Animal Health Service Providers Research Articles

Semiquantitative Risk Evaluation Reveals Drivers of African Swine Fever Virus Transmission in Smallholder Pig Farms and Gaps in Biosecurity, Tanzania.

African swine fever (ASF) has remained persistent in Tanzania since the early 2000s. Between 2020 and 2021, pig farms in twelve districts in Tanzania were infected with ASF, and ≥4,804 pigs reportedly died directly due to the disease with disruption to livelihoods. We conducted semiquantitative field investigations and rapid risk assessment (RRA) to understand the risk factors and drivers of ASF virus (ASFV) amplification and transmission in smallholder pig farms, and determine the gaps in biosecurity through hazard profiling, focus group discussions and expert opinion. Outbreaks were connected by road and aligned along the pig product value chain and reported in the northern, central, and southern parts of Tanzania. The patterns of outbreaks and impacts differed among districts, but cases of ASF appeared to be self-limiting following significant mortality of pigs in farms. Movement of infected pigs, movement of contaminated pig products, and fomites associated with service providers, vehicles, and equipment, as well as the inadvertent risks associated with movements of animal health practitioners, visitors, and scavengers were the riskiest pathways to introduce ASFV into smallholder pig farms. Identified drivers and facilitators of risk of ASFV infection in smallholder pig farms were traders in whole pigs, middlemen, pig farmers, transporters, unauthorized animal health service providers, and traders in pork. All identified pig groups were susceptible to ASFV, particularly shared adult boars, pregnant and lactating sows, and other adult females. The risk of ASF for smallholder pig farms in Tanzania remains very high based on a systematic risk classification. The majority of the farms had poor biosecurity and no single farm implemented all identified biosecurity measures. Risky practices and breaches of biosecurity in the pig value chain in Tanzania are profit driven and are extremely difficult to change. Behavioural change communication must target identified drivers of infections, attitudes, and practices.

Mapping the flow of veterinary antibiotics in Kenya.

To effectively regulate and reduce antibiotic use, in the livestock sector, a thorough understanding of the flow of veterinary antibiotics will help to identify key nodes in the chain for targeted interventions. The aim of this study was to understand the flow of antibiotics from import to end-user, and identify relevant governance mechanisms. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data in three Kenyan counties (Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado). Focus group discussions (n = 23), individual interviews (n = 148), and key informant interviews (n = 10) were conducted. The key actors identified include primary wholesalers, secondary wholesalers, retailers, animal health service providers (AHSPs), and farmers. Kenya imports 100% of its veterinary antibiotics: primary wholesalers legally import antibiotics as finished pharmaceutical products (90%) or active pharmaceutical ingredients (10%) after approval by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Secondary wholesalers play a major role in the distribution of antibiotics (60% of antibiotics) from importers to farmers, AHSPs, and retailers. Some of the illegal sources of antibiotics include unlicenced/unauthorized middlemen and online platforms that sell directly to retailers, AHSPs, and farmers. Despite the presence of various laws and regulations governing the antibiotic value chain, implementation has been a challenge due to financial and human resource constraints. This contributes to over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescription, unlicensed businesses selling antibiotics, illegal importation, and presence of poor-quality drugs. There is a need to review the applicability of existing policies and address policy gaps (e.g., product containing antibiotic combinations, and use of human critically important antibiotics) to ensure the prudent sale and use of antibiotics, pharmacovigilance, antimicrobial use surveillance, and developing a business model that aligns with antibiotic stewardship. Additional interventions include awareness raising and capacity building of the different stakeholders along the antibiotic distribution chain to reduce antibiotic mis- and overuse.

Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on Dairy Farms: A One Health Case Study from Punjab, India

Abstract This case study explores the antimicrobial usage (AMU) practices on Punjab’s dairy farms, aiming to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through collaborative efforts. It uncovers diverse AMU practices contributing to misuse, particularly on farm management-related diseases, such as mastitis, reproductive disorders, diarrhoeal diseases, and blood parasite infections. Some animal farms displayed high AMU levels of ‘critical importance’ category antibiotics, as per the World Health Organization. Additionally, some farmers exhibited inadequate knowledge and understanding of the importance of completing adequate antimicrobial therapy courses. The key risk factors for incorrect AMU include lack of awareness among the informal animal health service providers (without formal education/qualification), over-the-counter access of antibiotics, self-treatment practices by the farmers, and limited understanding of AMR’s public health implications. The study undertook a series of initiatives to combat AMR, including subject awareness workshops, biosecurity awareness activities comprising proper disposal of farm waste, and workshops for veterinarians, para-veterinarians, and farmers, sensitizing about AMR’s adverse consequences. Recommendations include enhancing access to qualified veterinarians, discouraging reliance on unauthorized practitioners, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and providing technical support for disease prevention. Establishing AMU and AMR surveillance systems is essential for informed decision-making. Collaborative efforts are vital to raise awareness, promote responsible AMU, and ensure animal and public health security. These joint actions among dairy chain stakeholders are imperative to combat AMR and foster sustainable dairy production while protecting animal and human health. Information © The Authors 2023

Sustainable Improvement Alternatives to Animal Health Service Delivery Constraints in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District of the Upper West Region of Ghana

Livestock production plays a key role in the livelihoods of rural people, serving as a source of employment, income, food, and security against the uncertainties of crop production. Yet delivering quality, affordable, and sustainable animal health services remains a major constraint in developing countries, including Ghana. This study explores the sustainable improvement alternatives to animal health service delivery constraints in Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, Ghana. A total of 150 livestock farmers were randomly selected from fifteen communities and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS/IBM) version 20.0 was used to compute all descriptive statistical variables. Chi square analysis was done to check for the effect of some variables on others at a significant level of 5%. The study showed that 42.7% of the respondents were between 46-60 years. However, age had no influence on veterinary service patronage (X=8.672, df=3, p=0.34). Sixty-four percent of the respondents had no educational background. Also, education did not influence veterinary service patronage (X=2.357, df=5, p=0.798). Majority (41.3%) of the respondents traveled over 16 km to access animal health service providers. All (100%) of the respondents who had access to veterinary drugs practiced self-medication. The study revealed government animal health service providers as a sustainable animal health delivery channel. Based on these findings, livestock farmers should be encouraged to consult veterinary service providers before administering drugs and vaccines to their livestock.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus Aureus isolates in a veterinary laboratory in Nyeri, Kenya

Staphlococcus aureus is a bacteria of veterinary and public health importance where it causes a vast array of pathogenic infections. In human, they cause skin and soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections, pneumonia and bone or joint infections. In animals, they can cause many infections one of the most common being mastitis which is a major concern in dairy farming. It causes swelling of the mammary tissues and changes in consistency of milk. Infections of the udder with various pathogens have led to the use of intra-mammary antibiotics which are mostly sold over-the-counter without prescriptions. Farmers and animal health service providers usually treat animals without antimicrobial sensitivity testing and this has over time contributed to resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. In addition to antimicrobial resistance, interaction between humans and animals and animal products can lead to transfer of resistance genes across species. The over-use of this antibiotics is leading to the silent antimicrobial Tsunami. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in samples submitted at the Regional Veterinary Investigation laboratory, Karatina and also to determine Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates through a retrospective study. From 452 samples submitted. 96% were milk samples and 4% were organs sampled during postmortem examination. From the samples 239 (53%) were Staphylococcus isolates with 108 (24%) being Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were observed for 8 antibiotics, highest resistance being for Ampicillin 50%, followed by Cotrimoxazole 44.4 %, Sulphamethoxazole 44.4%, Streptomycin 26.9%, Chloramphenicol 15.7%, Kanamycin 13.9%, with the least resistance being for Gentamycin 2.8% and Tetracycline 1.99%. Isolates showed increasing resistance towards common antibiotics used to treat animals. A multi-disciplinary approach by the farmers, animal health and human health providers, government agencies and all relevant stakeholders would help to control this silent Pandemic. Use of laboratory facilities would help animal health service providers and farmers to identify suitable drugs to treat animals. Regulating and monitoring use and access of antibiotics would help avert over-use and misuse of antibiotics.

