Use Of Veterinary Services Research Articles

Assessment of risk factors associated with epidemiology of Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats in Abia State, Nigeria

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and trans-boundary disease caused by the PPR virus belonging to the family; Paramyxoviridae and is closely related to the Rinderpest virus of cattle. Its implications on successful small ruminant farming cannot be over-emphasized. Its current status with respect to farmers' awareness and assessment of risk factors associated with the emergence and spread of the disease were investigated. A structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from purposively selected farms on randomly selected local government areas (LGAs) in the three agricultural zones in Abia State. The questionnaires (n=42) were distributed among small ruminant farmers to determine the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures adopted by farmers, with respect to PPR in the study area. Statistical analysis was performed at a 95% confidence level using Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study highlighted high levels (78.6%) of awareness of PPR in the study area. Out of all respondents, 64.3% practiced intensive system of management and 57.1% had observed outbreaks on their farms. About 26.2% noticed the disease especially in young animals, with 64.3% observing these outbreaks at certain season of the year. Quarantine (26.2%) and control of stray sheep/goats (42.9%) were the major preventive measures adopted in the study area. Only a few respondents (33.3%) vaccinated their animals while the majority of respondents (54.7%) never practice vaccination as a preventive measure. There was significant association (p<0.05) between notice of disease, frequency of PPR occurrence, age of animals, seasons of occurrence and PPR outbreak. Limited use of veterinary services, seasons of the year, introduction of new or replacement animals into the flock without quarantine were identified risk factors associated with the emergence, spread and persistence of PPR in Abia State. Consequently, effective control measures such as mass vaccination especially at indicated peak seasons is recommended for the study area. Also, consistent extension programs for all stakeholders in the study area on the importance of PPR and economic benefits associated with curbing PPR in the area are pertinent.

Perceptions of Sheep Farmers and District Veterinarians towards Sheep Disease Management in New South Wales, Australia.

The study objectives were to understand the practices and perceptions of sheep farmers and district veterinarians (DVs) towards sheep health management and, the impact of disease at the farm level in addition to the availability, accessibility, and use of veterinary services. Data were collected using question-based surveys, distributed online and in-person to sheep farmers (45 respondents) and DVs (25 respondents). Most farmers were male, ≥51 years old, who placed a high priority on the health and welfare of their sheep. For disease prevention most farmers vaccinated their sheep (91%) and 86.7% had a farm biosecurity plan, although its components and their application varied, e.g., the isolation of new or sick sheep. Fencing costs were most frequently identified (70.5% respondents) as a financial concern for sheep farmers. Their most common sources of information about disease control and prevention were DVs (66.7%), private veterinarians (60.0%), the internet (42.9%), rural suppliers (35.7%), and farmers/neighbours (28.6%). Fifty-eight percent of farmers reported a long distance from veterinarian services. Farmers preferred to receive information via email (77.8%), whereas 56% of DVs preferred to share information via phone call. This discrepancy presents an opportunity to align these mechanisms more closely for effective dissemination of information and increased producer engagement.

An examination of US pet owners' use of veterinary services, 2006-2018.

Examine US consumer pet-related and veterinary service expenditures and factors influencing US households' use of veterinary services. Descriptive analysis on pet-related and veterinary service expenditures and regression analysis on pet owners' use of veterinary services, using data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure from 2006 to 2018, with the sample size of 257,836 households, of which 73,593 had pet expenses. From 1980 to 2018, the proportion of households with pet-related and veterinary service expenditures increased. Since 2010, the percentage of pet-owning households using veterinary services has increased substantially. Household characteristics were examined and significantly affected the probability of both pet and veterinary expenditures. Non-White and Hispanic groups had increased pet ownership, but the likelihood of veterinary service use has not surpassed White and non-Hispanic pet owners. Understanding the effects of household sociodemographics, particularly race and ethnicity, on using veterinary services provides insights for optimizing strategic planning for the pet industry and veterinarians. Reviewing the implications helps adjust and fine-tune strategies and influence the sustainability of the veterinary service sector by attracting different racial and ethnic groups. Future research might focus on other social and cultural factors influencing the utilization of veterinary care. The veterinary service sector can then effectively address pet care disparities, bridge existing gaps and improve economic viability.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF ACCESS AND USE OF VETERINARY SERVICES BY RURAL POULTRY FARMING HOUSEHOLDS INABIA STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed socio-economic determinants of access and use of veterinary services among poultry farmers in Abia State Nigeria. The study specifically investigated the level of access of veterinary services by poultry farmers, ascertained the level of use of veterinary service by poultry farmers. Multi stage and purposive sampling techniques were applied in choosing 120 poultry farmers for the study. The study made use of structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis. Result of Tobit regression revealed that socio-economic variables of the respondents were determinants of access and use of veterinary services. The coefficients of age (0.0259**), farming experience (0.0314***) farm size (0.2511***) and household size (0.3023) significantly influenced use and access of veterinary services by poultry farmers. The Study concludes that poultry farmers in Abia State are getting enough veterinary services The study recommends that the socio-economic determinants of the poultry farmers should be considered by the relevant authorities involved in dispensation of veterinary services in study area.

