Systematic review and meta-analyses of cases and deaths associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in humans and poultry

From 2003 to date (2015), confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks in poultry and humans have been reported, however, certain quantitative parameters remain lacking. We obtained 846 reports of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in poultry in Africa (2006–2015), and 844 reports in humans globally (2003–2015) from different databases. Data were filtered and analysed using meta-analyses. The outputs were generated for each country included in the study and for overall morbidities, mortalities and case fatalities (for poultry and humans). Approximately 11.6 million poultry were included in the analyses as susceptible with 1.9 million cases and 1.7 million deaths in poultry. In humans, 449 deaths were linked to influenza A H5N1 infections. For all poultry outbreaks in 2006–2015 in Africa, an overall mean apparent morbidity of 48.7% (n = 1 850 589) was estimated, with overall mean apparent mortality being 40.2% (n = 1 705 388) and overall mean case fatality rate (CFR) for HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in poultry being 86.4% (n = 1 705 388). In humans, the overall mean CFR for A H5N1 globally for 2003–2015 was 62.3% (n = 449). Indonesia, Egypt and Vietnam had higher proportions of all human deaths associated with the A H5N1 and Egypt had a significant age–sex bias. Improved reporting and effective quantitation remain key to understanding the characteristics of the virus.http://www.cabi.org/cabreviews/am2017Production Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical DiseasesZoology and Entomolog

Production constraints of smallholder pig farms in agro-ecological zones of Mpumalanga, South Africa

South African pig sector is a contributor to the agricultural industry. A study was conducted to identify the production constraints and compare the management practices in smallholder pig farms in Mpumalanga, South Africa. A total of 220 selected smallholder pig farmers were interviewed. Smallholder pig farming was predominated by male (64 %), age above 50 years (54 %), black Africans (98.6 %), and three quarters of the smallholder farmers were poor to just below average. Majority (80 %) have no pig husbandry training, while only 33 % received assistance from government’s Agricultural Department. In terms of stock, mixed breeds (89 %) from exotic pigs were mostly kept and majority (87 %) of the farmers kept ≤10 sows in their herds. Many farmers (75 %) engaged in risky behavior of buying auctioned-sourced boars, free-range boars, and untested boars from neighbors and relatives. Few (17 %) farmers practiced vaccination and only 10 % kept farm records. Majority of the responses on pre-weaning mortality (50 %) and post-weaning mortality (90 %) were within acceptable range of 1–10 and 1– 5 % mortality rates, respectively. The lead causes of mortality were weak piglets and crushing (46 %), diarrhea (27 %), poor management knowledge (19 %), and malnutrition (16 %). Agricultural training and government incentives will facilitate improved productivity in smallholder pig farming.University of South Africahttp://link.springer.com/journal/112502018-01-30hb2016Production Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease

Systematic review and meta-analysis of veterinary-related occupational exposures to hazards

Understanding hazards within the veterinary profession is critical for developing strategies to ensure the health and safety of personnel in the work environment. This study was conducted to systematically review and synthesize data on reported risks within veterinary workplaces. A systematic review of published data on occupational hazards and associated risk factors were searched within three database platforms namely PubMed, Ebscohost, and Google scholar. To determine the proportion estimates of hazards and pooled odds ratio, two randomeffects meta-analysis were performed. For the biological, chemical and physical hazards, the pooled proportion estimates were 17% (95% CI: 15.0-19.0, p < 0.001), 7.0% (95% CI: 6.0-9.0%, p < 0.001) and 65.0% (95% CI: 39.0-91.0%, p < 0.001) respectively. A pooled odds ratio indicated the risk of exposures to physical (OR=1.012, 95% CI: 1.008-1.017, p < 0.001) and biological hazards (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.70- 2.52, p <0.001) increased when working or in contact with animals. The review has provided a better understanding of occupational health and safety status of veterinarians and gaps within the developing countries. This evidence calls for policy formulation and implementation to reduce the risks of exposures to all forms of occupational-related hazards in veterinary workplaces.https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/ovsam2022Veterinary Tropical Disease

Capacities and functionalities assessment of veterinary laboratories in South-west Nigeria using the FAO Laboratory Mapping Tool

No abstract available.https://www.journals.elsevier.com/biomedical-and-environmental-sciences2021-06-01hj2021Veterinary Tropical Disease

