Exotic Diseases Research Articles

Health Status of Mytilus chilensis from Intensive Culture Areas in Chile Assessed by Molecular, Microbiological, and Histological Analyses.

Shellfish farming is a relevant economic activity in Chile, where the inner sea in Chiloé island concentrates 99% of the production of the mussel Mytilus chilensis. This area is characterized by the presence of numerous human activities, which could harm the quality of seawater. Additionally, the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms can influence the health status of mussels, which must be constantly monitored. To have a clear viewpoint of the health status of M. chilensis and to study its potential as a host species for exotic diseases, microbiological, molecular, and histological analyses were performed. This study was carried out in October 2018, where M. chilensis gut were studied for: presence of food-borne bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.), exotic bacteria (“Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis”), viruses (abalone and Ostreid herpes virus), and protozoa (Marteilia spp., Perkinsus spp. and Bonamia spp.). Additionally, 18S rDNA metabarcoding and histology analyses were included to have a complete evaluation of the health status of M. chilensis. Overall, despite the presence of risk factors, abnormal mortality rates were not reported during the monitoring period and the histological examination did not reveal significant lesions. Pathogens of mandatory notification to World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Chilean National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) were not detected, which confirms that M. chilensis have a good health status, highlighting the importance of an integrated vision of different disciplines to ensure the sustainability of this important mussel industry in Chile.

Extensive public health initiatives drive the elimination of Aedes aegypti (Diptera, Culicidae) from a town in regional Queensland: A case study from Gin Gin, Australia

Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of exotic arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya and Zika) in Australia. Once established across much of Australia, this mosquito species remains prevalent in central and northern Queensland. In 2011, Ae. aegypti was re-discovered in the town of Gin Gin, Queensland, by health authorities during routine larval surveillance. This town is situated on a major highway that provides a distribution pathway into the highly vulnerable and populous region of the state where the species was once common. Following the detection, larval habitat and adult control activities were conducted as a public health intervention to eliminate the Ae. aegypti population and reduce the risk of exotic disease transmission. Importantly, genetic analysis revealed a homogenous cluster and small effective population vulnerable to an elimination strategy. By 2015, adult surveillance revealed the population had expanded throughout the centre of the town. In response, a collaboration between research agencies and local stakeholders activated a second control program in 2016 that included extensive community engagement, enhanced entomologic surveillance and vector control activities including the targeting of key containers, such as unsealed rainwater tanks. Here we describe a model of the public health intervention which successfully reduced the Ae. aegypti population below detection thresholds, using source reduction, insecticides and novel, intensive genetic surveillance methods. This outcome has important implications for future elimination work in small towns in regions sub-optimal for Ae. aegypti presence and reinforces the longstanding benefits of a partnership model for public health-based interventions for invasive urban mosquito species.

A review analysis of global Bluetongue virus-related research articles from 2000 to 2020

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus, causes bluetongue (BT) disease of ruminants responsible for mortality and trade limitation. The objective of this study was to provide a descriptive review analysis of global research activity for the period 2000 to 2020. The number of articles, temporal evolution, geographical distribution, countries, funding agencies, authors, research theme, and the source was analyzed and presented in visualization maps. Search query resulted in 3878 documents from 5681 authors, and 2017 articles were analyzed. The annual number of publications showed a steep increase from 2005 to 2020 related to attention to BT as an exotic disease in Europe, as well as the interest in vector over-distribution due to climate change. Most of the studies were performed in Europe, followed by Asia and North America. The top active countries in article production were the United Kingdom and the United States. A considerable international collaboration network of the UK with the USA and European countries was observed. However, the collaboration was weak with Asian and African countries. The major research themes are genomic viral studies, the role of Culicoides as a vector, serological and molecular epidemiology, and vaccination. In conclusion, an increase in scientific production and international collaboration was noticed during the last two decades. However, international collaboration needs more attention to African, and South American countries. The current study provides useful references for the policymaker, academics, animal health professionals, and funding agencies to follow the past and except the future BTV themes.

