Prevention Of Zoonoses Research Articles

Modeling the Impact of Short-Term Displacement of Domestic Animals on the Transmission Dynamics of Brucellosis

Brucellosis, a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by bacteria from the genus Brucella, presents a substantial public health and economic challenges worldwide. In this paper, we formulate a two-patch deterministic model to investigate the impact of short-term displacement of domestic animals on the transmission dynamics of brucellosis within and between patches with heterogeneous risk of infection. The model analysis is performed, and the basic reproduction number (R0) is computed and used in the stability analysis of equilibria. A global sensitivity analysis is performed using Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) approach to check the impact of model parameters over a period of time. Numerical simulation results indicate that the increase in time spent by domestic animals in high-risk areas, such as communal grazing areas or wildlife interfaces, significantly increases the spread of infections. This underscores the importance of considering short-term animal movements to communal grazing areas and water points in brucellosis management strategies. It equips policymakers and stakeholders with actionable insights to combat the burden of the disease.

International Health Regulations’ role in zoonosis prevention, and intersection with travel medicine

Abstract Trade interferes with the number and frequency of new species introduced and the possibility of these remaining and dispersing, impacting disease transmission dynamics. The International Health Regulations (IHR) establish the need to ensure veterinary care for animals affected by infectious diseases that pose a risk to public health through isolation, treatment and the demanding of other services. Concurrently, globalisation and increased travel have reshaped disease epidemiology, and new and old pathogens threaten to up-end the balance of travel. Two scoping reviews were conducted to explore the IHR’s role in animal monitoring and control and its interface with travel medicine. The scoping reviews followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, utilising the PubMed, B-on, Biomedcentral, ScienceDirect, Medscape, Medline, World of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases. English publications and grey literature were included. Regarding animal control, 21 articles were analysed. Most focused-on zoonosis prevention and addressed the international context and highlighted the international significance of applying the IHR for animal monitoring and control, addressing all core capacities. As for travel medicine, other 21 articles were included, highlighting applications in vaccine management, notably for COVID-19 and yellow fever. The IHR and its core capacities are essential in the monitoring and control of animals, with the One Health approach and effort sharing being the ideal method to prevent and respond to outbreaks and pandemics of zoonotic diseases. On the other hand, there is sparse literature about the integration of travel medicine within the IHR framework. Lack of standardisation in methods to evaluate the impact of the IHR is an issue. There’s a need for closer collaboration between clinical practice and legal frameworks to enhance global health preparedness.

2.Y.2. International Health Regulations – role on disease control and global challenges

Abstract The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a legal instrument aimed to control infectious disease epidemics worldwide and that makes countries accountable for monitoring and promptly notifying the World Health Organization (WHO) of events that are likely to represent a public health emergency. The 196 signatory countries are bound by this international agreement. This workshop aims to present evidence on the role and updates of the IHR as a framework for global health preparedness. It will do that by exploring the main components of the IHR and their practical implications for public health practice, with particular emphasis on their function in preventing, detecting, and responding to cross-border public health threats. The workshop will feature four short presentations, in a total of 15 minutes, beginning with three presentations showcasing the findings of literature reviews covering various aspects of the IHR. These topics include the main challenges to implementation, the effectiveness of the IHR during the COVID-19 pandemic, its relevance to travel medicine and zoonosis prevention, and strategies for controlling vector-borne diseases. The last presentation will delve into the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing the IHR at both national and international levels, in the context of the proposals from the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). Throughout the workshop, emphasis will be placed on understanding how the IHR facilitate collaboration and coordination among countries during health emergencies, as well as the importance of capacity-building, information sharing, and multisectoral collaboration. This structure will allow for discussion aimed at areas for improvement to the IHR, especially in the context of its revision process and global health governance. We believe the added value of this workshop will be creating a platform for critical analysis and dialogue, sharing insights into the evolution of the IHR, ongoing debates, controversies, and emerging trends in global health regulations. Key messages • This workshop provides a platform for in-depth exploration of the IHR’s role in global health preparedness, offering evidence on its components and practical implications. • Through analysis of challenges and discussions on disease control, attendees will engage in critical dialogue aimed at improving the IHR and enhancing global health governance.

