disorder in Poll Merino/Merino sheep DESIGN Pathological description of a new congenital multisystem disorder in a commercial sheep flock, and analysis of breeding data collected each lambing season between 2004 and mid-lambing season 2010. PROCEDURE Necropsies were conducted on six affected lambs and the mode of inheritance of the disorder was determined by pedigree and segregation analyses. RESULTS The affected lambs were dwarfs with multiple defects in several organs, including skeleton, heart, liver and kidneys. The disorder has been named brachygnathia, cardiomegaly and renal hypoplasia syndrome (BCRHS). Segregation analysis suggests the disorder is transmitted as an autosomal trait with a recessive mode of inheritance. An annual incidence of the disorder in the discovery flock of up to 2.5% was recorded. CONCLUSIONS As a lethal disorder, the occurrence of BCRHS raises potential ethical and economic concerns for Merino breeders. The development of a DNA test would be useful to investigate its distribution in the Australian wool-sheep population. As the disorder affects both the skeleton and several critical organs, including the heart, it may provide a potential animal model for investigating key developmental processes in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Shariflou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Nampanya S, Suon S, Rast L, Windsor PA. Improvement in smallholder farmer knowledge of cattle production, health and biosecurity in Southern Cambodia between 2008 and 2010. Transbound Emerg Dis 2011; 59:117-27. [PMID: 21791034 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01247.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Farmer knowledge surveys were conducted in 2008 and 2010 in Cambodia to evaluate the impact of a research project studying interventions that can improve cattle production and health, including biosecurity and practices relating to risks of transmission of transboundary diseases. The project hypothesis is that by increasing the value of smallholder-owned large ruminants through nutritional interventions and improved marketing, knowledge-based interventions including risk management for infectious diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) can be implemented into a more sustainable pathway for rural development. Between 2008 and 2010, significant improvements in farmer knowledge and attitudes were recorded in three villages in three provinces of southern Cambodia. This was achieved through participatory 'applied field research', 'on the job' training plus 'formal' training programmes. No cases of FMD were recorded during the study period in the 'high-intervention' (HI) villages despite the common occurrence of the disease in a nearby 'low-intervention' and many other villages in the three provinces. Whilst it is likely that protection of these villages from FMD infection was from increasing the herd immunity by vaccination, it could also have been partly because of a decrease in risk behaviours by farmers as a result of their increasing knowledge of biosecurity. The research indicates that smallholder farmers are motivated by nutritional interventions that improve the value of their cattle 'bank' and offer better marketing opportunities. This provides a more receptive environment for introduction of disease risk management for infectious and other production limiting diseases, best implemented for smallholder farmers in Cambodia by intensive training programmes. In lieu of a widespread public awareness programme to deliver mass education of smallholder farmers in disease prevention and biosecurity, livestock development projects in South-East Asia should be encouraged to include training in disease risk management as an important intervention if the current momentum for trade in large ruminant livestock and large ruminant meat is to continue to progress and contribute to addressing global food security concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nampanya
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kessell AE, Finnie JW, Windsor PA. Neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. III: bacterial and protozoal infections. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:289-96. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00807.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Finnie JW, Windsor PA, Kessell AE. Neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. I: general neurological examination, necropsy procedures and neurological manifestations of systemic disease, trauma and neoplasia. Aust Vet J 2011; 89:243-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00792.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Finnie JW, Windsor PA, Kessell AE. Neurological diseases of ruminant livestock in Australia. II: toxic disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Aust Vet J 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Future food security poses many challenges and with increasing prosperity and demand for meat, the emerging but largely unregulated trade in livestock and their products from developing countries in South-East Asia and particularly the Mekong region, pose enormous risks of transboundary disease epidemics. However this is a challenge that should be met as substantial improvements in large ruminant production through appropriate knowledge-based interventions can potentially move the largely rural smallholder populations of Lao PDR and Cambodia from subsistence to a productivity focus, offering a new pathway for poverty alleviation. Large