Free Roaming Research Articles

Canine vector-borne infections of working dogs of the Sri Lanka Air Force, and free roaming, and privately owned dogs

Canine vector-borne infections (CVBIs) are a global health problem. The military working dogs of Sri Lanka die at an early age, and CVBIs have been a leading speculated cause. We examined CVBIs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and privately owned dogs (PODs) country-wide. Giemsa-stained smears were prepared and conventional PCR-positive DNA was subjected to sequencing and phylogeny. Of the 668 dogs sampled, 212 (31.7%) had one or more CVBIs. The prevalence of infections among the FRDs (40.0%) was significantly higher than SLAF working dogs (30.0%; χ2 = 10.5216; p = 0.0012) and PODs (26.2%; χ2 = 5.3414, p = 0.0208) but not between SLAF dogs and PODs (χ2 = 1.7655, p = 0.1838). Many infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was higher among the FRDs. Seven infectious agents were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and filaria worms. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%), followed by E. canis (9.9%). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus linneai, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemophysalis bispinosa were found infesting the dogs. The SLAF dogs were thoroughly quarantined upon arrival, but the infection prevalence was similar to PODs.

Building for the dairy cow

While housing dairy cows is commonplace, it restricts various freedoms which are associated with free roaming and grazing. It is important to limit these restrictions as far as possible, in order to safeguard their welfare, and also for them to reach their health and production potential.

Who let the dog out? Dog owner attitudes and economics regulate the potential negative impact of domestic dogs on wildlife in a reserve network

AbstractMany domestic animals have a profound impact on endangered species through complex interactions and spillover effects in and between coupled human and natural systems. A thorough understanding of the driving forces of human decisions regarding how domestic animals are kept is therefore critical to promote the synergy of human livelihood and biodiversity conservation. Working in the Qinling Mountains of China, we conducted a multidisciplinary study using a structural equation model (SEM) to link households' demographic and economic conditions, peoples attitudes and activities with their decisions, and further investigated how such process influences the potential negative impact of free‐ranging dogs on wildlife. Among 139 blood and saliva samples collected from dogs that were owned by local villagers but allowed to roam freely, 33.3% were positive for at least one of three viral infections, including canine distemper (28.2%), canine parvovirus (25.6%), and rabies virus prevalence (10.3%). SEM modeling revealed that human activity (β = 0.27, p = .012) has significantly increased dogs' potential negative impacts on wildlife by increasing the number of dogs and their direct contact with wildlife, as well as their larger movement range. Conversely, improvement in demographic and economic conditions (β = −0.22, p = .011) and human attitudes (β = −0.51, p = .013) suppresses the influence of free roaming dogs on wildlife. Meanwhile, livelihoods dependent on natural resources increased the likelihood of owners having dog practice that may negatively impact wildlife (β = 0.54, p < .001), without improving the economic conditions of the residents (β = −0.26, p < .001). Based on the above results, we recommend a program that combines educational and conservation efforts to encourages local residents in more responsible dog ownership and recommend reserve managers provide financial incentives to mitigate human‐wildlife conflicts.

Monitoring strategies during the establishment phase of Aethina tumida on Oahu, Hawaii

AbstractThe small hive beetle Aethina tumida (SHB) Murray,1867, is an invasive bee pest that is expanding its range across Latin America, parts of Australia and the Philippines, and is now established in two regions in Italy. However, despite multiple recent introductions, there is scant information about the dynamics of the initial stages of colonization of the SHB and this knowledge gap could impact management and quarantine strategies decisions for many countries. This note describes the monitoring strategies and the patterns of SHB establishment in a previously SHB‐free apiary on the island of Oahu, Hawaii in 2010–2011. The weekly hive inspections, conducted over a ten‐month period, showed that beetle prevalence increased slowly at the apiary level, and adult beetles were more commonly found (87.9%) inside the oil traps that were placed inside the hives between the outermost frames of the hive. There were relatively few “free roaming” beetles detected at this point and they were more often found on the side frames and underneath the cover of the hive, not on the floor of the hive. The results also suggest that in the early stages of colonization careful visual inspections of the frames of each colony had relatively low detection success when compared to oil traps. Our results support previous modelling studies that suggest the need to inspect a high proportion of colonies per apiary (>80%) to ensure a 5% detection rate during the initial stages of invasion.

