Animal Keepers Research Articles

Association of Socioeconomic Status and Reasons for Companion Animal Relinquishment.

It is important to understand the reasons for companion animal relinquishment to help reduce the financial and ethical problems arising from too many dogs and cats in shelters. This study investigates the socioeconomic factors and reasons behind companion animal relinquishment in Australia, utilizing data from five animal shelters, over a five-year period (Financial Year 2018/19 to 2022/23). Descriptive statistics reveal that the median Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) decile of companion animal guardians who relinquished their companion animal was decile 4 out of 10, indicating that they live in areas of lower-than-average socioeconomic status. Cats accounted for 59.4% and dogs for 40.6% of all relinquishments, with more relinquishments from lower socioeconomic deciles (1-5) (cats: 62.6%, dogs: 65.8%). The median age of relinquished cats was 5 months and dogs 16 months, with human factor-related issues (e.g., Housing, Financial Constraints, Human Healthcare) cited in 86% of cases. Descriptive analysis for the five financial years shows a declining trend in numbers of relinquishments, with housing issues (31.2%) identified as the primary reason, followed by ownership decisions (16.2%), financial constraints (11.2%), and human health issues (10.4%). Comparing the reasons for relinquishment between lower (decile 1-5) and higher (decile 6-10) socioeconomic status demonstrated that financial difficulties were a more common reason in lower vs. higher socioeconomic groups, while human health and family-related issues are more common in higher vs. lower socioeconomic groups. These findings highlight the critical role of socioeconomic factors in understanding why people relinquish their companion animals, which can inform targeted interventions to support companion animal welfare across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Introducing the Mellorater-The Five Domains Model in a Welfare Monitoring App for Animal Guardians.

When monitoring an animal's welfare, it helps to have comprehensive and day-to-day information about the animal's life. The goal is to ensure that animal guardians (carers, keepers, and owners) use such information to act in the animals' best interests. This article introduces the Mellorater, an animal welfare monitoring app based on the 2020 Five Domains Model. This framework provides a means of capturing comprehensive information about the world in which individual animals exist. The Mellorater asks animal guardians to rate their agreement with 18 statements covering any focal animal's nutrition, environment, health, and behavioural interactions using a five-point Likert scale. No specialist training is required other than following straightforward instructions on using the app, which are provided. The Mellorater is not proposed as a validated welfare auditing tool because it relies on reflective self-reporting and, thus, is vulnerable to the user's subjectivity. If users' subjectivity is stable over time, then the longitudinal data may be considered useful proxies for trends in quality of life. That said, it has the potential to be used by trained auditors if scientifically validated, species-specific indicators are applied. The Mellorater collects anonymous data and has been approved for a study to explore how the use of such scales may differ among guardians of different species and in different contexts. In this paper, we conduct the following: (1) summarise the app's purposes; (2) clarify its capabilities and limitations; and (3) invite animal welfare scholars, veterinarians, health and welfare professionals, and animal guardians to use it.

A Scoping Review of the Risks Posed by Companion Animals to Older Adults

ABSTRACT Research has reported on positive aspects of pet guardianship to reduce physical and mental health issues in older adults (over the age of 65 years). There is, however, a need to be cognizant of the risks that pertain to companion animal guardianship. The aim of this scoping review was to systematically identify literature regarding the risks that companion animal guardianship may pose to older adults to facilitate greater understanding and inclusion of pets in the lives of older adults. Using online databases (Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar), systematic searches were conducted. From 11,868 articles, 26 were included in the final data synthesis. The type of risk reported was categorized into three groups (zoonotic, physical, and psychological), with the worst outcomes reported being fatal, potentially fatal, and severe, respectively. Very little literature for pet species other than dogs and cats were identified. Whilst further research is required to fully quantify the risks that arise from the cohabitation of pets and older adults, there is enough evidence for older adults to be safely engaging with pets and hence continue to benefit from the human–animal bond.

