The Ontario Animal Health Network: enhancing disease surveillance and information sharing through integrative data sharing and management

The Ontario Animal Health Network (OAHN) is an innovative disease surveillance program created to enhance preparedness, early detection, and response to animal disease in Ontario. Laboratory data and, where available, abattoir condemnation data and clinical observations submitted by practicing veterinarians form the core of regular discussions of the species-sector networks. Each network is comprised of government veterinarians or specialists, epidemiologists, pathologists, university species specialists, industry stakeholders, and practicing veterinarians, as appropriate. Laboratorians provide data for diseases of interest as determined by the individual network, and network members provide analysis and context for the large volume of information. Networks assess data for disease trends and the emergence of new clinical syndromes, as well as generate information on the health and disease status for each sector in the province. Members assess data validity and quality, which may be limited by multiple factors. Interpretation of laboratory tests and antimicrobial resistance trends without available clinical histories can be challenging. Extrapolation of disease incidence or risk from laboratory submissions to broader species populations must be done with caution. Disease information is communicated in a variety of media to inform veterinary and agricultural sectors of regional disease risks. Through network engagement, information gaps have been addressed, such as educational initiatives to improve sample submissions and enhance diagnostic outcomes, and the development of applied network-driven research. These diverse network initiatives, developed after careful assessment of laboratory and other data, demonstrate that novel approaches to analysis and interpretation can result in a variety of disease risk mitigation actions.     

Disease diagnostic coding to facilitate evidence-based medicine: current and future perspectives

Technologic advances in information management have rapidly changed laboratory testing and the practice of veterinary medicine. Timely and strategic sampling, same-day assays, and 24-h access to laboratory results allow for rapid implementation of intervention and treatment protocols. Although agent detection and monitoring systems have progressed, and wider tracking of diseases across veterinary diagnostic laboratories exists, such as by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the distinction between detection of agent and manifestation of disease is critical to improved disease management. The implementation of a consistent, intuitive, and useful disease diagnosis coding system, specific for veterinary medicine and applicable to multiple animal species within and between veterinary diagnostic laboratories, is the first phase of disease data aggregation. Feedback loops for continuous improvement that could aggregate existing clinical and laboratory databases to improve the value and applications of diagnostic processes and clinical interventions, with interactive capabilities between clinicians and diagnosticians, and that differentiate disease causation from mere agent detection, remain incomplete. Creating an interface that allows aggregation of existing data from clinicians, including final diagnosis, interventions, or treatments applied, and measures of outcomes, is the second phase. Prototypes for stakeholder cooperation, collaboration, and beta testing of this vision are in development and becoming a reality. We focus here on how such a system is being developed and utilized at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to facilitate evidence-based medicine and utilize diagnostic coding for continuous improvement of animal health and welfare.     

The use of epidemiology to enhance production animal research

The approach to understanding the impact of management and disease in production animal systems has evolved with the advent of both routine on-farm data collection and new analytic epidemiology techniques. Epidemiology provides a tool to describe the host-agent-environment triad and the impact of multiple variables on productivity and health recognized by production animal veterinarians in their day-to-day work. Field trials enable veterinarians to systematically test whether or not a new treatment improves the health of the animal populations in their geographic region and under their production systems. Hypothesis-specific coding techniques, such as hierarchical variables, are used in a systematic manner to understand well-defined biological phenomenon. Clustering at multiple levels has provided the challenges of measuring management changes in each level. Using random effects models allow us to determine the relative importance of each level on the dependent variable. As epidemiologists, we have taken advantage of analytic techniques used in other fields of science. Geo-spatial statistics has been used to understand the clustering and spread of diseases and more recently, to interpret the laboratory findings related to the introduction of an exotic strain of the influenza virus. Dr. Martin, through his work as a veterinary epidemiologist and that of people he has influenced, has been an international leader in promoting the optimal health and productivity of animal populations and of ensuring the safety of foods of animal origin and preventing animal-related disease in humans.     

Laboratory assessment of gastrointestinal function

Over the past decade, several laboratory tests have been introduced to veterinary medicine that allow the minimally invasive assessment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. Although some of those tests have limited clinical use in a practice setting and have more use as research tools, other tests, such as serum cobalamin and folate concentrations, find wide application in everyday veterinary practice. In some cases, definitive diagnosis requires invasive or expensive procedures, but these new laboratory tests have greatly aided veterinarians in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. This discussion provides an overview of new diagnostic tests that will allow the minimally invasive assessment of gastrointestinal function.     

Current and future trends in demographics of veterinary medicine in California

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the present and future supply of veterinarians in California, in light of changing trends in animal ownership. DESIGN: Database analysis. SAMPLE POPULATION: Human and animal populations, including populations of veterinarians, throughout the United States. PROCEDURES: Data on animal and human populations were compiled from a number of sources, including the US Census Bureau, American Veterinary Medical Association, State of California Department of Finance, and State of California Veterinary Medical Board. The distribution of veterinarians in California was contrasted with other health professionals in California and with that of veterinarians in other states. Recent changes in veterinary medical demographics in California were quantified and used to develop in-state projections about the supply of veterinarians for the next 20 years. RESULTS: Although California is the most populous of the 50 states, only 7 states had fewer veterinarians per capita. Furthermore, California ranked next to last among states in increase of number of veterinarians between 1990 and 1995. Los Angeles County had the smallest per-capita number of veterinarians among 9 populous California counties. During that period, California had a net gain of only 6 veterinarians who were exclusively or predominantly large-animal or mixed-animal practitioners. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If current trends continue, the per-capita number of veterinarians will continue to decrease in California. To maintain the current ratio of 17.8 veterinarians/100,000 people in California in the future, we estimate that an additional 50 veterinarians above the currently predicted increase will be required annually.     

