Assessing farm biosecurity and farmers' knowledge and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in poultry and pig farms in Southern Togo

Research (Published online: 21-07-2022)

17. Assessing farm biosecurity and farmers' knowledge and practices concerning antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in poultry and pig farms in Southern Togo

Andre Pouwedeou Bedekelabou, Essodina Talaki, Koffi Francois-Xavier Dzogbema, Malibida Dolou, Madi Savadogo, Malik Orou Seko and Rianatou Bada Alambedji

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1727-1737

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Several factors contribute to the unusual incidence of antibiotic resistance, which is now a primary public health concern. However, failure in managing preventive and therapeutic antibiotic use on farms is one of the most crucial factors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity of farms, farmers' competence, and practices related to antibiotics and their resistance in poultry and pig rearing in Togo.

Materials and Methods: Through a cross-sectional survey, 121 commercial poultry farmers and 97 commercial pig farmers were questioned to evaluate the biosecurity of farms and farmers' competence and practices related to antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Descriptive analyses, including the evaluation of proportions, were carried out. In addition, results from qualitative factors were evaluated in a defined grid and totaled up to assess cleanliness measures, awareness, and behavior regarding antibiotics and their resistance.

Results: The results demonstrated that most farmers working on poultry farms had a university education, while most working on pig farms had secondary education. Most poultry (69%) and pig (44%) farms were of small sizes (<1000 animals in poultry and <10 animals in pig farming). The footbaths were used in just 51% of poultry farms and 4% of pig farms, respectively, with 37% and 82% of poultry and pig farms having inadequate levels of hygiene. In poultry farms, respiratory issues and periodic decline in egg-laying were the main problems. Simultaneously, skin disorders (scabies) and plagues (African swine fever) were the primary health constraints in pig farming. Tetracycline is the most commonly used antibiotic by farmers. However, in poultry and pig farms, 21% and 67% of farmers were unaware of antibiotics. In addition, 39% and 57% were unaware of antibiotic resistance. Poultry and pig farmers' competence were substantially linked to their education level. Poultry farmers demonstrated better practices, including procuring antibiotics based on veterinary prescriptions (63%) and they knew where antibiotics should be bought (90%). Nevertheless, 43% of farmers asserted unpleasant activities – no application for laboratory testing (93%) and use of antibiotics for prevention (82%). In pig farming, most farmers (69%) reported inadequate incidents of the use of antibiotics.

Conclusion: This study identified a crucial non-compliance with biosecurity measures and good practices toward antibiotic use on many farms. Therefore, training of farmers is mandatory for safe livestock products.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, antibiotics, biosecurity, knowledge, pig, poultry, practice.

Predicting body weight of Kalahari Red goats from linear body measurements using data mining algorithms

Research (Published online: 21-07-2022)

16. Predicting body weight of Kalahari Red goats from linear body measurements using data mining algorithms

Kwena Mokoena, Kagisho Madikadike Molabe, Mmakosha Cynthia Sekgota and Thobela Louis Tyasi

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1719-1726

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The Kalahari Red goat breed is the finest meat-producing species in South Africa, and its coat color ranges from light to dark red-brown. A practical approach to estimating their body weight (BW) using linear body measurements is still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the best data mining technique among classification and regression trees (CART), Chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID), and exhaustive CHAID (Ex-CHAID) for predicting the BW of Kalahari Red goats.

Materials and Methods: This study included 50 Kalahari Red goats (does = 42 and bucks = 8) aged 3–5 years. Body length (BL), heart girth (HG), rump height (RH), height at withers (WH), sex, and age were the essential indicators to estimate BW. The best model was chosen based on the goodness of fit, such as adjusted coefficient of determination (Adj. R2), coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), standard deviation ratio (SD ratio), mean absolute percentage error, Akaike information criteria, relative approximation error, and coefficient of variation.

Results: The SD values of the ratio ranged from 0.32 (CART) to 0.40 (Ex-CHAID). The greatest R2 (%) was established for CART (89.23), followed by CHAID (81.99), and the lowest was established for Ex-CHAID (81.70). CART was established as the preferred algorithm with BL, HG, and WH as critical predictors. The heaviest BW (73.50 kg) was established in four goats with BL higher than 92.5 cm.

Conclusion: This study reveals that CART is the optimum model with BL, HG, and WH as the essential linear body measurements for estimating BW for Kalahari Red goats. The updated records will assist the rural farmers in making precise judgments for various objectives, such as marketing, breeding, feeding, and veterinary services in remote areas where weighing scales are unavailable.

Keywords: body length, data mining algorithms, heart girth, rump height, withers height.

