Veterinary Welfare Research Articles

Аспекти ветеринарного благополуччя при вирощуванні великої рогатої худоби у Славутському районі Хмельницької області

An important role in ensuring the functioning of livestock farms is in favourable epizootic situation in Ukraine and in particular in the administrative region. Taken into account transport and trade relations in the modern world the epizootic situation in neighboring countries and in Ukraine experts in veterinary and humane medicine report concerning significant risks of the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, conducting epizootological monitoring of diseases will allow to detect and prevent the spread of animal diseases, including the cattle. The aim of the work was to describe the concepts of ensuring the veterinary well-being of livestock farms that are engaged in cattle breeding on the territory of Slavutsky district, Khmelnitsky region. The tasks of the research. 1. To analyze the specific prevention of infectious diseases of cattle in the service area of ​​the Slavutsk State Regional Hospital of Veterinary Medicine. To analyse the epizootic situation regarding anthrax, leukaemia, tuberculosis, leptospirosis and rabies of cattle in the farms of the administrative region. To study the clinical effect of the inclusion of the veterinary preparation “Trifuzol 1%” in the treatment for calves with respiratory syndrome. The material for the research was the result of an epizootic study and statistical data of Slavutsky regional state hospital of veterinary medicine. Epizootological, statistical and clinical research methods were used. It was determined by the authors that due to the regular immunization of cattle with a vaccine against anthrax from the strain “Sterne 34 F2” the territory of the administrative region was safe in relation to anthrax. In 2017 and 2018 specialists conducted the largest number of diagnostic studies, which indicated the process of increasing the number of cattle in farms. In 2016 and 2017 rabies of cattle was laboratory confirmed. Hereinafter, thanks to the systematic immunization with the rabies vaccine Rabistar (red) the well-being of the administrative district was achieved. In an allergic study of cattle for tuberculosis such animals were recorded in 2018 and 2019. In both cases within two days after detection the animals were sent for forced slaughter, but the diagnosis was not confirmed by bacteriological studies. Scientists have found that simultaneous intramuscular injection of the veterinary preparations Enroksil 10% (0.25 сm3 / 10 kg of animal body weight) and Trifuzol 1% (1 сm3/ 10 kg of body weight) into different injection points to calves with respiratory syndrome provided clinical recovery two times faster in comparison with the use of only one of the above-mentioned antibiotic.

Optimization of the staff number of veterinary specialists of the State Veterinary Service of the subjects of the Russian Federation

The staff number of veterinary institutions of the State Veterinary Service of the RSFSR was organised in 1963. It changed and improved many times. In the Russian Federation, it has been significantly reduced, the most significant losses in the number of staff veterinary specialists of the State Veterinary Service of the Russian Federation suffered in 2004, and in the subsequent years, it was partially restored. Despite the measures taken, it does not meet modern requirements for ensuring the veterinary welfare of livestock and other industries. The authors attempt to develop an optimal organizational structure and the staff number of the State Veterinary Service of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The available number of veterinarians and paramedics in this Republic is 66.7 % of the science-based requirement. To organise an optimal structure of the State Veterinary Service of the region, it is necessary to employ an additional 475 veterinary doctors and 232 veterinary paramedics.

Nine dimensions of veterinary wellbeing and personal resilience

Veterinarians, like all health professionals, are subject to multiple demands and stressors that at times in their careers can compromise satisfaction, engagement, and wellbeing. These stressors include high debt load, long hours, heavy workloads, client demands, navigating social media, and isolation. Our health as professionals can be conceptualized on a continuum, with optimal wellbeing at 1 end and burnout on the other. Veterinarians and the organizations they work within may move at times toward the wellbeing end of continuum, while others may move more towards burnout. A major component of maintaining personal wellbeing is resilience. Veterinarians that have strategies for overcoming adverse situations are more apt to avoid burnout. Individuals and organizations can play a role in fostering and promoting wellbeing through 9 dimensions: career, creative, emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual.