development projects have been implemented in the Mekong region to facilitate this process and research is needed to define problems, identify and test solutions, and then suggest the most appropriate delivery mechanisms for promulgating the interventions that are most sustainable. Animal health aid projects are needed to improve livestock productivity, minimize risk to trade and human health and enhance the capacities of countries where there are significant gaps in the provision of veterinary services. Improving large ruminant production, particularly through forages technology and infectious disease risk management including village-level biosecurity, provides a potential driver of foot and mouth disease (FMD) control and eventual eradication in the region. A perspective on issues involved in Australian aid projects addressing regional animal health research and development and a checklist of strategies to consider when designing and managing such projects is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of a topical anaesthetic formulation on pain alleviation, wound healing and systemic levels of local anaesthetic actives in lambs undergoing castration and tail docking. DESIGN Three placebo-controlled and/or randomised experiments were conducted using three groups of Merino lambs (n = 62, 68 and 19) undergoing routine castration and tail docking. PROCEDURE Surgical castration, with either surgical or hot-iron tail docking, was performed with and without the application of topical anaesthetic (Tri-Solfen) or placebo. The effects of this procedure were compared with those of rubber ring castration and tail docking, and of the handled but unmarked controls. Wound pain was assessed using calibrated Von-Frey monofilaments over a 4-h period, pain-related behaviour was assessed over 5 h, wound healing was assessed at 14 and 28 days, and the plasma levels of lignocaine and bupivacaine were determined. RESULTS Rapid and up to 4 h primary hyperalgesia developed following surgical castration and tail docking in the untreated and placebo-treated lambs. It was absent in the castration wounds, and significantly reduced in the tail-docking wounds, of the treated lambs. Hot-iron docking was associated with mild and transient secondary hyperalgesia, which was abolished by the topical anaesthesia. There was a significant reduction in pain-related behaviours in treated lambs, which were not significantly different in their behaviour to the sham-operation handled controls. Plasma lignocaine and bupivacaine levels were below the toxic thresholds in all tested lambs. CONCLUSION Topical anaesthesia alleviates wound pain and significantly reduces pain-related behaviours in lambs undergoing surgical castration plus surgical or hot-iron tail docking, without a negative effect on wound healing or a risk of systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lomax
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.
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Bush RD, Windsor PA, Toribio JA, Webster SR. Financial modelling of the potential cost of ovine Johne's disease and the benefit of vaccinating sheep flocks in southern New South Wales. Aust Vet J 2008; 86:398-403. [PMID: 18826512 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an enterprise gross margin (GM) model that predicts the on-farm financial impact of ovine Johne's disease (OJD) for various sheep enterprises in Australia. In addition, to estimate the benefits and costs of control through the use of the Gudair vaccination, including a breakeven point. DESIGN AND POPULATION Data for the model was gained from an observational study conducted over a 3-year period from 2002 to 2004 using sheep from 12 OJD-infected flocks from southern New South Wales. Flocks ranged between 3500 and 20,000 sheep, with owner estimates of 5% or greater OJD mortality at the start of the study. PROCEDURE A GM model was developed to predict the on-farm financial impact of OJD for various sheep enterprises in Australia, comparing non-infected, infected (status quo) and infected (vaccination) disease scenarios. RESULTS Vaccination breakeven points are achieved within 2 to 3 years for breeding enterprises if OJD mortalities are high, rising towards 7 years for a Merino ewe enterprise if OJD mortalities are low. CONCLUSION The GM model demonstrates the returns to investment of vaccination for Australian sheep producers with OJD-infected flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Bush
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, NSW, Australia.
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40
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of using the topical anaesthetic preparation Tri-Solfen on pain alleviation and wound healing in lambs undergoing mulesing. DESIGN Three separate trials, placebo controlled and/or randomised, were carried out over a 5 month period on three mobs of between 60 and 263 merino lambs undergoing routine mulesing. PROCEDURE Wound pain was assessed using 10 and 75 g calibrated Von-Frey monofilaments to determine sensitivity to light touch and pain stimulation over a 4 to 8 h period. Pain-related behaviour was documented by trained, blinded observers using a numerical rating scale. Wound healing rates were determined using scaled digital photography and image analysis software to calculate contraction in wound surface area 2 and 4 weeks after mulesing. RESULTS There was rapid (3 min) and prolonged (up to 8 h) wound analgesia as shown by pain response scores (P < or = 0.01), with absent or significantly diminished primary and secondary hyperalgesia (P < or = 0.01) and significant reduction in pain-related behaviour (P < 0.001) in treated versus untreated lambs. In addition there was improved wound healing in the treated lambs (P < or = 0.05). CONCLUSION Tri-Solfen effects rapid and prolonged wound analgesia, reduction in pain-related behaviour and improved wound healing in lambs undergoing routine mulesing, providing effective alleviation of pain associated with routine mulesing in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lomax
