Héctor Ruiz , José María González , José María Bello , Sergio Villanueva-Saz , Marta Ruiz de Arcaute , Aurora Ortín , Delia Lacasta
{"title":"Distribution of lamb carcass condemnations due to jaundice over six years in a slaughterhouse in the Northeast of Spain","authors":"Héctor Ruiz , José María González , José María Bello , Sergio Villanueva-Saz , Marta Ruiz de Arcaute , Aurora Ortín , Delia Lacasta","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since 2020, an increase in carcass condemnations in lambs due to jaundice has been noticed in some slaughterhouses in the Northeastern region of Spain. Therefore, data from 479,055 “Ternasco” lambs (2–3 months old lambs with a live weight of 21–23 kg) slaughtered at Mercazaragoza slaughterhouse (Zaragoza, Spain) were analysed. The data belonged to two companies and were collected between January 2018 and December 2023. The criteria studied included the company of origin, date of slaughter and the cause of condemnation. A total of 2661 lambs (0.56 %) were condemned, with 943 of them being condemned due to jaundice (0.20 %). Jaundice was the main cause of carcass condemnation, accounting for 35.44 % of total condemnation during the study period, with a progressive increase from 2018 to 2021, followed by a slight stabilisation in the subsequent years. A clear pattern was also evident, with more than half (57.69 %) of these condemnations occurring between May and August each year, becoming particularly pronounced from 2020 onwards. Condemnations due to jaundice were the main cause of carcass condemnation in both companies. Based on the seasonality associated with the active period of ticks and previous studies performed in the area, the possible implication of <em>Anaplasma ovis</em> infection in affected lambs is discussed. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying causes and their significance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106473"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143464052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emilia König , Minna Kujala-Wirth , Shea Beasley , Niina Immonen , Virpi Piirainen , Henrik Stryhn , Anna Valros , Mari Heinonen
{"title":"Pig survival, average daily gain, and individual antimicrobial treatments from birth to slaughter in Finland","authors":"Emilia König , Minna Kujala-Wirth , Shea Beasley , Niina Immonen , Virpi Piirainen , Henrik Stryhn , Anna Valros , Mari Heinonen","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Birth weight appears to be a key indicator for survival and average daily gain (ADG) in piglets. However, parameters associated with piglet antimicrobial treatment are less explored. We assessed the factors influencing piglet survival, ADG, and first individual antimicrobial treatment. Data were collected on sex, weight, litter details, and medication throughout the lifespan of 3991 ear tagged pigs in Finland. Discrete-time survival models were performed for piglet survival and individual antimicrobial treatment as well as a linear regression model for piglet ADG from birth to slaughter. Medium (1 – 1.49 kg) and lightweight (< 1.0 kg) piglets at day 4 had 2.26 and 4.04 times higher odds of dying (in terms of odds for discrete hazards), respectively, than heavyweight (≥ 1.5 kg) piglets. Barrows and antimicrobial-treated suckling piglets had 1.81 and 1.67 times, respectively, higher odds of dying than females and unmedicated piglets. The mean average daily gain from birth to slaughter was 714 g (SD 70.2 g). Pigs born to sows grew 29.2 g/day more than pigs born to gilts, and barrows grew 13.3 g/day better than females, but these results should be interpreted with caution because a considerable number of ear tags lost during the study could have led to selection bias of the pigs with a measured ADG. Altogether 756 piglets received at least one individual parenteral antimicrobial treatment. Antimicrobial-treated pigs were to a considerable extent medicated before weaning mainly for diarrhea and leg problems during two treatment peaks: before day 8 and around weaning. Lightweight piglets at day 4 had 2.35 and piglets born to gilts 1.56 times higher odds of becoming medicated with antimicrobials than heavyweight piglets and piglets born to sows, respectively. Half of the study piglets receiving antimicrobials were treated again later. In summary, our results show that lightweight piglets at day 4 had poorer survival, and they received more antimicrobial treatments than their heavier littermates. Further, gilt offspring were medicated more frequently. This emphasizes the need to direct extra attention to litters born to gilts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paniz Hosseini , Ivo Syndicus , Eve Houghton , Pablo Alarcon , Guillaume Fournie , Javier Guitian , Andy Paterson , Ashley C. Banyard , Ian H. Brown , Richard Hepple , James L.N. Wood
