Veterinary Services Research Articles

Stress profile of veterinarians in Switzerland: Young + female + employed = stressed?

The impairment of mental health among veterinary professionals has raised public awareness in recent years. The driving forces include a serious gap in veterinary services - with less available veterinary colleagues, especially in rural areas - and a general lack of veterinary graduates. This article presents the results of our first Swiss survey on psychological well-being in the veterinary profession. Our results are viewed both in the current context and in the context of developments that have already taken place in other medical disciplines. Results indicate higher levels of stress in veterinarians working as clinicians, in female colleagues, in veterinarians of younger age and veterinarians under employment. In the meantime, larger surveys such as the Vétos Entraide (https://vetos-entraide.com) were established in France and projects such as the Happy Vet project (https://happyvetproject.org) were launched in Switzerland for eg. the burnout prevention in the profession. However, the topic of «mental health» remains highly relevant in veterinary medicine and requires further research and measures, which should consider the identified predisposing factors, such as age and gender.

Comparison of two formulas for estimating number of staff for a veterinary anesthesia service

Comparison of two formulas for estimating number of staff for a veterinary anesthesia service

A Study on Veterinary Faculty Students' Opinions on Ethics Education and Career Choices: A Case of Ondokuz Mayıs University.

Veterinary ethics is a multifaceted element of the veterinary profession as it deals with various ethical issues related to medical practice, animal welfare, professional behaviour and societal expectations. By focusing on teaching ethics in veterinary medicine education, it will be possible to guide future veterinarians through the ethical dilemmas and conflicts they may encounter in their careers. To evaluate the opinions of the Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine intern students about ethics education in veterinary medicine. Evaluation and comparison of the perspective on ethics education and career choice. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used to collect data via a questionnaire. Data obtained from 87 out of 119 students in the intern programme were evaluated. Responses were analysed by statistical methods. In the study, it was determined that pet veterinary services (private sector) and government veterinary services (public sector) were the leading career choices of intern veterinary students; female and male students wanted to turn to different fields of work; and the difference in career preferences did not change the views on ethics education. It was observed that students needed applied teaching and measurement-evaluation methods in ethics education and sought role models in developing ethical attitudes and behaviours. In addition to gaining ethical knowledge in veterinary education, it was observed that they attach importance to professional and legal obligations. This study is one of the few studies on veterinary ethics education and career choice in Turkey. The study results provide information to guide the development of veterinary ethics education to prepare future veterinarians for the complex ethical issues they will face in their careers.

Genomic Analysis of Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida Isolates Collected During Multiple Clinical Outbreaks Supports Association with a Single Epidemiological Unit.

Outbreaks of furunculosis cause significant losses in salmonid aquaculture worldwide. With a recent rise in antimicrobial resistance, regulatory measures to minimize the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry, including aquaculture, have increased scrutiny and availability of veterinary medical products to control this disease in production facilities. In such a regulatory environment, the utility of autogenous vaccines to assist with disease prevention and control as a veterinary-guided prophylactic measure is of high interest to the producers and veterinary services alike. However, evolving concepts of epidemiological units and epidemiological links need to be considered during approval and acceptance procedures for the application of autogenous vaccines in multiple aquaculture facilities. Here, we present the results of solid-state nanopore sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, ONT) performed on 54 isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida sampled during clinical outbreaks of furunculosis in different aquaculture facilities from Bavaria, Germany, from 2017 to 2020. All of the performed analyses (phylogeny, single nucleotide polymorphism and 3D protein modeling for major immunogenic proteins) support a high probability that all studied isolates belong to the same epidemiological unit. Simultaneously, we describe a cost/effective method of whole genome analysis with the usage of ONT as a viable strategy to study outbreaks of other pathogens in the field of aquatic veterinary medicine for the purpose of developing the best autogenous vaccine candidates applicable to multiple aquaculture establishments.

