Animal Health Officials Research Articles

Survey of state animal health officials reveals lack of personnel and resources to manage equine infectious disease outbreaks.

The purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by state animal health officials (SAHOs) when managing equine disease outbreaks. A survey was conducted to assess SAHOs' collaboration with horse owners and practicing veterinarians to provide biosecurity and infection disease control. It was sent to 180 email addresses listed in the Equine Disease Communication Center website database. The responses in each category for each question were tabulated and reported as a percentage. There were 72 survey responses from 45 states. The number of states responding suggested that the results represent SAHOs' current opinions. Fifty percent of responders identified the lack of resources and training for equine health management and equine reportable disease prevention and control. There is a lack of owner compliance in managing disease outbreaks, and boarding stables, horse shows, and racing facilities require the most resources for outbreak management. The survey indicated on-site communication as the most effective for managing an outbreak, and the Equine Disease Communication Center is to be a valued resource for alerts and disease information. At the state level, there is a lack of needed personnel and resources to effectively manage an equine infectious disease outbreak. Furthermore, failure of veterinary and owner compliance in reporting and managing equine infectious diseases allows disease spread. Lack of sufficient resources for management of reportable diseases will potentially result in disease spread with a negative impact on horse health and the equine industry.

A multisectoral approach to developing a state-level foreign animal disease response plan: the Ohio African Swine Fever Response Plan Workshop.

Foreign animal disease (FAD) preparedness is a high priority for state and federal governments to ensure the protection of the nation's livestock industry. Highly contagious diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) have been the focus of recent advancements in FAD preparedness, including the development of disease-specific response plans. At the state level, FAD response plans provide a framework to help ensure a rapid and coordinated response that considers the resources and realities of that state; however, preparing a comprehensive plan requires collaboration across multiple agencies and sectors that can be difficult to operationalize. To initiate systematic state-level ASF response plan writing and identify gaps in preparedness, university and industry stakeholders partnered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and USDA to develop the Ohio African Swine Fever Response Plan Workshop. A linear planning model was used to implement the workshop in May 2021. All planning and workshop activities were conducted fully virtually, prompted by public health restrictions in response to COVID-19. Sixty-four participants, representing multiple sectors and stakeholder groups including state/federal/industry animal health officials, emergency management, environmental protection, and academia, contributed to the workshop. Spanning 3 days, participants identified current response capabilities and areas requiring additional planning for an effective state-level response. The workshop generated recommendations from a multisectoral perspective for subcommittees tasked with developing standard operating procedures for the Ohio ASF Response Plan. The methodology and resources used to plan, implement, and evaluate the workshop are described to provide a model for state-level response planning.

Development and piloting of One Health curriculum in Jordan.

In Jordan, several steps have been done to implement One Health (OH) approach. To increase the awareness for OH concept and approach among health professionals, there was an apparent need to develop an OH curriculum or package to orientate human, animal, and environmental health officials and professionals. The aim of this study was to describe the development and piloting of a OH curriculum for human, animal, and environmental officials and professionals in Jordan. OH curriculum was developed and consisted of four chapters/sections, each of which contained series of power point presentations that covered subject thoroughly and met the learning objectives for each section. Four day workshops on OH curriculum were done for four cohorts of participants from different OH partners. Each section started and ended with a quick knowledge assessment consisting of multiple choice questions (MCQs) (pre- and post-chapter). Comparison of the pre- and post-chapter knowledge assessment scores/results were used to assess gain of knowledge after each section of OH curriculum was completed. The scores of correct answers were compared within the different cohorts using Pearson's chi-square test with p-values ≤0.05 considered significant. Of the total attendance, pre- and post- training quizzes were scored for 102 participants (816 quizzes). Pre-training scores for the different cohorts ranged from 29% to 36%, while post-training scores for the different cohorts ranged from 80% to 87%. Post-training correct answers scores were significantly higher than those were for pre-training scores for the different cohorts (p < 0.05). Percentage of knowledge gain ranged from 41% to 62% for the first section, 34% to 47% for the second section, 41% to 55% for the second section, and 48% to 60% for the fourth section. Average percentage of knowledge gain for the first, second, third, and fourth cohorts were 51%, 53%, 47%, and 47%, respectively, and was 50% for all cohorts. The developed OH curriculum improved different OH partners and officials understanding of the OH concept and approach.

Swine industry stakeholders' perception on the use of water-based foam as an emergency mass depopulation method.