Impacts of the process and decision-making around companion animal euthanasia on veterinary wellbeing

A qualitative study using group and individual interviews involving 10 veterinary hospitals in Wellington County, Ontario, explored how the practices involved in euthanasia-related care impacts the wellbeing of veterinary professionals....

Bactericidal, protistocidal, nematodicidal properties and chemical composition of ethanol extract of Punica granatum peel

We have studied the chemical composition and antibacterial profile of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum L. (Lythraceae) on strains of microorganisms in vitro. Analysis using GC-MS showed 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (36.6%), D-sucrose (23.2%), sorbitol (6.7%), palmitic acid β-monoglyceride (5.6%), 2-furancarboxaldehyde (3.5%) and β-D-glucopyranose (3.3%) as the major components of the title extract. The experiment revealed a positive antibacterial effect of extracts obtained from P. granatum on 14 strains specifically Enterobacteriaceae microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aegorenеs, Proteus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia), Listeriaceae (Listeria ivanovi, L. іnnocua, L. monocytogenes) and yeasts from the family Saccharomycetaceae (Candida albicans). Our study showed that in many cases these extracts more intensively affect multi-resistant strains of microorganisms than macrolide antibiotic azithromycin and is therefore a source of molecules to be exploited in medicine or by the pharmaceutical industry. The investigated extracts of P. granatum can be recommended for further in-depth research against poly-resistant strains of the above-mentioned microorganisms. Effective drugs perform a leading role in providing stable veterinary well-being of livestock and healthcare of the population. The present study showed that the studied plant species more intensively affects multi-resistant strains of microorganisms than sodium salt of azithromycin. Lethal concentration (LC50) of ethanol extract from pomegranate for Paramecium caudatum Ehr. equaled 0.3%. Death of 100% of nematode larvae of Strongyloides papillosus (Ihle) was recorded during 24 h exposition in 20% extract of P. granatum peel.