Optimisation of induction and purification protocols of recombinant 22.6kDa tegumental protein of Schistosoma spindale inprokaryotic vector

Schistosomosis is a prevalent zoonotic parasitic disease affecting both humans and animals on a global scale, with an estimated 165 million cattle and 200 million people impacted worldwide. Eventhough, serological methodologies designed for the identification of specific antibodies targeting parasitic antigens are esteemed for their high sensitivity, there are criticisms due to their incapacity to reliably indicate active infection, inability to correlate with the intensity of infection and lack of specificity. Enhancing the specificity of serological assays presents a significant challenge, primarily attributable to the identification and synthesis of specific antigens. In addressing these limitations, recombinant technology with specific immunogenic proteins as candidate antigens emerges as a viable alternative. In this study, induction of 22.6 kDa recombinant tegument protein of Schistosoma spindale was achieved using 0.6 mM concentration of IPTG at 37°C for four hours. Nickel chelating affinity chromatography was employed for protein purification, yielding maximum protein concentration at 75mM elution. Subsequently, the dialysis technique was employed to remove contaminants, while lyophilisation method was employed for protein concentration. The protein concentration post dialysis was measured at 0.220 mg/mL, while lyophilisation resulted in a concentration of 2mg/m Keywords: 22.6 kDa tegumental protein, Schistosoma spindale, dialysis, lyophilisation

Establishment and validation of a real-time fluorescent PCR freeze-dried type assay for 11 sheep and goats pathogens

Small ruminants are economic mainstay in developing countries because of its direct contribution to food security, but the occurrence of epidemics poses a continuous threat. Early diagnosis can strengthen the prevention of zoonosis. Therefore, a high-sensitivity real-time fluorescent PCR freeze-dried type assay that can be stored and transported at room temperature was developed for 11 sheep and goats pathogens in this study. The results showed that there was no non-specific amplification in systems containing different pathogen positive controls; The areas under the ROC curves were all in the range of 0.99 to 1.00; The LOD counted by Digital PCR were 194, 96, 84, 40, 265, 68, 208, 236, 118, 53 and 723 copies/mL for M. ovis, Pathogenic Leptospira, C. burnetii, BTV, PPRV, Brucella, exJSRV, C. abortus, ORFV, FMDV and CPV, respectively. The coefficients of variation of both intra-group and inter-group replicate tests were less than 5.00%; The accelerated thermostatic lyophilization test was used to predict the validity period; The LOD of each positive pathogen was still detected after 6 days at 56 ℃, suggesting that the validity period can be at least 567 days at room temperature. In this study, a high-sensitivity real-time fluorescent PCR freeze-dried type assay that can be stored and transported at room temperature was developed for 11 sheep and goats pathogens, which were Mycoplasma ovis (M. ovis), Pathogenic Leptospira, Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), Bluetongue virus (BTV), Peste des pestis ruminants virus (PPRV), Brucella, exogenous jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV), Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus), Orf virus (ORFV), Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), and Capripox virus (CPV).

Knowledge and Practices Among Livestock Owners Regarding Brucellosis- A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Brucellosis is one of the earliest identified and most prevalent zoonotic diseases of bacterial origin with 5, 00, 000 human cases every year globally. Cases reported are only the tip of the iceberg because of the non-specificity in clinical manifestations and chronicity in complications. The study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practices regarding brucellosis among livestock owners and to determine the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in livestock owners. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 livestock owners. Knowledge and practices were assessed using two-point assessment. Anti-brucellosis IgG and IgM antibodies were tested by slide agglutination test and in turn, were confirmed by standard tube agglutination test. Results: Almost 70% of participants had poor knowledge and followed poor practices. Participants with intermittent fever (aOR: 0.2465), joint pains (aOR: 0.1418), and a history of abortions in their animals (aOR: 0.2303) were less likely to have poor knowledge. Illiterate participants (aOR: 11.9512) and those without a cowshed (aOR: 7.1445) were more likely to have poor knowledge about brucellosis. Participants with low socio-economic status (aOR: 17.3726), those who had heard about brucellosis through radio/television (aOR: 3.7746), those with primary-level education (aOR: 13.9779), and illiterate participants (aOR: 43.9506) more likely to follow poor practices. Participants with a history of symptoms like intermittent fever (aOR: 0.1338) and a history of abortions in their animals (aOR: 0.052) were less likely to follow poor practices related to brucellosis. (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The study participants had a poor understanding of brucellosis and high levels of risky practices, all of which contributed to the risk of contracting brucellosis.