In vitro effectiveness of pomegranate extract present in pet oral hygiene products against canine oral bacterial species

Research (Published online: 20-07-2022)

15. In vitro effectiveness of pomegranate extract present in pet oral hygiene products against canine oral bacterial species

Abish S. Stephen, Celine S. Nicolas, Fanny Lloret and Robert P. Allaker

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1714-1718

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Pomegranate is known to possess antibacterial properties, partly because of its punicalagin content. However, its effect on canine oral bacterial species has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of pomegranate extract present in pet dental products on the growth and survival of five canine oral bacterial species in biofilms.

Materials and Methods: Five bacterial species, Neisseria shayeganii, Neisseria canis, Porphyromonas gulae, Porphyromonas macacae, and Porphyromonas crevioricanis, were individually cultured for biofilm formation and exposed to pomegranate extract (or control) for 15 min. Cell survival was analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and was compared between different conditions using a student's t-test. In addition, the individual strains were grown in planktonic suspensions and exposed to serial dilutions of the extract to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration.

Results: At a concentration of 0.035% w/v, the extract significantly reduced the survival of P. gulae (–39%, p < 0.001) and N. canis (–28%, p = 0.08) in biofilms. At similar concentrations, the extract also completely or partially inhibited the growth of N. canis and Porphyromonas spp. in planktonic suspensions, respectively.

Conclusion: The pomegranate extract found in some pet dental products can limit bacterial growth and survival in the biofilms formed by N. canis and P. gulae in vitro. As P. gulae is involved in periodontal disease progression, limiting its proliferation using products containing pomegranate extract could contribute to disease prevention. Further studies on dogs receiving such products are necessary to confirm these effects.

Keywords: dental biofilm, dogs, Neisseria canis, oral hygiene, pomegranate, Porphyromonas gulae.

Effects of intranasal and intramuscular dexmedetomidine in cats receiving total intravenous propofol anesthesia

Research (Published online: 20-07-2022)

14. Effects of intranasal and intramuscular dexmedetomidine in cats receiving total intravenous propofol anesthesia

Kewvaree Hommuang, Panpicha Sattasathuchana and Naris Thengchaisri

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1706-1713

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The efficacy of intranasal (IN) dexmedetomidine in cats as a premedication remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to compare the perioperative and sparing effects of IN and intramuscular (IM) dexmedetomidine administration on propofol requirements for anesthetic induction in cats.

Materials and Methods: This study randomly assigned 16 cats into two groups of IN or IM dexmedetomidine at 20 μg/kg. Sedation scores and side effects were recorded at time points of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after the dexmedetomidine administration. Anesthesia was induced with intravenous (IV) 1% propofol by titrating a bolus of 2 mg every 45 s and the total dose of the administered IV propofol to achieve endotracheal intubation was recorded.

Results: Cats receiving IM dexmedetomidine were significantly associated with higher sedation scores. All cats were sedated at 20 min after premedication; however, the average composite sedation scores in the IN group were significantly lower than those in the IM group during premedication. Pre-operative side effects, including vomiting, were more frequently observed in the IN group (5 cats, 62.5%) than in the IM group (3 cats, 37.5%; p < 0.05). Higher body temperature (>1°F compared to baseline) was more frequently observed in the IN group (6 cats, 75.0%) than in the IM group (1 cat, 12.5%; p < 0.05). The dosage of required propofol in the IN group was significantly higher (1.1 ± 0.3 mg/kg) than that in the IM group (0.7 ± 0.2 mg/kg; p < 0.05). The duration of general anesthesia was comparable between the groups.

Conclusion: IN dexmedetomidine produces moderate sedation and cats may have side effects, including vomiting and higher body temperature. Higher sparing effects of propofol were identified in the IM group compared with the IN group. Nonetheless, IN administration of dexmedetomidine provides a noninvasive alternative to the IM route.

Keywords: cats, dexmedetomidine, intranasal, propofol, sedative.

Prevalence of Ehrlichia-, Babesia-, and Hepatozoon-infected brown dog ticks in Khon Kaen Province, Northeast Thailand

Research (Published online: 20-07-2022)

13. Prevalence of Ehrlichia-, Babesia-, and Hepatozoon-infected brown dog ticks in Khon Kaen Province, Northeast Thailand

Chatanun Eamudomkarn, Opal Pitaksakulrat, Parichart Boueroy, Sirikanda Thanasuwan, Nattaya Watwiengkam, Atchara Artchayasawat and Thidarut Boonmars

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1699-1705

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, is the most common tick found on domestic dogs in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Canine tick-borne pathogens are a public health concern worldwide. Tick-borne diseases are diagnosed by identifying pathogens based on the morphological or molecular analyses of dog blood samples. However, the collection of ticks, a non-invasive procedure, is easier than drawing blood. This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of collecting brown dog ticks for the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases and for estimating the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens among companion dogs in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Seventy brown dog ticks from 70 companion dogs in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, were evaluated for molecular evidence of tick-borne pathogens, including Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis, and Hepatozoon canis. Ticks were collected from dogs at a private animal hospital based on the presence of at least one of the three inclusion criteria: fever, anorexia, or lethargy. Molecular diagnosis was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction for the detection of pathogens.