Supply Chain and Delivery of Antimicrobial Drugs in Smallholder Livestock Production Systems in Uganda

This study assessed the veterinary drug supply chain in Uganda, the constraints faced by the actors, and how the challenges influence the use of antimicrobial (AMs) by livestock farmers. We carried out stakeholder consultation workshops, key informant interviews and a knowledge, practices, and awareness survey with actors of the veterinary drug supply chain. We also profiled drugs stored in 23 urban and peri-urban drug shops in Lira and Mukono districts to record the commonly sold drugs. The veterinary drug supply chain is made of several actors including wholesalers, retailers, Animal Health Service Providers (AHSP) and farmers. Nearly ninety per cent of drug retailers and veterinary practitioners did not receive specialized training in veterinary medicine, and most of veterinary practitioners have been in the drug business market for more than 10 years. Antibiotics and anti-helminthics were the most stocked drugs by retailers, with antibiotics ranking highest in terms of contribution to annual financial profits, accounting for 33%. The choice of a drug by veterinary practitioners was mainly informed by past success with efficacy of the drug, and financial capacity of the client (the farmer) to meet the treatment cost. Many veterinary practitioners were not conversant with veterinary drug policies of the country, with Mukono having a higher number (72%) compared to Lira (37%). Veterinary practitioners from Lira district compared to Mukono and those mainly serving small scale farmers relative to large scale smallholders were more knowledgeable about antibiotics and AMR. Several supply chain constraints were identified as potential drivers of misuse of antibiotics that could contribute to AMR. These included low level of education of supply chain actors, particularly drug retailers, poor handling of drugs at purchase and administration practices, low enforcement of policies and regulations, and lack of awareness of stakeholders about policies that regulate drug use. Thus, future interventions to reduce misuse of AM drugs in livestock production systems in Uganda such as capacity building, should also target veterinary input suppliers, and deliberately involve a strong policy advocacy component.

The misuse of antiretrovirals to boost pig and poultry productivity in Uganda and potential implications for public health

Background and Aim: Since 2015, local newspapers reported that pig and poultry farmers in Uganda use antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to promote growth in animals and control diseases. This study was conducted to assess farmers' knowledge, attitude and perceptions about the use of antiretroviral drugs as boosters in pigs and poultry and the possibility of detecting the antiretroviral drugs in meat using available laboratory methods. Materials and Methods: In 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted in ten districts in Uganda. In 20 focus group discussions with 100 pig and poultry farmers and 70 animal health service providers, we assessed the use of ARV in livestock enterprises. Subsequently, samples of chicken, pigs, and animal feeds were collected from volunteer participants, and screened for residues of saquinavir, lopinavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrophotometer. Results: Participants in all ten districts were predominantly smallholder farmers supplying the local markets. All groups reported the use of ARVs in pigs and broiler birds but not in layer hens. In the absence of good quality feeds, the motivation for feeding ARVs was rapid animal weight gain, as well as the control of animal diseases, for which farmers have no alternative solutions. ARVs were obtained within the community for free, against cash, or in-kind payment. Residues of lopinavir were detected in four, and saquinavir in seven districts, and all three sample matrices. Conclusion: Our study findings confirm anecdotal news reports on ARV use in livestock. While our findings are not generalizable to the whole country, they call for a representative follow-up. As the drugs were detected in tissues destined for human consumption, the potential risk to human health warrants further investigation.

Phenotypic Study on the Bacterial Isolates from Equine with Respiratory Disorders regarding Antimicrobial Drug Resistance

Upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in foals are primarily caused by a bacterial infection. Gram-negative bacteria are commonly found in neonatal pneumonia although gram-positive and mixed infections could be accompanied. The current study aimed to detect the different pathogens causing respiratory disorders in the equine, describe the antimicrobial resistance in these pathogens, and determine the types of antimicrobial isolates. A total of 203 different samples were collected from 42 horse foals, 5 adult horses, and 4 donkey foals from June 2019 to April 2020. All samples were subjected to bacteriology analysis and isolated bacteria were analyzed using susceptibility test for different antibacterial agents. The findings indicated that 38 (74.5%) animals were positive for the isolation of bacteria causing respiratory disorders. The most predominant isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. Pneumoniae followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus equi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Proteus mirabilis, Rhodococcus equi, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Streptococcus mitis. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is isolated from all organs, including the lungs. All K. pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to lomefloxacin, cefotaxime, meropenem, enrofloxacin, neomycin, and chloramphenicol. The Pseudomonas aerugenosa (P. aeruginosa) is sensitive to aztreonam and 20% of isolates sensitive to Piperacillin-tazobactam. All Proteus mirabilis were sensitive to ampicillin-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cefoperazone. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was only sensitive to oxytetracycline and lomefloxacin. Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to Piperacillin-tazobactam (50%), 25% to lomefloxacin; Streptococcus equi were sensitive to vancomycin 33.3% while 16.7% to erythromycin and doxycycline, Streptococcus zooepidemicus (100%) were sensitive to cefotaxime, meropenem, and doxycycline. All isolates of Enterococcus species were sensitive to penicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and lomefloxacin. Moreover, Rhodococcus equi (one isolate) was only sensitive to clarithromycin. The antimicrobial susceptibility test illustrated the presence of multidrug-resistant and pan-drug resistant isolates which proved the indiscriminate and extensive use of antibiotics. In conclusion, resistance monitoring data and risk assessment identified several direct and/or indirect predisposing factors to be potentially associated with MDR development in the equine health sector of Egypt. The predisposing factors may be attributed to insufficient veterinary healthcare, monitoring, and regulatory services, in addition to the intervention of animal health service providers, and/ or farmers’ lack of knowledge about drugs. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in equine in Egypt.

“We are doctors”: Drivers of animal health practices among Maasai pastoralists and implications for antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance

Animal health service providers can play an important role in limiting drug resistance by promoting responsible and prudent use of veterinary drugs. Recognizing this potential, international agencies and governments have called for these providers to receive drug stewardship training, particularly providers in low- and middle-income countries where top-down regulations (e.g., national regulation of veterinary prescriptions) are largely unfeasible. The success of these stewardship trainings to promote responsible and prudent use will depend on many factors, including understanding how livestock-keeping communities currently interact with animal health service providers. Here, we use a mixed methods approach to identify and understand animal health seeking practices among Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania. Combining qualitative interviews (N = 31) and structured surveys (N = 195), we show the majority of Maasai respondents (≈80 %) do not frequently consult animal health service providers with most relying on advice from family and friends. Logistic regression models of health seeking practices find that increasing age, education, observance of treatment failure, and herd disease burdens are associated with greater odds of seeking out health services. Quantitative results were supported by data from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews that showed Maasai view animal health service providers as measures of last resort, whose input is largely sought after self-treatment with veterinary drugs fail. We argue patterns of animal health seeking among the Maasai are partially the consequence of their high confidence in their own abilities in livestock disease and treatment and generally low confidence in the skills of animal health service providers. We link this high sense of self-efficacy to the culturally engrained process by which Maasai develop mastery in animal health and how the roles and norms in Maasai culture surrounding animal health influence Maasai perceptions of animal health professionals. Our results highlight the need for more research to understand Maasai perceptions of animal health service providers as well as the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of these providers. Finally, our study emphasizes that the success of drug stewardship trainings will require efforts to first understand the cultural and historical contexts driving health seeking practices that impact perceptions of animal health service providers and animal health practices more generally.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pet animals in Croatia and potential public health impact.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) emerged in late 2019 and has since caused a global pandemic. Experimental studies and sporadic reports have confirmed susceptibility of dogs and cats to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, the importance of pet animals in the epidemiology of this infection is unclear. This study reports on a first large‐scale serosurvey of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in dogs and cats in Europe. From 26 February 2020, just one day after the first confirmed human case of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in Croatia, to 15 June 2020, dog and cat serum samples were collected from animals admitted to three veterinary facilities in Croatia. Additionally, on 25 May 2020, a total of 122 serum samples from employees of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb were collected. Total of 656 dogs and 131 cat serum samples were tested using an in‐house microneutralisation test (MNT). Human serum samples, as well as 172 randomly selected, dog sera were tested using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA‐positive human sera were subsequently tested using MNT. Neutralising antibodies were confirmed in 0.76% cats and 0.31% dogs. ELISA reactivity was recorded in 7.56% tested dog sera. On the other hand, 5.19% of administrative, basic and pre‐clinical sciences department personnel and 5.13% of animal health service providers and laboratory personnel tested ELISA positive. Neutralising antibodies were not confirmed in any of the human samples. In conclusion, seropositivity among pet animals in Croatia is low, especially when compared to results from China. A small number of seropositive animals with a low titre of neutralising antibodies suggest infections are rare and are following infections in the human population. Additionally, contact with animals does not seem to be an occupational risk for veterinary practitioners.