The U.S. pork supply chain is vulnerable to various internal and external threats and in need of prompt, comprehensive response plans. Under urgent circumstances, for example in the case of foreign disease incursions, swine farms will have to perform on-farm animal depopulation to prevent disease spread. Several animal depopulation methods including water-based foam (WBF) have been proposed and are under evaluation for feasibility in the field. However, the psychological/emotional impacts of applying depopulation methods for personnel managing and carrying on the tasks are not currently well understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate WBF as an alternative for depopulation compared to existing methods approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Swine industry stakeholders were invited to voluntarily observe a WBF depopulation trial and to provide their self-reported perspectives before and after the observation. A survey was designed to explore key areas on expected and perceived method effectiveness, efficiency, and animal welfare considerations, as well as to evaluate short-term post-observation psychological impacts. Among 42 recruited stakeholders, 31.0% (13/42) were educators/researchers followed by animal health officials (26.2%, 11/42) and veterinarians (23.8%, 10/42), with an average of 11.7 ± 12.6 (n = 39) years of work experience. After the trial, respondents' positive perception of WBF depopulation increased specifically regarding the animal loading process being less stressful than restrained in-barn depopulation options (P = 0.003) and by the observation of fewer swine escape attempts and vocalizations than expected (P < 0.001). Respondents' positive perception of WBF also increased regarding to the time required to fill the trailer with foam, to stop hearing animal vocalization, and stop hearing animal movement, as the observed trial times were faster than their pre-observation estimates (P < 0.001). Additionally, 79.5% (31/39) of respondents agreed that the rapid destruction of animal populations had priority over animal welfare under urgent scenarios. Minor post-traumatic stress disorder-like (PTSD-like) symptoms from the observed trials were reported (26.7%, 4/15 respondents) one month after the observation. This study showed that the WBF depopulation process was perceived positively by swine stakeholders and may have limited short-term psychological impacts on personnel involved in animal depopulation.

Familiarization and update of USDA NIFA Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment and Veterinary Service Grant Programs

In order to address the national need for food/large animal vet­erinary services for the public and private sectors of animal agriculture in the United States and Insular Areas, Congress passed into law the National Veterinary Medical Services Act (NVMSA) nearly 20 years ago. This Act allowed for the forma­tion, authorization of funding and appropriations of funds to allow the National Institute of Food &amp; Agriculture (NIFA) to support the implementation of the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) in 2010. The 2014 Farm Bill au­thorized the development of the Veterinary Services Grant Pro­gram (VSGP) in 2016. In coordination with State Animal Health Officials (SAHO), the VMLRP and VSGP support veterinarians through competitively awarded educational loan repayments and grants to fill the most serious veterinary shortage situa­tions in the United States. In addition, the program determines the best possible match between specific shortage situations and applicants’ knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to enhance the likelihood that awardees will achieve sufficient professional success and satisfaction during their term of ser­vice so that they will continue in their service to the area. The goal of this presentation is to familiarize stakeholders of these two competitive veterinary service programs offered by USDA-NIFA to encourage their involvement and suggestions for en­hancements to the programs.

Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States.

To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive and active surveillance in the US. 204 companion animals (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections between March 2020 and December 2021. Public health officials, animal health officials, and academic researchers investigating zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission events reported clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic information through a standardized One Health surveillance process developed by the CDC and partners. Among dogs and cats identified through passive surveillance, 94% (n = 87) had reported exposure to a person with COVID-19 before infection. Clinical signs of illness were present in 74% of pets identified through passive surveillance and 27% of pets identified through active surveillance. Duration of illness in pets averaged 15 days in cats and 12 days in dogs. The average time between human and pet onset of illness was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid was first detected at 3 days after exposure in both cats and dogs. Antibodies were detected starting 5 days after exposure, and titers were highest at 9 days in cats and 14 days in dogs. Results of the present study supported that cats and dogs primarily become infected with SARS-CoV-2 following exposure to a person with COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation and surveillance that include both people and animals are necessary to understand transmission dynamics and viral evolution of zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-2.