Results: Of the 70 ticks collected from 70 sick dogs, 55 (78.57%) were positive for tick-borne pathogens. The most common infection was a single infection with H. canis (65.71%) followed by Babesia spp. (31.43%) and E. canis (30.00%). Coinfection was observed in 14 ticks (20.00%), and coinfection with Babesia spp. and E. canis was the most prevalent double infection (n = 6). The prevalence of coinfection was identical for H. canis mixed with Babesia spp. and H. canis mixed with E. canis (n = 4).

Conclusion: The present study showed that tick-borne pathogens are highly prevalent among companion dogs in Khon Kaen Province. Therefore, we encourage an increase in tick control or the reduction and prevention of tick-borne diseases in this region. Furthermore, this study revealed that ticks are valuable samples for the molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens.

Keywords: brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, tick-borne diseases, tick-borne pathogens.

Determination of multidrug-resistant populations and molecular characterization of complex Klebsiella spp. in wild animals by multilocus sequence typing

Research (Published online: 19-07-2022)

12. Determination of multidrug-resistant populations and molecular characterization of complex Klebsiella spp. in wild animals by multilocus sequence typing

Alessandra Tammy Hayakawa Ito de Sousa, Marco Túlio dos Santos Costa, Stefhano Luis Cândido, Herica Makino, Thais Oliveira Morgado, Lucas Avelino Dandolini Pavelegini, Edson Moleta Colodel, Luciano Nakazato and Valéria Dutra

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1691-1698

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: One of the most significant public health concerns is multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. Klebsiella spp. have been at the forefront of causing different types of infections such as bacteremia, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, enteritis, and sepsis in humans as well as animals. This study aimed to determine the genomic similarity between Klebsiella spp. isolated from wild animal samples and those described in the Institut Pasteur genomic database to verify the spread of resistant clones regionally in the state of Mato Grosso, and to compare the epidemiological data in different regions of Brazil and the world.

Materials and Methods: Isolates from various sites of injury in wild animals were identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method to verify the resistance profile, and then, multilocus sequence typing was performed to verify the population structure and compare the isolates from other regions of Brazil and the world.

Results: Twenty-three sequence types (STs) were observed; of these, 11 were new STs, as new alleles were detected. There was no predominant ST among the isolates. All isolates were MDR, with high rates of resistance to sulfonamides, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and nitrofurantoin and low resistance to meropenem, imipenem, and amikacin.

Conclusion: Improving our understanding of the population structure of Klebsiella spp. in wild animals may help determine the source of infection during outbreaks in humans or animals, as the One Health concept emphasizes the interlinks between humans, animals, and environmental health.

Keywords: antimicrobial, Klebsiella, multidrug resistance, multilocus sequence typing, susceptibility, wild animals.

Surveillance of the spread of avian influenza virus type A in live bird markets in Tripoli, Libya, and determination of the associated risk factors

Research (Published online: 16-07-2022)

11. Surveillance of the spread of avian influenza virus type A in live bird markets in Tripoli, Libya, and determination of the associated risk factors

Abdulwahab Kammon, Mosbah Doghman and Ibrahim Eldaghayes

Veterinary World, 15(7): 1684-1690

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: Studies on avian influenza virus (AIV) in Libya are few and limited. This study aimed to determine the presence of AIV in live bird markets (LBMs) in Tripoli and determine the risk factors associated with AIV spread.

Materials and Methods: In total, 269 cloacal swabs were randomly collected from different bird species in 9 LBMs located in Tripoli and its surrounding regions. The target species were ducks, geese, local chickens, Australian chickens, Brahma chickens, turkeys, pigeons, quails, peacock broiler chicks, and pet birds. Total RNA was extracted from the swab samples and used for real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect AIV type A.

Results: Of the 269 samples, 28 (10.41% of total samples) were positive for AIV type A. The LBMs with positive samples were Souq Aljumaa, Souq Alkhamees, Souq Althulatha, and Souq Tajoura. The highest percentage (35.71%) of AIV was recorded in Souq Aljumaa. Positive results for AIV type A were obtained primarily in three species of birds: Ducks (14/65; highest percentage: 21.5%), local chickens (12/98; 12.24%), and geese (2/28; 7.14%). Furthermore, the following three risk factors associated with the spread of AIV type A were identified: Time spent by breeders/vendors at the market (odds ratio [OR] = 11.181; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.827–32.669), methods used for disposing dead birds (OR = 2.356; 95% CI = 1.005–5.521), and last visited LBM (OR = 0.740; 95% CI = 0.580–0.944). Restricting the movement of poultry vendors from one market to another may protect against AIV spread.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the high risk of AIV spread in LBMs and highlight the need for continuous surveillance of LBMs across the country.

Keywords: avian influenza, live birds market, risk factors, Tripoli.