Ethnoveterinary medicine for responsible dairying

India is the largest milk producer in the world with 22 percent of the global share and engages around 6.3 crore rural households. The cost and availability of animal health services for small dairy holders in a country like India has always been a cause of concern. There is a growing apprehension about the presence of drug residues in milk and milk products as well emergence of drug resistant bacteria and its associated health risks due to indiscriminate use of these products. The cost of therapeutic medicines, antimicrobial resistance and the residues in milk, meat and other animal products have forced the animal health sector to look for alternate forms of therapy to overcome these deficiencies. The new alternatives should be affordable, farmer friendly and lead to minimal or no residues in milk and other products. Practice of Ethno-Veterinary Medicine (EVM) is an approach that fulfils the above criteria. However, animal health service providers have very limited knowledge about EVM which in India is largely based on Veterinary Ayurveda. EVM has been used throughout the world by traditional animal rearing communities. EVM has been used for most common ailments in almost all domestic animal species. While there are efforts to document these practices, such documents are not widely available. Only recently, scientific scrutiny of these treatments for efficacy, mode of action and active ingredients has been initiated. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) along with Sabarkantha District Cooperative Milk Producers Union, Sabarkantha, Gujarat and Trans-Disciplinary University, Bengaluru, evaluated the use of EVM initially for management of bovine mastitis and subsequently for management of other common ailments of dairy animals. It was observed that EVM was helpful in successfully managing mastitis (85%), diarrhoea (86%), fever (85%), indigestion (87%), anoestrus (77%), worm infestation (89%), wound healing (79%) and ecto-parasite infestation (87%) with high clinical cure rate. It was economical compared to conventional allopathic treatment. A reduction in residues of common antibiotics (quinolones, tetracycline, sulphonamide, s-lactam) in milk was observed in the area of operation. Drug resistant bacteria ( S. aureus including methicillin resistant S. aureus – MRSA; and E. coli including Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing – E. coli - ESBL), were isolated from the milk of bovines suffering from mastitis. EVM was able to cure even these animals. However, awareness about EVM is limited among animal health service providers and other stakeholders. EVM needs to be given adequate focus and mainstreamed. This would entail concerted efforts and initiatives in policy, research and development and infrastructure.

The Impacts of Animal Health Service Providers on Antimicrobial Use Attitudes and Practices: An Examination of Poultry Layer Farmers in Ghana and Kenya.

International organizations and governments have argued that animal health service providers can play a vital role in limiting antimicrobial resistance by promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials. However, there is little research on the impact of these service providers on prudent use at the farm level, especially in low- and middle-income countries where enforcement of prudent-use regulations is limited. Here, we use a mixed-methods approach to assess how animal health-seeking practices on layer farms in Ghana (n = 110) and Kenya (n = 76) impact self-reported antimicrobial usage, engagement in prudent administration and withdrawal practices and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance. In general, our results show that the frequency of health-seeking across a range of service providers (veterinarians, agrovets, and feed distributors) does not significantly correlate with prudent or non-prudent use practices or the levels of antimicrobials used. Instead, we find that patterns of antimicrobial use are linked to how much farmers invest in biosecurity (e.g., footbaths) and the following vaccination protocols. Our results emphasize that more research is required to understand the interactions between animal health service providers and farmers regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. Addressing these gaps will be crucial to inform antimicrobial stewardship training, curriculums and, guidelines whose ultimate purpose is to limit the selection and transmission of antimicrobial resistance.