Collaboration between a veterinary laboratory and a clinical cytogenetics laboratory

Abstract Introduction/Objective One major issue facing pig breeders is the presence of karyotypic abnormalities which reduce fertility. Karyotypic abnormalities may also persist in breeding population increasing the magnitude of lost animal production over time. Assessment of porcine chromosomes is a valuable service to be offered to the livestock industry. Methods/Case Report Chromosome testing of young boars prior to breeding is mandatory in France and much of Western Europe. Such testing is not common in the USA even though chromosome abnormalities are known to exist in swine breeding populations. Due to the lack of this service in the US, we established a collaboration between a clinical cytogenetics laboratory and a veterinary laboratory to validate and offer karyotype testing for breeder boards. To established this service Kuster Research and Consulting, Inc (KRC), a veterinary consulting service in Atkinson Illinois, reached out to the Shivanand R. Patil Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory at University of Iowa Healthcare for assistance in setting up chromosome testing for breeder boars based on the laboratory’s experience in culturing mammalian cells for chromosome analysis. Technologists from KRC traveled to the clinical cytogenetics lab for training. After a dedicated period of work and collaboration, a reproducible culture and harvest protocol was developed to obtain G-band metaphase spreads. Additional assistance for analysis was provided by Dr. Alain Pinton at the National Veterinary College (ENVT) in Toulouse, France. Dr. Pinton’s cytogenetic laboratory provided training in porcine chromosome analysis as well as providing protocols used in that laboratory. Kuster Research and Consulting also worked with SmartType to adapt proprietary karyotype software to assist in analysis of porcine chromosomes. The collaboration established the first of its kind cytogenetic testing in a private USA veterinary laboratory, Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Active collaboration between clinical and veterinary service laboratories resulted in the successful development of testing protocols. In addition, the clinical lab gained experience in analysis of porcine chromosomes which has created opportunities for research using a porcine model. Conclusion Opportunities to share expertise should be sought and and encouraged to provide needed laboratory services in a non traditional setting.

Awareness and perceptions of poultry keepers about the prevalence of Fowl typhoid in chickens kept in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Chicken production in Tanzania provides opportunity to local communities in terms of employment, increased income, food security, and manure for cropping. However, diseases like fowl typhoid remain a challenge to livestock keepers. This study was aimed at understanding the attitude and awareness of Poultry keepers about the prevalence of fowl typhoid in chickens kept in Dodoma. A cross-sectional survey using semi-structured interviews was employed to understand farmers' perception of the prevalence of fowl typhoid and associated risk factors amongst poultry farmers in three wards in Dodoma, namely, Nkuhungu, Msalato, and Mnadani. The overall prevalence of fowl typhoid among farmers was 22.30%, with significant differences being noticed in the first quarter (January-March) and the third quarter (July-September) (P < 0.05). Factors such as age and sex, flock size, and management practices influence the prevalence of fowl typhoid significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the farmers had challenges accessing the veterinary services due to their unawareness, the availability of the service, and their distance from the service. The control strategies for fowl typhoid should consider the influencing factors while improving the accessibility and availability of veterinary services to farmers.

Opportunities and challenges of a community-based bull breeding programme: a case of the regional pastoral livelihood resilience project in Uganda

The Regional Pastoral Livelihood Resilience Project Community-Based Breeding Programme (CBBP) was designed with the objective of increasing production and productivity of local Zebu cattle by introducing Sahiwal bulls among sedentary and agro-pastoral livestock farmers. This study mapped out actors, their roles and level of influence in the CBBP as well as the opportunities and challenges encountered during its implementation using the Process Net-Map tool. The results revealed that there were differences in number and type of influential actors between sedentary and agro-pastoral livestock farmers. The bull host and subcounty veterinary officer were the most influential actors among the sedentary livestock farmers whereas it was the herdsman, bull host, and Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) among the agro-pastoral farmers. The CBBP was associated with benefits such as increased market value for cattle, reduced chances for cattle rustling, increased cattle productivity in terms of milk and beef production volumes and ease of access to veterinary services. In contrast, the challenges encountered were related to both governance (limited availability of veterinarians, cattle rustling, exclusion of farmers in the planning phase of the CBBP, political interference and failure of collective action) and bull management (high costs of keeping and maintaining the bulls in terms of feeding, housing, watering and veterinary care, heavy bulls injuring or breaking the small cows, sexually transmitted reproductive diseases among others). Lastly, this paper recommends adoption of a combination of well-organized and facilitated Artificial Insemination (AI) programmes alongside the improved bull service scheme as each has capacity to address the challenges of another.

Epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants in selected districts of Borena zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundPeste des petits ruminant (PPR) is a contagious disease caused by the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The disease poses a significant economic threat to small ruminant production in Ethiopia, particularly to the striving pastoral production system. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of PPR in the small ruminants of the Borena Zone. A total of 384 serum samples were collected randomly from sheep and goats and examined for the presence of PPRV antibodies using competition enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (c-ELISA). Additionally, a retrospective analysis of five years of outbreak data was performed to provide insight into the spatial and temporal distribution of the disease.ResultsThe seroprevalence of PPRV antibodies in nonvaccinated, vaccinated, and unknown vaccination status of small ruminants in this study was found to be 32.1%, 68.8%, and 45.5%, respectively. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed a statistically significant association between PPRV seropositivity and several factors, including age, animal origin, flock size, and veterinary services status. A retrospective analysis revealed 53 PPR outbreaks in the Borena Zone from 2018 to 2022, exacerbated by low vaccination coverage relative to the at-risk animal population.ConclusionThe study revealed significant gaps in current vaccination efforts, with herd immunity levels falling below the FAO-WOAH recommended threshold of 80%. Despite Ethiopia’s ambitious goal to eradicate PPR by 2027, the frequent outbreaks and insufficient herd immunity highlight the inadequacy of the existing strategies. To effectively move toward eradication, Ethiopia must align its approach with the global PPR eradication framework, which emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that includes diagnostics, surveillance, prevention, and the establishment of a robust veterinary regulatory system, rather than relying solely on vaccination. Overcoming logistical challenges, improving vaccination coverage, and optimizing the timing of vaccination campaigns, especially in hard-to-reach areas, will be crucial for reducing outbreaks and making progress toward eradication.

Clinical presentation, management and outcome of maxillofacial fractures in pet rabbits: 27 cases (2008-2022).

To report clinical findings, management strategies and outcomes in pet rabbits with maxillofacial fractures. Medical records of pet rabbits with confirmed maxillofacial fractures from three exotic animal veterinary services between 2008 and 2022 were reviewed. Forty-five fractured maxillofacial bones were reported in 27 rabbits, including mandibular symphyseal separation in 13 rabbits. Median age was 18 months (interquartile range, 7 to 38 months), and median bodyweight was 1.70 kg (interquartile range, 1.36 to 2.33 kg). The most common aetiology was anthropogenic accidents (16/27). Hyporexia/anorexia was the most frequent presenting complaint (17/27). Common clinical findings included dental malocclusion (12/27), craniofacial pain (9/27), crepitus (9/27) and swelling (7/27). Three (3/27) rabbits were euthanised after diagnosis. Mandibular symphyseal separation in 11 of 12 treated rabbits were addressed using circummandibular cerclage wiring. All remaining fractures were conservatively managed. Twenty-three of 27 rabbits survived to hospital discharge. Median time of return to normal or near-normal eating was 1 day (interquartile range, <1 to 3 days). Median survival time was 859 days (interquartile range, 567 to 1092 days). Dental malocclusion was a reported complication in 12 of 16 rabbits with follow-up data. However, only five of 12 rabbits developed associated clinical signs requiring corrective dentistry. Maxillofacial fracture in rabbits may present with similar clinical signs and findings to other conditions such as odontogenic disease. Successful outcomes with infrequent long-term clinical complications are associated with management strategies that emphasise early functional recovery.

Molecular characterization of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in sheep and goats and risk factors associated with it in selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an economically significant transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats caused by the PPRV virus, affecting annual losses of 1.45-2.10 billion US dollars globally. We designed the current study to evaluate the positive cases, molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and risk factors correlated with the disease in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with the aim of contributing to these strategies. A total of 384 samples from three selected districts, i.e., Peshawar, Charsadda and Chitral (n = 128 each), were collected, and the virus was investigated by using the sandwich ELISA, while the N gene of the virus was used as a target for molecular detection via RT-PCR. The confirmed samples were then sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. According to our findings, the highest positive cases was found in district Peshawar (50.87%), followed by Charsadda and Chitral (24.56%), respectively, while risk factor analysis showed that certain categories, such as species, sex, and age less than two years, have higher risk (P < 0.05) in contrast to their respective categories. Furthermore, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of representative samples showed that the PPRV strains in the current study clustered in lineage IV, which is circulating in the small ruminant population of Asia, the Middle East, and African countries. Comparative residue analysis highlighted the mutation by representing 242 variable sites out of 371 locations. PPRV has foremost importance in Pakistan because the virus was detected in a considerable number of samples, and most of which were sourced from subsidiary areas where veterinary services are not prioritized.