Analysis of the Establishment of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Animal Health Center (UPTD Puskeswan) for the Food Crops, Horticulture and Livestock Service Office in Mamuju Regency

The purpose of this study was a strategy in designing the establishment of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Animal Health Centers (UPTD Puskeswan) in order to optimize animal health services in Mamuju Regency. This study used an exploratory method using a survey. The sampling technique in this study used questionnaires, documentation and interviews. There were 10 samples of respondents from animal health workers and 100 samples of service users. Data analysis in this study used SWOT analysis. The appropriate strategy to support animal health services is a rapid growth strategy with alternative strategies: (1) strength-opportunity (SO) to improve service quality, service quantity and support the operational needs of officers in carrying out activities; (2) strength-threat (ST) implementing service SOP for animal health officers so that services are more efficient and systematic; (3) weakness-opportunity (WO) socialization of services to facilitate information to the public; and (4) weakness-threat (WT) making long-term planning to improve work ethic and understanding of drug use by veterinary officers.

Field epidemiology capacity of the national veterinary services of Lao PDR: An online survey.

Capacity in veterinary epidemiology is critical to detect, respond and control infectious diseases. Laos veterinary service is limited by having only a small number of veterinarians who graduated from overseas. Animal science graduates support the majority of the Laos veterinary services. The veterinary program was established in 2009 at the National University of Laos. We aimed to understand the national veterinary epidemiology capacity and identify gaps and training needs. A cross-sectional online study was conducted in 2021 targeting central (DLF), provincial (PAFO) and district (DAFO) government animal health officers and veterinary/animal science academics (n = 332). The questionnaire addressed skills, experiences and perceived training needs in outbreak investigation, disease surveillance, data management and analysis, epidemiological surveys, One Health, leadership and communication and biosecurity. A descriptive analysis was performed and associations between demographic factors and epidemiological skills were examined. In total, 205 respondents completed the questionnaire (61.8% response rate). Respondents reported low or no skills and experience in data management and analysis, epidemiological surveys and One Health. In contrast, higher but limited skills and experiences were reported in outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and biosecurity. Previous epidemiology training was primarily associated with stronger experiences in veterinary epidemiology competencies, followed by respondents that had completed a veterinary degree, highlighting the value of the currently available epidemiology training and veterinary-trained personnel in Lao PDR. This study could help inform the Laos government in its policy planning for field veterinary epidemiology capacity and future training.

Evaluasi Pemahaman dan Kinerja Pengguna Data iSIKHNAS

The national animal health information system (iSIKHNAS) aims to provide data related to animal health and present it to relevant stakeholders that can be utilized for the benefit of the community. The iSIKHNAS system can run well if there is an appropriate understanding by its users. This study aims to analyze the understanding of users (animal health officers) in the iSIKHNAS application system to improve the performance of animal health services. The research method used is to collect information or data and conduct an investigation on the data that has been obtained related to the level of understanding of iSIKHNAS users. Based on the information obtained, there is a phenomenon that illustrates that the understanding of officers related to iSIKHNAS has decreased, and the phenomenon of using the iSIKHNAS application is only to report service activities. The decrease in the level of understanding of users of the iSIKHNAS application can be caused by the lack of participation in new training and refresher training to update the knowledge of users.

Analyzing the Feedback from Women Dairy Farmers in the East District of Sikkim

The dairy sector is a women-centric endeavor. It is an instrument for elevating the vulnerable section of society, particularly the farm women. Farm women contribute diligently towards dairy activities. The study was conducted in the East district of Sikkim in the year 2021. A simple random technique was used for selecting four blocks, five villages from each block, and ten respondents from each village were randomly selected. A personal interview schedule was used for the collection of data. Data were collected from 200 dairy farm women owning at least one dairy cattle. The study analyzes the feedback of dairy farm women based on five aspects, i.e., economical, technical, administrative, information networking, and independent decision-making. The result revealed that the high cost of concentrate, feed, and fodder, delayed service of animal health officials, lack of financial support from the government, irregular information on government schemes on dairy, and non-availability of financial support to women farmers were some of the major feedbacks given by the respondents.

Case Report: Penyakit Mulut dan Kuku (PMK) pada Ternak Sapi Potong di Kabupaten Bangka Tengah, Provinsi Kepulauan Bangka Belitung

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious animal disease with high morbidity and enormous economic losses. This disease is caused by the type A virus from the Picornaviride family, which can attack various species of animals with an even number of nails. Foot and mouth disease was endemic in Central Bangka Regency from the beginning of May to September 2022, and affected cattle reached 1,309 heads. This paper aimed todetermine the prevalanceof cases, existing disease symptoms, and recovery response to treatment. The method used was collecting data from Central Bangka Regency animal health officers from early May to September 14, 2022. The result was that the prevalence of FMD cases in the Pangkalan Baru sub-district was 44.60%, Simpang Katis sub-district 49.70%, the Namang sub-district 6.10%, the Koba sub-district 6.80% and Sungaiselan sub-district 0.54% Symptoms experienced by the animals include hypersalivation/mouth discharge, anorexia, blistering lesions on the tongue, lips, gums and between rashes. Drug therapy includes antibiotics, antipyretics, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, feed premixes as well as routine spraying of disinfectants. Based on the report of the Field Veterinarian, the therapy provided good results without recurrence, and the clinical cure rate reached 96.72%