WITHDRAWN: Detection of Amblyomma maculatum and Rickettsia parkeri in prairies of Central Missouri

Prairie habitats are complex ecosystems experiencing destruction and decline due to landscape repurposing, thus resulting in significant changes to plant, animal, and insect wildlife diversity. In the Central United States, the reconstruction of prairie habitats from farmland is a widely applied strategy to raise diversity and recreate a healthy, complex ecosystem. In Central Missouri, we are examining the consequences of reconstruction efforts on the prevalence of zoonotic diseases and their associated pathogens and have observed large populations of Dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, and Lone Star ticks, Amblyomma americanum, as well as the first recorded instance of the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, in Callaway County. The Gulf Coast tick is traditionally found mainly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions, but has been undergoing geographic expansion in the last decade. Since detection in 2020, the number of Gulf Coast ticks has increased,. Upon screening 193 Gulf Coast ticks in 105 pools, we found that 6.67 % of ticks were positive for the pathogenic Rickettsia parkeri, which causes spotted fever rickettsiosis in animals and humans, with most ticks coming from the reconstructed prairie site. These observations suggest that reconstruction of prairie habitat has the potential to support the sylvatic cycle of Rickettsia parkeri. Collectively, our observations show that the reconstructed prairie are capable of harboring large tick populations as compared to remnant prairies and demonstrates a potential increase in disease risk as a result. This works highlights the importance of proactive surveillance of ticks, especially with land-use change.

Modern aspects of rabies in Cameroon

The article presents the results of an epidemiological study of the incidence of rabies in the population of the Republic of Cameroon in the period from 2014 to 2022. The system of epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of rabies in Cameroon is presented. According to WHO, human and animal rabies is recognized as endemic to Central Africa as a whole, and in Cameroon, in particular, this infectious goiter is classified as the first priority zoonosis within the framework of the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Recurrent and Re-emerging Zoonosis (PNPLZER). The average annual incidence of rabies recorded between 2014 and 2022 was 405.7% (95% CI: 401.9% – 409.5%). Based on the results of a retrospective epidemiological analysis, the dynamics of rabies cases among people in Cameroon is presented in accordance with data recorded at the Operational Center for Public Health Emergencies (CCOUSP). The highest rates were recorded in the period from 2018 (547.4%) to 2019 (276.8%), and the lowest in 2021 (10.7%) to 2022 (3.1%). To identify socio-demographic risk factors, a survey of rabies foci was conducted using specially designed questionnaires (epidemiological information collection cards). Mapping of registered cases of rabies in humans was carried out for 10 administrative regions of the country using the LTR QGIS (quantum GIS) program, which allowed us to show the distribution of cases across the country and dynamics over time. It has been established that the distribution of cases of the disease across the territory does not always depend on the population density in administrative districts, but is associated with specific socio-demographic risk factors such as profession, gender, age, type of animal reservoir of the virus, which affect the activity of the pathogen circulation among natural hosts.

One Health Ethics and the Ethics of Zoonoses: A Silent Call for Global Action.