Ready, steady, chop! Investigating the impact of chop size on zoo food nutritional quality

It is common for animal keepers to chop food up for their animals into small pieces, yet there is limited information as to why this practice is done. Anecdotally, many collections also prepare their zoo animal diets the day before feeding, and store them in the fridge overnight. The potential impact of these food preparation and storage methods on food nutritional quality is unknown. To address this, this study investigated the impact of preparing six types of produce into four sizes (0.5, 2, and 4 cm3 cubes, or whole) on the desiccation, browning and pH scores. Samples were stored either under ambient, room temperatures, or stored in a fridge and analysis was conducted over a 24-hour period. The most severe desiccation levels occurred in finely chopped feeds, for both ambient and fridge-stored samples. Time significantly affected the rate of desiccation and browning, and food chop size was a significant predictor of both browning and pH. These results suggest that serious nutritional changes occur in chopped feeds, especially when they are finely chopped and especially when food is stored for more than a couple of hours prior to feeding. Practitioners who care for animals should consider whether their animals benefit from finely chopped feeds, and should avoid the practice of storing chopped food overnight.

Factors associated with adherence to the principles of responsible companion animal guardianship in a municipality in southeastern Brazil

Responsible companion animal guardianship (RCAG) covers aspects that are relevant to both animal and human health. Understanding the factors associated with adherence to RCAG principles can guide accountability, animal welfare and disease control. The present observational study describes the level of adherence to RCAG by guardians living in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality and identifies the factors associated with inadequate guardianship. Questionnaires were administered to randomly selected guardians of 704 dogs. The binary outcome of the study, namely more and less adequate compliers to RCAG principles, was analyzed using a score list comprising eight variables relating to the care provided to the dogs, namely provision of veterinary services, vaccination against rabies, deworming, no access to the streets without supervision, walking with guardian, dog freedom at home, registration (microchipping) and satisfactory food supply. Factors possibly associated with less adequate adherence to RCAG by the guardian, such as socioeconomic and cultural features of the guardians, characteristics of the dogs and attributes of the guardian-animal interactions, were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models. The RCAG actions least adopted by guardians were animal registration, provision of veterinary care, walking with the dog and preventing access of the dogs to the streets without supervision. Individuals who cared for a single dog, a mixed breed dog or had previously lost a dog were less likely to show adequate adherence to RCAG. Conversely, guardians who owned cars, acquired dogs as puppies, lived in households with a maximum of four residents, cared for a sterilized dog or thought that caring for a dog was easier than (or as) expected, had a higher chance of showing adequate adherence to RCAG. The results verify that the socioeconomic and behavioral characteristic of guardians must be taken into consideration for understanding the adherence to RCAG. In addition, it is important to facilitate access to veterinary services and to raise awareness about the significance of a safe and healthy environment for companion animals.

Homemade herbal remedies - tradition with practical relevance

The preparation of homemade herbal remedies has always been practiced by animal keepers and is still employed in farm animals today. In order to document this practice, an ethnoveterinary study was conducted in Bavaria in 2018-2021. The farmers were interviewed on site and the reported recipes were documented in detail and, where possible, also carried out during the interviews. The plant parts used were weighed using a laboratory balance in order to be able to calculate a daily dose per animal or the concentration in the end product for as many of these traditional use reports (UR) as possible. A total of 716 recipes for 884 UR were named in the 77 interviews by the participating farmers. Two thirds (69%) of the formulations mentioned consisted of one or more medicinal plants and 31% dealt with other natural home remedies (honey, vinegar, etc.). Overall, the farmers surveyed preferred the use of single plants in their formulations. Most UR were for cattle (77% of all reports). These traditional remedies are most often used in Bavarian stables for the treatment and prophylaxis of gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, there was a high correspondence of the medicinal plants used with described UR from two historical reference books. The study participants used their homemade herbal remedies with a high degree of satisfaction and thereby act within the scope of their own responsibility as farmers. This traditional knowledge of herbal preparations containing active ingredients, which has been passed on for generations, may also be a good starting point for a phytotherapeutic supplement in the treatment of farm animals in veterinary practice. Pharmaceutical and feed law framework conditions must be adhered to.

Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Protozoal Infection in Zoo Animals in China.

Zoo animals, harboring zoonotic gastrointestinal protozoal diseases, pose potential hazards to the safety of visitors and animal keepers. This study involved the collection and examination of 400 fresh fecal samples from 68 animal species, obtained from five zoos. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence, genetic characteristics, and zoonotic potential of common gastrointestinal protists. PCR or nested PCR analysis was conducted on these samples to detect four specific parasites: Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis spp. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp was 0.5% (2/400), G. duodenalis was 6.0% (24/400), Blastocystis spp. was 24.5% (98/400), and E. bieneusi was 13.5% (54/400). G. duodenalis, Blastocystis spp., and E. bieneusi were detected in all of the zoos, exhibiting various zoonotic genotypes or subtypes. G. duodenalis-positive samples exhibited three assemblages (D, E, and B). Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST8, ST10, ST13, and ST14) and one unknown subtype (ST) were identified. A total of 12 genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including SC02, BEB6, Type IV, pigEBITS 7, Peru8, PtEb IX, D, CD9, EbpC, SCBB1, CM4, and CM7. Moreover, significant differences in the positive rates among different zoos were observed (p < 0.01). The findings indicate that zoo animals in China are affected by a range of intestinal protozoa infections. Emphasizing molecular identification for specific parasite species or genotypes is crucial for a better understanding of the zoonotic risk. Preventing and controlling parasitic diseases in zoos is not only vital for zoo protection and management but also holds significant public health implications.

Aspect of feeding management for Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) in Universitas Sumatera Utara park

This study aims to determine the management of animals in sambar deer captivity in terms of the aspect of feeding. The purpose of this study was to determine the management of sambar deer in terms of feeding techniques. This research was carried out in August - September 2022 using the observation method at the University of North Sumatra Park. The research data were obtained from the results of interviews with the animal keeper, data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Data were calculations carried out regarding feed consumption and feed preferences for Sambar deer. The results showed that the management of the hopeful sambar deer in terms of the aspect of feeding at the North Sumatra University Park could be categorized as good in terms of the type and amount of feed that was sufficient to meet the basic needs of the animals. The average feed consumption reaches 4.8 kg/day/head. The most preferred type of feed is carrots (Daucus carota L) with a preference level of 21%. Further research is needed regarding the feeding of sambar deer according to the needs of their physiological status.

Intestinal parasites infecting captive non-human primates in Italy.

Non-human primates (NHPs) living in captive conditions are susceptible to intestinal parasites that can contribute to mortality and morbidity, and cause zoonotic infections. Thus, parasite surveys on NHP populations under human care are relevant as part of the evaluation of NHPs welfare and in the zoonotic disease risk assessment, as well as in the exploration of parasite transmission pathways, according to the One-Health concept. This study aimed to identify intestinal parasites infecting NHPs living in two wildlife recovery centers and in a zoological garden, in Italy. Ninety-three fecal samples from Macaca tonkeana, Macaca fascicularis, Sapajus apella, Chlorocebus aethiops, Macaca fuscata, Macaca sylvanus, and Cebus capucinus were collected at Piano dell'Abatino Park (Lazio), and fecal smears and flotation were performed in order to identify parasites according to morphological keys. Additionally, one carcass of M. fuscata from the Bioparco Zoological Garden of Rome (Lazio) and one of M. fascicularis from the Center for the Recovery of Exotic and Maremma Wild Animals (Tuscany) were necropsied and intestinal adult nematodes were collected and characterized at morphological and molecular level, using the mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL markers. Protozoans (Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis-like, Giardia sp.), chromists (Balantidium/Buxtonella sp.) and nematodes (Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp., strongyliform larvae and Oesophagostomum sp.) were found through fecal smears and flotation. The collected adult nematodes from dead NHPs were morphologically identified as whipworms (genus Trichuris). Phylogenetic analyses grouped Trichuris specimens into the Trichuris trichiura complex of species, with specimens from M. fuscata clustering into a host-specific branch, and whipworms from M. fascicularis clustering within a clade formed by Trichuris infecting several primate species, including humans. The results here collected revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic parasites circulating in captive primates in Italy, providing useful information for the formulation of management and care plans for captive NHPs, and for the elaboration of safety measures for visitors and animal keepers.