On alert for imported exotic diseases

Alice Moore reflects on the challenges associated with importing dogs from overseas.

Preinvasion Assessment of Exotic Bark Beetle-Vectored Fungi to Detect Tree-Killing Pathogens.

Exotic diseases and pests of trees have caused continental-scale disturbances in forest ecosystems and industries, and their invasions are considered largely unpredictable. We tested the concept of preinvasion assessment of not yet invasive organisms, which enables empirical risk assessment of potential invasion and impact. Our example assesses fungi associated with Old World bark and ambrosia beetles and their potential to impact North American trees. We selected 55 Asian and European scolytine beetle species using host use, economic, and regulatory criteria. We isolated 111 of their most consistent fungal associates and tested their effect on four important southeastern American pine and oak species. Our test dataset found no highly virulent pathogens that should be classified as an imminent threat. Twenty-two fungal species were minor pathogens, which may require context-dependent response for their vectors at North American borders, while most of the tested fungi displayed no significant impact. Our results are significant in three ways; they ease the concerns over multiple overseas fungus vectors suspected of heightened potential risk, they provide a basis for the focus on the prevention of introduction and establishment of species that may be of consequence, and they demonstrate that preinvasion assessment, if scaled up, can support practical risk assessment of exotic pathogens.

Citrus Diseases Exotic to Florida: Citrus Tristeza Virus–Stem Pitting (CTV-SP)

This document is one in a series designed to provide important information on the causal agent, symptoms, and transmission of exotic citrus diseases. This information can be used as an educational tool to raise awareness about these diseases and for scouting and identification efforts. Disseminating information about the diseases to the citrus industry may prevent their introduction and spread in Florida. This document will focus on the exotic viral disease caused by isolates of citrus tristeza virus–stem pitting (CTV-SP). Original version: Chung, Kuang-Ren, and Ronald Brlansky. 2006. “Citrus Diseases Exotic to Florida: Citrus Tristeza Virus– Stem Pitting (CTV-SP)”. EDIS 2006 (7). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-pp149-2006.

О ЭКЗОТИЧЕСКОЙ ДЛЯ РФ БОЛЕЗНИ -КОНТАГИОЗНАЯ ПЛЕВРОПНЕВМОНИЯ КОЗ

The article is devoted to one of the exotic diseases for the Russian Federation - contagious pleuropneumonia of goats. The aim of our research was to study the epizootological manifestation and clinical course of contagious pleuropneumonia of goats according to researchers. The materials of the bulletins of the Information and Analytical Center of the Department of Veterinary Supervision of the Russian Academy of Veterinary Sciences (FGBI “VNIIZH”), as well as data from scientific publications on this problem were used.

The Role of Male Reproductive Organs in the Transmission of African Swine Fever-Implications for Transmission.

African swine fever (ASF) has evolved from an exotic animal disease to a threat to global pig production. An important avenue for the wide-spread transmission of animal diseases is their dissemination through boar semen used for artificial insemination. In this context, we investigated the role of male reproductive organs in the transmission of ASF. Mature domestic boars and adolescent wild boars, inoculated with different ASF virus strains, were investigated by means of virological and pathological methods. Additionally, electron microscopy was employed to investigate in vitro inoculated sperm. The viral genome, antigens and the infectious virus could be found in all gonadal tissues and accessory sex glands. The viral antigen and viral mRNAs were mainly found in mononuclear cells of the respective tissues. However, some other cell types, including Leydig, endothelial and stromal cells, were also found positive. Using RNAScope, p72 mRNA could be found in scattered halo cells of the epididymal duct epithelium, which could point to the disruption of the barrier. No direct infection of spermatozoa was observed by immunohistochemistry, or electron microscopy. Taken together, our results strengthen the assumption that ASFV can be transmitted via boar semen. Future studies are needed to explore the excretion dynamics and transmission efficiency.