Nationally and locally-initiated One Health approach in controlling rabies in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Rabies is one of the prioritized zoonoses in Indonesia and West Kalimantan is one of the rabies-endemic provinces in the country. This study aimed to evaluate a locally-initiated One Health approach to implement rabies prevention and control programs in Pontianak City and Sanggau District (through a bottom-up approach), and the central government initiated a program in Ketapang District (through a top-down approach). Data were collected using three focused group discussions involving public health and animal health/veterinary sectors from each district or city. This study collected data from the rabies control program in West Kalimantan from 2014 to 2020. The evaluation results of the rabies prevention and control program in Pontianak City and Sanggau District that used the local initiative approach were considered effective in reducing the number of rabies cases in these areas, and they overcame the challenges, for example, limited resources, in this area. Pontianak City and Sanggau District initiatives' approach was a bottom-up policy. Thus, this program had better sustainability than the One Health approach in the Ketapang District, which used a top-down implementation. The approach in Ketapang District was also considered adequate to reduce the number of rabies cases in the area. However, the reshuffle of animal health officers and health workers in 2020, which was not followed by training on One Health for the new officers, became a challenge in implementing One Health in Ketapang District. National and local initiatives' One Health approach implemented by Ketapang District, Sanggau District, and Pontianak City involved multiple sectors and was considered effective in preventing and controlling rabies in these areas. However, the sustainability of this program in the Ketapang District requires commitment and support from the local government.

Enhancing passive surveillance for African swine fever detection on U.S. swine farms.

As the threat of African swine fever (ASF) introduction into new areas continues, animal health officials and epidemiologists need novel tools for early detection and surveillance. Passive surveillance from swine producers and veterinarians is critical to identify cases, especially the first introduction. Enhanced passive surveillance (EPS) protocols are needed that maximize temporal sensitivity for early ASF detection yet are easily implemented. Regularly collected production and disease data on swine farms may pose an opportunity for developing EPS protocols. To better understand the types of data regularly collected on swine farms and on-farm disease surveillance, a questionnaire was distributed in summer 2022 across multiple channels to MN swine producers. Thirty responses were received that indicated the majority of farms collect various types of disease information and conduct routine diagnostic testing for endemic swine diseases. Following this, a focus group discussion was held at the 2022 Leman Swine Conference where private and public stakeholders discussed the potential value of EPS, opportunities for collaboration, and challenges. The reported value of EPS varied by stakeholder group, but generally participants felt that for swine producers and packers, EPS would help identify abnormal disease occurrences. Many opportunities were identified for collaboration with ongoing industry initiatives and swine management software. Challenges included maintaining motivation for participation in ASF-free areas, labor, data sharing issues, and the cost of diagnostic testing. These highlight important issues to address, and future collaborations can help in the development of practical, fit-for-purpose, and valuable EPS protocols for ASF detection in the swine industry.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on camel respiratory diseases and conditions in Garissa and Isiolo, Kenya.

Livestock farmers' attitudes, practices, and behaviors are major factors in infection prevention and control of animal diseases. Kenya has the fourth largest global camel population, and the industry has grown over the last two decades, transforming beyond the traditional camel-keeping areas to include peri-urban camel trade and value chain growth. The dromedary camel is resilient, and it is a preferred species in the arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) of Kenya. However, it still faces many health and production challenges; to identify infection drivers and risky behaviors for camel respiratory illnesses and conditions in Kenya, we conducted a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey. Using a set of tools (questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions), we interviewed camel owners, herders, agro-veterinary outlets, and other relevant value chain stakeholders in Garissa and Isiolo counties (n = 85). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics. Most camel owners/herders are male and most are relatively uneducated (85.5%). The camels were used primarily for milk and meat production, income generation, and transport. Larger herd sizes (>30 camels) and owner/herder's lack of formal education are risk factors for owner-reported respiratory illnesses in camels. Major clinical signs of respiratory conditions were coughing (85.7%), nasal discharge (59.7%), and fever (23.4%). Diseases, lack of feeds, theft, and marketing challenges are the major constraints to camel production in Kenya. Owners-herders use drugs indiscriminately and this may contribute to antimicrobial resistance challenges. Practitioners in the camel value chain want more commitment from the government and animal health officials on support services and access to veterinary services. Watering points, grazing areas, and marketing points are the primary areas for congregating camels and have a significant potential for disease spread. Kenya camels have a massive capacity for rural and ASALs' livelihoods transformation but the identified health challenges, and other issues must be addressed. Further studies on the Kenyan camels' respiratory microbial ecology are important to understand microbial risks and reduce the burden of zoonotic infections. Intensification of risk communication and community engagement, and messaging targeted at behavior change interventions should be directed at camel value chain actors.