Antimicrobial usage in pig production : effects on Escherichia coli virulence profiles and antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobials (AM) are used for growth promotion and therapy in pig production. Its misuse has led to the development of resistant organisms. We evaluated Escherichia coli virulence genes, and compared phenotypic–genotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of faecal E. coli from pigs receiving routine farm treatment without antimicrobial agents against pigs treated routinely with AM over 70 days. Recovered E. coli were tested for AMR using disk diffusion and polymerase chain reaction. Virulence genes were detected in 24.8% of isolates from antimicrobial group and 43.5% from non-antimicrobial group (p = 0.002). The proportion of virulence genes heat-stable enterotoxins a & b (STa, STb), enteroaggregative heat stable enterotoxin 1 [EAST1] and Shiga toxin type 2e [Stx2e]) were 18.1%, 0.0%, 78.7% and 3.0% for antimicrobial group and 14.8%, 8.5%, 85.1% and 12.7% for non-antimicrobial groups, respectively. Resistance to oxytetracycline was most common (p = 0.03) in samples collected between days 10 and 21. Resistance shifted to amoxicillin on days 56–70, and trimethoprim resistance was observed throughout. Seventeen phenotypic AMR combinations were observed and eight were multidrug resistant. At least one tetracycline resistance gene was found in 63.9% of the isolates. tet (A) (23.3%) was most common in the antimicrobial group, whereas tet (B) (43.5%) was prevalent in the nonantimicrobial group. Usage or non-usage of antimicrobial agents in growing pigs does not preclude virulence genes development and other complex factors may be involved as previously described. Heavily used AM correspond to the degree of resistance and tetracycline resistance genes were detected during the growth phase.The National Research Foundation Incentive Funding for Rated Researchers (IPRR) and the University of Pretoria Postgraduate Bursary.http://www.ojvr.orgpm2020Production Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease

Assessment of the biorisk status of veterinary laboratories in Southwest Nigeria : application of the food and agriculture organization laboratory mapping tool-safety module

INTRODUCTION : Because of the nature of work conducted in veterinary laboratories and potential exposures to pathogenic microorganisms, good laboratory practices, risk assessments, biosafety, and biosecurity capacity is becoming vital. In this study, the Food and Agriculture Organization Laboratory Mapping Tool-Safety Module was applied to demonstrate its practical implementation in the assessment of biosafety and biosecurity statuses of veterinary laboratories in Nigeria. METHODS : The Laboratory Mapping Tool-Safety Module, a standardized questionnaire, systematically and semiquantitatively gathered data on 98 subcategories covering 4 areas of biosafety and biosecurity capabilities: administrative, operational, engineering, and personal protective equipment. RESULTS : Overall, the various areas and categories covered by the Laboratory Mapping Tool-Safety Module were weak across the board, with a mean performance of 19.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.0%-25.1%; range, 0.8%-29.6%). The weakest functionality was in emergency preparedness (0.8%; ie, emergency responses and exercises such as fire drills, spill cleanup, and biological spill kit availability). Also, many laboratories were deficient in metrology procedures, biosafety cabinets, chemical hazard containment, regular maintenance and external calibration procedures for laboratory equipment, and personnel health and safety. However, a few functionalities within individual laboratories scored above average (50%), for example, a university microbiology laboratory animal facility (100%). Interlaboratory comparison indicated that biosafety and biosecurity performance was similar across laboratories (P = .07) and did not vary by location (P = .37). CONCLUSIONS : Significant biosafety and biosecurity improvements are needed to guarantee the health and safety of workers and the global community, efficient responses to infectious disease containment, and compliance with the Global Health Security Agenda.https://www.liebertpub.com/APB2021-12-01hj2021Veterinary Tropical Disease

Preventing zoonotic influenza H5N1 in human : pictorial versus literal health communication methods

Outbreaks of avian influenza H5N1 occurred in Africa’s poultry and 16 countries have reported human infections globally. Intensified human-animal interactions necessitate correct communication of health messages to reduce zoonotic infection. This work was done to determine differences between pictorial and literal health education communication. Cross-sectional survey using literal and pictorial questionnaires in live bird markets and poultry farms was carried out among respondents based on matching criteria. Responses were scored and analysed with probability of independence using Chi square test and pairwise correlation. The degree of knowledge of clinical signs in birds, affected species, communication means and biosecurity were good, that of the post-mortem signs was poor with increasing potentials of human exposure to virus-rich visceral tissues from slaughtered sick birds. Marked differences existed for the various items listed within each knowledge field, the odds of having correct responses from pictorial were better than with literal respondents. Risky practices were still practised in the LBMs despite the good degree of knowledge of hygiene and biosecurity. Knowledge and implementation does not always correlate and pictorial representation out surpasses literal method in communicating potential zoonotic H5N1 influenza A infection to the undiscerning public.http://www.izs.it/vet_italiana/issues_vet_it.htmam2021Veterinary Tropical Disease

Antimicrobial drug administration and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates originating from the broiler production value chain in Nigeria