Adaptasi Ekofisiologi Terhadap Iklim Tropis Kering: Studi Anatomi Daun Dua Puluh Jenis Tumbuhan Berkayu

The research carried out is useful for knowing the shape of the leaves, types, distribution areas of the plants, as well as the local and ethnic names of twenty types of woody plant leaves that are 5 to 10 years old. This research was carried out at the Sadundu Pidu Rora waterfall, Bima Regency. Based on the research results, there were 20 types of leaves that were studied and had different leaf shapes and sizes from other leaves, the leaves studied had local names from the Bima area and had different types and distribution areas. Using the free roaming method and carrying out an approach analysis of plant types that are appropriate to the tropical climate conditions found in the Sadundu Pidu waterfall area in Rora and schematized with clear names for each plant examined as well as documentation of each woody plant leaf.

Where did my dog go? A pilot study exploring the movement ecology of farm dogs.

Movement ecology is important for advancing our comprehension of animal behavior, but its application is yet to be applied to farm dogs. This pilot study uses combined GPS and accelerometer technology to explore the spatial patterns and activity levels of free roaming farm dogs, Canis familiaris (n = 3). Space-use distributions and range sizes were determined to compare locations visited across days and between individuals, as well as in relation to specific areas of interest. Individual activity levels were analyzed and compared within and between dogs. Space-use patterns and range sizes showed variation among the dogs, although substantial similarity in overall spatial distributions were observed between each pair. Among the dogs, the extent of spatial distribution overlap between days varied, with some individuals exhibiting more overlap than others. The dogs allocated different amounts of their time close to landscape features, and to slow-, medium-, and fast movements. This study demonstrates the potential of using automated tracking technology to monitor space-use and interactions between dogs, livestock, and wildlife. By understanding and managing the free ranging behavior of their farm dogs, farmers could potentially take steps to improve the health and wellbeing of both their dogs and their livestock, limiting disease spread, and reducing the possibility of related economic losses.

Free roaming of 3D stratum models based on internal and external boundary identification.

3D stratum roaming can visualize the complex geomorphology, underground structure and stratum distribution of geotechnical engineering. Conventional 3D stratum roaming technology is generally aimed at roaming outside the 3D stratum model but rarely roams inside the 3D stratum model, and the efficiency of switching between external and internal roaming is low. In practical engineering, especially in geological and geotechnical engineering, the underground structure and stratum situation are critical. Therefore, focusing on this problem, this paper adopts a three-dimensional roaming engine to connect the inside and outside of a three-dimensional model. Based on an internal and external boundary identification method, the combination of external roaming and internal roaming of the three-dimensional stratum model is implemented by using a stratum virtual surface, and lightweight loading is carried out by controlling the stratum virtual surface to establish the internal and external roaming of the 3D stratum model, and to give full play to the advantages of lightweight loading to provide more intuitive and comprehensive geological information for the project.

Home range overlap between small Indian mongooses and free roaming domestic dogs in Puerto Rico: implications for rabies management