The Alternative Livelihood Practices Engaged by Artisanal Fishers for Household Improvements in Zanzibar Islands

This paper outlines the alternative livelihood practices used by artisanal fishers for household improvement in five Zanzibar Islands fishing villages: Kizimkazi Dimbani, Chwaka, Unguja Ukuu Kaepwani, Tumbe Mashariki, and Michenzani. The cross-sectional research design was used to collect quantitative data via a questionnaire survey and qualitative data via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews. Data were collected from a sample of 333 artisanal fishers drawn from the 1991 population using the Yamane formula. According to the findings of the study, approximately half of the artisanal fishers (53.45%) did not engage in any alternative livelihood practice to support the livelihood of their households and instead relied solely on artisanal fisheries. (23.12%) of the artisanal fishers were farmers, (9.91%) were seaweed farmers, and (5.41% were animal keepers. A small percentage of artisanal fishers (8.11%) engage in petty trade, tourism, and dagaa processing for sale. It is therefore recommended that the respective government, in collaboration with other fisheries stakeholders, establish the sustainability of alternative livelihood opportunities for artisanal fisher communities in order to improve their household livelihoods by diversifying their household survival and reducing the challenge of overexploitation of fishery resources.

Rising Antimicrobial Resistance In Pakistan: A Call For An Urgent Action.

Madam, Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern. Pakistan is a developing nation in South Asia with a high rate of antibiotic resistance, posing a serious concern on a global and regional scale1 In Pakistan in recent years, both extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and multi-drug-resistant. (MDR) microorganisms have been found2.From January 2017 to June 2021, a total of 14,360. XDR-TF cases were reported in Karachi, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad's Weekly Field Epidemiological Report2.Only three antimicrobials: azithromycin, carbapenems, and tigecycline(parenteral) are effective against the XDR strains3. However, after Covid-19, the misuse of Azithromycin has increased manifold, which is worrisome. Pakistani public’s lack of awareness about the harms of antibiotic self-prescription and the widespread presence of quacks in the society has posed a great threat to rational use of antimicrobials4. According to a cross-sectional survey of pharmacy staff’s opinion ,approximately 81.5% of participants declared that dispensing non-prescribed antibiotics is a common practice in community pharmacies, and 51.1% considered themselves to be authorized to dispense these drugs5. The chicken industry of Pakistan is excessively using important antimicrobials in their bird feed6. According to a surveillance survey done in 2019 in Pakistan; among the antimicrobials used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in animals; colistin, tylosin, enrofloxacin, and doxycycline were the most frequently used6.This calls for an urgent action in Pakistan to prevent a public health crisis. It is a dire need of the hour to implement the National Drug Policy (NDP) of Pakistan. There should be a national action plan on how to curb this menace of the misuse of therapeutically important antimicrobials in Pakistan. Special units should be devised by Drug regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and The Ministry of Health (MoH) to rein back those chemist stores involved in selling of prescription only antimicrobials without the advice of a medical doctor. These teams should catch quacks working in all provinces of Pakistan. Quackery should be made illegal. The sale of large flocks of antimicrobials to animal keepers and broiler industry people should be immediately stopped and the involved people should be fined and their licenses cancelled. Talks and sessions should be held in schools, colleges and public places about the correct use of antibiotics. A medical doctor’s stamp with a registration number should be mentioned on each prescription of an antimicrobial. ---Continue

