Biosecurity Level Research Articles

G and P genotype profiles of rotavirus a field strains circulating in a vaccinated bovine farm as parameters for assessing biosecurity level.

After improvement of hygiene protocols on boots in a bovine operation (farm A) in Ibaraki, Japan in September 2017, mortality of calves and the detection of 4 viral pathogen indicators, including bovine rotavirus A (RVA), became significantly low for one year. Subsequently, in the present study, these indicators and mortality were monitored and confirmed all were still low, except for the detection rate of bovine RVA in calves less than 3 weeks old. The present study aimed to investigate G and P genotypic profiles of RVAs in farm A from 2018 to 2020. Molecular analysis using semi-nested multiplex RT-PCR of positive RVAs (n=122) and sequencing of selected samples revealed the presence of G6, G8, G10, P[1], P[5] and P[11] genotypes and the prevalence of G and/or P combination and mixed infections. The most common combination of G and P types was G10P[11] (41.8%), followed by mixed infection with G6+G10P[5] (11.5%). Phylogenetic analysis of RVAs showed clustering with bovine and other animal-derived RVA strains, suggesting the possibility of multiple reassortant events with strains of bovine and others animal origins. Noteworthy as well is that vaccinated cattle might fail to provide their offspring with maternal immunity against RVA infections, due to insufficient colostrum feeding. Our findings further highlight the importance of RVA surveillance in bovine populations, which may be useful to improving effective routine vaccination and hygiene practices on bovine farms.

Biosecurity Levels and Farm Characteristics of African Swine Fever Outbreak and Unaffected Farms in Estonia—What Can Be Learned from Them?

Simple SummaryBiosecurity breaches have been shown to play a major role in the introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pig populations. The aim of the study was to describe the biosecurity levels and management practices of ASF outbreak and uninfected herds and to identify potential risk factors for ASF introduction. The biosecurity score of ASF outbreak herds was significantly lower compared to uninfected herds. This may reflect general improvement in the application of biosecurity measures over time in Estonian pig farms as the data on uninfected herds were collected later, at a time when intensified official controls may have had their effect. Larger herds were more at risk of being ‘outbreak herds’ compared to smaller herds. The biosecurity parameters significantly associated with ‘outbreak herd’ status in statistical analysis were mostly related to indirect contacts with the outside farm environment. The biosecurity barriers applied in Estonian pig farms have not been sufficient to avoid the introduction of ASF and need critical evaluation and improvement. Reduction of all contacts between the farm and the external environment should be emphasized in a situation where ASF is circulating in wild boar populations close to pig farms.Risk factors related to external biosecurity have been considered to play a major role in the introduction and spread of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pig populations. The aim of the study was to describe the biosecurity levels and management practices of ASF outbreak and uninfected herds and to identify potential risk factors for ASF introduction. Data collected from the outbreak herds during outbreak investigations and from the randomly selected uninfected herds were analyzed. The biosecurity score in ASF outbreak herds was significantly lower compared to uninfected herds. However, this may reflect general improvement in the application of biosecurity measures in pig farms over time as the data on uninfected herds were collected later, at a time when intensified official controls may have had their effect. Larger herds were more at risk of being outbreak herds compared to smaller herds. The biosecurity parameters significantly associated with the outbreak herd status in multiple correspondence analysis were mostly related to indirect contacts with the outside farm environment. The biosecurity barriers applied in Estonian pig farms have not been sufficient to avoid ASF introduction and need critical evaluation and improvement. Reduction of all contacts between the farm and the external environment should be emphasized in a situation where ASF is circulating in wild boar populations close to pig farms.

A Review of the Emerging White Chick Hatchery Disease.

White chick hatchery disease is an emerging disease of broiler chicks with which the virus, chicken astrovirus, has been associated. Adult birds typically show no obvious clinical signs of infection, although some broiler breeder flocks have experienced slight egg drops. Substantial decreases in hatching are experienced over a two-week period, with an increase in mid-to-late embryo deaths, chicks too weak to hatch and pale, runted chicks with high mortality. Chicken astrovirus is an enteric virus, and strains are typically transmitted horizontally within flocks via the faecal–oral route; however, dead-in-shell embryos and weak, pale hatchlings indicate vertical transmission of the strains associated with white chick hatchery disease. Hatch levels are typically restored after two weeks when seroconversion of the hens to chicken astrovirus has occurred. Currently, there are no commercial vaccines available for the virus; therefore, the only means of protection is by good levels of biosecurity. This review aims to outline the current understanding regarding white chick hatchery disease in broiler chick flocks suffering from severe early mortality and increased embryo death in countries worldwide.