The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) is the primary terrestrial wildlife rabies reservoir on at least four Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, mongooses represent a risk to public health, based on direct human exposure and indirectly through the transmission of rabies virus to domestic animals. To date, the fundamental ecological relationships of space use among mongooses and between mongooses and domestic animals remain poorly understood. This study is the first to report mongoose home range estimates based on GPS telemetry, as well as concurrent space use among mongooses and free roaming domestic dogs (FRDD; Canis lupus familiaris). Mean (± SE) home range estimates from 19 mongooses in this study (145 ± 21 ha and 60 ± 14 ha for males and females, respectively) were greater than those reported in prior radiotelemetry studies in Puerto Rico. At the scale of their home range, mongooses preferentially used dry forest and shrubland areas, but tended to avoid brackish water vegetation, salt marshes, barren lands and developed areas. Home ranges from five FRDDs were highly variable in size (range 13–285 ha) and may be influenced by availability of reliable anthropogenic resources. Mongooses displayed high home range overlap (general overlap index, GOI = 82%). Home range overlap among mongooses and FRDDs was intermediate (GOI = 50%) and greater than home range overlap by FRDDs (GOI = 10%). Our results provide evidence that space use by both species presents opportunities for interspecific interaction and contact and suggests that human provisioning of dogs may play a role in limiting interactions between stray dogs and mongooses.

Predation and theft: the standing threats of the scavenging chicken production system

Indigenous Village Chickens (IVCs) obtain most of their feed from a scavenging feed resource base. Free roaming makes IVCs express their instincts at will, which could enhance their welfare. Free-ranging has also endowed IVCs with excellent explorative behavior. However, predators might have also co-evolved, which necessitates special interference from smallholder farmers to reduce the adverse impact of predators. This study identified the main predators of IVCs and the evading strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. This cross-sectional study involved a general interview with 119 smallholder farmers. The prevalence of enset, Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman, around the farmer's backyard can impose a significant threat because it shelters terrestrial predators. Smallholder farmers evade predators through patrolling, guarding dogs, fencing, confinement, and, in rare cases, killing. An unplanned conversation made with an informant revealed that men with some clerical ability but no priesthood title incantate on whole grains of black wheat. When the chicken is fed this grain, reportedly, the aerial predator becomes weak and cannot catch the chicken. The agroecological zone has a statistically significant impact on the proportions of predators encountered and the types of evading strategies adopted by smallholder farmers. This association entails the need for developing agroecology-based predator-evading methods. Predators' evading methods, however, need to be refined further to reduce the recurrent losses of chickens. The threats associated with predators' challenges must be thoroughly investigated to advance their evading strategies. Another problem that leads to the significant loss of family poultry is theft. In addition to the strategies used to avoid predators, which may also apply to controlling theft, the legal system must be well-organized to punish such misdeeds.

The Global Molecular Prevalence of Bartonella spp. in Cats and Dogs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Bartonella species are vector-borne infectious pathogens with a severe impact on animal and human health. This comprehensive systematic review aimed to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the global impact of this pathogen on pet health. A literature search was performed on electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) to find relevant peer-reviewed published papers (n = 131). A random-effects model was employed to calculate pooled prevalence estimates, and Q-statistic and I2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity. Based on 20.133 cats and 9.824 dogs, the global prevalence estimates were 15.3% and 3.6%. The heterogeneity was significantly high in both species, with I2 = 95.8%, p-value <0.0001, and I2 = 87.7%, p-value <0.0001 in cats and dogs, respectively. The meta-analysis conducted using location coordinates showed a consistently high prevalence in regions located between latitudes −40 to −30 or latitudes 30–40 in both populations, in agreement with the pure spatial analysis results, which computed significantly high relative risk areas within these region coordinates. When analyzing cat data for other subgroup moderators, Bartonella spp. prevalence was higher in animals of young age (<1 year, p-value = 0.001), with a free roaming lifestyle (p-value <0.0001) and/or having ectoparasite infestation (p-value = 0.004). Globally, among the Bartonella species detected in cats, Bartonella henselae was the most frequent (13.05%), followed by Bartonella clarridgeiae (1.7%) and Bartonella koehlerae (0.11%). When considering Bartonella henselae genotype distribution, high heterogeneity ( p < 0.0001 ) was observed based on geographical subgroups. Dogs displayed infection by Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (1.1%), B. henselae (1%), Candidatus B. merieuxii (0.9%) and B. rochalimae (0.38%). The present study provides a global picture of the epidemiological distribution of Bartonella spp. in cat and dog populations that may be pivotal for implementing proper preventive and control measures.