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Dynamics in the Pittsburgh Zoo Wild Felids with Two Viral Variants (Delta and Alpha) during the 2021-2022 Pandemic in the United States.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported in multiple animal species besides humans. The goal of this study was to report clinical signs, infection progression, virus detection and antibody response in a group of wild felids housed in adjacent but neighboring areas at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Initially, five African lions (Panthera leo krugeri) housed together exhibited respiratory clinical signs with viral shedding in their feces in March of 2021 coinciding with infection of an animal keeper. During the second infection wave in December 2021, four Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) and a Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis) showed clinical signs and tested positive for viral RNA in feces. In infected animals, viral shedding in feces was variable lasting up to 5 weeks and clinical signs were observed for up to 4 weeks. Despite mounting an antibody response to initial exposure, lions exhibited respiratory clinical signs during the second infection wave, but none shed the virus in their feces. The lions were positive for alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) during the first wave and the tiger and lynx were positive for delta variant (AY.25.1. lineage) during the second wave. The viruses recovered from felids were closely related to variants circulating in human populations at the time of the infection. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in the park did not show either the clinical signs or the antibody response.

The influence of feeding routines on the behavior of zoo-housed Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra).

Many species thrive in captivity, yet there is still much to be assessed regarding the often-unknown stressors present that can compromise welfare. Uncovering such stressors is of paramount importance if we are to ensure the zoo environment provides the highest levels of animal welfare that will contribute to species conservation. Zoo-housed primates are subject to many potential stressors, including daily husbandry routines which they may find aversive or habituate to, regardless of their outcome. The specific aim of this study was to assess the behavioral responses to daily husbandry feeding routines on a total of 33 Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra), across two different UK zoological collections. Group scan sampling was used to record behaviors for 30-minperiods before feeding (BF), for 30 min after feeding (AF), which we began 30 min after feed provision, and for 30 min when no feeding occurred (NF). The feeding condition significantly influenced behaviors recorded and post-hoc comparisons showed that BF conditions produced significantly higher frequencies of food anticipatory related activity (FAA). Furthermore, during BF periods, behaviors associated with FAA increased during the 15 min closer to a feed. This research finds that temporal feeding events cause changes in the behavior of two independent groups of crested macaques, indicative of food anticipation activity, during 30-minperiods leading up to a feed. These results have implications for how animal keeper routines and advertised zoo feeds are managed for this species within zoological collections.

Ethical dimensions of zoonotic disease research: Perspectives of traditional livestock keepers in Zambia.

Background: With the increase in zoonotic disease research using livestock belonging to traditional livestock keepers (LKs) as research subjects, careful attention to both animal and livestock keeper interests is critically important in Zambia and other similar contexts. Methods: The study aimed to explore ethics-related challenges during zoonotic disease research among LKs where their livestock are included as research subjects. The study was implemented in the Southern province of Zambia in July 2020. Three focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 30 adult male LKs living in livestock-wildlife interface areas where zoonotic diseases are likely to occur, were carried out. The FGDs were done in the local language and audio recorded. Thematic analysis was done using field notes and translated and transcribed recorded interviews. Results: The study found that trust between the researchers and LKs when their livestock are used as research subjects was very cardinal and depended on the continual presence of the local veterinary assistant (VA) during the conduct of research. Conclusions: The LKs could be considered a vulnerable population when their livestock were used as research subjects as, being resource poor, they were looking to researchers to provide benefits yet not fully understanding the research, and thus did not worry so much about consent procedures, bringing into question the validity of the oral consent obtained.The study also found that opportunities to strengthen trust and enhance the research experience could be exploited by researchers conducting research that is locally relevant and desired, being aware of procedural preferences for entering into livestock keeping communities, adequate disclosure of research procedures, respecting conventions and traditional cultural beliefs, and returning results of research.The findings of this study can be used by both researchers as they carry-out zoonotic disease research and by Research Ethics Committees.