CANINE HEARTWORM INFECTION AND PROPHYLAXIS USE AMONG PET CARETAKERS FROM THE CUMBERLAND GAP REGION OF TENNESSEE, USA.

The prevalence of infection with canine heartworm (CHW), Dirofilaria immitis, continues to increase across the United States, regardless of the availability of effective and affordable prophylactic products. Current reports of CHW prevalence as estimated by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) are thought to under-represent the true magnitude of the issue because pet dogs that do not receive regular veterinary care are often excluded. This study estimated the prevalence of CHW in pet dogs and associated prophylaxis use in pet dogs in the Cumberland Gap Region with a combined doorstep diagnostic testing approach and caretaker survey. Dogs tested (n = 258) during the summers of 2018 and 2019 revealed a 2.3% (6/258) prevalence in the pet dog population with 33% (2/6) being microfilaremic. Questionnaire data from caretaker interviews revealed that 41.8% (108/258) of the dogs were not receiving CHW prophylaxis. Significant predictors of CHW prophylaxis use identified through logistic regression included pet caretaker awareness of CHW as an important health issue and the use of veterinary services in the year preceding participation in the survey. These results underscore the importance of veterinary-mediated client interaction to create risk awareness of CHW disease and association with prophylaxis compliance.

Evaluación de la sostenibilidad de la producción ovina en el ecosistema de páramo del municipio Cerrito Santander, Colombia

The preservation of natural resources and the production of enough food to meet the demands of a growing human population, will be one of the most important challenges that the world will have to face in the coming years, hence the need to promote the sustainable use of the resources. The objective of this research was to evaluate the sustainability of the sheep production system in the páramo ecosystem, municipality of Cerrito-Santander, Colombia. A survey was applied to 15 sheep farmers, allowing the characterization of the production system and the georeferencing of farms. This information was analyzed by applying descriptive statistics, using SPSS software, version 24, this allowed to present the most relevant aspects of sheep production in the sector. Participatory workshops were held with the producers, to select and evaluate the sustainability indicators of sheep production systems in the páramo area, which were visualized by a biogram or spider web graph. Finally, strategic guidelines were formulated to respond to the critical points of sheep production. Most producers prefer the commercialization of wool and the use of the animal's discarded stages to obtain economic income from the sale of meat. Critical points (food supplements, type of state support received, use of veterinary services and use of energy sources) and favorable points (cost of raw materials, food security and water sources) were evidenced for the economic, social and environmental dimensions. It is necessary to focus attention on the critical points and apply the strategic guidelines, since together with the favorable points they will allow generation and establishment of more sustainable sheep production systems.

Seasonal calving UK dairy herds: A farmer survey of fertility and veterinary services.

There is a lack of literature concerning dairy farmers' use of veterinary services and how satisfied they are with them. This study aimed to fill this gap for seasonal calving UK herds, with a focus on fertility, and included farmer perceived barriers to veterinary involvement. A cross-sectional questionnaire (convenience sample), with 166 useable responses. Opportunities exist for further veterinary involvement in seasonal herds. Areas vets are least involved in currently are nutrition, breeding and genetics, growth rate monitoring and infrastructure changes. Current veterinary input was rated neutral or poor value by 21% of respondents. Over 90% of farmers want vets to ask questions to elicit their needs. Frequently mentioned barriers were 'lack of veterinary knowledge of our system', 'not enough cost-benefit of veterinary involvement' and 'we get our fertility information elsewhere'. Along with clinical ability and being approachable, 'understanding our system' and being 'proactive' were qualities participants most valued in a vet. After cost, 'pushing sales and interventions' were the least liked. Findings highlight the critical importance of clearly demonstrating the full cost-benefit of veterinary services to farmers. The results contain many details concerning farmer perceptions and values that can help veterinary businesses to strengthen existing services and develop new services.