Evaluating Behavioural Modelling Predictions in the Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) Enables Greater Insight on Habitat Use from Location only Argos Data

The relationship between habitat and behaviour provides important information for species management. For large, free roaming, marine animals satellite tags provide high resolution information on movement, but such datasets are restricted due to cost. Extracting additional biologically important information from these data would increase utilisation and value. Several modelling approaches have been developed to identify behavioural states in tracking data. The objective of this study was to evaluate a behavioural state prediction model for blue shark (Prionace glauca) ARGOS surface location-only data. The novel nature of the six SPLASH satellite tags used enabled behavioural events to be identified in blue shark dive data and accurately mapped spatio-temporally along respective surface location-only tracks. Behavioural states modelled along the six surface location-only tracks were then tested against observed behavioural events to evaluate the model's accuracy. Results showed that the Behavioural Change Point Analysis (BCPA) model augmented with K means clustering analysis performed well for predicting foraging behaviour (correct 86% of the time). Prediction accuracy was lower for searching (52%) and travelling (63%) behaviour, likely related to the numerical dominance of foraging events in dive data. The model's validation for predicting foraging behaviour justified its application to nine additional surface location-only (SPOT tag) tracks, substantially increasing the utilisation of expensive and rare data. Results enabled the critical behavioural state of foraging, to be mapped throughout the entire home range of blue sharks, allowing drivers of critical habitat to be investigated. This validation strengthens the use of such modelling to interpret historic and future datasets, for blue sharks but also other species, contributing to conservational management.

Evaluating Behavioural Modelling Predictions in the Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) Enables Greater Insight on Habitat Use from Location only Argos Data

The relationship between habitat and behaviour provides important information for species management. For large, free roaming, marine animals satellite tags provide high resolution information on movement, but such datasets are restricted due to cost. Extracting additional biologically important information from these data would increase utilisation and value. Several modelling approaches have been developed to identify behavioural states in tracking data. The objective of this study was to evaluate a behavioural state prediction model for blue shark (Prionace glauca) ARGOS surface location-only data. The novel nature of the six SPLASH satellite tags used enabled behavioural events to be identified in blue shark dive data and accurately mapped spatio-temporally along respective surface location-only tracks. Behavioural states modelled along the six surface location-only tracks were then tested against observed behavioural events to evaluate the model's accuracy. Results showed that the Behavioural Change Point Analysis (BCPA) model augmented with K means clustering analysis performed well for predicting foraging behaviour (correct 86% of the time). Prediction accuracy was lower for searching (52%) and travelling (63%) behaviour, likely related to the numerical dominance of foraging events in dive data. The model's validation for predicting foraging behaviour justified its application to nine additional surface location-only (SPOT tag) tracks, substantially increasing the utilisation of expensive and rare data. Results enabled the critical behavioural state of foraging, to be mapped throughout the entire home range of blue sharks, allowing drivers of critical habitat to be investigated. This validation strengthens the use of such modelling to interpret historic and future datasets, for blue sharks but also other species, contributing to conservational management.

Estimation of Owned and Street Dog Population by Quesionnire Survey and Mark-Recapture Method in Three Urban Areas: Bishoftu, Dukem and Modjo Towns