Assessment of Provision of Extension Services and Advocacy on Donkey Health and Welfare in Kenya

Aim: To determine type of benefits from keeping donkeys, challenges facing donkey farmers and how to streamline supply of medicines for treatment of donkeys in Kenya.
 Study Design: A descriptive study conducted in selected regions where donkey welfare projects are implemented and other regions without these projects between the months of May and August, 2018.
 Methodology: Data collected from donkey owners and users, animal health service providers, regulatory body, and agro-vets using semi-structured and check list questionnaires. A total of 156 questionnaires administered to donkey owners and users and 87 animal health providers.
 Results: Benefits of keeping donkeys included income obtained from transportation services, sale of surplus donkeys in a herd and hiring them out for a fee, such income are used for paying school fees for children and medical care. On average donkeys contributed about 20% of household incomes from livestock. Donkeys often suffered from myriad of challenges: infestation with endoparasites, wounds, colic, fractures, lameness, pneumonia, babesiosis, trypanosomiasis and zoonoses including tetanus and rabies. Sale volume for medicines used to treat donkey diseases in agro-vets (shops selling agricultural inputs including veterinary drugs) was approximately 15%, while percentage of donkey cases treated by animal health providers was about 7% of total caseload. Level of need for response to donkey cases by animal health providers was ranked 4th on a priority scale of 1-5. Furthermore, agro-vets did not stock medicines for pain relief. Moreover, differences exist between regions where donkey welfare projects are implemented as compared to other regions on level of knowledge of animal health providers on type of medicines used for treatment of clinical cases in donkeys, requirements for regulation of veterinary practices and types of veterinary providers (P = 0.05).
 Conclusions: These results support prioritization of training on early recognition for conditions which compromises wellbeing of donkeys and access to pain relief medicines.

Antimicrobial resistance situation in animal health of Bangladesh.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a crucial multifactorial and complex global problem and Bangladesh poses a regional and global threat with a high degree of antibiotic resistance. Although the routine application of antimicrobials in the livestock industry has largely contributed to the health and productivity, it correspondingly plays a significant role in the evolution of different pathogenic bacterial strains having multidrug resistance (MDR) properties. Bangladesh is implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) for containing AMR in human, animal, and environment sectors through “One Health” approach where the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) is the mandated body to implement NAP strategies in the animal health sector of the country. This review presents a “snapshot” of the predisposing factors, and current situations of AMR along with the weakness and strength of DLS to contain the problem in animal farming practices in Bangladesh. In the present review, resistance monitoring data and risk assessment identified several direct and/or indirect predisposing factors to be potentially associated with AMR development in the animal health sector of Bangladesh. The predisposing factors are inadequate veterinary healthcare, monitoring and regulatory services, intervention of excessive informal animal health service providers, and farmers’ knowledge gap on drugs, and AMR which have resulted in the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, ultimate in the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes in all types of animal farming settings of Bangladesh. MDR bacteria with extreme resistance against antibiotics recommended to use in both animals and humans have been reported and been being a potential public health hazard in Bangladesh. Execution of extensive AMR surveillance in veterinary practices and awareness-building programs for stakeholders along with the strengthening of the capacity of DLS are recommended for effective containment of AMR emergence and dissemination in the animal health sector of Bangladesh.

Lungworms in small ruminants in Burie district, Northwest Ethiopia

About half of small ruminant mortality and morbidity in Ethiopian highlands is caused by endoparasites including lungworms. The updated epidemiology of these parasites in different parts of the country is important to adopt local control measures. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of small ruminant lungworms, identify associated risk factors and the species of lungworms involved in small ruminants infection in Burie district, in the northwest Ethiopia. The study involved a cross-sectional coproscopic examination of 384 small ruminants randomly selected from the district from December 2016 to March 2017. An overall prevalence of 23.4% lungworms in small ruminants was recorded. The prevalence was significantly higher in goats (36.3%) than in sheep (15.5 %) (OR=3.1, 95% CI=1.95.0; p<0.05), and in young animals (35.6%) than in adults (14.7%) (OR=3.2, 95% CI=2.0-5.2; p<0.05). Dictyocaulus filaria was relatively the most prevalent species (38.9%) in the study area followed by Muellerius capillaries (26.7%), mixed infections (17.8%) and Protostrongylus rufescens (16.5%). The study revealed a high prevalence of lungworms in Burie district that needs attention of farmers and animal health service providers. Awareness of farmers about the problem and appropriate herd health management including strategic deworming of small ruminants that make use of risk factors identified in this study is suggested. Due to its high prevalence and severe pathogenicity, Dictyocaulus filaria, should be the primary target of control in the study area. Further study on seasonality of the parasite is needed to get more accurate information that helps for designing appropriate control strategy.Keywords: Dictyocaulus filaria; Lungworm; Muellerius capillaries; Protostrongy lusrufescens; Risk factor; Small ruminants