Disinfectants, modern characteristics and safety of use in animal husbandry

In Ukraine there is a complicated epizootic situation caused by the spread of serious viral diseases, in particular in the pig breeding of African swine fever (ACS) and epidemic swine diarrhea (EDS). In such conditions, the market for disinfectants is actively developing, but often drugs do not prevent the spread of viral diseases. This is due to the discrepancy in methods and doses of application, the weak effect on certain viruses and bacteria, and also the wrong organization of disinfection. The veterinary well-being of livestock farms, complexes and poultry farms largely depends on the regular and thorough carrying out of veterinary and sanitary measures. Disinfection is an important part of the measures aimed at preventing and controlling infectious animal diseases. In most cases, existing disinfectants and recommendations for their use were designed for large commodity and industrial complexes that do not fully meet the requirements of small farms. Most commonly used disposables are toxic to humans and animals (sodium or potassium hydroxide solution, bleach, phenol and others), so they should be carefully used to prevent poisoning. In veterinary practice there are practically no ecologically clean and safe disinfection means that can be used for sanitation of various objects of veterinary supervision, including in the presence of animals and poultry. The practice of using disinfectants in agriculture for persistent chemicals such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde and several others have proved to be unserviceable in many ways. Before all it is biological harmfulness, impossibility to carry out disinfection in the presence of animals and poultry, adaptation of pathogenic microflora, high cost, high complexity of treatment of objects, clogging of the external environment, etc. Most modern low-toxic disinfectants are used in the form of solutions by irrigation or aerosols, but it is not possible to rehabilitate their premises in the presence of animals. The use of these agents is also relatively labor-intensive, greatly increases the humidity in the room, and there is a likelihood of accumulation of their residual amounts in meat. Therefore, as an option - it is worth considering the current disinfection of premises with dry biocidal preparations, for example: Stalosan F (Vitfoss, Denmark), Dezosan Vigor (JHJ, Poland), Advais draj (NutriConcept, France), Lyubisan-eko, Lyubisan pyglet (LLC Ekodisan-Ukraine), Clinosan "ZVK" (Ukraine), Mecadzade (NPC "Globus", Ukraine) and others. These disinfectants, in their properties, are environmentally friendly, represent an amorphous powder of pleasant smell, which can absorb moisture. They are effective in the destruction and control of many bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and fly larvae. In addition, they improve the quality of the litter, reduce the ammonia content and moisture in livestock buildings. The main properties of the above-mentioned disinfectants include: use without restrictions in any livestock and poultry facilities (at doses of 30-50 g / m2, depending on the means), once a day during the first three days, then once a week at the indicated dose). In case of an increased risk of infection, use should be increased up to 2-3 times a week; urea bindings - prophylaxis of ammonia formation; prevention of manifestations of diseases associated with excessive moisture (dermatitis, coccidiosis, etc.); destruction and delay of the development of pathogenic and saprophytic molds, many bacteria (staphylococci, streptococcus, salmonella, pasteurens, emerios, coronaviruses), etc. When the disinfectant enters into or on the skin and mucous membranes, it does not exert an irritating effect on the organism of animals and birds. Has aseptic properties (healing of scratches and wounds of the skin). In the gastrointestinal tract, they destroy the pathogenic microflora; improves digestion and general physiological state. Activates indicators of humoral and cellular immunity. Improves animal survival and productivity. However, there are certain difficulties for dry disinfectants. First, imported disinfestations are relatively expensive (Stalosan F - up to 40 UAH, Dezosan Vigor - 30-35 UAH, Advice dry - 18-20, Mijsedas and Klinosan - 15-20 UAH / kg, depending on the seller price and the region. Secondly, the lack of domestic technical means for their sawing. Third, the use of the staff to certain means, and the transition to cheaper causes unpleasant organoleptic feelings during application. Thus, to date, both imported and domestic disinfectants have been developed and widely used, which are sufficiently effective. However, the range of preparations presented on the market of veterinary disinfectants does not fully meet the requirements that are being put forward to them. The means that would meet all the requirements for the quality and safety of disinfection is not enough today. Therefore, the development of new domestic disinfectants, especially dry forms, on time. Key words: veterinary well-being, veterinary-sanitary measures, sources of infection, pathogens transfer factors, susceptibility of the organism, complex of measures, disinfection tasks, disinfectant, animals, safe and high-quality products.

Efficiency of complex disinfecting measures in the conditions of poultry farm-ing

The key to successful work of a modern poultry industry and the safety of its products for consumers is high-quality disinfection. Modern disinfectants used in poultry farms are different in composition, concentration of active substances, means of application and other properties. Most of them are represented by imported products. Their replacement in the domestic market with effective, safe and economical drugs is extremely relevant. It should be highly effective means, possessing a wide spectrum of virilicidal, bactericidal, sporocidal and fungicidal action. The goal of the work. The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the complex disinfection in the production conditions of the Bi-Dez and DezSan products. Materials and methods of research. Production testing of the disinfection of poultry facilities and equipment using the Bi-dez and DezSan schemes was carried out at one of the poultry farms of the Sumy region. At the first stage, the water supply system was treated by filling the piping line with a 0.1% solution of Bi-dez with an exposure of 1 hour. At the second stage, moisture was disinfected with 0.8% solution DezSan from the rate of 0.2–0.3 liters of solution per 1 m2, exposure time – 2–3 hours. Then, in the room, the fine dispersed aerosol of this biocide was sprayed into a 10% solution (1 liter of preparation per 9 liters of water) – aerosol disinfection by fogging at a rate of 5 ml of solution per 1 m3 of space, exposure time – at least 3 hours. Results of research and discussion. Evaluating the effectiveness of disinfection of the water supply system with the Bi-dez compound, found that the total microbial contamination of the water before treatment was 235 CFU/ml. In addition to other bacteria, it was isolated from the intestinal bacillus. After the rehabilitation, the microbial water pollution decreased to 4 CFU/ml. Sanitary-indicative microorganisms (E. coli, salmonella and staphylococci) were not detected in the system faults. The total amount of microorganisms in the air after disinfection with the drug DezSan decreased by 2.6 times (12 thousand mc/m3) compared with the baseline bacterial background (29 thousand mc/m3), and the intestinal rod after treatment from the selected in the poultry house air samples were not allocated. Conclusions and prospects for further research. Reducing the microbial background and the death of opportunistic microorganisms in the premises and the system of drinking poultry farms contribute to the veterinary well-being of poultry farms. In the future, it is planned to conduct a study of the drug DezSan, identified it irritating, skin-resorptive, cumulative and other properties.