The understanding of the structure of free-roaming and owning dog population’s estimation is of extreme importance for the planning and monitoring of dog population control strategies, animal welfare and health. The methods used to estimate the abundance of this group of dogs are more complex than the ones used with domiciled owned dogs. We point to enhancements necessary for the implementation of the studies and to potential updates and revisions to the recommendations of the World Health Organization with respect to the estimation of free-ranging and owning dog populations. Rabies is a fatal viral disease of animals and people. People usually infected via bites from an infected animal (e.g. dog). Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) has to initiate immediately after bite wounds of suspected rabid animals in order to avoid fatalities. The situation of rabies poorly known in Ethiopia. Questionnaire survey was conducted in selected blocks in Dukem, Bishoftu and Modjo towns in order to capture information on dog population size estimates using mark-resight surveys has provided useful baseline data for understanding the population dynamics of dogs at the study sites. Mark-resight surveys provide useful information for designing and managing the logistics of dog vaccination or assessing vaccination coverage and for evaluating the impact of neutering programs on the size and structure of dogs’ populations over time. As part of a dog born zoonosis disease risk assessment project, surveys conducted to estimate the size of the dog population and to describe dog management practices of households belonging to different ethnic groups. A markedrecapture method employed and the number of unowned dogs estimated. A total of 599 dog owning households and 276 non-dog household interviewed from at selected 19 blocks at study sites. Owned dogs were more likely male, local breed and for the purpose of used to guard. These households kept their dogs either fully restricted, semi and free roaming but full restriction have reported only at the higher percentage of the total dog households. By counted method, study the ownerless dogs higher than owning and semi-restricted dogs.

Prevalence of Brucella species in stray cattle, dogs and cats: A systematic review.

Stray animals are unowned free roaming, homeless, abandoned, street or sheltered animals, particularly dogs, cats and cattle. They could act as carrier of several zoonotic pathogens such as rabies virus, Mycobacterium and Brucella species. However, comprehensive information on the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in stray animals is very limited. We conducted a systematic review as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines to estimate the prevalence of brucellosis in stray dogs, cats and cattle. Eligibility criteria for the study were determined using the PECOS classification (population, exposure, comparison, outcome, study design) as a tool to guide the research and adjust the search strategy. Major bibliographic databases [Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and PubMed] were searched using predefined keywords for published epidemiological studies on brucellosis in stray animals (dogs, cats and cattle). Systematic assessments of all the studies since 1990-2022 were conducted and those reporting the prevalence of brucellosis in stray dogs, cats and cattle using appropriate diagnostic tests (culture, molecular, serological) were included. Studies reporting prevalence of brucellosis (Brucella infection or exposure) in kennel dogs, dairy herds, livestock farms, humans or marine species were excluded. The apparent individual test- wise prevalence along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated using Epitools. Out of 2689 studies, 37 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of 37 studies, 28 (75.7%) were conducted in stray dogs, 7 (18.9%) in cattle and 2 (5.4%) in cats. Furthermore, only 21.62% studies (8/37) used probabilistic random sampling approaches and 13.51% studies (5/37) explained and justified the study sample size using appropriate methods for estimation of disease prevalence in the study populations. Higher sero-prevalence in stray dogs has been reported in studies conducted in Jordan (38.0% (95% CI: 24.0-54.0) and Pakistan (38.0% (95% CI: 31.0-45.0) whereas no sero-positivity was recorded in the studies conducted in Brazil, North Colombia, Cyprus, South Korea and USA. All studies on brucellosis (n=7) in stray cattle were from India; conducted in stray cattle reared in cow-shelters. Sero-prevalence in the range of 4.3%-64.3% was reported in stray cattle. Differences in diagnostic tests and host species, as well as limited number and non-randomized studies and high statistical heterogeneity did not allow us to determine combined meta-analysed prevalence estimates. Stray animals are likely to pose a zoonotic and disease spillover risk to human and livestock populations.

Anthropogenic and environmental factors associated with koala deaths due to dog attacks and vehicle collisions in South-East Queensland, Australia, 2009–2013