{"title":"Qualitative studies on farm managers perception of risk from HPAIV and implementation of biosecurity measures on UK poultry farms","authors":"Paniz Hosseini , Ivo Syndicus , Eve Houghton , Pablo Alarcon , Guillaume Fournie , Javier Guitian , Andy Paterson , Ashley C. Banyard , Ian H. Brown , Richard Hepple , James L.N. Wood","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The epidemic of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe from 2021 to 2023 has dwarfed all previous incursions. This fact has driven the need to review biosecurity behaviours and perceptions of virus incursions on commercial poultry farms. This study used qualitative methods to evaluate farm managers’ perceptions of biosecurity and their implementation of measures as recommended by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Thirteen farm managers across different regions of England and Wales were recruited between May and September 2023 to take part in the study. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were held with managers to discuss various topics relating to biosecurity and avian influenza (AI). Biosecurity measures being used across the farm by managers and staff were also observed to help understand biosecurity behaviours. Interviews were transcribed and analysed to identify themes and patterns amongst the data, along with extensive notes collated during the farm visits. Findings showed that farms’ use of biosecurity with respect to disinfection regimes and use of foot dips were both well cited and observed. Similarly, farm managers were all highly likely to refer to the use of farm-specific and shed-specific rubber boots, while also citing stricter requirements for visitors and delivery/maintenance. Biosecurity concerning the layout of the premises, fencing, access to changing rooms and the general age and maintenance of buildings and sheds required significant improvement across many farms. Additionally, farm managers expressed strong feelings of stress and anxiety in recent years, particularly those who had experienced an AI outbreak recently. We argue that factors such as risk perceptions, remits of control, feelings of responsibility and autonomy, and consequences on mental health, are all factors that can inform how farm managers respond to outbreaks and implement or sustain biosecurity on farms. A greater emphasis on providing regular and tailored training and educational resources for the industry would be beneficial as would further services focusing on reducing the burden on farmers’ mental health. This research provides insight into the application and shortcomings of biosecurity implementation on commercial poultry farms. It also identifies farmer perceptions and experiences shaping implementation on farms. However, this highlights that the onus for improving biosecurity cannot remain solely with farm managers and workers. Further research exploring the role of other stakeholders in the industry would help bridge remaining gaps in our understanding of biosecurity implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106445"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143487499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrew Robertson , Mark A. Chambers , Graham C. Smith , Richard J. Delahay , Robbie A. McDonald , Peter N.M. Brotherton
{"title":"Can badger vaccination contribute to bovine TB control? A narrative review of the evidence","authors":"Andrew Robertson , Mark A. Chambers , Graham C. Smith , Richard J. Delahay , Robbie A. McDonald , Peter N.M. Brotherton","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In parts of Europe, the European badger <em>Meles meles</em> acts as a wildlife host for <em>Mycobacterium bovis</em>, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). Options for reducing the risk of transmission of <em>M. bovis</em> from badgers to cattle include biosecurity measures, culling, and vaccination of badgers using the BCG vaccine. The use of vaccination as a control measure for tuberculosis (TB) in badgers has increased in recent years, with large-scale deployment in Ireland, and increasing use in England alongside a gradual phasing out of badger culling. Here we review evidence relating to the use of badger vaccination as a tool for controlling TB in badgers and cattle. Vaccination reduces the severity and progression of TB in badgers experimentally infected with <em>M. bovis</em> in laboratory studies, and significantly decreases the likelihood of naturally-acquired infection in free-living badgers in field trials. Modelling studies evaluating different strategies for controlling TB in badgers predict that badger vaccination will reduce TB prevalence in badger populations and lead to corresponding reductions in cattle herd disease incidence. While large scale field trials have not been undertaken to quantify the level of impact of badger vaccination on cattle bTB incidence in the UK, field studies in Ireland suggest that in some situations badger vaccination can result in beneficial disease outcomes in cattle which are comparable to those from badger culling. Attitudes to badger vaccination vary among stakeholder groups. Although members of the public are relatively positive about the benefits of vaccination, farmers are generally negative, due to concerns about practicality and effectiveness, along with a view that badger populations need to be controlled. The evidence published to date indicates that badger vaccination has the potential to contribute to the control of TB prevalence in wild badger populations and to form part of a wider strategy for controlling bTB. Future research should focus on investigating the effect of badger vaccination on bTB in cattle, along with understanding the impacts of vaccination in badgers in a broader range of ecological settings. Further understanding of the drivers of negative attitudes towards vaccination will nonetheless be crucial for incentivising and increasing the deployment of badger vaccination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106464"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143453697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Betty Rehberg , Thomas May , Sabrina Heß , Lothar Kreienbrock