Assessment of horse breeding and husbandry practices in southwest Ethiopia: Its implication to design breeding program

Ethiopian horses are multipurpose horses that have socioeconomic significance for smallholder farmers. However, studies regarding their husbandry practices have received little attention. Thus, the current study was conducted to assess the horse husbandry practices in the southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires from a total of 196 randomly selected respondents. The general linear model and frequency procedures of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS 9.0) were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, while indices were calculated using Microsoft Excel 2016. Most of the respondents from the Telo district were illiterate, while the percentage of literate farmers was greater in the Gesha and Masha districts. The within-household flock structure and level of importance were dominated by cattle and sheep, followed by horses. The horses were used for transport, draft power, and breeding purposes. In terms of shelters, the horses in the Telo district stayed in shelters, while the horses in the Masha district stayed in forests during both the dry and wet seasons. However, the majority of the horses in the Gesha district were sheltered during the wet season, while they were left to stay in the forest during the dry season. The respondents provided supplementary feed and water to their horses while the water point was located within a kilometer distance. Government and private veterinary shops were the primary sources of veterinary services. Farmers sold their horses at the local market. Castration was performed to minimize aggressiveness. Body size, conformation, and temperament were used as sire selection criteria. An increasing trend in horse population size due to increased farmer interest was observed. In the studied areas, horses were found to be highly important to the livelihood of the farmers. However, horse husbandry practices were led by a considerably greater number of illiterate farmers. Moreover, horse management activities, including the housing of horses, need more attention. Therefore, successive awareness-raising campaigns, including the introduction of formal schooling, are recommended to improve the horse breeding and husbandry practices. Moreover, breeding programs with the aim of genetic improvement and conservation need to be designed to optimize the sustainable utilization of the horses.

Factors Associated with Morbidity and Mortality of Goat in Extensive and Semi-Intensive Farming Systems in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka

The present study was conducted to identify the associated factors with morbidity and mortality of goats in extensive and semi-intensive farming systems. A sample of 266 goat farmers of three districts i.e., Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee in the eastern province were randomly selected with the assistance of veterinary offices. A pre-tested questionnaire with face-to-face interviews, farm visits and observations were used to collect the data. The study found that goat farming is a male-dominant (&gt;90%) activity regardless of the farming systems. Young and middle-aged farmers with better educations adopted semi-intensive farming systems while the older and poorly educated farmers adopted extensive farming systems while being self-employed. The factors i.e., ectoparasites, lack of feed, lack of water, age of the goats, rainy season, and the lack of veterinary services significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with morbidity and mortality of goats in both extensive and semi-intensive farming systems. The factors i.e., disease, poor housing, dry season and predator attack were not associated with morbidity and mortality of goats in semi-intensive farming systems whereas the association was significant (p&lt; 0.05) in the extensive farming system. Hence, it is concluded that the semi-intensive farming system is effective in protecting goats from morbidity and mortality caused by disease, dry season, predator attack and poor housing compared to the extensive farming system. The factors associated with morbidity and mortality in extensive farming are inherent to the system except for the lack of veterinary services. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3):369-376, 2024

Stakeholder analysis and their roles in livestock disease reporting and response in Northern Kenya