Analysis of wild ungulate‐livestock interface in Europe: preliminary results

The ENETWILD consortium (www.enetwild.com) aims at progressively defining the spatial interface between wild ungulates and livestock in Europe, which is essential to evaluate the risk for shared diseases. This is to provide preliminary risk maps of possible wild-domestic interfaces at European scale using relatively similar sized regions by compiling, for the first time, comprehensive data for both groups, wild and domestic ungulates in the continent. We spatially represented (i) the richness of species (livestock and wild ungulates), (ii) their specific occupancy and abundance (the latter for livestock), and finally, (iii) their spatial overlapping over Europe. Species richness in animal communities, including wildlife and domestic hosts, may moderate pathogen transmission and disease outcome.. As a first step, we should characterize the diverse assemblages of animal communities at large scale to better understand possible scenarios for further assessment of shared infection dynamics. About 90% of Europe land area hosts from one to five species of wild native ungulates. Therefore, the interface between livestock and wildlife is wide spread over the European continent. Native wild boar, roe deer and reed deer are widely distributed species, present in most possible assemblages of wild/domestic communities over Europe. The richness of ungulate species is high in Central Europe, from West to East, from the Alps (where the presence of mountain ungulates adds richness), extending to countries with important big game tradition and presence of introduced species, and finally, to Eastern Europe (where also typically northern species such as bisons appear)... To sum, we described by pair of species a wide diversity of potential interfaces, which had variable distribution areas.. While the analysis presented herein is purely spatial and at administrative level, the interface between wild and domestic ungulates is influenced by livestock husbandry (e.g., enclosed, herded or free-ranging, level of biosecurity), landscape and land uses, and wildlife management practices, among other factors, operating locally. Therefore, there is need for a more detailed picture of the interface at European scale.

Evaluation of biosecurity practices in a laying hens farm using Biocheck.UGent

The Biocheck.UGent scoring system was developed to measure and quantify the level of biosecurity in animal husbandry. This tool is composed of all the relevant elements of biosecurity in poultry farms (broilers and laying hens) and is subdivided into external and internal biosecurity. The peculiarity of this scoring system is that it takes into account the relative importance of the different aspects of biosecurity, resulting in a risk-weighted score. The biosecurity scores obtained are provided immediately after completing the questionnaire and the scores for each sub-category can be compared to global averages to allow the poultry farmer to compare the results obtained and correct any anomalies that are on their farm. In Algeria, preliminary results from a survey in poultry houses of 30.000 laying hens show a wide range of biosecurity levels on that farm, with internal biosecurity scores ranging from 6 to 72% and external biosecurity scores ranging from 28 to 92% in the subgroups. The overall scores were 50% and 54%, respectively. These early results show that despite the well-known importance of biosecurity, there is a lack of implementation of many biosecurity measures.

An Assessment of the Economic Impacts of the 2019 African Swine Fever Outbreaks in Vietnam.

The 2019 African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in Vietnam imposed considerable impacts on the pig sector in Vietnam, resulting in the death or culling of nearly six million pigs, or more than 20% of the country's pig population. In order to assess the magnitude of the outbreak at sector level (both on farm and at value chain level), on livelihoods, and on the broader national economy, a comprehensive impact assessment was conducted using a mixed methods approach that integrated a value chain assessment with the use of quantitative modeling tools at sector and national levels. The results showed that the outbreak caused severe direct and indirect economic losses among farmers, particularly medium- and large-farmers whose livelihoods are largely derived from pig production. The outbreaks also affected other value chain actors due to a halving in the volume of pigs traded. At sector level, the outbreaks posed adverse impacts on the domestic supply and demand for pork, especially in the traditional sector. Meanwhile, the modern sector with higher levels of biosecurity and high technology growth was less likely to be affected and even benefited from the outbreak, which was evidenced by increased supply and income throughout the simulation period in this sector. At national level, different model simulation scenarios showed a sharp reduction in total gross domestic product (GDP) and a substantial loss of jobs. Improvements in the system of ASF compensation scheme are needed, both in terms of its administration, but also in its targeting, with greater emphasis needed on developing improved risk-sharing and funding mechanisms across national and local levels.