Surveillance of Brucella Disease in Animal Health Officers in Enrekang Regency and Bone Regency, South Sulawesi Province

Brucellosis merupakan penyakit zoonosis yang disebabkan oleh bakteri genus brucella. Brucellosis pada manusia di Indonesia belum pernah dilaporkan karena kurangnya publikasi brucellosis sebagai penyakit zoonosis yang dapat menular dari hewan ke manusia. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk memperoleh gambaran penularan Brucellosis pada Petugas Kesehatan Hewan Kabupaten Enrekang dan Kabupaten Bone Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Metode penelitian adalah survei deskriptif untuk melihat gambaran penularan brucellosis. Hasil penelitian berdasarkan hasil uji RBT (Rose Bengal Test) didapatkan 4(empat) sampel positif dengan kategori positif +++ dan setelah dilakukan uji konfirmasi terhadap sampel positif dengan metode PCR Konvensional terkonfirmasi 1(satu) sampel positif. Kesimpulan: Sudah terdapat Penularan brucellosis dari hewan ke manusia (petugas Kesehatan hewan.

One Health Approach Prevents Future Pandemics

The impact that one health (OH) concept can have on the worldwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic is significant. We highlight four areas where the use of OH has the potential to greatly improve infectious disease governance in general, and COVID-19 governance in particular. For starters, a better-integrated surveillance infrastructure and monitoring of the occurrence of infectious diseases in humans and animals can make it easier to discover emerging infectious agents with comparable genotypes across species and track their spatiotemporal spread. This information can help public and animal health officials plan effective responses. Second, using the OH approach can help stakeholders representing seemingly conflicting domains coordinate and collaborate more effectively. Third, the OH approach emphasizes the importance of a strong institutional environment that allows for sufficient regulation of hotspots for infectious disease transmission between people and animals, such as live animal marketplaces. Finally, OH thinking emphasizes the need for equitable solutions to infectious disease challenges, implying that policy response mechanisms and interventions should take into account illness burdens faced disproportionately by vulnerable and marginalized people, as well as those helping sick people with health treatment and other important services. Within the “One World – One Health” strategy, four major components can be identified as crucial elements: the geographical component, the ecological component, human activities, and food agriculture activities. We go over what we know about infections that emerge, the hosts they come from, and the circumstances that cause them to develop. We explore the obstacles to their control as well as innovative tactics for predicting pandemics, focusing surveillance on the most critical interfaces, and developing prevention strategies.

First PCR Confirmed anthrax outbreaks in Ethiopia-Amhara region, 2018-2019.

BackgroundAnthrax is a disease that affects humans and animals. In Ethiopia, anthrax is a reportable disease and assumed to be endemic, although laboratory confirmation has not been routinely performed until recently. We describe the findings from the investigation of two outbreaks in Amhara region.MethodsFollowing reports of suspected outbreaks in Wag Hamra zone (Outbreak 1) and South Gondar zone (Outbreak 2), multi-sectoral teams involving both animal and public health officials were deployed to investigate and establish control programs. A suspect case was defined as: sudden death with rapid bloating or bleeding from orifice(s) with unclotted blood (animals); and signs compatible with cutaneous, ingestion, or inhalation anthrax ≤7 days after exposure to a suspect animal (humans). Suspect human cases were interviewed using a standard questionnaire. Samples were collected from humans with suspected anthrax (Outbreak 1 and Outbreak 2) as well as dried meat of suspect animal cases (Outbreak 2). A case was confirmed if a positive test was returned using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsIn Outbreak 1, a total of 49 cows died due to suspected anthrax and 22 humans developed symptoms consistent with cutaneous anthrax (40% attack rate), two of whom died due to suspected ingestion anthrax. Three people were confirmed to have anthrax by qPCR. In Outbreak 2, anthrax was suspected to have caused the deaths of two livestock animals and one human. Subsequent investigation revealed 18 suspected cases of cutaneous anthrax in humans (27% attack rate). None of the 12 human samples collected tested positive, however, a swab taken from the dried meat of one animal case (goat) was positive by qPCR.ConclusionWe report the first qPCR-confirmed outbreaks of anthrax in Ethiopia. Both outbreaks were controlled through active case finding, carcass management, ring vaccination of livestock, training of health professionals and outreach with livestock owners. Human and animal health authorities should work together using a One Health approach to improve case reporting and vaccine coverage.