Populations of the iconic Australian koala are under constant decline. Their deaths are associated with rapid and extensive urbanization and the fragmentation of habitat areas. Using citizen science data on reported koala mortalities, we quantified the association between anthropogenic and environmental factors and the two leading causes of koala deaths, dog attacks and vehicle collisions. We achieved this objective using a case–control study design to compare the odds of exposure to a given risk factor for cases (a given cause of death) with the odds of exposure to a given risk factor for controls (all other causes of death). Koala deaths due to dog attacks were positively associated with registered dog population density and negatively associated with lot density whereas koala deaths due to vehicle collisions were positively associated with road density (road length per square kilometer) and negatively associated with human population density and distance to primary and secondary roads. The results of this research can be used to develop strategies to mitigate the risk of deaths due to dog attacks, for example by conducting educational awareness programs, promoting registration of dogs and discouraging free roaming of dogs. In a similar manner, in high-risk areas for vehicle collisions, over- or underpasses can be built to facilitate safe movement of koalas for road crossings or speed limits could be introduced to reduce the likelihood of premature koala deaths due to vehicle collisions.

Optimizing Local History Learning with The Saloka Application

This study develops an android-based augmented reality catalog model application. The catalog form was chosen because of the large amount of cultural heritage information that is important to research and document through the application. The results of this cultural heritage research will be packaged in an interactive application that is expected to help history teachers in teaching the history of Lamongan in an interesting way. The virtual catalog application is designed to be a pioneer of historical and cultural information for the Lamongan community and its surroundings. Plus the COVID-19 outbreak that is still hitting Indonesia, this application offers free and safe roaming of virtual cultural heritage. This research method includes the historical method to examine all cultural heritage as teaching materials and the ADDIE-based development method to develop the SALOKA application. The targets of this research are students, teachers, academics, and the community in Lamongan. In particular, this application is expected to help history teachers to teach local cultural/historical heritage to students in Lamongan so that learning is more interesting.
 Keywords: virtual catalog, learning history, lamongan, heritage

Hepatozoon species infecting domestic cats from countries of the Mediterranean basin

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are caused by pathogens of human and veterinary concern representing a major public health issue worldwide. Although feline medicine has progressed much in the recent decades, data on feline TBDs (FeTBDs) remain scant. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of apicomplexan parasite infections, associated risk factors and clinical-hematological abnormalities in domestic feline populations from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Blood and serum samples from cats (n = 600) living in France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal and Spain were collected along with animal data (i.e., age, sex, breed, housing conditions and geographical origin), clinical signs and laboratory blood test parameters. Cats were grouped according to their age as kitten (up to one year), young (between one and six years), mature (between seven and ten years) and senior (older than ten years). Blood samples were tested for Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasmids by conventional PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 14.5%, being significantly higher in cats from Greece (30%) and Portugal (23%), followed by Spain (15%), Israel (15%) and France (4%). Cats from Italy scored negative. Hepatozoon felis was identified in 86 animals, with three different sequence types and H. silvestris was detected in one shelter cat from Portugal. No piroplasmid DNA was amplified. The risk of Hepatozoon spp. infection was related to feline geographical provenience, housing condition and age. No statistical correlation was reported with any clinical signs, while increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was the only laboratory abnormality significantly associated (p = 0.03) with the infection. Data suggest a high circulation of H. felis, and only occasionally of H. silvestris, within domestic feline populations in the Mediterranean basin, mainly in shelter or free roaming and young cats with asymptomatic or subclinical infection.

Understanding the Factors Influencing Cat Containment: Identifying Opportunities for Behaviour Change.

There are over 5 million pet cats in Australia managed on a spectrum from fully indoors to completely outdoor free roaming. Roaming cats threaten biodiversity, can create a nuisance and are at risk of accidents and injury. Hence, there is substantial interest in behaviour change interventions to increase cat containment. An online questionnaire collected information on cat owner demographics, the number of cats owned, current containment behaviours and an agreement with 15 capability, opportunity and motivation (COM) items. Responses were received from 4482 cat owners. More than half (65%) indicated that they currently keep their cat(s) fully contained. Another 24% practiced a night curfew. Owners' psychological capability had the greatest influence on containment behaviour. Motivation (community- and cat welfare-framed), living in an apartment and renting were also associated with a greater likelihood of containment. Cat owners not currently containing their cats could be divided into six profiles who differed on agreement with COM themes, age, future intentions, current behaviour, location and gender. Understanding differences between cat owner segments can assist with designing behaviour change interventions. Increasing cat owners' psychological capability to contain their cats and encouraging the adoption of a night curfew as a first step towards 24 h containment are recommended.