Biosecurity at Cattle Farms: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Biosecurity is a key component of any animal and public health strategy and disease prevention and control programs. This study reviewed the main findings of different studies implemented from 2015 to 2021 to analyse the biosecurity situation at Belgian cattle farms, including attitudes and behaviours of cattle farmers and rural veterinarians regarding biosecurity measures. Specifically, the objective was to perform a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis of the situation and propose a new conceptual framework improving the level of biosecurity in the cattle sector. Biosecurity in cattle farming remains relatively low and faces multiple challenges. Its future improvement requires the different stakeholders to agree on shared goals and objectives and to carefully consider animal, public and environmental health, as well as socioeconomic and cultural factors. Further cost efficiency studies are required to identify the most important biosecurity measures and convince the stakeholders of their utility and benefits. Cattle farmers rely mainly on rural veterinarians for technical guidance and consider them as trustful informants. To be more effective in promoting these good practices, rural veterinarians need a proper guidance from the authorities, a proper training on biosecurity and communication, as well as an enabling environment.

Assessment of Biosecurity Measures and Distribution of Daily Live Bird ‎Markets in Four North-Western States of Nigeria ‎

Maintenance of strict biosecurity measures is essential in preventing disease spread from Live Bird Markets (LBMs) which serve as a major intermingling area for poultry from different sources. This study assessed the Biosecurity measures and spatial distribution of daily Live Bird Markets of four North-western States in Nigeria. Closed ended questionnaires were administered in 35 daily LBMs in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states and identification of disinfectants used in the LBMs were noted. Swab samples of birds’ cages in the LBMs were taken for E. coli isolation. The live bird managers and marketers were all male (100%) across all the four states. Only 6(17%) out of the 35 LBMs had high biosecurity level, 69% had a moderate biosecurity level and 5(14%) were graded as low. Of the 400 Live bird marketers administered questionnaires, only 71 (18%) employ good biosecurity practices and 305(76%) were graded as fair and remaining 24(6%) as poor. Majority of the LBMs were located within human settlements without any form of barrier. There were seven main types of disinfectants identified across the all LBMs. Esherichia coli was isolated from 1(17%) LBM among the 6(17%) LBMs that were identified to have and use disinfectant. From the remaining 29(83%) LBMs, E.coli was isolated from only 5(17%) despite lacking in use of disinfectant by these LBMs. Live bird marketers should be educated on the need to adhere to biosecurity measures and practices.

Observations on presumptive lumpy skin disease in native cattle and Asian water buffaloes around the tiger reserves of the central Indian highlands

ABSTRACT Case history Between August and October 2020, following the monsoon, signs of Lumpy skin disease (LSD) were recorded and described in 154 oxen, 34 cows, 13 calves (Bos indicus ) and two Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cows belonging to smallholder farmers in 32 villages located around the Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves in the state of Madhya Pradesh central India. Affected animals were subjected to a full clinical examination and detailed findings were recorded in a clinical register. A semi-structured questionnaire was attached to the existing clinical register format to gather information on the clinical disease history and animal husbandry practices relevant to the spread of LSD virus. Clinical findings The affected animals were between 4 months and 14 years of age (mean 6.4 (SD 2.5) years). Persistent high temperature, depression, anorexia, and characteristic round nodules (lumps) on the skin were reported. The nodules were 2–5 cm in diameter and spread over the face, ears, neck, back, perineum, scrotum, legs, tail, udder, and nasal and oral mucosa. Secondary complications of myiasis (n=39), mastitis (n=16) and ulcerative lesions on legs were noticed. Death was reported for one animal (0.5%). The affected animals' recovery times were variable (mean 18.4 (SD 2.7) days). There was a significant positive correlation between delay in initiating treatment and the duration of sickness. Reduction in milk yield of 30–55% was reported in Bos indicus cows. Diagnosis Clinical findings and treatment responses consistent with lumpy skin disease and its sequelae. Clinical relevance The presumptive LSD outbreak caused serious economic loss to the animal keepers. LSD is a new disease for India and in the absence of active immunisation, efficient vector control, animal movement control and stall-feeding practice, it will inevitably become endemic in the country. The severe impacts resulting from the introduction of a new disease to a previously unaffected country, highlights the need for iterative improvements in global transboundary disease surveillance. The value of clinical examination and recording of findings is demonstrated in the context of smallholder farming systems with limited access to laboratory diagnosis, which are common around the world. The description of an LSD outbreak in naïve populations of cattle and buffalo illustrates the need for increased awareness of the associated clinical signs and maintenance of high levels of biosecurity in hitherto disease-free countries.