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
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41
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Eppleston J, Windsor PA. Lesions attributed to vaccination of sheep with Gudair for the control of ovine paratuberculosis: post farm economic impacts at slaughter. Aust Vet J 2007; 85:129-33. [PMID: 17397381 DOI: 10.1111/j.0005-0423.2007.00135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine i) the prevalence of lesions at the site of vaccination with Gudair, and ii) the incidence of discounting of slaughtered sheep carcasses due to the presence of these lesions. DESIGN A survey of the prevalence of injection lesions and actual discounts applied to 20 consignments of vaccinates slaughtered in abattoirs in New South Wales. PROCEDURE Consignments of sheep previously vaccinated against ovine Johne's disease (OJD) were assessed on the slaughter chain for the prevalence of vaccination site lesions and any costs associated with carcass trimming were estimated. In addition a telephone survey was conducted to determine the experiences and risk attitudes of 8 abattoirs in south east New South Wales likely to have previously processed vaccinates. RESULTS The prevalence of lesions observed was 18% for adult (mutton) and 65% for lamb carcasses. The value of the trim removed was insignificant, the labour cost of its removal was nil and no carcass was downgraded to a lower value grade. CONCLUSION Under the market conditions existing at the time the study was conducted, in sheep vaccinated at the recommended site high on the neck, it is unlikely that OJD vaccination site lesions will be a significant cost to producers or the processing industry and will represent only a very small proportion of the total cost of OJD control by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eppleston
- Central Tablelands Rural Lands Protection Board, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia.
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42
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Windsor PA, Eppleston J. Lesions in sheep following administration of a vaccine of a Freund's complete adjuvant nature used in the control of ovine paratuberculosis. N Z Vet J 2006; 54:237-41. [PMID: 17028662 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2006.36704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CASE HISTORIES Occurrences of adverse reactions in seven sheep flocks in Australia following vaccination against paratuberculosis where veterinary attention was requested are reviewed. All cases occurred within the 3-year period following commencement of use of a vaccine of a Freund's complete adjuvant nature, at a time when approximately six million doses of vaccine had been administered. CLINICAL FINDINGS In the first case, 26/58 (45%) Merino sheep vaccinated as adults had palpable tissue reactions at or near the site of vaccination; enlarged prescapular lymph nodes were palpated in 17 (29%), and nine (16%) sheep had both palpable lesions at the site of vaccination and enlarged prescapular lymph nodes. The reactions included caseous nodules up to 5.5 cm in diameter. In the other cases, fistulating or granulomatous wounds were occasionally found at the recommended site of injection behind the ear, and myiasis was rare. Occurrences of inappropriate choice of injection site were recorded, including injection into the axilla of two Merino rams, and lesions in the tissues of the maxilla and nose of almost 50% of 350 Border Leicester lambs. Four outbreaks of progressive paralysis due to injection into cervical musculature were reported, described as "OJD staggers" by producers. DIAGNOSIS Granulomatous cellulitis and lymphadenitis associated with oil droplets typical of "oil granulomata". Injection of vaccine into the dorsal cervical area resulted in progressive paralysis due to myonecrosis and suspected granulomatous leptomeningitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE AND CONCLUSIONS: Although lesions at and near the site of injection are common, adverse reactions to vaccination were rare and included mortality from cervical spinal injection, production losses from injection in the maxilla or axilla or if myiasis resulted, and potential marketing losses if animals or carcasses are discounted as a result of the lesions. Risk factors for adverse reactions included inadequate restraint of sheep, breed of sheep, experience of the operator, poor injection technique, and inappropriate placement of vaccine. Increasing attention to the proper restraint of animals, restricting vaccination to the recommended site behind the ear, careful placement of the vaccine into subcutaneous tissue to avoid drainage of vaccine material into tissues such as the spinal cord, and post-vaccination supervision to address welfare concerns should adverse reactions occur are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- Farm Animal Health Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.