SURVEY OF CATTLE PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

A survey was conducted on cattle production practices in Ibadan, Nigeria Fifty cattle farmers were purposively sampled. Structured questionnaire containing information on personal characteristics, farm history and breeds of cattle reared, management and health practices, influence of technology, constraints to cattle production and suggested solutions were administered on cattle farmers in both urban and peri-urban areas of Ibadan, between February to April 2004. Data obtained were analysed by simple statistics. The survey revealed that cattle production is now increasingly being embarked upon by farmers in Ibadan as a complementary form of income to other types of livestock enterprises. It contributed between 2-85% with a mean of 36.6% to the income of the farmers. It is a male dominated (80%) profession with many of the farmers being educated (60%), having one wife (56%) and majority (62%) of them were in the age group 31 – 60years. Majority (86%) of the cattle farms where based in the peri-urban area of Ibadan and only 24% of the cattle farmers also engaged in cropping activities. The study also revealed that many of the farmers (82%) reared Sokoto Gudali breed of cattle. The breed constituted the highest number of cattle reared (48.14%). Forty percent of the farmers had small herd size (1-10 heads of cattle). On the average, the herds comprised slightly more cows (43.91%) than bulls (36.88%). Some of the cattle farmers (14-28%) also reared other types of livestock such as sheep, goats, poultry, pigs and fish. Majority of the farmers (56%) engaged in cattle production for monetary/commercial reasons and employed Fulanis (46%) as herdsmen to graze the animals. A small number of them (6%) also keep cattle as a means of utilizing feed-mill waste and graze grasses around fishponds as a means of reducing labour cost. The farmers has experience in cattle rearing varying from 1 to 35years. Majority of the farmers (56%) pay cash only to the herdsmen as a means of reward for their labout. Many of the farmers offered supplementary feed ot their cattle especially in the dry season. However, only fourteen percent (14%) of them provided standard housing for their animals. It has been found from this study that helminthiasis was the most important health problem confronting the cattle. Also 26% of the farmers reported tsetse flies infestation as mild problem. The study showed that the average morbidity and mortality rates among the cattle were 19% and 8% respectively. The study also showed that appreciable percentage (44%) of the farmers make use of veterinary services in the treatment of their animals and observed quarantine period (45%) when bringing in new animals into their herds. The farmers ranked limited capital (33%). Shortage of grazing land (16%) and inadequate knowledge of farmers (14.94%) as the three most pressing problems associated with cattle production. They also proffered provision of soft loan by the government (34.33%), training of farmers (25.37%) and availability of grazing land (16.42%) as the most urgent solutions to the problems highlighted.

Update on Peste des petits ruminants status in South East Nigeria: serological and farmers' awareness investigation, and potential risk factors.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, trans-boundary viral disease of sheep and goats that have hindered successful small ruminant farming. Its current status in South East Nigeria with respect to its prevalence and farmers' awareness was studied. Three states, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu, were randomly selected for the study. Sera samples from 113 goats and 172 sheep (collected from December 2017 to June 2018) were randomly collected and analysed for the presence of PPRV antibodies, while structured interview schedules were conducted to elicit information on farmers' awareness of the disease and PPR vaccination and use of veterinary services. An overall seroprevalence of 42.5% (121/285) was recorded. The seroprevalence in decreasing order was 62.2% (Enugu), 34.8% (Anambra) and 20.3% (Ebonyi). There was a significant association (X2 = 36.08, df = 2, p = 0.0001) between seroprevalence and the state sampled. Lack of awareness of PPR vaccination among small ruminant farmers, their limited use of veterinary services (38% consult veterinarians) and non-availability of the vaccine at veterinary establishments in the sampled states are potential risk factors of PPR prevalence in South East Nigeria. Consequently, an effective control measure like mass vaccination is recommended for the study area. Also, there is a need for an extension program for stakeholders and farmers in the study area and country on the grave importance and economic benefits of PPR vaccination and the use of veterinary services.