Biosecurity measures in French poultry farms are associated with farm type and location

The severe impact of recently reported Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks have emphasized the need to better monitor biosecurity practices among the different French poultry production systems. Between October 2016 and September 2018, a large national cross-sectional study was carried out in France to assess biosecurity levels in high-risk poultry farms and identify farm biosecurity profiles, using Multiple Correspondence and Hierarchical Cluster Analyses. Results indicate that there is substantial room for improvement in cleaning and disinfection, anteroom management and delimitation of farm and production units for more than 50 % of the 1,004 analyzed farms. The farm biosecurity profile showing the highest level of biosecurity included commercial intensive poultry farms (gallinaceous poultry farms, in North-Western France), and those with a recent history of HPAI outbreak (duck farms, in South-Western France). The farms biosecurity profiles showing the lowest level of biosecurity included farms with multiple species (duck and gallinaceous poultry) or multiple production types (broilers and egg-layers), located in regions with a lower poultry density and without a recent history of HPAI outbreak. Outcomes provide support to adapt biosecurity improvement and inspection plans.

Anatomopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in poultry farms in Egypt (2018–2020)

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a severe respiratory disease, which causes high morbidity and mortality in affected birds. In our study, ILT were reported in 42 farms from nine governates over two years (2018–2020) that showed clinical signs of ILT including dyspnea, blood expectoration of, excessive lacrimation, rattling, conjunctivitis. The disease affected different chicken breeds and age groups despite vaccination with licensed and commonly used vaccines. Samples of larynx, trachea, lungs and air sacs were examined and collected for histopathological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical examination and molecular detection. Gross examination of laryngeal and tracheal lumen revealed different types of exudate varied from catarrhal to fibrinonecotric, also pneumonia and airsacculitis were detected. Histopathological examination showed different alternation in larynx, trachea, lung and air sac as characteristic syncytial cells containing intranuclear inclusion body hanged in fibrinoheterphilic exudate that precent in laryngeal, tracheal, bronchial and parabronchial lumen and air sacs. Tracheal lesion scoring system was used to categorize the severity of lesion in different governates. Tracheal lesion score showed that 6.02%, 26.5%, 43.3% of the birds exhibited mild, moderate, and severe changes, respectively, while 24.18% of the birds exhibited very severe changes. Furthermore, severe cases were related to the Qalyubia , Fayoum then Sharkia Governorate. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was used to detect viral particles in syncytial cells, inflammatory cells beside epithelium of trachea and lung. Transmission electron microscopy enabled the detection of virus particles and demonstrated that heterophils could be infected. PCR targeting a region in the thymidine kinase gene and glycoprotein gJ gene confirmed the presence of infectious laryngotracheitis ILT virus-specific DNA. In conclusion, anatomopathological, immunohistochemical, molecular and ultrastructural findings showed increased of ILTV severity in Egypt. Larynx, trachea, lungs and air sac should be collected and examined that aid in diagnosis. Importance of good biosecurity level to be considered.

Biosecurity, environmental sustainability, and typological characteristics of broiler farms in Paraná State, Brazil

Brazil’s relevant participation in the global broiler market implies the need to face a set of challenges related to biosecurity and environmental sustainability. In this study, we aimed to assess the level of biosecurity of broiler farms in Paraná State, Brazil, and investigate associations of biosecurity performance with sustainability practices and farm and farmer characteristics. Data from 70 broiler farms were collected through on-site interviews. The questionnaires included questions about production variables, biosecurity, sustainability practices, and sociodemographic characteristics of the farm operator. Biosecurity data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis, revealing two groups, one comprising low biosecurity farms and the other comprising high biosecurity farms. Production and sustainability data were subjected to factor analysis. Three factors were identified: Farmer knowledge and training, Mandatory environmental sustainability practices, and Non-mandatory environmental sustainability practices. Although the analyzed farms were similar in terms of production variables and operated under the same laws and contractual terms, they differed significantly in biosecurity level. These findings suggest that other factors besides production characteristics and the institutional environment may influence biosecurity, such as the importance attributed by farmers to biosecurity measures. Typological analysis revealed that high biosecurity farms had greater compliance with both mandatory and non-mandatory environmental sustainability requirements. It was also found that operators of high biosecurity farms had a higher education level than those who operated low biosecurity farms.