Sero-prevalence of bovine and human brucellosis on selected farms in South-western Uganda

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Brucellosis antibodies in cattle in 3 districts in South-western Uganda (Mbarara, Kiruhura and Bushenyi) and to determine the seroprevalence of Brucellosis among the cattle keepers on farms with cattle detected with brucellosis antibodies in the same districts and also to determine the level of awareness of Brucellosis disease among individuals that get in contact with livestock in the same districtsIntroduction: Brucellosis is among the zoonotic diseases that continue to afflict man and animals in Uganda. The increase in the number of disease outbreaks in animals from 1990 to 2013 and the number of human patients diagnosed with brucellosis in private clinics and hospitals has placed the infection to be among the top re-emerging diseases in the country. Brucellosis infection in humans is non-specific and caused by direct or indirect contact with infected animals or their products. Brucellosis manifests as intermittent fever, headache, weakness, profuse sweating, chills, weight loss, generalized aching that may involve multiple organ systems in the body. In animals, Brucella organisms localize in the reproductive organs, causing abortions, decreased milk yields and temporary sterility. Its effects impact negatively to the sale value of the affected animals causing financial losses to the animal owners.Methods: Purposive surveys were conducted in selected farms that were in an area with reported human cases. Ethical clearances were sought. Screening for Brucellosis was done using SAT. All positive samples were subjected to i-ELISA that detects IgM immunoglobulins. A total of 1503 cattle from 113 farms were tested for BrucellosisResults: Brucellosis test results from a total of 1503 cattle showed a sero-prevalence of 14% in Kiruhura, 18% Bushenyi and 23% Mbarara districts respectively. ELISA-positive Brucella cases from farm attendants on the sampled farms in the same districts had a prevalence of 4% in Kiruhura, 9% in Bushenyi and 12% in MbararaConclusions: Our findings underscore Brucella exposure as one of the major re-emerging diseases that should be treated with great concern by both Ministry of Health and MAAIF. We therefore recommend that the Ministries of Health and Agriculture should increase on community sensitization on the risk of Brucella infections in humans from cattle, and promote measures that can protect high risk families from getting infected. This survey indicated that Brucellosis infections are still prevalent in Uganda and continue to occur in the local communities. The public health and animal health service providers need to work together in compiling the disease epidemiological data for a concerted disease intervention measures.

Using process net-map to analyse governance challenges: A case study of livestock vaccination campaigns in Zambia

The outbreak of livestock diseases in Sub-Saharan African countries is the most critical challenge affecting the development potential of the livestock sector. Vaccination campaigns are one of the most important strategies to deal with this challenge. However, such campaigns are difficult to implement due to major governance challenges, such as delays in the procurement of vaccines and the disbursement of funds. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of these governance challenges, based on a case study of a Livestock Development Animal Health Project in Zambia. The goal was to examine in detail why these problems occur and how they are linked to the implementation procedure. A novel qualitative research tool called Process Net-Map, which is a visual participatory mapping technique was applied. The tool made it possible to develop an understanding of the exact implementation mechanism and to identify the different actors involved, including government officials, private sector companies, and farmers. The study revealed that the complex design of the procurement procedure, the limited capacity of the procuring entity, and a lack of urgency among the actors involved, resulted in the procurement delays. The findings also indicate that the delay in the release of funds arises because of a diversion of funds. Some strategies to improve the efficiency of the procurement process were identified, such as increasing the sense of urgency, building staff capacity, using e-procurement and entering into framework contracts with suppliers. Building sustainable financial capacity in the overall management of public funds seems essential to deal with the challenge of fund diversion. Use of Citizen Report Cards and lobbying political decision markers are some of the mechanisms that farmers can employ to increase their capacity to hold the animal health service providers accountable and demand better services. The problems identified are not only relevant for vaccination programs but are general implementation challenges encountered in developmental programs that involve the distribution of publicly procured inputs.