Bactericidal, protistocidal and nematodicidal properties of mixtures of alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde

We conducted a comparative analysis of the impact of disinfecting preparations on the cryogenic stains of microorganisms, and also on Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi 1803), invasive larvae of the ruminants. To test the preparations for disinfection, we used laboratory analyses with methods of biotesting, particularly with the use of Paramecium caudatum Her., Tetrahymena pyriformis Ehrenberg. We researched mixtures of substances: alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (C24H42IN, BAK, mixture of homologues alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and with n-C12H25, n-C14H29 and n-C16H33), didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC, C22H48ClN) and glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2); formaldehyde (CH2O), alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and glutaraldehyde in 1% have bactericidal properties for the following cryogenic strains of microorganisms: Staphylococcus аureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Serracia marcescens, Pseudomonas аeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and Yersinia enterocolitica. The Bacillus сereus were affected by the preparations bacteriostatically: we observed growth in the colonies in the medium with addition of 1% solution of mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and also 1%, 5% and 10% of solution of mixture of glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride. Also, these mixtures of substances have nematocidal properties. Death of 100% of L3 H. contortus after 24 hour exposure was observed with use of 1% solution of mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and also 5% glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride. Effective disinfection measures perform a leading role in providing stable veterinary well-being of livestock and healthcare of the population. Maximum toxicity during usage of the mixtures on P. caudatum was observed for the mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and also for formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. The lowest toxicity for T. pyriformis was observed with use of the mixture of glutaraldehyde, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and oleum terebinthini, and also the mixture of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, the highest formaldehyde and alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride. Thus, the most promising mixtures for use in veterinary medicine were determined to the following: alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride and glutaraldehyde, and also formaldehyde, alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride and glutaraldehyde.

Nine dimensions of veterinary wellbeing

Veterinarians, like all health professionals, are subject to multiple demands and stressors that at times in their careers can compromise satisfaction, engagement, and wellbeing. These stressors include high debt load, long hours, heavy workloads, client demands, navigating social media, and isolation. Our health as professionals can be conceptualized on a continuum, with optimal wellbeing at one end and burnout on the other. Veterinarians and the organizations they work within may move at times toward the wellbeing end of continuum, while others may move more towards burnout. Individuals and organizations can play a role in fostering and promoting wellbeing through nine dimensions: Career, Creative, Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Physical, Social, and Spiritual.

Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study.

Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study.

The Life of Meaning: A Model of the Positive Contributions to Well-Being from Veterinary Work.

We present a veterinary model of work-derived well-being, and argue that educators should not only present a (potentially self-fulfilling) stress management model of future wellness, but also balance this with a positive psychology-based approach depicting a veterinary career as a richly generative source of satisfaction and fulfillment. A review of known sources of satisfaction for veterinarians finds them to be based mostly in meaningful purpose, relationships, and personal growth. This positions veterinary well-being within the tradition of eudaimonia, an ancient concept of achieving one's best possible self, and a term increasingly employed to describe well-being derived from living a life that is engaging, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling. The theory of eudaimonia for workplace well-being should inform development of personal resources that foster resilience in undergraduate and graduate veterinarians.

Influencing welfare worldwide

Heather Bacon is veterinary welfare and outreach manager at the Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education at Edinburgh vet school. Here she outlines the role of the new centre, and how she got involved