Farmers' Perceptions and Drivers of Antimicrobial Use and Abuse in Commercial Pig Production, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans has been linked to non-judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals. To develop antimicrobial stewardship plans (AMSPs) for pig farmers, there is the need to understand the current status of AMU and the driving factors in the industry. Data on AMU, farmers’ perceptions of associated drivers, and biosecurity were collected through a mixed-method study design with focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaire-based interviews. Antimicrobials (AMs) were mainly used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Common AMs used were tetracycline (78.8%), gentamycin (53.8%), and tylosin (52.5%). Perceived drivers of AMU were linked to economic benefits, farmers’ previous experiences, sick animals, expensive veterinary services, easy accessibility to over-the-counter drugs, poor farm practices, and poor disease prevention strategies. AMU was poor (average 40.2%), while knowledge on AMs and implications for animal and human health was considered averagely satisfactory (56.4%). The biosecurity level was also satisfactory (53.0%) and significantly associated with having a written farm health plan (p = 0.035). Good AMU was found to be strongly associated with farmers’ use of veterinary services (p = 0.001). Diverse factors drive antimicrobial use among pig farmers in Ogun State, and these could be addressed by providing continuing education on antimicrobial stewardship and best farm practices.

Familiarity and Use of Veterinary Services by US Resident Dog and Cat Owners

Simple SummaryDemographic information including pet ownership, veterinary use, and beliefs regarding veterinary care were collected from 997 U.S. residents. Approximately half of respondents had a dog, or had a dog in the past five years, while 37% of respondents had a cat. Veterinary visits differed between cat and dog owners, with over 90% of dog owners visiting a veterinarian at any time and 40% of cat owners visiting a veterinarian at any time. Using logit models, the likelihood of visiting a veterinarian increased with the age and income of the pet owner. Being a cat owner decreased the likelihood of visiting the veterinarian. Pet ownership, veterinary use, and beliefs regarding veterinary care were elicited through the use of a nationally representative survey of 997 U.S. residents. Fifty-one percent of respondents have or had a dog in the past five years and 37% have or had a cat in the past five years. Over ninety percent of cat and dog owners had visited a veterinarian at any time, but only about 40% visited a veterinarian annually. With the rise of options in veterinary medicine, including low-cost options for vaccines and spay/neuter, further study and analysis of pet-owners use of veterinary care is warranted. Fifty-four percent of dog owners and 40% of cat owners who went to a low-cost spay/neuter clinic also went to a veterinarian/clinic/practice. This finding suggests that pet-owners who use low-cost options do so in a manner that supplements rather than replaces traditional veterinary care. Logit models were employed to evaluate the relationship between dog and cat owner demographics and visiting a veterinarian. The probability of visiting a veterinarian increased with age and income for dog owners.

Access and Use of Veterinary Services by Livestock Farmers in Western Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This study examined the access and use of veterinary services by small scale livestock farmers in the western agricultural zone of Nasarawa state. Two Local government areas (Karu and Keffi LGAs) were purposively selected from the zone for the study based on their popularity in small scale livestock production. Ten villages were randomly selected from each of the two selected LGAs to give a total of 20 villages. Six (6) livestock farmers were randomly selected from each of the 20 selected villages giving a total of 120 respondents. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model using SPSS software. The results show that the majority (75.2%) of the respondents were male. Their mean age was 35years which implies that the livestock farmers were mostly young people. Their average year of farming experience was 10 years. Half (50%) of them had tertiary education, indicating the enhanced capacity to access and use veterinary services. The major veterinary services adopted by the respondents were treatment of sick animals (93.3%), vaccination (87.2%), castration (65.0%) and Sanitary/Fumigation practices (41%) among others. The regression analysis showed that four variables had a significant effect (1%) on the level of use of veterinary services by the respondents. These were gender (p ≤ 0.417), level of education (p ≤ 0.603), number of extension visits (p ≤ 0.607) and membership of social organisations (p ≤ 0.670). Lack of money to acquire vaccines and drugs (X = 2.3), high cost of veterinary services (X =2.3) and far distance to veterinary centres (X =2.0) were the major constraints to use of veterinary services. It was recommended that extension agents should encourage the farmers to join cooperative groups to enhance easy access to credit to procure veterinary inputs.

Brucellosis knowledge and preventive practices among herders in Western Mongolia.

Lack of knowledge regarding brucellosis may lead to highly risky practices. Among herders in Mongolia, little research was conducted assessing the extent of knowledge related to brucellosis, the type of preventive behaviours that were practiced, and the relationship between knowledge and behaviour regarding brucellosis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two provinces of Mongolia where herders were randomly selected to participate in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. In total, 485 herders participated in the study. The results indicated that brucellosis preventive practices were significantly associated with sex, location, use of veterinary services, exposure to TV programs and knowledge of brucellosis. Regional disparities in knowledge and behaviour were observed in this research. Herders were more likely to engage in preventive practices if they had a higher level of knowledge of brucellosis. Findings from this research indicated that the effectiveness of incorporating health education through TV programs, as well as the importance of ensuring access to veterinary services in brucellosis prevention.