This paper presents a critical review of key issues related to the emergence of new networks for the spread of zoonotic diseases amid the mass extinction of species. Zoonotic and infectious diseases account for approximately 70% of new and existing diseases affecting humans and animals. The initial section argues that the term "zoonoses" should not be confined to single-cause events within veterinary medicine. Instead, zoonoses should be viewed as complex, systemic phenomena shaped by interrelated factors, including environmental, sociocultural, and economic elements, influenced by anthropogenic climate change. The second section presents bioethical principles and potential strategies for those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention. The third section uses the slaughter of animals in disaster settings as a case study to illustrate the need for further clarification of normative and interspecies justice conflicts in One Health ethics. This section concludes with an outlook on "zoonoethics". Section four develops the analysis of the interlinked elements that trigger zoonoses and examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an ethical and political standpoint, concluding with policy recommendations for addressing AMR. Section five offers a critical reflection, integrating contributions from zoonoethics, human ecology, and the ecotheological turn. Finally, section six concludes with a call to action and policy recommendations for an inclusive, intercultural, and gender-sensitive One Health approach.

Zoonoses-specific resources, collaborative networks, and enhanced communication can help US veterinarians tackle zoonotic diseases: results from a national survey.

Increased incidence of zoonoses, coupled with veterinarians' occupational exposure, led to this study examining the knowledge of licensed US veterinarians on zoonoses and their disease prevention practices. This online survey supported by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians received 466 responses from 36 US states; 67% of the respondents were female, and 72.5% were small animal medicine practitioners. The One Health concept was familiar among 82% of respondents, 51.3% knew of continuing education training on zoonoses, and 68% had attended such a training in the last 5 years. Respondents were unaware of which zoonoses to report to public health departments. For 3 out of 8 questions on standard operating procedures, statistically significant differences in protocols followed among small, large, and mixed animal medicine practitioners were observed. Most respondents believed they play a critical role in zoonoses prevention but would like more information on zoonotic diseases. Results indicate that assisting veterinarians with regularly updated information on zoonoses, providing targeted education and training to adhere to standardized infection control measures, and increasing communication with public health agencies and physicians may help prevent and reduce incidence of zoonoses.

Leishmania infantum infection modulates messenger RNA, microRNA and long non-coding RNA expression in human neutrophils in vitro.

In the Americas, L. infantum (syn. chagasi) is the main cause of human visceral leishmaniasis. The role of neutrophils as part of the innate response to Leishmania spp. infection is dubious and varies according to the species causing the infection. Global expression of coding RNAs, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs changes as part of the immune response against pathogens. Changes in mRNA and non-coding RNA expression resulting from infection by Leishmania spp. are widely studied in macrophages, but scarce in neutrophils, the first cell to encounter the trypanosomatid, especially following infection by L. infantum. Herein, we aimed to understand the expression patterns of coding and non-coding transcripts during acute in vitro infection of human neutrophils by L. infantum. We isolated neutrophils from whole blood of healthy male donors (n = 5) and split into groups: 1) infected with L. infantum (MOI = 5:1), and 2) uninfected controls. After 3 hours of exposure of infected group to promastigotes of L. infantum, followed by 17 hours of incubation, total RNA was extracted and total RNA-Seq and miRNA microarray were performed. A total of 212 genes were differentially expressed in neutrophils following RNA-Seq analysis (log2(FC)±0.58, FDR≤0.05). In vitro infection with L. infantum upregulated the expression of 197 and reduced the expression of 92 miRNAs in human neutrophils (FC±2, FDR≤0.01). Lastly, 5 downregulated genes were classified as lncRNA, and of the 10 upregulated genes, there was only 1 lncRNA. Further bioinformatic analysis indicated that changes in the transcriptome and microtranscriptome of neutrophils, following in vitro infection with L. infantum, may impair phagocytosis, apoptosis and decrease nitric oxide production. Our work sheds light on several mechanisms used by L. infantum to control neutrophil-mediated immune response and identifies several targets for future functional studies, aiming at the development of preventive or curative treatments for this prevalent zoonosis.