IntroductionLivestock are central to pastoral livelihoods. A major constraint in pastoral production is livestock diseases, which is often exacerbated by inadequate surveillance systems. Reporting of disease outbreaks from pastoral communities to animal health workers is one of the challenges that affects effective and timely response to disease outbreaks. This study aimed to understand animal disease reporting and response in pastoral areas of Northern Kenya. Stakeholders, their roles, information flow among them and methods used for both livestock disease reporting and response and their strengths and challenges were identified.MethodsThe study was carried out in Marsabit County, a pastoral county in Kenya. Pretested tools were used to guide data collection through Focus Group Discussions, Narrative and Key Informant Interviews with pastoralists, County government Animal Health Workers, agrovets and private animal health workers, Community Disease Reporters, Chiefs, County Public Health Officers and local Non-Governmental Organization staff. Net mapping was further used where participants drew links among the various stakeholders and assigned them perceived influence and power. Output from thematic analysis, notes taken during data collection and net maps were used to produce a network of stakeholders and their links using Gephi software. Centrality measures were generated and recorded. Perceived power and influence scores were used to produce a graph and the reasons for the scores documented. Methods used for livestock disease reporting and response were obtained from thematic analysis.ResultsA network of 19 stakeholders with 67 links among them was identified. Major stakeholders were the Animal Owners/Pastoralists, Government Animal Health Workers, County Director of Veterinary Services, the Chief and radio based on network indices of Total degree and Betweenness Centrality, and also based on perceived scores of influence and power. Pastoralists had pivotal roles in both livestock disease reporting and response, Government Animal Health Workers (GAHWs) were mainly involved in disease surveillance and mass interventions including treatment and vaccinations. Non-state actors like NGOs and iNGOs collaborated and supported the County Government with resources to manage outbreaks. Various methods were used for reporting diseases, with use of mobile phones highly mentioned while for response to disease occurrences, the methods included trainings and treatment by both Government and Private AHWs and use of alternative veterinary practices by pastoralists. Various challenges constraining livestock disease response were highlighted, the most frequent challenges centered around low numbers and under resourcing of Animal Health Workers.ConclusionThese findings show that designing an efficient livestock disease surveillance system in pastoral areas requires recognition and utilization of all stakeholders and understanding of their roles. Gaps highlighted in disease response should be prioritized by the government and its development partners for improved animal health service delivery in pastoral areas. These inadequacies in livestock disease response have a direct effect on veterinary practice as mandated by the Government of Kenya Veterinary Surgeons and Para-professionals Act. The results are important for guiding policy formulation to support mitigation of disease impacts in similar areas with limited access to quality veterinary services.

Economic Analysis of Dairy Farming under Drought Prone Area in Maharashtra State of India

Background: Dairy farming is a cornerstone of the rural economy in India. Maharashtra, particularly its drought-prone districts, is critical in this sector. Despite challenges posed by erratic monsoons and limited irrigation, dairy farming remains a viable strategy for economic stability in these regions. The aim of this study was to examine the financial aspects of dairy enterprises, focusing on socio-economic characteristics, economic viability and constraints faced by farmers. Methods: The study employed a multistage stratified random sampling method. Key analytical tools included average and percentage calculations, BEP analysis and a Cobb-Douglas production function. Additionally, Garrett’s ranking technique was used to ascertain constraints in dairy farming, while the MOTAD model assessed profitability and risk. Result: The findings reveal that crossbred cow milk production is more lucrative than buffalo milk production, despite its higher average total expenditure per lactation. Break-even analysis confirmed profitability for both types of milk producers. Key determinants of milk production, such as green fodder, concentrate and labour, suggest areas for efficiency enhancements. Farmer-identified constraints include high feed costs, insufficient veterinary services and water scarcity. Utilizing the MOTAD model, the study recommends integrating dairy farming with crop cultivation to maximize returns, mitigate risks and enhance overall farm resilience in challenging environmental conditions.

Relationship between Livestock Vaccination Programs and Mortality Rates in India

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between livestock vaccination programs and mortality rates in India. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Vaccination programs for livestock in India significantly reduce mortality rates, particularly in cattle, sheep, and goats. Comprehensive vaccination decreases the incidence of infectious diseases, enhances herd immunity, and improves overall productivity. Regions with strong vaccination coverage see better livestock health and increased farmer livelihoods. Economic analyses show that the benefits of reduced mortality and increased productivity often outweigh the costs, highlighting the need for ongoing investment in veterinary health services and education to promote widespread vaccination. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Health belief model (HBM), theory of planned behavior (TPB) &amp; diffusion of innovations theory may be used to anchor future studies on the relationship between livestock vaccination programs and mortality rates in India. Practically, there is a need to strengthen the infrastructure for vaccine distribution, especially in remote and underserved areas. Policymakers should develop and enforce policies that support the expansion and optimization of livestock vaccination programs.