Simulating human behavioral changes in livestock production systems during an epidemic: The case of the US beef cattle industry.

Human behavioral change around biosecurity in response to increased awareness of disease risks is a critical factor in modeling animal disease dynamics. Here, biosecurity is referred to as implementing control measures to decrease the chance of animal disease spreading. However, social dynamics are largely ignored in traditional livestock disease models. Not accounting for these dynamics may lead to substantial bias in the predicted epidemic trajectory. In this research, an agent-based model is developed by integrating the human decision-making process into epidemiological processes. We simulate human behavioral change on biosecurity practices following an increase in the regional disease incidence. We apply the model to beef cattle production systems in southwest Kansas, United States, to examine the impact of human behavior factors on a hypothetical foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The simulation results indicate that heterogeneity of individuals regarding risk attitudes significantly affects the epidemic dynamics, and human-behavior factors need to be considered for improved epidemic forecasting. With the same initial biosecurity status, increasing the percentage of risk-averse producers in the total population using a targeted strategy can more effectively reduce the number of infected producer locations and cattle losses compared to a random strategy. In addition, the reduction in epidemic size caused by the shifting of producers’ risk attitudes towards risk-aversion is heavily dependent on the initial biosecurity level. A comprehensive investigation of the initial biosecurity status is recommended to inform risk communication strategy design.

Using a Bayesian Network Predictive Model to Understand Vulnerability of Australian Sheep Producers to a Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak.

To maintain and strengthen Australia's competitive international advantage in sheep meat and wool markets, the biosecurity systems that support these industries need to be robust and effective. These systems, strengthened by jurisdictional and livestock industry investments, can also be enhanced by a deeper understanding of individual producer risk of exposure to animal diseases and capacity to respond to these risks. This observational study developed a Vulnerability framework, built from current data from Australian sheep producers around behaviors and beliefs that may impact on their likelihood of Exposure and Response Capacity (willingness and ability to respond) to an emergency animal disease (EAD). Using foot and mouth disease (FMD) as a model, a cross-sectional survey gathered information on sheep producers' demographics, and their practices and beliefs around animal health management and biosecurity. Using the Vulnerability framework, a Bayesian Network (BN) model was developed as a first attempt to develop a decision making tool to inform risk based surveillance resource allocation. Populated by the data from 448 completed questionnaires, the BN model was analyzed to investigate relationships between variables and develop producer Vulnerability profiles. Respondents reported high levels of implementation of biosecurity practices that impact the likelihood of exposure to an EAD, such as the use of appropriate animal movement documentation (75.4%) and isolation of incoming stock (64.9%). However, adoption of other practices relating to feral animal control and biosecurity protocols for visitors were limited. Respondents reported a high uptake of Response Capacity practices, including identifying themselves as responsible for observing (94.6%), reporting unusual signs of disease in their animals (91.0%) and daily/weekly inspection of animals (90.0%). The BN analysis identified six Vulnerability typologies, with three levels of Exposure (high, moderate, low) and two levels of Response Capacity (high, low), as described by producer demographics and practices. The most influential Exposure variables on producer Vulnerability included adoption levels of visitor biosecurity and visitor access protocols. Findings from this study can guide decisions around resource allocation to improve Australia's readiness for EAD incursion and strengthen the country's biosecurity system.