A survey of acquisition and animal-related factors leading to microchipping and neutering of dogs and cats in Portugal

Microchipping and neutering are useful tools for animal control and are mandatory in some countries. In Portugal, microchipping for dogs became mandatory in 2008 and for cats in 2022. However, despite being mandatory, it is frequently disregarded. By contrast, neutering, which is not mandatory, is perceived as expensive. Little is understood about the reasoning related to microchipping or neutering decisions. The authors used an online questionnaire to investigate the characteristics of dogs and cats, as well as acquisition factors, that might contribute to microchipping and neutering decision-making. The analysis is based on 1047 valid responses obtained from companion animal guardians living in Portugal, using the non-parametric Chi-Square test. The authors found that male cats were more frequently neutered (74%) than male dogs (35%) and that fewer cats were microchipped (12%) compared to dogs (77%). It was also found that companion animals acquired from municipal shelters or from animal protection associations had a higher probability of being neutered and microchipped than companion animals collected from the street. Municipal shelter and animal protection association staff generally inform guardians, during the adoption process, about the benefits of neutering and the obligation of microchipping dogs. It is important that information regarding responsible guardianship, including the need for neutering and microchipping, is also provided when companion animals are acquired in other places, such as when they are acquired from the street. A national campaign to create awareness about, and increase the level of, neutering and microchipping for both species is recommended, even when the animals are indoor-only pets.

Physical health caregiver, mental wellness supporter, and overall well-being advocate: Women's roles towards animal welfare during the COVID-19 emergency response

Women's health-specific contributions in emergency response stages pertain primarily to family and community-based rescue and support-focused roles. As disasters affect both human beings and their animal co-inhabitants, comprehensive literature exploring women's contributions towards companion animal welfare in emergency response settings remains sparse. COVID-19-triggered public health mitigation strategies caused diverse challenges relating to veterinary medical service access, thus establishing a platform for a nuanced exploration of gendered roles vis-a-vis animal health and well-being during the initial COVID-19 emergency response period. This project employs a semi-structured interview approach to qualitatively investigate the roles, responsibilities, and experiences of twelve people, eleven of whom self-identify as women, who cared for animal co-inhabitants while seeking veterinary medical services during the COVID-19 emergency response in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This research identifies three primary animal welfare-related roles that woman companion animal guardians (WCAGs) assumed during the COVID-19 emergency response period: 1) Companion animal physical health caregiver, spanning from nuclear to extended families and into the community; 2) Companion animal mental wellness supporter, associated with human-animal interactions in family/household, community, and veterinary clinic settings; 3) Companion animal holistic well-being advocate, utilizing various strategies at family, community, and societal levels. Understanding gender-specific animal welfare contributions in an emergency response setting narrows knowledge gaps and provides WCAGs and animal welfare-related public, private, and not-for-profit sectors with evidence-based strategies for emergency response planning improvements, supporting healthy and sustainable human-animal bonds in the current COVID-19 pandemic and future extreme events.

A comparative survey of veterinarians, equine owners, and equine keepers regarding the knowledge and implementation of legal requirements in Germany for the use and documentation of veterinary medicines in equines intended for slaughter.

In Europe, equines destined for human consumption (hereafter called slaughter equines) are subject to the same restrictions of usage of veterinary drugs as other food-producing animals, with amendments regulated in the so-called 'positive list', Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006. Due to the complex legal requirements for drug administration in slaughter equines, it might be that specific knowledge regarding the legislation of slaughter equines may be insufficient among veterinarians, equine owners, and equine keepers. To study this assumption, three target group-specific surveys were conducted in 2021. Answers from 153 equine treating veterinarians, 170 equine owners, and 70 equine keepers were included in the analysis. In total 68.4% (91/133) of the participating veterinarians, the regulations of the 'positive list', Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006, were 'rather complicated' to 'complicated'. Among the participating veterinarians, 38.4% (58/151) did not or could not answer correctly how to proceed if a slaughter equine is scheduled to receive phenylbutazone, usage of which is prohibited in all livestock by Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010. Simultaneously, 56.2% (86/153) of the participating veterinarians named phenylbutazone as the, or one of the, most often used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Altogether, 41.2% (70/170) of participating equine owners and 42.9% (30/70) of equine keepers did not know under which circumstances an equine can legally be slaughtered for human consumption. In total, 34.3% (24/70) of the equine keepers classified their knowledge of national regulations for animal keepers regarding the documentation of drug usage in equines as 'poor' to 'nonexistent'. This lack of knowledge in all three surveyed groups, combined with the complex legal regulations regarding the usage and documentation of drugs in slaughter equines, could result in missing and false documentation, treatment of slaughter equines with prohibited substances and therefore pose a risk factor for drug residues in equine meat.