Impact of Urbanization on Canine Health in Germany

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the impact of urbanization on canine health in Germany. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Urbanization in Germany has significantly impacted canine health, with findings indicating both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, urban areas provide access to veterinary services, pet-friendly facilities, and socialization opportunities, which can enhance dogs' overall well-being. However, the challenges of urban living, such as increased pollution, noise, and reduced green spaces, contribute to health issues like respiratory problems, anxiety, and obesity in dogs. Additionally, urbanization often leads to a higher incidence of canine diseases due to close contact with other animals and people. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental stress theory, one health approach &amp; urban ecology theory may be used to anchor future studies on the impact of urbanization on canine health in Germany. Integrate canine health considerations into urban planning and design. Advocate for stricter environmental regulations to control air and noise pollution in urban areas. Policy measures could include implementing and enforcing air quality standards, promoting the use of low-emission vehicles, and regulating industrial activities that contribute to pollution.

Overview of animal infectious disease situation in the Republic of Dagestan in 2023

An epizootiological survey of livestock farms of Dagestan was conducted, the main infectious diseases common in the region were considered, and measures taken to protect against them were described. At present, the Veterinary Service is undertaking systematic efforts to prevent the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases such as brucellosis, leukosis, rabies, pasteurellosis, blackleg, bradsot and enterotoxemia in the Republic. Among the above-mentioned diseases reported in 2023, brucellosis and leukosis are responsible for the vast majority of outbreaks and diseased animals detected in them. In particular, the following diseases have the largest share in the nosological profile of quarantinable infectious diseases based on the number of detected infected localities during the period under study: brucellosis (52.63%), bovine leukosis (30.70%), rabies (8.77%), enterotoxemia (3.51%), pasteurellosis (1.75%), bradsot (1.75%) and blackleg (0.88%). In total, 1,812 animals were affected with quarantinable infections and 35 animals died in 114 infected localities. Most often over the past year, quarantinable infections were reported in cattle (69.59% of cases) and small ruminants (29.36%); in 1.05% of cases, the diseases affected horses, cats, wild animals and birds. In order to maintain animal disease freedom and sustainable growth of livestock production, the Veterinary Committee of the Republic of Dagestan annually implements measures to prevent the occurrence and spread of 75 diseases of animals and birds, including 10 highly dangerous ones. Anti-epizootic measures taken in the past year included a total of 93.8 million vaccinations and 6.2 million tests performed in the diagnostic institutions. Plans for the prevention of highly dangerous and other contagious diseases of animals and birds were fully implemented.

Situational analysis on porcine diseases: general risk assessment and prioritization of epizootic threats to biosecurity systems of pig establishments in the Russian Federation

The results of the situational analysis on porcine diseases in the Russian Federation and the expert assessment prioritizing the list of porcine pathogens significant for the pig industry of the country are presented. The method applied to analyse the expert estimates in the situational analysis allows for rapid assessment and interpretation of the situation with identification of priority diseases to be further addressed. The calculations demonstrated the sufficient degree of agreement among the experts (coefficient of concordance W = 0.61), and Pearson’s chi-squared test statistic χ2 = 51.33 (≥ 21.02607) indicated that the concordance is not random and the results can be used in subsequent studies. The specific features of epizootiology of the agents of African swine fever, classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome that can impact the effectiveness of biosecurity systems of pig establishments, as well as further ways for improving biosecurity management measures are discussed. The overall risk for the pig industry in the Russian Federation that is associated with external sources is currently characterized as permanently high, requiring maintaining risk management measures at the pig establishments by both the managerial staff of the establishments and the State Veterinary Service. It is recommended that biosecurity measures against external threats should focus on diseases such as African swine fever (weight λ = 0.52), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (λ = 0.071), classical swine fever (λ = 0.068) and infections considered emerging for the Russian Federation (λ = 0.05) according to the weights based on the expert estimation results. The biosecurity systems of the establishments should equally address other threats significant for the pig industry of the country: swine enzootic pneumonia, porcine pleuropneumonia (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae), Aujeszky’s disease, streptococcosis (Streptococcus suis), porcine circovirus infection, foot-and-mouth disease, leptospirosis, transmissible gastroenteritis, cysticercosis (λ = 0.02…0.05). The improvement of the governmental policy for eradication of African swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, classical swine fever (including the substantial modification of the existing official pig turnover control, zoning, diagnosis and prevention quality, as well as the implementation of biosecurity standards) is the most significant factor, without which the disease eradication perspective is questionable.