Assessment of canine health and preventative care outcomes of a community medicine program

The objective of this study was to assess if use of a community based veterinary medical program (the Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic) was related to indicators of canine health and well-being in a low-income community through the provision of low-cost preventative care. Participants were 177 low-income dog owners; 63 were repeat wellness/preventative care clients of the Tufts at Tech clinic, 46 were new or urgent care clients of the Tufts at Tech clinic, and 68 were a comparison sample of owners who had not used the clinic but did attend an outreach clinic in a community setting. Participants were asked to complete a survey that assessed owner demographic information, indicators of canine health and quality of life, pet attachment, and barriers that limit access to veterinary care. Results indicated that clients of the Tufts at Tech clinic were more likely to be White/Caucasian and female. In addition, there were significant positive differences on several indicators of canine health and preventative care for the Tufts at Tech wellness clients including monthly heartworm use (p < .001), use of veterinary services for both wellness (p < .001) and illness/injury (p = .001), and vaccination status (p = .003). There were no significant differences in spay/neuter status (p = .48), use of flea/tick preventative (p = .17), use of obedience training (p = .75), problem behaviors (p = .05), canine quality of health (p = .74) or attachment (p = .63). The Tufts at Tech clients reported lower rates of several barriers to accessing care, including cost. These findings provide important information regarding who is using low-cost clinics such as the Tufts at Tech model, the potential benefits of repeated preventative care on dog health, and suggestions for reducing barriers to accessing veterinary services.

Healthy ageing and the science of longevity in dogs. Part I: is grey the new gold?

While we are all familiar with the phrase ‘ageing is not a disease’, what do we really mean by ‘healthy ageing’? In this first of a two-part article on the science of longevity we explore what ageing is, starting with some important definitions used in the field of gerontology. There are three broad factors that are thought to influence how long an individual dog lives: the genetic make-up of the individual, the environment, and the occurrence of disease. Longevity depends on an individual experiencing the ideal for these three factors. The complex interactions between a dog's genetic make-up, subsequent environmental stimuli, disease risk and longevity are considered further in the second part of this article to help us better understand how to meet the aim for a healthy, happy, old dog, not just a long lifespan. We conclude that healthy ageing is a life-long concept referring to the preservation of optimal physical, mental and social well-being in older adult dogs and is characterised by a long healthspan during which an individual is generally healthy and free from serious disease. This is most likely to be achieved through promotion of health and wellbeing via the use of veterinary services to prevent or minimise disease.

Major diseases, extensive misuse, and high antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in large- and small-scale dairy cattle farms in Jordan

This study aimed to determine the major diseases, antimicrobial use, and resistance in commensal Escherichia coli in dairy cattle in Jordan. Forty-three (large, n = 21; small, n = 22) farms were surveyed. A validated questionnaire was administered to the herdsmen to elicit information about disease prevalence, antimicrobial knowledge, and antimicrobial use. In addition, fecal samples were collected from 5 lactating animals on each farm. A total of 520 E. coli isolates were tested for resistance to 12 antimicrobials. From the herdsmen's perspective, the diseases that require use of veterinary services in large and small production systems were mastitis (51.2%), metritis (51.2%), and enteritis (39.5%), and the most commonly used antimicrobials were oxytetracycline and streptomycin. Dairy herdsmen (83.7%) reported that it is easy to purchase antimicrobials without a veterinary prescription and 97.7% of them more frequently changed the antimicrobial drug rather than increasing the dose when presented with nonresponse to treatment. Escherichia coli isolates exhibited high resistance to streptomycin (47.5%), tetracycline (45.4%), and ampicillin (34.2%). Less than 10% of isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol, kanamycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone. Overall, 64.6 and 37.1% of the E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to ≥1 antimicrobial and multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes), respectively. The isolates exhibited 107 antimicrobial resistance profiles. This study indicates that antimicrobials are frequently misused in dairies in Jordan and that resistance among commensal E. coli toward antimicrobials of human and veterinary importance is high. Therefore, educational programs for herdsmen and enacting regulations and guidelines are necessary to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials in dairy animals in Jordan.

Characterisation of adopters and non-adopters of dairy technologies in Ethiopia and Kenya.