The Impact of the Social Determinants of Human Health on Companion Animal Welfare

The social determinants of health (SDH) focus on the social, physical and economic factors that impact human health. Studies have revealed that animal guardians face a range of challenges in attaining positive welfare outcomes for their companion animals, which can be influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Despite this, there is a lack of research specifically exploring the relationship between SDH and animal welfare outcomes. Given that the SDH impact on humans, which in turn directly impacts on their companion animal, it is important to adapt an SDH framework for companion animal welfare by characterising the impact of the SDH on companion animal guardians in their attempts to care for their animals and, by extension, the associated welfare outcomes. This paper explores how these human health determinants may impact animal welfare and the possible challenges that may arise for the guardian when attempting to meet their companion animal's welfare needs. By integrating the SDH with other key frameworks, including the five domains model of animal welfare, through multidisciplinary collaboration, this framework can be used to inform future programs aiming to improve animal welfare.

Evaluation of Zoological Gardens in Punjab in Public Education and Captive Wildlife Conservation

The evolution of methods for keeping wild animals in captivity can be traced back many centuries. The desire to keep animals in captivity for recreational purposes led to the development of several zoological parks after man adopted a more settled way of life. These zoos, aquariums, and other animal sanctuaries must now serve a more serious purpose, one that goes beyond entertainment. Around 700 million people visit zoos and aquariums each year, as reported by WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). True zoos and aquariums provide special opportunities for local communities to get involved in protecting wildlife. In addition, zoological parks are widely acknowledged for the invaluable contributions they make to conservation and scientific study by means of the animals and plants in their living collections. This research was devised to evaluate the conservation and educational impact of the Lahore Zoological Gardens, the Bahawalpur Zoological Gardens, and the Marghazar Zoological Gardens. In general, the results showed that the Lahore Zoo was the best of the selected zoos. However, for a variety of reasons (including a lack of a zoo animal keeper training programme, poor record keeping, inbreeding, inadequate housing, inadequate veterinary care, an inadequate animal collection plan, the absence of an on-site animal nutritionist, and a lack of or improper public education and awareness programming), the Lahore Zoo did not meet WAZA standards so far.

Exposure to occupational risk factors is associated with the severity and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results from a complex interaction between genes and the environment, and occupational exposures are an underappreciated risk factor. Until now, little research attention has been paid to the potential impact of occupational risk factor exposure on the COPD in China. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the role of occupational risk factor exposure on the severity and progression of COPD for exploring new prevention strategies for this disease. This study adopted a random cluster-sampling method. Five grade-A tertiary hospitals that met the inclusion criteria were selected as the survey sites, and patients with COPD hospitalized in these hospitals from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019, were selected as the research subjects. Data of the patients diagnosed with COPD met the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (2019) criteria and were collected from the computerized medical record databases. Among 4082 investigated COPD patients, 1063 (26%) were found to have occupational risk factor exposure history. The top 3 industries with a large COPD case number and a history of occupational risk factor exposure ranked in the order of agriculture (including farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery), manufacturing, and mining. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that when setting a low exposure level as a reference, medium and high exposure levels were correlated with the severity of COPD (odds ratio values were 2.837 and 6.201, respectively, P < .05). Linear regression analysis showed that cumulative exposure to occupational risk factors was negatively correlated with the forced expiratory volume in 1-second percentage of COPD patients, with a correlation coefficient of 0.68. Our results indicated that occupational risk factor exposure levels were related to the severity of COPD significantly. The incubation period of COPD in the exposure group was significantly shorter than that in the non-exposure group. To prevent worked-related COPD, special attention and control efforts should be taken to reduce the level of occupational risk factors such as organic dust, irritating chemicals, etc in the work environments, especially in the industries of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, manufacturing, and mining.