The importance of coconut seedling production in guyana

The demand for coconut water and coconut oil is increasing thus there is interest in expanding coconut cultivation. Coconut is primarily planted on approximately 28,500 acres by more than 1,400 farmers along the Guyana coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pomeroon Riverain area. Tall types (e.g. Jamaica Tall) are planted for oil while Dwarf types (e.g. Malaysian Dwarf Green, Suriname Brown) are planted primarily for water. At least 50% of the Tall type population is more than 50 years old and needs to be replanted to increase productivity. Farmers traditionally collect seedlings growing from dropped nuts at the base of trees without attention to prolificacy. Since a coconut tree productive life is more than 50 years, the economic impact of this practice can be significant. Via training programs, CARDI is encouraging the structured production of coconut seedlings to increase yields. This project aims to enhance the supply of quality seedlings using local seed nuts. Mother palms that display prolific bearing habits, resistance to pest and diseases plus vigorous growth habit were geotagged and recorded in a database. Seed nuts were purchased from farmers who own these trees and subsequently distributed (in batches of 400) to ten selected (age, gender, location) lead farmers to establish coconut seedling nurseries. Each lead farmer was assisted by 10 second ring farmers in the establishment of their nurseries under CARDI supervision. Results to date show that weed control and irrigation were important nursery activities. Some nurseries needed to be fenced to counter damage by animals (cows, sheep, goats). Average germination of seed nuts was approximately 50%. Available seedlings are being distributed to second ring farmers and lead farmers. CARDI will continue the national survey to identify outstanding mother palms. Measures to increase average germination must also be implemented. Local coconut seedling nurseries should therefore be encouraged as their “success” will alleviate the pressure to import seed nuts thus avoiding the attendant risk of introducing exotic diseases (e.g. lethal yellowing disease) into Guyana. Further, given that a coconut palm will live 50 to 70 years, the importance of carefully selecting premium quality coconut seedlings as a bedrock to develop and grow the industry cannot be over emphasized.

Научно обоснованные профилактические мероприятия заразных болезней животных в Алтайском крае

More accessible international movement of people, goods and freights has complicated the problem of protect-ing our country against highly dangerous and exotic animal diseases. At the same time, long-term epizootological and experimental studies made it possible to conclude that in cattle herds, a problem regarding three groups of parasitic and infectious diseases was found: chronic, highly danger-ous and transboundary animal diseases. To obtain reliable data on veterinary welfare in the animal industry of the Altai Region, the technological scheme for carryingout preven-tive measures was developed and successfully used for more than 20 years. The scheme is used in all areas of animal husbandry in the Region. A large number of preven-tive treatments are carried out in poultry farming –311,946,605 units, in cattle breeding (5,384,337), sheep and goat breeding (367,552), pig breeding (2,664,972), horse breeding (93,289), maral breeding (34,440) and bee-farming (33,808). Infectious diseases pose a threat to the animal farming of the Region, and some of them affect humans. The chronic infections under annual diagnostic monitoring as leukemia, tuberculosis and brucellosis are registered in the Altai Region in agricultural enterprises of all forms of ownership. Anthrax, leptospirosis, rabies and other infections that are dangerous to humans and animals are prevented by immunizing susceptible animals. The threat of bringing into the country is posed by highly conta-gious infections as foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, avian influenza, infectious nodular dermatitis, and equine breeding paralysis. The natural foci of trichinosis in the Altai Region pose a threat to pigs being affected by this dangerous infectious disease. The introduction of the sci-ence-based scheme of preventive measures in livestock breeding of the Altai Region may reduce the costs of their implementation.