What is the state of the art on traditional medicine interventions for zoonotic diseases in the Indian subcontinent? A scoping review of the peer-reviewed evidence base

BackgroundTraditional medicine (TM) interventions are plausible therapeutic alternatives to conventional medical interventions against emerging and endemic zoonotic diseases, particularly in low-and middle-income countries that may lack resources and infrastructure. Despite the growing popularity in the usage of TM interventions, their clinical safety and effectiveness are still contested within conventional healthcare in many countries.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature that synthesises and maps the evidence on TM interventions for the treatment and prevention of zoonoses on the Indian subcontinent. The region, a global hotspot of biodiversity and emerging infections, is characterised by high prevalence of TM use. Based on the scientific literature (mostly case study research, n=l06 studies), our review (1) maps the scope of the literature, (2) synthesises the evidence on the application of TM interventions for zoonoses, and (3) critically reflects on the state of TM and identifies areas for future research focus.ResultsThe evidence synthesis confirmed widespread usage of TM interventions for zoonoses on the subcontinent, with the majority of research reported from India (n=99 studies, 93.4%), followed by Pakistan (n=3 studies, 2.8%), Bangladesh (n=2 studies, 1.9%), and Sri Lanka (n=1, 0.9%). Most of the reviewed studies reported on ethno-medicinal uses of plant species, primarily for treating dengue (n=20 studies), tuberculosis (n=18 studies), Escherichia coli infection (n=16 studies), lymphatic filariasis and cholera (n=9 apiece). However, the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of these reported TM interventions is limited, indicating that these data are rarely collected and/or shared within the peer-reviewed literature.ConclusionThis review thus highlights that, whilst TMs are already being used and could offer more widely accessible interventions against emerging and endemic zoonoses and ectoparasites, there is an urgent need for rigorous clinical testing and validation of the safety and effectiveness of these interventions.

First report of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae carriage in stray cats from Ecuador and its link to a cat scratch disease outbreak in 2022

IntroductionThe genus Bartonella includes species and subspecies of fastidious, facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacilli that infect a wide variety of mammalian reservoirs including cats and humans. In 2022, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of cat scratch disease caused by B. henselae in the city of Guayaquil. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the presence of Bartonella spp. in domestic and stray cats from the area of Guayaquil where the outbreak happened in 2022. MethodsWhole blood samples of 100 domestic and stray cats were collected. Riboflavin synthase (ribC) and 16S rRNA genes detection was performed by PCR using Bartonella spp. specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results14 cats were positive for Bartonella spp. carriage. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of 12 cats infected with B. henselae and 2 cats with B. clarridgeiae. ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. carriage in cats in the city of Guayaquil within the area where a recent cat scratch disease outbreak happened. Considering the high presence of cats and other domestic and stray animals in the city of Guayaquil, a One Health approach for surveillance and prevention of zoonotic diseases like cat scratch disease is needed.

BAT-BORNE ZOONOTIC VIRUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Bats are flying mammals that are known to be reservoirs of many diseases, especially viruses. Several dangerous and zoonotic viruses are transmitted by bats. This paper aims to provide a systematic summary of zoonotic viruses that can be transmitted by bats. This paper uses the PRISMA method. The review showed that some important viral diseases transmitted to humans by bats are Ebola, Nipah, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Hendra and Rabies. The case fatality rate caused by these diseases is very high to above 50% of the sufferers. It can be concluded that vigilance must continue and be increased against bats that can threaten human and animal health at any time. Understanding and judiciously managing interactions between humans and bats is critical to the prevention of zoonotic diseases.

Genomic insights into antimicrobial resistant Salmonella in internationally traded chicken meat: First baseline findings in the United Arab Emirates

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is among the most prevalent foodborne zoonoses, challenging food safety and One Health worldwide. A dearth of knowledge exists regarding non-typhoidal Salmonella prevalence and genomic features within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the top markets in chicken meat consumption worldwide. In this study, Salmonella was detected in 16 out of 254 (6.30 %, 95 % confidence interval: 3.64 %, 10.03 %) samples of imported frozen chicken carcasses sampled from UAE retails. Among the recovered serotypes, S. Minnesota; ST 548 (10/16) emerged as the most prevalent, trailed by S. Heidelberg; ST 15 (4/16), and then S. Kentucky; ST 198, and ST 152 (2/16). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was most prevalent against tetracycline (93.7 %), followed by ampicillin (68.7 %), and extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ceftriaxone and cefoxitin) (56.2 %); with 68.7 % (11/16) of the isolates classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis revealed the existence of 14 AMR genes, among which the blaCMY-2, an AmpC cephalosporinases resistance gene, presented in 10 of the 16 isolates. Among the ten out of the eleven MDR Salmonella isolates, both IncC and Col(pHAD28) plasmid incompatibility types were concurrently featured. The range of virulence genes varied from 149 to 165 genes, with an average of 168 genes per isolate. Except for one isolate, all other isolates possessed type III secretion system (TTSS) related genes known to be encoded by the Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1). This study contributes to our global understanding of Salmonella epidemiology, specifically focusing on the Middle East. The insights gained from this study are significant in shaping import risk analyses aimed at mitigating Salmonella exposure risks through globally traded chicken. The research underscores the value of WGS as a crucial tool for substantiating evidence-based food safety hazard assessment.

