Evaluation of Education of Veterinarians in Animal Welfare Issues

Education of veterinarians in animal welfare issues is important to improve the welfare and health of animals. A questionnaire to 250 veterinarians related to their knowledge on animal welfare issues has been carried out at the Veterinary School of the University of the Republic, Uruguay, during March-April 2012. The questions were related to the courses on animal welfare veterinarians received, their main field of work, the importance given to the information offered and the quality of the topics addressed. From the total of veterinarians surveyed, 45% （112） answered the questionnaire. Of those who responded, 47% attended to three or more animal welfare courses, 18% assisted to two courses and 22% to one. The occupation of the 82% of respondents was with beef and dairy cattle （large animals） or in the meat industry equally. 10% works with small animals （especially pets） and poultry （production and industry）. The 95% of respondents considered that animal welfare is very important for their daily work with animals 65% reported that animal welfare concepts have high applicability in their job. 85% considered that animal welfare should be part of the veterinary curricula and 100% expressed their compliance to be present in other courses on the subject. These results emphasize the importance afforded by Uruguayan veterinarians to improve their knowledge on animal welfare and to continue including specific courses in the veterinary curricula.

The role of veterinarians in the One Health approach to antimicrobial resistance perspectives in Jordan

This study aims to evaluate the role of Jordanian veterinarians in terms of their knowledge,attitudes and common practices in combating antimicrobial resistance(AMR)and summarize the registered veterinary drugs between 20172020.Descriptive study data were collected using a standardized questionnaire that focused on the knowledge,attitudes,and practices of Jordanian veterinarians.The findings were analyzed descriptively;84%of the participants agreed with the statement on the definition of AMR.The majority(95.65%)of participants agreed that AMR is a challenge for the veterinary sector in Jordan and that it should be prioritized over other zoonotic diseases.Approximately 69%of the participants believed that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials by unqualified,fraudulent,or unauthorized practitioners is the primary reason for the rise of cases associated with AMR and the challenges that accompany these.The most common practice among the respondents in this study was to recommend clients(e.g.,farmers and owners)to practice good animal husbandry(80.00%).The study also revealed that there was a significant difference(p=O.015)between attendance at AMR training sessions and the professional sector(private,public,and academic)of the veterinarians.This study underscores the importance of implementing a continuous education program on AMR so as to enhance the all-round knowledge of veterinarians and improve their advisory skills.In addition,laws should be enacted to ensure that veterinarians prescribe the correct antimicrobials and to improve surveillance systems for monitoring the use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine.

Transmission of ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant Escherichia coli among pets,veterinarians and animal hospital environment

Ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) is a recently approved combination synthetic β-lactamase inhibitor used in human clinical medicine. Cases of CZA resistance in humans have already been reported, but limited research has investigated CZA resistance in pets. This study explored the prevalence and transmission of CZA-resistant Escherichia coli (CZAREC) among pets, their owners, veterinarians, and the environment in animal hospitals. A total of 5,419 clinical samples were collected from dogs and cats, along with samples from the environment (n = 5,843), veterinarians (n = 557), and pet owners (n = 368) in animal hospitals. From these samples, 760 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates were obtained, out of which 60 were identified as CZAREC. These included 34 isolates from the environment (9.14 %, n = 372), three from veterinarians (8.11 %, n = 37), and 23 from animals (6.82 %, n = 337). No CZAREC isolates were found in pet owners. The predominant sequence types of CZARECs were ST156 (n = 20), ST410 (n = 19) and ST101 (n = 7). Bayesian analysis revealed six clusters comprising 47 isolates from the hospital environment, pets, and veterinaries, displaying genetic relatedness of less than 100 core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (cgSNPs) between any two isolates in each cluster. Some CZAREC isolates with high genetic similarity persisted in the same animal hospital for four to six months. Moreover, discriminant analysis of principal components indicated that most isolates from different hosts shared a genetic source in the human/dog/cat merged cluster. Overall, evidence of CZARECs transmission was found among pets, the environment, and veterinarians in animal hospitals. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring CZARECs in the veterinary clinical setting to ensure the health of both pets and humans.

Insights into hepatitis E virus epidemiology in Croatia

BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is an emerging virus of global health concern.The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group.AIM To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed(animal-related professions)and nonexposed populations,as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.METHODS Forestry workers(n=93),hunters(n=74),and veterinarians(n=151)represented the exposed population.The general population(n=126)and pregnant women(n=118)constituted the control group.Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients(LTRs)(n=83),kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)(n=43),and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients(HSCRs)(n=39).HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test.RESULTS The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups:Veterinarians 15.2%,hunters 14.9%,forestry workers 6.5%,general population 7.1%,and pregnant women 1.7%.In transplant patients,the seropositivity was highest in LTRs(19.3%),while in KTRs and HSCRs,the seroprevalence was similar to the general population(6.9%and 5.1%,respectively).A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9%in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5%in those older than 60 years.Sociodemographic characteristics(sex,educational level,area of residence,and number of household members),eating habits(game meat,offal,and pork products consumption),and environmental and housing conditions(drinking water supply,type of water drainage/sewer,waste disposal,domestic animals)were not associated with HEV seropositivity.However,individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals(12.5%vs 7.0%).CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection.In addition,age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.