{"title":"Evaluating slaughterhouse findings for lung and tail lesions in fattening pigs from secondary data","authors":"Betty Rehberg , Thomas May , Sabrina Heß , Lothar Kreienbrock","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106469","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using slaughterhouse findings to monitor animal health and welfare is not a new idea. The German Federal Veterinary Surgeon’s Association even calls for the establishment of an animal health database that combines slaughterhouse findings with health and farm data from already existing monitoring programs to create a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance tool. In an attempt to combine secondary health data from slaughterhouse findings, antibiotic use monitoring as well as biosecurity and husbandry evaluations into an integrated dataset, data from 18,593 fattening pig farms across Germany participating in the private sector Quality scheme for food (from 2018 to 2020) were harmonized at the half-year level and combined. As an example, the combined data was used to evaluate lung and tail lesion findings from abattoirs as indicators of animal health and welfare with descriptive analysis and mixed model approaches. Differences between abattoirs due to different data collection methods were taken into account by either considering the abattoir as a random effect or standardizing the prevalence data using abattoir means. The mean prevalence of lung lesions per half-year varied between 8.69 % and 9.78 %. The mean prevalence of tail lesion increased continuously from 0.65 % in the first half of 2018–1.04 % in the second half of 2020. Farm size, agricultural region, half-year and antibiotic treatment frequency were found to be associated (p < 0.000001) with the prevalence of both lung and tail lesions. A lack of variance and specificity of the secondary biosecurity and husbandry evaluation data restricts the use of individual assessment criteria as well as biosecurity and husbandry indices (calculated from a subset of assessment criteria) in our analyses. We therefore used the data for a broad categorization of farms and it could be found, that the occurrence of a lower rating in any assessment criteria during farm evaluations is associated (p < 0.000001) with a higher prevalence of lung and tail lesions, but the interpretation remains uncertain. The already existing data in the fattening pig sector can be used for the evaluation of animal health and welfare indicators to a large extent. Nonetheless, missing information, differences and changes (over time) in data collection methods introduce biases into the dataset. By improving the data quality and harmonizing collection methods, secondary animal health data could prove to be a useful tool in promoting animal health and welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106469"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zihan Tian , Sheng Jiang , Peng Yuan , Xiaozhong Wang , Jie Pei , Hao Tang , Shubo Li , Ian D. Robertson , Aizhen Guo , Yingyu Chen
{"title":"Mapping risks: A value chain approach to brucellosis introduction in Zhijiang's Cattle Population, China","authors":"Zihan Tian , Sheng Jiang , Peng Yuan , Xiaozhong Wang , Jie Pei , Hao Tang , Shubo Li , Ian D. Robertson , Aizhen Guo , Yingyu Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted through livestock, poses significant health and economic challenges globally. Its increasing incidence in China highlights critical gaps in current control measures, particularly in regions with high livestock movement, where domestic ruminants trade networks elevate the risk of disease transmission. Traditional value chain analyses often provide descriptive mappings of these networks but lack quantitative methods to assess specific risk levels. This study integrates value chain with quantitative risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the risk of brucellosis introduction via cattle imports in Zhijiang. We comprehensively mapped the local cattle value chain, identifying key stakeholders, risk nodes, and critical pathways of infection. Utilizing a stochastic scenario tree model based on local data, we estimated the likelihood of infected cattle entering the region, revealing that unregulated brokers and inadequate quarantine measures significantly contribute to the risk. Our sensitivity analysis confirmed vulnerabilities in existing biosecurity protocols, emphasizing the need for enhanced quarantine measures and reliable testing at high-risk points in cattle trade. By combining value chain insights with quantitative analysis, this study effectively identifies critical vulnerabilities within livestock networks. Our findings lay the groundwork for developing targeted brucellosis prevention strategies in Zhijiang, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened biosecurity and risk management practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106467"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaoyu Ge , Yize Li , Feipeng Zhao , Xin’ao Ma , Jiaxuan Li , Yanping Jiang , Wen Cui , Xiaona Wang , Lijie Tang