Human T-cell activation withToxoplasma gondiiantigens loaded in maltodextrin nanoparticles

Toxoplasmosis is the most prevalent parasitic zoonosis worldwide, causing ocular and neurological diseases. No vaccine has been approved for human use. We evaluated the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to a novel construct ofToxoplasma gondiitotal antigen in maltodextrin nanoparticles (NP/TE) in individuals with varying infectious statuses (uninfected, chronic asymptomatic, or ocular toxoplasmosis). We analyzed the concentration of IFN-γ after NP/TE ex vivo stimulation using ELISA and the immunophenotypes of CD4+and CD8+cell populations using flow cytometry. In addition, serotyping of individuals with toxoplasmosis was performed by ELISA using GRA6-derived polypeptides. Low doses of NP/TE stimulation (0.9 μg NP/0.3 μg TE) achieved IFN-γ–specific production in previously exposed human PBMCs without significant differences in the infecting serotype. Increased IFN-γ expression in CD4+effector memory cell subsets was found in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis with NP/TE but not with TE alone. This is the first study to show how T-cell subsets respond to ex vivo stimulation with a vaccine candidate for human toxoplasmosis, providing crucial insights for future clinical trials.

Pediatric Oropharyngeal Tularemia Cases: Challenges in Management.

Background: Tularemia is one of the most prevalent zoonoses across the world. Patients in Turkiye mostly contract the oropharyngeal form, acquired through drinking, or contact with microorganism-contaminated water. Methods: Patients with oropharyngeal tularemia aged under 18 years and diagnosed between January 01, 2017, and December 31, 2020, were evaluated retrospectively. Tularemia was diagnosed in patients with compatible histories, symptoms, clinical presentations, and laboratory test results. Results: The mean age of 38 children was 12.1 ± 3.4 years, and the female/male ratio was 0.58 (14/24). The mean duration of symptoms on admission was 33.8 ± 26.2 days. All children had enlarged lymph nodes. Malaise, fever, and loss of appetite were other frequent symptoms. Patients were treated with antibiotics for a mean of 26.2 ± 18.8 days. Gentamycin was the most frequently used antibiotic (either alone or in combination) (n = 29, 76.3%). Twenty-six (68.4%) patients underwent surgical procedures in addition to antibiotherapy. Five (13.2%) required secondary total excision. Patients with higher leukocyte counts at admission received a combination of antibiotherapy plus surgery, rather than antibiotics alone. No relapses, reretreatment requirement, or mortality were observed after 12 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Oropharyngeal tularemia in children can require longer courses of antibiotic treatment with more than one drug and more frequent surgery than previously suggested in the literature, especially if the patients are admitted late to the hospital, symptom duration is prolonged, and appropriate treatment is initiated late. Higher leukocyte counts on admission may be prognostic for longer antibiotic treatment course and suppurative complications that require surgery. Raising awareness among patients and physicians is essential.