Hepatitis E virus in professionally exposed: A reason for concern?

The zoonotic risk of hepatitis E virus(HEV)is well established.The HEV seroprevalence rates vary according to geographical region,assays used,and study cohorts.HEV infection is still underdiagnosed,implying the need to evaluate the disease's burden in the general population and specific risk groups,such as professionally exposed.Close contact with various animal reservoirs such as pigs,rabbits,sheep,dogs,wild boars,and deer has been associated with higher anti-HEV seroprevalence as a part of occupational exposure.While exact transmission routes remain to be determined,some general preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene,the usage of personal protective equipment,and the thermal processing of food before consumption should be followed.A“One-Health”multisectoral approach should be implemented to achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes,recognizing the interconnections between humans,animals,plants,and their shared environment,in which a vaccine against the zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 and swine vaccination should be considered as a possible public health measure.This opinion review comprehensively addresses the HEV burden of professional exposure for butchers,slaughterhouse workers,veterinarians,farmers,hunters,and forestry workers delineates the current limits of protective work measures,and tackles future directions.

Identification and Treatment of Swine Influenza and Common Cold in Veterinary Clinic

[Objective] The paper was to investigate the differentiation and treatment of swine influenza and common cold in veterinary clinic.[Method] The clinical data of diseased pigs from May 2017 to May 2018 were analyzed retrospectively to explore the clinical treatment methods for swine influenza and common cold, and the effectiveness and accuracy of clinical diagnosis was further improved. [Result] Through in-depth analysis of test results, we obtained a comprehensive understanding of the main causes of swine influenza and common cold, and found that the causes in-cluded improper breeding management of pigs, nutrition of pigs and lack of immunity of newborn pigs. [Conclusion] Analysis of the causes of swine influenza and common cold and suggestion of targeted clinical treatment measures will reduce the incidence of swine disease, and promote the vet-erinary clinical treatment effect of swine influenza and common cold.

Mediation for medical malpractice actions: an efficient approach to the law and veterinary care

Veterinarians today face an increased risk for malpractice claims in view of increased client awareness of the benefits of the human-animal bond and advances in preventive and specialized veterinary medicine.An important problem with medical malpractice litigation is the manner in which malpractice claims are resolved. In several countries, thousands of claims have been successfully resolved via Alternative Dispute Resolution processes such as mediation, conciliation and arbitration.In medical media-tion, health care providers, patients/animal owners, families, clergy and attorneys partici-pate directly in an informal, usually voluntary, dispute resolution process that can lead to for unique and promising approaches to resolving conflicts.Recently in Italy framework legislation addressing mediation has been introduced and it is also used to resolve medical malpractice disputes.Given that in Italy medical mediation is formally a new concept and is still evolving, an examination is made. The importance of “mediation” for veterinarians’ civil liability will be evaluated, underlining how it could become an important instrument in speeding up the resolution of court actions concerning medical mal-practice.

The Whole “Kitten”-Caboodle: Perceived Differences in Veterinary and General Population Opinions Regarding Cat Behavior and Health

People’s attitudes towards animals are likely to impact their quality of care offered. Understanding perceptions of cats is important to identify potential cat welfare issues and to facilitate best care practices. An online survey was developed to gather information from 1172 U.S. residents on perceptions of cats and sources of cat welfare information. Demographic variables, information regarding respondents’ characterization, knowledge and beliefs of cats, their behavior, and welfare needs were collected. A subsample of cat owning households was surveyed regarding their opinions on cat behavior. Veterinarians were also surveyed to determine if they differed from general respondents in their views of and knowledge of cats and their care. The highest percentage of respondents in both groups identified veterinarians as the most accessible (52% veterinarian, 29% general public respondents) and most credible sources (veterinarians 76%, general public 29%) of information on cat behavior. In response to being asked about acceptable reasons to relinquish cats, more general respondents selected “convenience” (13% veterinarians, 3% general population). Several inconsistencies in perceptions and practices between and within members of the general public and veterinarians were observed. General respondents and veterinarians both indicated a lack of confidence in addressing behavioral issues in cats. Both groups disagreed that they (in the case of veterinarians) or their veterinarians provided useful resources on cat behavior or health. Opportunities exist for improvement in consistency between knowledge, attitudes and practices or services relative to cats. Improved competence and information transfer on both the behavioral and physical health aspects of cat welfare are also needed.

A Multitalented Veterinarian A Chinese expert in Mozambique helps standardize and support the local development of veterinary medicine

A Chinese expert in Mozambique helps standardize and support the local development of veterinary medicine When Yue Chenghe’s phone rang unexpectedly,he picked it up and heard an anxious voice at the other end:"Mr.Yue,the real-time image of the biological microscope has suddenly disappeared!"