Camel health management and pastoralists\u2019 knowledge and information on zoonoses and food safety risks in Isiolo County, Kenya

Camel health management has implications for public health and camel product trade. After liberalization of the veterinary service, current camel health management in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS) of Kenya and its implications for public health is not known. This study investigated camel health management and its implications on zoonoses and food safety in Isiolo County, Kenya. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 150 households, 15 agro-veterinary shops, 15 community-based animal health workers (CBAHWs) and 10 veterinary officers to collect information on camel health management. The main occupation and source of household income for the pastoral communities is camel-keeping (45.3%). Pastoralists self-medicate camels and other livestock (45.8%), which can lead to between over-dosing, under-dosing or wrong drug use. The CBAHWs, traditional animal health service providers (TAHSPs), government veterinary officers and private veterinary officers play a minimum role. Private veterinary services have not taken root in the ASALs. The sources of knowledge and information on the veterinary drug to use are experience (57.4%), non-governmental organizations (NGO) (41.1%) or CBAHWs (32.1%). The majority of pastoralists (72.5%) do not keep camel or other livestock treatment records. The constraints in purchasing veterinary drugs are expensive drugs, accessibility to drugs and availability of money. Pastoralists refer to veterinary drugs by their brand names but not by active ingredients. As reported by pastoralists, focus group discussion and key informant interviews, antibiotics used were adamycine (33.3%), ampicilline (26.7%), penicillin (14.4%), tetracycline (12.2%), amoxylin (11.1%) and penstrip (2.2%). The common camel diseases were trypanosomiasis, brucellosis, mastitis, diarrhoea, worm infestation, camel pox and tuberculosis. The public health risk factors were the presence of veterinary drug residues in camel products and development of resistant zoonotic organisms/diseases. It was concluded that current camel health management has serious implications for public health and food safety, and hence the camel product trade.

Community Health Seeking Behavior for Suspected Human and Animal Rabies Cases, Gomma District, Southwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundTimely presentation to appropriate health service provider of sick animals/humans from zoonotic diseases like rabies is important for early case/outbreak detection and management. However, data on community’s health seeking practice for rabies in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore the objective of this study was to determine community’s health seeking behavior on rabies, Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 16-February 14, 2015 to collect data from 808 respondents where the respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire by trained epidemiology graduate level students. Data were entered to Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 for windows.ResultEight hundred three (99.4%) respondents participated in the study. Out of 28 respondents who reported their family members’ exposure to rabies, 8 of them replied that the exposed family members sought treatment from traditional healers. More than nine in ten respondents perceived that humans and domestic animals with rabies exposure should seek help of which 85% of them suggested modern health care facilities as the preferred management option for the sick humans and domestic animals. However, among those who reported sick domestic animals, near to 72% of them had either slaughtered for human consumption, sold immediately, visited traditional healer, given home care or did nothing for the sick domestic animals.ConclusionMajority of the respondents had favorable perception of seeking treatment from modern health care facilities for rabies. However, significant number of them had managed inappropriately for the sick domestic animals from rabies. Hence, raising awareness of the community about management of sick domestic animals from rabies and the need for reporting to both human and animal health service providers is needed.

Providing animal health services to the poor in Northern Ghana: rethinking the role of community animal health workers?

The Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) system has been promoted as an alternative solution to providing animal health services in marginal areas. Yet, access to quality animal health services still remains a fundamental problem for livestock dependent communities. This paper uses the concepts of accessibility, affordability, and transaction costs to examine the perceptions of livestock keepers about the various animal health service providers. The empirical analysis is based on a survey of 120 livestock-keeping households in the Tolon-Kumbungu and Savelugu-Nanton districts in the Northern Region of Ghana. A multinomial logit model was used to determine the factors that influence households' choice of alternative animal health service providers. The results show that the government para-vets are the most preferred type of animal health service providers while CAHWs are the least preferred. Reasons for this observation include high transaction costs and low performance resulting from limited training. In areas with few or no government para-vets, farmers have resorted to self-treatment or to selling sick animals for consumption, which has undesirable health implications. These practices also result in significant financial losses for farmers. This paper finds that the CAHWs' system is insufficient for providing quality animal health services to the rural poor in marginal areas. Therefore, market-smart alternative solutions requiring strong public sector engagement to support livestock farmers in marginal areas and setting minimum training standards for animal health service providers merit policy consideration.