Antimicrobial use, biosecurity, herd characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance in indicator Escherichia coli in ten Finnish pig farms

We investigated connections between antimicrobial use (AMU), biosecurity, and the numbers of pigs and staff in ten Finnish farrow-to-finish herds. Data on AMU in each herd were collected for 12 months. AMU was quantified as treatment incidences per 1000 days at risk (TI) using the consensus defined daily dose calculation. Biosecurity was scored using the Biocheck.UGent™ system. We also examined antimicrobial resistance patterns of indicator E. coli isolated from faeces of selected pigs. In each herd, two groups of five pigs were formed: 1) antimicrobial treatment group (ANT: at least one pig in the litter was identified as sick and treated with antimicrobials) and 2) non-antimicrobial treatment group (NON: the litter was not medicated). Faecal samples were taken from these pigs at 5 and 22 weeks of age, cultured, and indicator E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibilities. The AMU varied considerably between the herds. Altogether, most of the antimicrobial treatment courses were assigned to weaned piglets. When AMU was quantified as TIs, suckling piglets had the highest TI (mean 46.6), which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than TIs in fatteners and breeders (9.3 and 7.3, respectively). The difference between TI in suckling and TI in weaned piglets (19.1) was not statistically significant. There was a tendency for a negative correlation between the TI in breeders and the number of sows (r = −0.56, P = 0.09). Larger herds had higher external biosecurity scores than smaller herds (LS-means; 72 vs. 66, P < 0.05). The proportions of E. coli isolates resistant to at least one antimicrobial were higher in pigs at 5 weeks than in pigs at 22 weeks of age (Binomial proportion means; 40.5 % vs. 15.5 %, P < 0.05); as well as proportions of isolates resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes (23.0 % vs. 3.7 %, P < 0.01). These proportions did not differ between the ANT and NON groups at either 5 or 22 weeks of age (P> 0.05). We found few connections: enhanced external biosecurity levels found in the large herds co-occurred with lower use of antimicrobials and herds with low biosecurity scores - especially in the internal subcategories - appeared to have higher proportions of resistant isolates. Conclusively, we suggest that enhancing internal biosecurity might contribute to a reduction in the spreading of antimicrobial resistance in pig herds.

Arthropods as potential vectors of African swine fever virus outbreaks in pig farms in the Republic of Korea.

The seasonality of African swine fever (ASF) in the summers and outbreaks in farms with high biosecurity levels suggest that the ASF virus (ASFV) may be transmitted by arthropod vectors. Arthropods were collected in this study from 14 pig farms with ASF outbreaks in Korea in 2019 to explore the role of arthropods as potential ASFV vectors. A total of 28,729 arthropods, including 28,508 (99.2%) Diptera, were collected using blacklight traps, insect nets and yellow sticky strips. All arthropod samples were negative for ASFV genomic DNA according to laboratory tests using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. This result may reflect the effects of immediate control measures following the detection of farms with ASF outbreaks in the early phase of infection in Korea.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF COMPREHENSIVE MEASURES AGAINST COCCIDIA OF PIGLETS IN A SOW HOUSE

A comprehensive program against exo- and endogenous stages of coccidia in pigs was tested in the conditions of a pig farm in the Moscow Region in a sow house divided into four sectors with 40 sows in each. For disinfection of sectors 1 and 2 during the preparation of the pig house, Kenocox 4% complex disinfectant was used in the recommended dose and exposure. For disinfection of sectors 3 and 4 (baseline scenario), we used a recommended dose of a hot sodium hydroxide solution 4%. Sows were transferred for farrowing 5 days after showering and treatment of their skin. Residual contamination of environmental objects was established 24 hours after disinfection. After farrowing, the piglets aged 3–5 days from 1-2 sectors were administered a suspension of toltrazuril 5% at a single dose of 30 mg of the active substance per 1 kg of weight orally as a therapeutic and prophylactic course. The piglets from 3-4 sectors served as a control and were administered saline solution in a single dose of 1 ml orally. The comprehensive measures against exo- and endogenous stages of coccidia in pigs had a positive effect on the biosecurity level of the sow house and influenced the production and economic indicators. The survivability of piglets in the experimental group after complex measures against exo- and endogenous stages of coccidia in pigs was 7.1% higher than the control group, and the increase in live weight in the experimental group was 13.9% higher. Feed consumption per unit of liveweight gain in the experimental group of piglets was 12.1% less than the control. The economic effect of the comprehensive measures against coccidia in pigs as compared with the control animals per one animal was 248.5 Rubles.

Coaching Belgian and Dutch Broiler Farmers Aimed at Antimicrobial Stewardship and Disease Prevention.