Cultivar susceptibility and control of angular leaf scorch in grapevine

Background and Aims Angular leaf scorch (ALS), caused by the fungus Pseudopezicula tetraspora, is an exotic disease threat to the $45 billion Australian wine industry. Research was undertaken at the Cornell University New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY, USA to develop contingency plans for the Australian wine industry in the event of an ALS incursion. Methods and Results Evaluation of Vitis vinifera cultivars widely grown in Australia revealed that Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir have moderate to high susceptibility to infection by P. tetraspora. The fungicides trifloxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole were shown to be effective at controlling ALS. A drastic pruning eradication strategy was successfully validated for ALS, resulting in no disease recurrence within 3 years of the initial eradication protocol. Conclusions Cultivars grown in Australia ranged in susceptibility to ALS. Fungicides available in Australia are effective and could be used to control ALS in the event of an incursion. The drastic pruning strategy will be included in the Australian Viticulture Industry Biosecurity Plan for potential implementation as part of an incursion response. Significance of the Study This research contributes to the biosecurity capability of the Australian viticulture industry and to improved industry preparedness. It has the potential to reduce production losses and vineyard re-establishment costs, while maintaining the competitive advantage conferred by freedom from exotic diseases.

Changes in farmer animal health and biosecurity knowledge, attitudes and practices: Insights from Cambodia and Laos.

Livestock agriculture in Cambodia and Laos is severely affected by endemic and exotic transboundary animal diseases, impacting household livelihoods and food and nutritional security. Collaborative animal health and biosecurity projects were conducted in each country between 2015 and 2019 aimed at increasing smallholder livestock production through mainly knowledge-based interventions in large ruminant disease prevention, nutrition, reproduction and marketing access. This study's objectives were to identify baseline animal health and biosecurity knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of farmers, and temporal changes in key attitudes and practices associated with improved knowledge. Data for each country were analysed separately, and a formal between-country comparison was avoided due to major implementation and management differences. Binomial logistic regression without random terms compared the overall knowledge scores between 2015 and 2018 in each country, and binomial logistic regression with random terms was used to investigate possible associations between animal health and biosecurity knowledge scores and attitudes and practices. In Cambodia, the average animal health and biosecurity knowledge score increased from 4.8 (±2.2)/17 in 2015 to 13.0 (±2.8)/17 in 2018 (p<.0001). In Laos, the average scores improved from 7.2 (±2.5)/12 in 2015 to 7.9 (±2.9)/12 in 2018 (p=.0003). Clinical signs of foot-and-mouth disease were accurately reported by 100% of Cambodian and 88% of Lao project farmers, and overall, attitudes and practices improved in both countries over the study period. The belief that vaccination can improve livestock value was associated with increasing knowledge in both countries (Cambodia: OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.24-1.68, p<.0001; Laos: OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.16-1.75, p=.0006) as was the use of the services of village para-veterinarians if they had better training (Cambodia: OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.20-2.58, p=.004; Laos: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.19-3.41, p=.009). However, the source of livestock information (District veterinary officials) was the only practice associated with knowledge in both Cambodia and Laos. The influence of resource scarcity on farmer decision making and knowledge measures was considered of particular relevance to the findings.