SCOT analysis of implementing One Health Approach from the stakeholders’ perspective in Puducherry, South India

BackgroundThe implementation of the One Health (OH) approach improves the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and ensures a better understanding of the emergence of infectious diseases. ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the key stakeholders’ knowledge of the One Health concept and assess attitudes toward the need for collaboration and explore the viewpoints of stakeholders regarding One Health Collaboration. MethodsIt is an explanatory mixed-method study conducted in the Puducherry district, South India. The study involved quantitative data collection among 70 stakeholders from various departments using quota sampling. Followed by qualitative data exploration of the viewpoints of stakeholders on One Health Collaboration through key informant interviews among 10 key stakeholders selected using purposive sampling. Knowledge of the stakeholders on One Health was assessed by using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Knowledge and attitudes were summarized as frequency and percentage. A manual content analysis of the transcripts of the interviews was done. ResultA total of 70 (Male-55.7 % & female-44.3 %) stakeholders were included in the study. 57.1 % of the stakeholders heard about One Health and the rest did not know. A few numbers of stakeholders (18.8 %) were aware of the formal connection between various departments. 86%of stakeholders suggested that intersectoral coordination is very much needed at the grass root level. The interviews found that a lack of standard guidelines, weak political commitment, poor departmental coordination, and a lack of community awareness were the most frequent challenges encountered. ConclusionThe operationalization of OH could be enhanced by providing standard guidelines and ensuring the coordination between the stakeholders.

Attitudes towards zoonotic disease risk vary across sociodemographic, communication and health-related factors: A general population survey on literacy about zoonoses in the Netherlands

IntroductionLiteracy about zoonoses can contribute people adapt their behaviour to minimize zoonotic risks. In this study, associations between sociodemographic factors and zoonotic risk-averse attitudes were explored. ObjectiveTo determine factors significantly associated with literacy about zoonoses across sociodemographic groups to inform targeted interventions aiming at improving awareness and zoonotic risk-avoidance behaviours. MethodData was collected in 2022 using an online survey of a nationally representative sample of residents in the Netherlands. A multivariable logistic regression analysis, accounting for multiple hypothesis testing, was applied to assess whether there were significant associations between socio-demographic factors and attitudes towards zoonosis prevention. ResultsA total of 2039 respondents completed the survey. People who were female, older, highly educated and those who searched for information about zoonoses, were relatively more likely to report behaviours favourable to the prevention of zoonoses. However, people with limited language and computer skills and immunocompromised people were significantly more likely to report risky behaviours. There were no significant associations found for pregnant women, dog and cat owners, those with an intermediate level of education and those who do have contact with farm animals. ConclusionCertain sociodemographic groups display significantly riskier attitudes towards zoonoses. These groups provide targets where to improve literacy about zoonoses. This also implies that there is room for improvement in literacy about zoonoses, particularly among immunocompromised people and people with limited language and limited computer skills.

Balancing the uncertain and unpredictable nature of possible zoonotic disease transmission with the value placed on animals: Findings from a qualitative study in Guinea.

Zoonoses, or diseases that pass between animals and humans, represent a major threat to global health and global economies. In Guinea, zoonotic diseases (e.g. rabies, Lassa fever) have been at the forefront due to recent outbreaks and government priorities. Much like many other diseases, zoonotic disease prevention demands a thorough and culturally nuanced understanding of the factors that influence preventive behaviors. To gain this knowledge and enhance risk communication for priority zoonotic diseases, this qualitative study conducted focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observations in three Guinean prefectures. Study participants included individuals who interact with animals or influence human-animal interactions, (e.g., veterinarians, local leaders, human health providers, butchers, hunters, general population). A total of 229 individuals participated in the study. Data analysis, which combined deductive and inductive coding, found that although individuals generally had basic knowledge about zoonotic diseases, a gap existed between knowledge and practice. In exploring possible reasons behind this gap, several key themes arose, the two most novel being the focus of this paper. First, participants described living in an uncertain world where they lack control over the behaviors of others. Many participants described uncertainty over the vaccine status of stray dogs or even those of their neighbors, making them feel powerless over rabies. Second, animals serve as a main source of livelihood (income, investment, or savings) for individuals. The value placed on livestock may, in turn, drive and impede prevention behaviors such as vaccinating animals or avoiding the sale of unsafe meat. Given that the Guinean government's list of priority zoonotic diseases continues to evolve, the need to discover ways to effectively promote multiple related prevention behaviors remains pertinent. The insights from this study can inform existing and future programs for the prevention, control, and surveillance of zoonotic disease in Guinea and other similar countries.