While there is a general consensus that using dairy technologies, such as improved breeds of dairy cows, can substantially increase farm productivity and income, adoption of such technologies has been generally low in developing countries. The underlying reasons for non-adoption of beneficial technologies in the dairy sector are not fully understood. In this study, we characterised adopters and non-adopters of dairy technologies in Ethiopia and Kenya based on farmers' resources ownership in order to identify why many farmers in Ethiopia and Kenya have not adopted improved dairy technologies. As compared to non-adopters, farmers who adopt dairy technology own relatively more farm resources. The result signals that differences in resource endowments could lead to divergent technology adoption scenarios. Results show that a higher proportion of sample smallholders in Kenya have adopted dairy technologies than those in Ethiopia. Except for the use of veterinary services, fewer than 10% of sample farmers in Ethiopia have adopted dairy technologies-less than half the number of adopters in Kenya. The higher level of dairy technology adoption in Kenya can be ascribed partly to the long history of dairy development, including improvements in the value chain for the delivery of inputs, services and fluid milk marketing. Interventions that deal with the constraints related to access to farm resources and input and output markets could facilitate uptake of dairy technology in developing countries.

Cattle farmers’ perceptions of risk and risk management strategies: evidence from Northern Ethiopia

This study analyzes cattle farmers’ perceptions of risk and risk management strategies in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. We use survey data from a sample of 356 farmers based on multistage random sampling. Factor analysis is employed to classify scores of risk and management strategies, and multiple regression is then used to investigate the relationship between scores and farmers’ characteristics. The results demonstrate that shortage of family labor, high price of fodder, and limited farm income were perceived as the most important risks. Use of veterinary services, parasite control, and loan utilization were perceived as the most important strategies for managing risks. Livestock disease and labor shortage were perceived as less of a risk by farmers who adopted the practice of zero grazing compared to other farmers, pointing to the potential of this practice for risk reduction. We find strong evidence that farmers engage in multiple risk management practices in order to reduce losses from cattle morbidity and mortality. The results suggest that government strategies that aim at reducing farmers’ risk need to be tailored to specific farm and farmer characteristics. Findings from this study have potentially important policy implications for risk management strategies in developing countries.

Use of veterinary services by Latino dog and cat owners with various degrees of English-language proficiency

To characterize patterns of dog and cat ownership and veterinary service use among Latino dog and cat owners with various degrees of English-language proficiency. DESIGN :Cross-sectional telephone survey. Data from 393 Latino pet owners. Telephone surveys were conducted with Latino dog and cat owners from a random sample of US households to determine the number of dogs and cats owned, factors associated with veterinary service use, and satisfaction with veterinary care. 393 of 1,026 (38.3%) respondents were pet owners. Two hundred fifty-nine of 330 (78.5%) dog owners and 70 of 115 (60.9%) cat owners reported taking their pet to the veterinarian in the past 12 months, most commonly for vaccination or examination or because of illness. Respondents were most satisfied with veterinary care provided, least satisfied with cost, and moderately satisfied with quality of communication. English-language proficiency was not significantly associated with whether owners sought veterinary care. A large proportion of respondents who wanted to receive pet health information in Spanish described themselves as speaking English well or very well. Although having limited proficiency in English was not associated with Latino pet owners seeking veterinary care, opportunities exist for veterinary personnel to improve communications with these clients. Personnel can assess their clients' language needs by asking each about the language in which they would prefer to receive their pet's health information.

Institutional dimensions of veterinary services reforms: responses to structural adjustment in Northern Ghana

This study examines the effect of the post-1980s' structural adjustment reforms on the delivery and smallholders' use of veterinary services in two districts in Northern Ghana. Our analytical framework distinguishes between allocative, cognitive, and normative institutions to analyse the effects on four areas of service delivery: (1) prevention; (2) clinical services; (3) provision of drugs, vaccines, and other products; and (4) human health protection. The reforms were accompanied by substantial reductions in the allocation of both financial and human resources to public veterinary services; this in turn induced fragmentation in service supply, preferential service to progressive (or wealthy) farmers, and non-adherence to international protocols for livestock health reporting. A few communities self-organized to access veterinary services. Thus, the reforms triggered changes mostly in formal allocative institutions, but these triggered further changes in informal allocative, cognitive, and normative institutions that structured the impact of the reforms. The paper concludes that institutional change is not a one-off outcome of an intervention. Rather, such interventions trigger new dynamics that policy-makers and analysts need to take into account. This requires regular monitoring of anticipated and unanticipated effects of privatization and decentralization to enable policy adjustment.