The importance of coconut seedling production in Guyana

The demand for coconut water and coconut oil is increasing thus there is interest in expanding coconut cultivation. Coconut is primarily planted on approximately 28,500 acres by more than 1,400 farmers along the Guyana coastline with the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pomeroon Riverain area. Tall types (e.g. Jamaica Tall) are planted for oil while Dwarf types (e.g. Malaysian Dwarf Green, Suriname Brown) are planted primarily for water. At least 50% of the Tall type population is more than 50 years old and needs to be replanted to increase productivity. Farmers traditionally collect seedlings growing from dropped nuts at the base of trees without attention to prolificacy. Since a coconut tree productive life is more than 50 years, the economic impact of this practice can be significant. Via training programs, CARDI is encouraging the structured production of coconut seedlings to increase yields. This project aims to enhance the supply of quality seedlings using local seed nuts. Mother palms that display prolific bearing habits, resistance to pest and diseases plus vigorous growth habit were geotagged and recorded in a database. Seed nuts were purchased from farmers who own these trees and subsequently distributed (in batches of 400) to ten selected (age, gender, location) lead farmers to establish coconut seedling nurseries. Each lead farmer was assisted by 10 second ring farmers in the establishment of their nurseries under CARDI supervision. Results to date show that weed control and irrigation were important nursery activities. Some nurseries needed to be fenced to counter damage by animals (cows, sheep, goats). Average germination of seed nuts was approximately 50%. Available seedlings are being distributed to second ring farmers and lead farmers. CARDI will continue the national survey to identify outstanding mother palms. Measures to increase average germination must also be implemented. Local coconut seedling nurseries should therefore be encouraged as their “success” will alleviate the pressure to import seed nuts thus avoiding the attendant risk of introducing exotic diseases (e.g. lethal yellowing disease) into Guyana. Further, given that a coconut palm will live 50 to 70 years, the importance of carefully selecting premium quality coconut seedlings as a bedrock to develop and grow the industry cannot be over emphasized.

Longitudinal Projection of Herd Prevalence of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Infection in the Norwegian Pig Population by Discrete-Time Markov Chain Modelling

In order to quantify projections of disease burden and to prioritise disease control strategies in the animal population, good mathematical modelling of infectious disease dynamics is required. This article investigates the suitability of discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) as one such model for forecasting disease burden in the Norwegian pig population after the incursion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus (H1N1pdm09) in Norwegian pigs in 2009. By the year-end, Norway’s active surveillance further detected 20 positive herds from 54 random pig herds, giving an estimated initial population prevalence of 37% (95% CI 25–52). Since then, Norway’s yearly surveillance of pig herd prevalence has given this study 11 years of data from 2009 to 2020 to work with. Longitudinally, the pig herd prevalence for H1N1pdm09 rose sharply to >40% in three years and then fluctuated narrowly between 48% and 49% for 6 years before declining. This initial longitudinal pattern in herd prevalence from 2009 to 2016 inspired this study to of test the steady-state discrete-time Markov chain model in forecasting disease prevalence. With the pig herd as the unit of analysis, the parameters for DTMC came from the initial two years of surveillance data after the outbreak, namely vector prevalence, first herd incidence and recovery rates. The latter two probabilities formed the fixed probability transition matrix for use in a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) that is quite similar to another compartmental model, the susceptible–infected–susceptible (SIS) model. These DTMC of predicted prevalence (DTMCP) showed good congruence (Pearson correlation = 0.88) with the subsequently observed herd prevalence for seven years from 2010 to 2016. While the DTMCP converged to the stationary (endemic) state of 48% in 2012, after three time steps, the observed prevalence declined instead from 48% after 2016 to 25% in 2018 before rising to 29% in 2020. A sudden plunge in H1N1pdm09 prevalence amongst Norwegians during the 2016/2017 human flu season may have had a knock-on effect in reducing the force of infection in pig herds in Norway. This paper endeavours to present the discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC) as a feasible but limited tool in forecasting the sequence of a predicted infectious disease’s prevalence after it’s incursion as an exotic disease.

Understanding extinction risk and resilience in an extremely small population facing climate and ecosystem change