{"title":"Global prevalence of Porcine Astrovirus: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Xiaoyu Ge , Yize Li , Feipeng Zhao , Xin’ao Ma , Jiaxuan Li , Yanping Jiang , Wen Cui , Xiaona Wang , Lijie Tang","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Porcine astrovirus</em> (PAstV) is a widespread enteric virus in pigs, often co-infecting with other enteric viruses and contributing to diarrhea, leading to significant economic losses in the global swine industry. This study aims to identify the factors influencing PAstV prevalence by conducting a statistical meta-analysis of global data and evaluating heterogeneity across various subgroups. A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases, covering studies from the inception of the databases up to December 2023. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the global pooled prevalence of PAstV infection, and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of different continents, years, detection methods, and sample types on the prevalence. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. A total of 45 studies from 10 countries across three continents, involving 376 articles, were included in the meta-analysis. The global pooled prevalence of PAstV infection was found to be 28.19 % (95 % CI, 21.94 %-34.89 %). Subgroup analysis indicated significant differences in PAstV prevalence across continents, with Asia at 26.25 % (95 % CI, 25.41 %-27.09 %), Europe at 36.19 % (95 % CI, 34.09 %-38.33 %), and North America at 63.24 %. The prevalence of PAstV was highest between 2012 and 2014 (49.86 %, 95 % CI, 47.21 %-52.51 %), followed by a decreasing trend that stabilized below 30 % from 2015 to 2023. The analysis showed no significant influence of detection methods on PAstV prevalence. However, the prevalence in non-fecal samples (43.09 %, 95 % CI: 41.05 %-45.15 %) was significantly higher than in fecal samples (22.92 %, 95 % CI: 21.87 %-23.99 %). Additionally, the prevalence of PAstV in asymptomatic pigs (36.71 %, 95 % CI, 34.97 %-38.48 %) exceeded that in diarrheic pigs (28.18 %, 95 % CI, 26.94 %-29.44 %). Among different age groups, nursery pigs(6–10 weeks) exhibited the highest infection rate (63.19 %, 95 % CI, 58.45 %-67.75 %), followed by weaning pigs(3–6 weeks) (60.00 %, 95 % CI, 56.48 %-63.45 %), finisher pigs(>10 weeks) (49.89 %, 95 % CI, 46.59 %-53.19 %), sows (35.33 %, 95 % CI, 31.45 %-39.37 %), with suckling pigs(0–3 weeks) showing the lowest rate (31.93 %, 95 % CI, 30.23 %-33.68 %). This study highlights the widespread nature of PAstV infection in pig populations globally, with notable variations in prevalence across regions, years, and sample types. The high prevalence of asymptomatic infections underscores the need for enhanced PAstV surveillance and control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Caroline M. Best , Lucy Vass , Elliot Stanton , Judy Bettridge , Andrew W. Dowsey , Kristen K. Reyher
{"title":"Novel characterisation of dairy herds in Wales: A description of principal herd typologies and antimicrobial use patterns","authors":"Caroline M. Best , Lucy Vass , Elliot Stanton , Judy Bettridge , Andrew W. Dowsey , Kristen K. Reyher","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health concerns. Reducing and refining antimicrobial use (AMU) in farmed livestock is vital in slowing the development of AMR and preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials (AMs) in both humans and animals. Understanding the risk factors for AMU, however, is crucial to informing sustainable and effective farm AMU reduction and prudent use strategies. As a range of farm-level variables are likely to impact AMU, multidimensional exploratory analyses play a pivotal role in identifying direct and indirect factors influencing variation in AMU typically observed between dairy herds. This study used exploratory approaches to investigate whether typologies of dairy herds could be determined on the basis of farm characteristics, health parameters and management practices, and whether these herd types were differentiated by AMU. This study was conducted on 21 dairy herds in Wales, United Kingdom. Comprehensive surveys were administered and 224 usable variables regarding farm characteristics, herd health parameters and management practices were collated. AM sales data for each herd were used as a proxy for AMU. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC) were performed. The top 10 dimensions yielded by MCA explained 65.7 % of the total variance. Two data-driven typologies of dairy herds, produced from the first two cut-points of the HCPC dendrogram, were visualised and described. Here, five partitions of relatively homogeneous herds (herd types) were characterised and contrasted by 73 variable categories. Herd types were primarily constructed by variables focused on drying-off practices (and use of intramammary [IMM] AMs), herd size, stock purchasing and culling rates in addition to those concerning husbandry, disease management, grazing practices and veterinarian contact. Herd types characterised by performing blanket dry cow therapy (BDCT) used a higher mass of dry cow IMM AMs, EMA Category C and B AMs and had higher medium total AMU (mg/PCU) compared to herd types characterised by performing selective dry cow therapy (SDCT). From this study help untangle the myriad of factors influencing AMU at herd level and provide insight into the challenges of good AM stewardship. Strategies for sustainable reductions in AMU should be directed toward specific herd types identified, such as targeted interventions to implement SDCT. Multivariate exploratory approaches of dimensionality reduction and clustering are invaluable in elucidating the risk factors for AMU when utilising high-dimensional datasets. Future prospective studies are needed to validate herd types and confirm causality of findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106460"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jesús Barbero-Moyano , David Cano-Terriza , Moisés Gonzálvez , Inmaculada Moreno , Eduard Jose-Cunilleras , Francesco Buono , Vincenzo Veneziano , Eduardo Alguacil , Jesús García , Fabrizia Veronesi , María A. Risalde , Ignacio García-Bocanegra