Mechanisms and Contextual Factors Affecting the Implementation of Animal Health Surveillance in Tanzania: A Process Evaluation.

A strong animal health surveillance system is an essential determinant of the health of animal and human population. To ensure its functionality and performance, it needs to be evaluated regularly. Therefore, a process evaluation was conducted in this study to assess animal health surveillance processes, mechanisms and the contextual factors which facilitate or hinder uptake, implementation and sustainability of the system in Tanzania. A mixed-method study design was used to evaluate the national animal health surveillance system guided by a framework for process evaluation of complex interventions developed by Moore and others. The system was assessed against standard guidelines and procedures using the following attributes: fidelity, adherence, exposure, satisfaction, participation rate, recruitment and context. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a cross-sectional survey, key informant interviews, document review, site visits and non-participant observation. Data from questionnaires were downloaded, cleaned and analyzed in Microsoft™ Excel. Qualitative data were analyzed following deductive thematic and content analysis methods. Fidelity attribute showed that case identification is mainly based on clinical signs due to limited laboratory services for confirmation. Data collection was not well-coordinated and there were multiple disparate reporting channels. Adherence in terms of the proportion of reports submitted per month was only 61% of the target. District-level animal health officials spent an average of 60% of their weekly time on surveillance-related activities, but only 12% of them were satisfied with the surveillance system. Their dissatisfaction was caused by large area coverage with little to no facilitation, poor communication, and lack of a supporting system. The cost of surveillance data was found to be 1.4 times higher than the annual surveillance budget. The timeliness of the system ranged between 0 and 153 days from the observation date (median = 2 days, mean = 6 days). The study pointed out some deviations in animal health surveillance processes from the standard guidelines and their implication on the system's performance. The system could be improved by developing a user-friendly unified reporting system, the active involvement of subnational level animal health officials, optimization of data sources and an increase in the horizon of the financing mechanism.

Struktur Populasi dan Natural Increase Sapi Potong di Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar Kabupaten Lampung Tengah

This study aims to examine the population structure, natural increase and profile of beef cattle farms in Terbanggi Besar District, Central Lampung Regency. This research was conducted in the field through survey methods (simple random sampling and snowball sampling) in four villages in Terbanggi Besar District, Central Lampung Regency with descriptive analysis. The number of samples is 742 beef cattle from 95 cattle breeders, the respondents were selected to be interviewed by means of a questionnaire. The variables observed included population structure, birth rates, purchases and immigration, mortality rates, slaughter and sales rates, natural increases in cattle and the profile of beef cattle breeders. The results showed that the structure of the cattle population in Terbanggi Besar District, Central Lampung Regency, was based on the sex of 40.22% male and 59.78% female. The structure of the cattle population based on age is 64.51% adult cows, 22.67% young cows and 12.82% calves. The natural increase was 4.59% in population and 11.57% for adult females. The profile of beef cattle farms in Terbanggi Besar District is the 96.84% marriage system with Artificial Insemination, 90.53% intensive maintenance system, 90.53% feeding system and 87% health handling system with the help of animal health officers.

Determining the role of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in the death of domestic pets: 10 cases (2020-2021).

To establish a pathoepidemiological model to evaluate the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first 10 companion animals that died while infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the US. 10 cats and dogs that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and died or were euthanized in the US between March 2020 and January 2021. A standardized algorithm was developed to direct case investigations, determine the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and evaluate the role, if any, that SARS-CoV-2 infection played in the animals' course of disease and death. Using clinical and diagnostic information collected by state animal health officials, state public health veterinarians, and other state and local partners, this algorithm was applied to each animal case. SARS-CoV-2 was an incidental finding in 8 animals, was suspected to have contributed to the severity of clinical signs leading to euthanasia in 1 dog, and was the primary reason for death for 1 cat. This report provides the global community with a standardized process for directing case investigations, determining the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and determining the clinical significance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals with fatal outcomes and provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can, in rare circumstances, cause or contribute to death in pets.