AbstractSan Nicolas Island (SNI) foxes historically had the highest densities of the six subspecies of Channel Island fox, four of which were listed as endangered in the 1990s. As an island species, SNI foxes are inherently vulnerable because they evolved in isolation from many potential threats, and their small range features relatively simple and degraded habitats, limiting their population size and heightening susceptibility to climate‐driven habitat changes. In the past decade, the SNI fox population has decreased by nearly half, spurring concern. Our analyses of 18 yr of trapping data suggest that both drought and density dependence contributed to this decline. Density dependence in survival acted on older individuals and its strength doubled after recent drought‐induced habitat changes. Annual precipitation was a strong driver of pup production, but density dependence moderated precipitation benefits. Using a stochastic model with island‐specific drivers of demography, we developed a risk isocline tool to predict 50‐yr quasi‐extinction risk based on population size and mortality. Predicted extinction risk for SNI foxes is currently &lt;5% and expected to decrease. Compared to the previously listed subspecies, risk isoclines indicate the SNI subspecies is more resistant to quasi‐extinction at moderate population sizes and mortality rates, but quasi‐extinction risk does not decline as rapidly at higher population sizes or lower mortality rates. Thus, limiting human‐caused mortality and monitoring for novel threats such as exotic disease remain important. The ability of SNI foxes to increase pup production following high‐rainfall low‐density years is a key feature stabilizing their dynamics. Habitat‐ and location‐specific dynamics produce substantial portfolio effects, whereby asynchrony in growth rates stabilizes overall population numbers, and restoration efforts that increase food resources and habitat diversity will further enhance the resilience of this population. Although the SNI fox appears to be rebounding, its recent decline may foreshadow future dynamics and serves as a cautionary tale for stewards of island species facing unprecedented climatic conditions, especially those inhabiting small and less diverse systems. Finally, our analyses highlight limitations in applying risk analyses from one population to related species, or even the same species in different habitat settings.

Verbenone and green-leaf volatiles reduce whitebark pine mortality in a northern range-expanding mountain pine beetle outbreak

This is the first study testing the effectiveness of semiochemical treatments to protect individual trees from a range-expanding mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902) attack into newly exposed host populations of endangered whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.). We investigated the effectiveness of a combination of verbenone and green-leaf volatiles (GLV) to protect rare and valuable disease-resistant trees during a MPB epidemic from 2015 to 2018 in Jasper National Park, Canada. Treatments reduced the proportion of trees attacked by MPB for all diameter classes, across all stands, from 46% to 60%. We also evaluated the effect of the exotic disease white pine blister rust (caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch.) — the species’ other main regional threat. MPB were less likely to attack large rust-infected trees than healthy trees, emphasizing the value of the semiochemical treatment. Protecting large cone-bearing disease-resistant whitebark pine trees is fundamental to whitebark pine recovery. Maintaining reproductive trees on the landscape increases the frequency and diversity of rust-resistant genotypes more effectively than just planting seedlings to replace MPB-killed trees, because this slow-growing species takes over 80 years to reproduce. Our study confirmed that protecting large rust-resistant trees with verbenone and GLV is a proactive and effective treatment against MPB for whitebark pine in naïve populations.

Actinomycosis in a gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) caused by a novel species of Schaalia

BackgroundInfective lesions of the jaws and adjacent tissues (lumpy jaw disease, LJD) have been recognized as one major cause of death of captive macropods. Fusobacterium necrophorum and Actinomyces species serve as the main source of LJD in kangaroos and wallabies. Currently, little is reported about LJD or similar diseases in opossums.Case presentationHere we report a case of actinomycosis resembling the entity lumpy jaw disease in a gray four-eyed opossum, caused by a novel species of Schaalia. A 2.8 year old male Philander opossum was presented with unilateral swelling of the right mandible. After an initial treatment with marbofloxacin, the opossum was found dead the following day and the carcass was submitted for necropsy. Postmortem examination revealed severe mandibular skin and underlying soft tissue infection with subsequent septicemia as the cause of death. Histological examination demonstrated Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, typically seen in classical cases of actinomycosis. Bacteriology of liver and mandibular mass yielded a previously undescribed species of Schaalia, whose 16 S rRNA gene sequence was 97.0 % identical to Schaalia canis. Whole genome sequencing of the opossum isolate and calculation of average nucleotide identity confirmed a novel species of Schaalia, for which no whole genome sequence is yet available.ConclusionsThe herewith reported Schaalia infection in the gray four-eyed opossum resembling classical actinomycosis gives a novel insight into new exotic animal bacterial diseases. Schaalia species may belong to the normal oral microbiome, as in macropods, and may serve as a contributor to opportunistic infections. Due to the lack of current literature, more insights and improved knowledge about Schaalia spp. and their pathogenicity will be useful to choose appropriate therapy regimens and improve the treatment success rate and outcome in exotic and endangered species.