98 Utilizing gas Flux from an Automated Head Chamber System to Estimate Dietary Energy Values in Cattle Fed a Finishing Diet

Abstract Automated head chamber systems (AHCS; GreenFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) provide estimates of daily flux of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) from free roaming cattle. This provides the opportunity to conduct energetic research from cattle in their production environment. One opportunity is to evaluate agreement between performance-estimated (P) net energy [Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg; pNEm and pNEg, respectively) and gas-estimated (G) NEm and NEg (gNEm and gNEg, respectively). To assess this, yearling steers (n = 54; initial BW = 484.1 ± 26.0 kg) were assigned to one of two pens containing an AHCS and feed bunks designed to measure individual feed intake (Calan Gate; American Calan, Northwood, NH). Steers were transitioned to one of three finishing diets and were then fed for 80 days. Paired day initial and final unshrunk BW were measured on day 0 and 1, and on day 79 and 80, respectively. Following the feeding period, steers were transported to a commercial abattoir where carcass data were collected. Average daily gas flux was utilized to calculate heat production (HP), ignoring the energy losses from urinary nitrogen. Empty body weight (EBW) and empty body gain (EBG) were calculated and used to estimate retained energy (RE). The estimates of RE and HP were used to calculate ME intake and DMI was used to quantify dietary ME content. Through previously established cubic models, gNEm and gNEg were calculated. Ultimately, gNEm and gNEg were estimated from gas flux, DMI, ADG, and initial and final BW. A previously established quadratic model was used to estimate pNEm and pNEg using calculated energy requirements and available carcass parameters. Statistical analyses to compare the P and G energy values were conducted utilizing R (v.4.1.0) to assess precision (Pearson Correlation; r), method agreement (Lin’s Concordance Coefficient Correlation; CCC), Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP), and Relative Prediction Error (RPE; RMSEP as a % of average performance estimated values). On average, P provided greater estimates of NEm [0.074 Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] and NEg [0.070 Mcal×(kg DMI)-1] relative to G. The G and P provided values which were highly correlated and had excellent agreement (r = 0.92, P < 0.01; CCC ≥ 0.87) for both NEm and NEg. Additionally, predictive capability was high for NEm (RMSEP = 0.12; RPE = 5.3%) and NEg (RMSEP = 0.11; RPE = 6.8%) between P and G values. The excellent agreement between P and G derived NEm and NEg values suggest that researchers can utilize AHCS to conduct energetic studies with cattle in their production environment. Moreover, the G methodology provides an alternative method for retrospective assessment of animal energetic efficiency.

Dog bites as a zoonotic risk in Ecuador: Need for the implementation of a One Health approach

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that can infect all mammals and the main route of transmission to human is attributed to dog bites. Due to the limited information available about the rabies vaccination coverage, although Ecuador is supposed to be free of rabies, we conducted a retrospective study of the epidemiological surveillance records on the notification of dog attacks to humans in Guayaquil, the most populated city in Ecuador. The results showed an annual incidence rate of 105.6 dog bites per 100,000 inhabitants, where the most affected anatomical parts are the lower extremities; individuals from 1 to 14 years of age were the most affected age group (IC95% 1.42–1.92; p < 0.001). As for the severity of the wounds, most of them (65%) were mild. Moreover, 25% of the dogs were free roaming ones, and only 43% of the dogs with owner had a complete vaccination scheme against rabies virus. We found a important dog attack rate in Guayaquil city and more than half of the dogs involved were not vaccinated against rabies. Under a potential scenario of rabies circulation in canine population, there would be a serious risk for rabies transmission to humans. Hence, it is important to reinforce rabies surveillance and vaccination programs aligned to the One Health concept to manage this public health issue.