{"title":"Serosurvey of Leishmania infantum in equids in different European countries","authors":"Jesús Barbero-Moyano , David Cano-Terriza , Moisés Gonzálvez , Inmaculada Moreno , Eduard Jose-Cunilleras , Francesco Buono , Vincenzo Veneziano , Eduardo Alguacil , Jesús García , Fabrizia Veronesi , María A. Risalde , Ignacio García-Bocanegra","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leishmaniosis is a vector-borne and zoonotic disease with major sanitary implications at global scale. In Europe, <em>Leishmania infantum</em> is the only endemic etiologic agent, which has been previously reported in a wide range of mammal. However, the information about the role of equids in the <em>L. infantum</em> epidemiology is limited. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors associated with <em>L. infantum</em> seropositivity in equine populations across several European countries. A total of 1364 equids, including 1005 horses, 240 donkeys and 119 mules/hinnies from Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Ireland were sampled between 2011 and 2023. The overall seroprevalence of <em>L. infantum</em> was 9.8 % using indirect immunofluorescence test. A significant higher prevalence of anti-<em>L. infantum</em> antibodies was found in donkeys (27.9 %) and mules/hinnies (21.1 %) compared to horses (4.0 %). By country, significantly higher seropositivity was detected in equids from Italy (17.7 %; 70/395) compared to Spain (11.2 %; 63/561), while no positivity was found in animals from Ireland and UK. Our results indicate a moderate and heterogeneous spatial circulation of <em>L. infantum</em> in equids from southern Europe. The variable ‘species’ (donkeys and mules/hinnies) was identified as risk factor associated with <em>L. infantum</em> seropositivity. This survey constitutes the largest seroepidemiological study evaluating the circulation of <em>L. infantum</em> in equids at global scale. Additionally, we report for the first time <em>L. infantum</em> exposure in mules/hinnies in Europe. Our findings suggest the potential role of equids in the <em>L. infantum</em> epidemiological cycle in southern Europe and the need to implement specific surveillance programs in these species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adriana P. Pastrana-Camacho , Genaro C. Miranda-de la Lama , Laura X. Estévez-Moreno
{"title":"Human-animal interactions, occupational health and well-being in pig slaughterhouses of Colombia: Exploring worker perceptions and practices","authors":"Adriana P. Pastrana-Camacho , Genaro C. Miranda-de la Lama , Laura X. Estévez-Moreno","doi":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Public concern about global health has forced the meat industry to make technological, operational and logistical improvements, but human-animal interactions are rarely considered from an animal welfare perspective. A total of 171 workers from 12 pig slaughterhouses were interviewed about their occupational perceptions and practices affecting their health and well-being, and human-pig interactions. Ninety percent of the workers interviewed were male, between 18 and 30 years old, with high school education, < 7 years of experience, and learned their work in the slaughterhouse. In terms of human-animal interactions, we found that the nature of the tasks performed by each worker had an impact on their perceptions of pigs, particularly those involving work with live animals (outdoors) and stunning and bleeding (indoors). In addition, respondents show disapproval of cruel practices and a high level of awareness of pig pain and concern to alleviate it. However, there are neutral responses to statements that show some weakness in their feelings towards pigs. Forty per cent of respondents reported having at least one of the health problems and had suffered occupational accidents. The most common types of accidents were falls, cuts and animal aggression. These accidents were related to incorrect movements, especially in the morning, by personnel > 40 years of age, with > 7 years of experience, and the upper and/or lower extremities were most affected. Our results indicate that fatigue caused by factors such as line speed, uncoordinated operations, and risky behavior by workers, is the main cause of workplace accidents in slaughterhouses. Based on this evidence, we conclude that adjustments of work break/rest intervals and improvements of working conditions are necessary to reduce fatigue, improve safety, and enhance work efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20413,"journal":{"name":"Preventive veterinary medicine","volume":"238 ","pages":"Article 106462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428689","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}