Challenges to exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain: The frontline veterinarian's perspective.

Exotic diseases pose a significant risk to horse health and welfare. Several stakeholder groups, including primary care veterinarians, share responsibility for maintaining freedom from pathogens that cause exotic diseases. However, little is known about the current state of exotic disease preparedness within the British horse industry. The aim of this study was to explore equine veterinarians' experiences of, and attitudes towards, exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain. This is a qualitative interview-based study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 primary care equine veterinarians in Great Britain. Participants were purposively selected to include perspectives across varying levels of experience, clientele and location. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: (a) the reactive generalist, relating to participants' self-concept of their role as primary care practitioners; (b) working within the bounds of influence, encompassing participants' perceived inability to influence their clients' knowledge and behaviours and (c) a fragmented horse industry, illustrating the wider culture in which participants worked, characterised by a lack of cohesion amongst its members. Only veterinarians' perspectives have been captured, so viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as horse owners and government officials, should be used to triangulate these findings. The findings suggest that improvements are required before an optimal level of exotic disease preparedness can be achieved. Additional support provided to frontline veterinarians, such as skills-based training (ie, clinical reasoning and collaborative relationship building), accessible and trusted emergency support networks and clear expectations and responsibilities during an outbreak are recommended to optimise exotic disease preparedness.

A semi-quantitative model for ranking the risk of incursion of exotic animal pathogens into a European Union Member State

Risk ranking tools to prioritize the impact of exotic animal diseases in a country or area are useful to assist risk managers in optimizing the allocation of available resources for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Although several such tools have already been developed, few focus on the probability of entry of an exotic pathogen into a territory and even fewer are able to rank multiple pathogens at the same time. We developed a semi-quantitative multi-criteria model to estimate the probability of incursion of an exotic pathogen into a European country and use Italy as a case study. We consider the import of 37 animal diseases of importance to Italy, based on OIE notification guidelines, and determine a disease status around the world based on current country-level reporting to the OIE. We identify seven possible pathways for the introduction of a pathogen and for each of them we determine a scoring system to assess for each disease the probability of introduction via each pathway. These scores, alongside the disease status, are used to calculate an overall risk score for each pathogen. The results indicate that the risk of incursion of Echinococcus multilocularis, African swine fever virus, Trichinella spp., lumpy skin disease and foot and mouth disease virus are ranked the highest. Additional analyses identified that the disease ranking is sensitive to the relative importance of the pathways of entry and also the impact of potential mitigation measures. The model is designed to be periodically updated with new data as they become available, e.g. global disease prevalence and trade volume. Therefore, it can be used by official authorities on a regular basis to obtain up-to-date results and consequentially strengthen surveillance towards those pathogens with the highest probability of entry.

Can the value-attitude-behavior model and personality predict international tourists’ biosecurity practice during the pandemic?

Biosecurity is vital for preventing the introduction of exotic fauna, flora, and disease from one territory into another. Attention to biosecurity measures has become an important element of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited theoretically informed research on tourist biosecurity behavior. To fill this research gap, an integrated research framework with value-attitude-behavior and personality theories is used to identify what influences tourist biosecurity behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected in September 2020 from Americans who had traveled overseas and analyzed by structural equation modeling, multi-group analysis, and deep learning. Results show that value has the greatest effects on attitude followed by personal and social norm on biosecurity for traveling during the pandemic. Personalities significantly moderate the linkages between attitude, personal norm, and behavior. Deep learning confirmed the best prediction of the current model and the importance of personal norms.