Salmonella is among the pathogens on the high global priority lists for monitoring for studies on the discovery of new antimicrobials and understanding of how antimicrobial resistance (AMR) develops. AMR in connection with antibiotic usage patterns has been considered as a strong factor and contributor to the AMR pool. The purposes of use, pattern of antimicrobial drug administration, as well as the prevalence of AMR in Salmonella originating from the Nigeria broiler production value chain (NBPVC) was explored. A well-structured questionnaire on antimicrobial usage (n = 181) was used for sampling that focused on 21 antimicrobials from 151 locations. Simultaneously, AMR testing for 18 commonly used antimicrobials on Salmonella in humans was also carried out. Antimicrobial resistance Salmonella spp. were isolated in 23% of the samples (261 of 1135 samples from the broiler input, products, and the environment) using modified ISO 6579 and invA PCR protocols. Over 80% of the antimicrobials used in the NBPVC were administered without a veterinarian prescription. Prevalence of antimicrobial administration without prescription were as follows: live-bird-market (100%), hatchery (86.7%), grow-out-farm (75%), and breeder (66.7%). Widespread prophylactic and metaphylactic use of antimicrobials were recorded with the highest use seen for enrofloxacin (63% and 24%), tetracycline (58% and 33%), and erythromycin (50% and 17%). Antimicrobial resistance was highest for flumequine (100%), penicillin (95%), and perfloxacin (89%). High levels of use without laboratory support of a newer generation of a class of antibiotics suspected to confer high resistance on older generations of the same class (quinolones) was observed.This research was partially funded by the University of Pretoria Doctoral Research Support Scholarship to the first author in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 funding years.The lead author (N.O.O.) acknowledges the contribution of Engineer Saheed OLOSO and Dr. Munirudeen for their financial and moral contributions; We thank the members of the Poultry Association of Nigeria through the Oyo State chapter and the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association, Oyo State Branch, Nigeria.The University of Pretoria Doctoral Research Support Scholarship, Engineer Saheed OLOSO and Dr. Munirudeen.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/antibioticsam2020Production Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease

The one health landscape in sub-Saharan African countries

OBJECTIVES : One Health is transiting from multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary concepts and its viewpoints should move from ‘proxy for zoonoses’, to include other topics (climate change, nutrition and food safety, policy and planning, welfare and well-being, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), vector-borne diseases, toxicosis and pesticides issues) and thematic fields (social sciences, geography and economics). This work was conducted to map the One Health landscape in Africa. METHODS : An assessment of existing One Health initiatives in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries was conducted among selected stakeholders using a multi-method approach. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to One Health initiatives were identified, and their influence, interest and impacts were semi-quantitatively evaluated using literature reviews, questionnaire survey and statistical analysis. RESULTS : One Health Networks and identified initiatives were spatiotemporally spread across SSA and identified stakeholders were classified into four quadrants. It was observed that imbalance in stakeholders' representations led to hesitation in buying-in into One Health approach by stakeholders who are outside the main networks like stakeholders from the policy, budgeting, geography and sometimes, the environment sectors. CONCLUSION : Inclusion of theory of change, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and tools for standardized evaluation of One Health policies are needed for a sustained future of One Health and future engagements should be outputs- and outcomes-driven and not activity-driven. National roadmaps for One Health implementation and institutionalization are necessary, and proofs of concepts in One Health should be validated and scaled-up.https://www.journals.elsevier.com/one-healtham2022Veterinary Tropical Disease

An evaluation of biosecurity compliance levels and assessment of associated risk factors for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 infection of live-bird-markets, Nigeria and Egypt

Live bird market (LBM) is integral component in the perpetuation of HPAI H5N1, while biosecurity is crucial and key to the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Biosecurity compliance level and risk factor assessments in 155LBMs was evaluated in Nigeria and Egypt through the administration of a 68-item biosecurity checklist, scored based on the modifications of previous qualitative data, and analysed for degree of compliance. LBMs were scored as "complied with a biosecurity item" if they had good-very good scores (4). All scores were coded and analysed using descriptive statistics and risk or protective factors were determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression at p≤0.05. Trading of wild birds and other animal in the LBMs (Odd Ratio (OR)=34.90; p=0.01) and claims of hand disinfection after slaughter (OR=31.16; p=0.03) were significant risk factors while mandatory routine disinfection of markets (OR=0.13; p≤0.00), fencing and gates for live bird market (OR=0.02; p≤0.01) and hand washing after slaughter (OR=0.41; p≤0.05) were protective factors for and against the infection of Nigerian and Egyptian LBMs with the HPAI H5N1 virus. Almost all the LBMs complied poorly with most of the variables in the checklist (p≤0.05), but pathways to improved biosecurity in the LBMs existed. We concluded that the LBM operators play a critical role in the disruption of transmission of H5N1 virus infection through improved biosecurity and participatory epidemiology and multidisciplinary approach is needed.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/actatropica2017-12-31hb2017Veterinary Tropical Disease