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43
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the biological and financial impact of ovine Johne's disease (OJD) mortalities on 12 infected flocks within the endemic area of southern New South Wales over a 3-year period. DESIGN AND POPULATION An observational study was conducted over a 3-year period from 2002 to 2004 on sheep from 12 OJD-infected flocks from southern NSW. Flocks ranged from between 3,500 and 20,000 sheep. At the start of the study owner estimates of OJD mortality were 5% or greater. METHOD Annual mortality rates were estimated from farm records provided by owners. The proportion of OJD mortalities was assessed after histological examination of tissues collected from dead and moribund sheep during 5-day necropsy inspections conducted in autumn, winter, spring and summer in 2002. The financial impact was estimated using a gross margin analysis for each of the three study years and by placing a financial value on the necropsied sheep. RESULTS On the 12 farms, the average OJD mortality rate was 6.2% (range 2.1% to 17.5%) in 2002, 7.8% (range 1.8% to 14.6%) in 2003 and 6.4% (range 2% to 11.9%) in 2004. The average decrease in gross margin due to OJD infection on a farm in 2002 was 6.4% (range 2.2% to 15.4%), 8.5% (range 3.1% to 15.8%) in 2003 and 7.4% (range 1.5% to 15.4%) in 2004. This equates to an average reduction in annual income of $13,715 per farm per year. OJD losses accounted on average for two thirds of the total estimated financial loss associated with sheep deaths. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the significant biological and financial impact of OJD on sheep flocks. These findings are of relevance to all Australian sheep flocks infected or at risk of OJD infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Bush
- Farm Animal Health Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570
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44
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Abstract
The occurrence of severe fetal dystocia due to hydrops fetalis associated with pulmonary aplasia in two male and pulmonary hypoplasia in one female Australian Dexter fetuses from two herds is described. Obstetrical intervention by caesarean section was required for delivery of the fetuses, with mortalities in one dam and the 3 calves. Clinical, pathological and genetic features are tabulated to assist in distinguishing pulmonary hypoplasia-associated hydrops fetalis from the more prevalent disorder of chondrodysplasia in Dexter cattle. Anasarca and complete absence or presence of only rudimentary lung tissue in a large thoracic cavity clearly distinguishes this entity from the lesions of Dexter chondrodysplasia that include severe micromelia and abundant lung tissue in a small thoracic cavity with shortened spine and rib cage. Pedigree information suggested that Dexter hydrops may be transmitted in an autosomal recessive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales 2570
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45
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the range and cost of losses in Merino flocks in southern New South Wales during drought conditions by determining the cause of death, morbidity or wasting in adult sheep. DESIGN AND POPULATION Pathological studies were performed on 392 dead or moribund adult sheep from 12 Ovine Johne's disease (OJD)-infected flocks during 2002 and a further 58 sheep culled due to wasting from one of these flocks in 2003. Flocks ranged between 3,500 and 20,000 sheep. METHOD The most likely cause of death, morbidity or wasting was determined following consideration of the environment in which the animal was found, clinical and gross pathological findings, plus histopathology of tissues collected during necropsy. RESULTS A most likely cause of death, morbidity or wasting was determined for 362 sheep in 2002 and 58 sheep in 2003. OJD contributed to the death of 250 sheep in 2002, and wasting of 48 sheep in 2003. Of the sheep that died or were euthanased due to other causes, malnutrition was a contributing factor in the death of 70 sheep (63%) in 2002 and 2 sheep (20%) in 2003. Losses were not evenly distributed across flocks, with 57% of mortalities caused by malnutrition in 2002 occurring in one flock. Malnutrition accounted for 18% of the annual cost of all deaths among adult sheep in 2002 with an average cost of $16,882 per farm. Losses not attributed to malnutrition included a range of infectious and non-infectious disorders. These included balanoposthitis, clostridial enterotoxaemia, cutaneous myiasis, endoparasitism, enteritis, intestinal adenocarcinoma, misadventure, peritonitis, periparturient death of ewes, photosensitisation, pneumonia, post-shearing stress and squamous cell carcinoma of the perineum. CONCLUSION Almost one third of mortalities in OJD-infected flocks during drought were unrelated to OJD and could be reduced by improving nutritional and disease management practices. The importance of close supervision of the flock is highlighted so that early management intervention can be instituted, including the culling of cases of welfare concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Bush
- Farm Animal Health Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- New South Wales Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Research Station, Glenfield, New South Wales, 2167
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47