PSIV-16 The role of veterinary services on nutrition schemes, management, and health practices for sheep and goats in rural Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, North West Province of South Africa

Abstract Poverty is a feature of rural households, and as a result rural people usually adopt low-input agriculture to alleviate poverty. Many households in Ngaka Modiri Molema District keep animals, particularly sheep and goats, for a variety of reasons, including as source of income, milk, and meat. However, they lack the management skills that are necessary for their livestock to increase their productivity. Inadequate animal management, including poor feeding and housing standards and poor application of proper animal health procedures are compounded by a lack of agricultural experience and low-input farming methods. In addition, poor animal nutrition, sickness and a high prevalence of parasites, and low animal production output further contribute to low overall productivity. Therefore, support offered by the veterinary services, and the impact these interventions have on sheep and goat farming among rural farmers need to be investigated. The present study will seek to describe the feeding schemes and management practices adopted by sheep and goat owners, as well as the role of veterinary and extension services in the development of such practices. Health care provided to sheep and goat farmers by the veterinary services will also be determined. A survey will be conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, a rural area in North West Province of South Africa. The study population will consist of all farmers, both female and male, rearing sheep and goats. Animal and farm information level data and general farm management practices will be collected via a questionnaire survey. Using the Statistical Kit for STATA (version 16), data will be examined by computing frequency, percentages, and proportions based on the characteristics of the sample population. This survey will help to provide opportunities for resource-poor farmers in rural areas to develop their flocks.

PSLBI-30 SARS-CoV-2 Screening and Detection: Assessment of surrogate virus neutralization test (svNT) diagnostic appropriateness in multispecies SARS-CoV-2 virus screening and detection

Abstract The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) have been testing animal samples since the 2020 SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. The current “gold standard” for serodetection of SARS-CoV-2 is the virus neutralization (VN) test. This method requires specialized training, more time to complete, and specialized facilities (BSL 3). Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 VN test is not widely run outside of NVSL. To facilitate increased testing capacity during the outbreak, the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) was selected mid-2020. This commercially available kit uses an ELISA format, giving a percent inhibition (%I) cut-off value to indicate “negative” or “positive,” allowing for faster testing turnaround. Despite its widespread use in many species, an in-depth, multispecies analysis of the data comparing sVNT to VN results has not been reported. Such an analysis is useful to assess the diagnostic appropriateness of the sVNT test for SARS-CoV-2 virus screening and detection across multiple species. Results were considered from all serological samples submitted to NVSL from March 2020 to May 2023 for routine SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing. Of these, samples with results for both VN and sVNT testing were considered for further analysis (n = 942). Samples were sorted by the species and family levels, and were assessed for rates of “true positive,” “false positive,” “true negative,” and “false negative” by sVNT, using paired VN results as the indicator of the true status of the sample. Additionally, the increased sVNT cut-off threshold for %I (20%I to 30%I for “positive”) was assessed for appropriateness by species using mean %I values for VN-positive samples. Increasing sVNT %I cut-off threshold for “positive” results from 20%I to 30%I resulted in 58 samples being correctly re-classified as “negative” by sVNT, rather than “positive” at the 20%I cut-off threshold. The mean %I values for most species fell between 40 to 80%I, except for Felidae, which had a mean %I of 93%I, and a minimum %I of 40.6%I for VN-positive samples. The true negative (sVNT/VN-NEG) rates for most species fell between 97to 100%, with 0 to 3% being false negatives (svNT-NEG, VN-POS), with very few exceptions. However, the least false positive (sVNT-POS;VN-NEG) rate was 8.8%, ranging up to 100% false positives for Equidae and one species of Cervidae. While the mean %I for most species indicates the cut-off value is appropriate (for those species where sVNT is an appropriate diagnostic), overall, the results highlight a lack of precision and specificity of the sVNT for many animal species. This indicates a lack of diagnostic appropriateness of the sVNT as a SARS-CoV-2 screening tool for certain species and a need for refinement in cut-off values for other species. The sVNT as a screening tool varies considerably by species for serodetection of SARS-CoV-2, results should be interpreted with caution, and use of other confirmatory tests is recommended.