A reduction in antimicrobial use (AMU) is needed to curb the increase in antimicrobial resistance in broiler production. Improvements in biosecurity can contribute to a lower incidence of disease and thereby lower the need for AMU. However, veterinary advice related to AMU reduction or biosecurity is often not complied with, and this has been linked to the attitudes of farmers. Behavior change promoted by coaching may facilitate uptake and compliance regarding veterinary advice. Thirty broiler farms in Belgium and the Netherlands with high AMU were included in this study for 13 months. For each farmer, the attitude towards AMU reduction was quantified using an adjusted Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement (ADKAR®) change management model, and farm biosecurity was assessed with the Biocheck.UGent™ tool. Subsequently, farmers were coached to improve disease prevention and antimicrobial stewardship. After the individual coaching of farmers, there was a change in their attitudes regarding AMU, reflected by an increase in ADKAR® scores. Biosecurity levels improved by around 6% on average, and AMU was reduced by 7% on average without negative effects on performance parameters. Despite these improvements, no significant association could be found between higher ADKAR® scores and lower AMU. Further investigation into sociological models is needed as a tool to reduce AMU in livestock production.

Epidemic situation and control measures of African Swine Fever Outbreaks in China 2018-2020.

As of 21 April 2020, 176 ASF outbreaks have occurred in China. For each outbreak, an investigation was conducted, including historical data retrieval and traceability of potential contacts. The purpose of this study is to conduct a preliminary analysis of the data obtained from the outbreak investigations, including an investigation of the possible contributing factors of the spread of ASF in China. Based on the epidemic situation and the policies issued, the entire epidemic can be divided into three phases. 71 outbreaks were reported between 3 August 2018 and 17 November 2018; 44 outbreaks between 19 November 2018 and 30 March 2019; and 61 outbreaks between 4 April 2019 and 12 April 2020. Based on the reported outbreaks, the proportional rate of outbreaks in small farms (livestock≤500, 127/168) is significantly higher than that of medium (501≤livestock<2,000, 14/168; 2001≤livestock≤5,000, 9/168) and large farms (livestock≥5,001, 18/168). The odds of infection related to swill feeding (OR=2.5, 95% CI, 1.5-4.3) and the mechanical dissemination of vehicles and personnel (OR=2.7, 95% CI, 1.6-4.5) are significantly higher than those of pigs and pig production transportation. Swill feeding is the major contributing factor for small farms while mechanical dissemination of vehicles and personnel is the major contributing factor for large farms. The average duration from the beginning of the infection to the official outbreak report is gradually decreasing, which means that response speed of industry entities and the animal husbandry and veterinary departments from the beginning of the infection to the outbreak report is gradually increasing. Based on the analysis for ASF outbreaks, some policies and suggestions were put forward, such as improving the biosecurity level of the farms, as well as strengthening the supervision of breeding, transportation and slaughter.

Research priorities to fill knowledge gaps on ASF seasonality that could improve the control of ASF.

The European Commission requested EFSA to provide study designs for the investigation of four research domains according to major gaps in knowledge identified by EFSA in a report published in 2019: i) the patterns of seasonality of ASF in wild boar and domestic pigs in the EU; ii) the ASF epidemiology in wild boar; iii) ASF virus (ASFV) survival in the environment and iv) ASF transmission by vectors. In this Scientific Opinion, the first research domain on ASF seasonality is addressed. Therefore, five research objectives were proposed by the working group and broader ASF expert networks, such as ASF stop, ENETWILD, VectorNet, AHAW network and the AHAW Panel Experts. Of the five research objectives, only two were prioritised and elaborated into a general protocol/study design research proposal, namely: 1) to monitor the herd incidence of ASF outbreaks in EU Member States (MS) and 2) to investigate potential (seasonal) risk factors for ASF incursion in domestic pig herds of different herd types and/or size. To monitor the incidence in different pig herd types, it is advised to collect, besides ASF surveillance data, pig population data describing at least the following parameters per farm from the first moment of incursion in an affected MS: the numbers of pigs (e.g. number of breeding pigs sows and boars, weaners and fatteners) and the location and the type of farm (including details on the level of biosecurity implemented on the farm and the outdoor/indoor production). We suggest collecting data from all ASF‐affected MS through the SIGMA data model, which was developed for this purpose. To investigate potential risk factors for ASF incursion in domestic pig herds, we suggest a matched case–control design. Such a study design can be run either retrospectively or prospectively. The collected data on the pig herds and the ASF surveillance data in the SIGMA data model can be used to identify case and control farms.