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the mode of inheritance of congenital proportionate dwarfism in Angus and Angus crossbred cattle, initially detected in two commercial beef herds in northern New South Wales. DESIGN Matings of normal carrier sires to unrelated cows of diverse breeds, and of one carrier sire to his unaffected daughters. An unrelated Piedmontese bull was also mated to unaffected daughters of the carrier sires. PROCEDURE Two carrier Angus bulls and nine unaffected daughters, all of whom were completely indistinguishable from normal animals, were purchased for controlled breeding studies under known nutritional and disease conditions. Affected and carrier individuals were examined for the presence of obvious chromosomal abnormalities. RESULTS Angus dwarfism has been successfully reproduced under controlled experimental conditions over successive years using unrelated dams and is undoubtedly heritable. The high frequency of occurrence of affected individuals (23/61 = 0.38 +/- .06) among the progeny of matings of the Angus sires to unrelated females of diverse breeding is not compatible with recessive inheritance, because of the negligible frequency of proportionate dwarfism in the breeds of the dams. Both paternal and maternal transmission of the defect was demonstrated, so that imprinting in the strict sense of a gene that is only expressed when received from the male parent appears not to be involved. Tested individuals showed no evidence of gross chromosomal abnormality. Dominant autosomal inheritance with incomplete penetrance was indicated by the lack of expression of the defective gene in the two Angus sires and in three unaffected daughters who produced dwarf calves from matings to the Piedmontese bull. CONCLUSIONS The mode of inheritance is that of a single autosomal dominant gene with a penetrance coefficient of 0.75 +/- 0.12, estimated from the observed incidence of 23/61 affected offspring of the two carrier Angus bulls mated to unrelated dams. Simple genetic models involving either (i) an unstable mutant which changes at high frequency to the expressed dominant dwarfing allele during gametogenesis, or (ii) a dominant allele with penetrance determined by an unlinked modifying locus, are shown to be compatible with the experimental data. Both models indicate that penetrance of the dwarfing gene may possibly be higher in matings involving carrier daughters of the two Angus bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Latter
- NSW Agriculture, Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, Grafton, New South Wales.
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48
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Windsor PA, Bush R, Links I, Eppleston J. Injury caused by self-inoculation with a vaccine of a Freund's complete adjuvant nature (Gudair) used for control of ovine paratuberculosis. Aust Vet J 2005; 83:216-20. [PMID: 15907040 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2005.tb11654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To document the occurrence and consequences of accidental self-inoculation of vaccinators (producers, farm employees, contractors) with the recently registered Gudair vaccine for the control of ovine paratuberculosis in Australia. DESIGN AND PROCEDURE A survey of the first 50 primary producers permitted to use the vaccine in sheep and a description of six cases of accidental self-inoculation for which medical attention was sought, and which occurred after the vaccine became widely available. RESULTS The survey recorded that, of 37 respondents vaccinating 155,523 sheep, there were 21 incidents of exposure to the vaccine, an overall rate of one incident per 7406 vaccinations. In five of these incidents there was only superficial skin contact with vaccine; in 16 there was needle penetration without vaccine injection. There were no reports of self-inoculation with vaccine. Six cases of self-inoculation with Gudair vaccine that required medical intervention are described. Of these five were in males and one in a female; four involved injection of vaccine into the leg and single cases involved a foot or hand. Most cases required surgical removal of the injected vaccine to allow wound repair; three required extensive surgery and open drainage. Even with surgery recovery took as long as 9 months. Possible risk factors for self-inoculation and the resulting outcome are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Gudair ovine paratuberculosis vaccine can cause prolonged granulomatous inflammation if inadvertently injected into human tissue. After.self-inoculation, early surgical debridement of the damaged tissue and drainage to remove the vaccine material are advised to avoid progression to extensive necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Windsor
- Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 3, Camden, New South Wales 2570
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Quinn
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Technology, Sydney, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, New South Wales 2065
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50
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a routine procedure for establishing the inherited congenital myoclonus (ICM) genotype of cattle and to obtain an estimate of the prevalence of heterozygotes for ICM and maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) in Australian Poll Herefords. DESIGN A mismatch amplification procedure was developed to genotype for ICM. The ICM and MSUD genotypes of subjects from a 'neuraxial oedema' experimental breeding herd were investigated. Tail hair roots were used as a source of target DNA to determine the ICM and MSUD genotypes of 455 Poll Hereford bulls. RESULTS An Acc I mismatch procedure was found to be suitable to genotype cattle for the ICM alleles using tail hair roots as the source of DNA. Based on the prevalence of heterozygotes among saleyard and sale bulls in the early 1990s, and contemporary slaughter bulls, the frequencies of the alleles responsible for ICM and MSUD were estimated to be between 0.01 and 0.02. CONCLUSION This survey demonstrates that the mutations responsible for ICM and MSUD are present in the Australian Poll Hereford population. PCR tests could be used to advantage in differential diagnosis of neurological disease in newly born calves and in selection of Poll Hereford seed stock.
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