Veterinary syndromic surveillance: Current initiatives and potential for development

This paper reviews recent progress in the development of syndromic surveillance systems for veterinary medicine. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched in order to identify surveillance systems that explicitly address outbreak detection based on systematic monitoring of animal population data, in any phase of implementation. The review found that developments in veterinary syndromic surveillance are focused not only on animal health, but also on the use of animals as sentinels for public health, representing a further step towards One Medicine. The main sources of information are clinical data from practitioners and laboratory data, but a number of other sources are being explored. Due to limitations inherent in the way data on animal health is collected, the development of veterinary syndromic surveillance initially focused on animal health data collection strategies, analyzing historical data for their potential to support systematic monitoring, or solving problems of data classification and integration. Systems based on passive notification or data transfers are now dealing with sustainability issues. Given the ongoing barriers in availability of data, diagnostic laboratories appear to provide the most readily available data sources for syndromic surveillance in animal health. As the bottlenecks around data source availability are overcome, the next challenge is consolidating data standards for data classification, promoting the integration of different animal health surveillance systems, and also the integration to public health surveillance. Moreover, the outputs of systems for systematic monitoring of animal health data must be directly connected to real-time decision support systems which are increasingly being used for disease management and control.     

The scope of a laboratory animal program needed at a veterinary school.

The discipline of laboratory animal medicine is one of the most rapidly expanding specialties within the veterinary profession. Veterinary schools should fully accept the responsibility for introductory instruction in laboratory animal medicine in the professional curriculum. Such instruction should articulate the varied opportunities that exist for the laboratory animal veterinarian within the biomedical research community, and provide an overview of the normal biological characteristics and pathologic conditions of the common laboratory animal species. In addition, the opportunity should exist within the veterinary school for graduate and undergraduate students utilizing experimental animals to receive a comprehensive introduction to laboratory animal biology, care, and management. Instructional responsibility for such courses should be accepted by faculty veterinarians with advanced training in laboratory animal medicine. Veterinarians with advanced training in this specialty are uniquely qualified to make substantial contributions to biomedical research by promoting the health and welfare of the research animal.     

Basic epidemiologic concepts related to assessment of animal health and performance.

Modern animal production systems are increasingly complex,which is why farmers depend on veterinarians to help them make sound decisions based on valid interpretation of data. While serving as advisors to farmers, veterinarians face the challenge of properly identifying key indicators of animal performance and differentiating between values that reflect normal biologic variation and those that require intervention. The veterinary consultant must understand the strengths and weaknesses of data, assess production trends accurately, and evaluate the results of management changes. This article describes some basic epidemiologic concepts about animal performance data. These concepts equip veterinary practitioners with the tools they need to give the best advice.     

Animal welfare and the Australian veterinarian

SUMMARY This paper discusses the moral and philosophical arguments related to animal welfare. The veterinary profession in Australia has, to date, addressed this matter on a superficial and unsatisfactory level. In my view, the Australian Veterinary Association has not yet considered sound philosophical and moral positions in any area of animal welfare. This paper provides some examples of arguments concerning animal rights. It is suggested that the veterinary profession in Australia needs to take heed of these arguments and to develop a philosophy of its own. The profession is not seen to be having sufficient influence on the development of community standards in animal welfare. For example, public statements on the stray cat and dog problem concern the nuisance to human society and little is said of the welfare or rights of the animals themselves. The Australian Veterinary Association has not looked thoroughly at problems of animal welfare in the livestock industries, where the need for attention is urgent. Few veterinarians in Australia have the knowledge and experience to tackle problems in the area of animal experimentation. These include questions of laboratory animal production and disease, as well as those of a moral and philosophical nature. A discussion of ethical problems in studies on animal behaviour points to the lack of experience el veterinarians in this area. Possible mechanisms for statutory control of animal experimentation are explored. Antivivisectionist ideas and the significance of their political influence are outlined.     

Laboratory animal medicine — Needs and opportunities for Canadian veterinarians

Laboratory animal medicine is a growing field of veterinary practice that emphasizes animal welfare and refinement of research animal care. The Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine/L’association canadienne de la medecine des animaux de laboratoire (CALAM/ACMAL) and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) provide a framework within which laboratory animal veterinarians practise. Numerous continuing education and post-graduate training opportunities exist in Canada for veterinarians interested in pursuing this specialty.     

附红细胞体检测技术的研究现状

附红细胞体病是由附红细胞体引起的一种急性传染病,近几年在国内部分地区呈暴发性流行趋势,给我国的养殖业造成严重的经济损失.并且该病临床上常与其他疾病混合感染,给诊断造成困难.现将近年来附红细胞体的各种实验室检测方法进行综述,以期为广大兽医工作者迅速确诊本病提供一定的帮助,以减少该病对我国养殖业的危害.     

Acute phase reactants in nondomesticated mammals—A veterinary clinical pathology perspective

Applications for acute phase reactants (APRs) in nondomesticated mammals include identifying inflammatory disease, monitoring the course of specific disease processes and recovery during rehabilitation, detecting preclinical or subclinical disease, being used as bioindicators for monitoring population and ecosystem health, and as markers of stress and animal welfare. Serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, albumin, and iron are most commonly measured. The procedure for evaluating an APR in a nondomesticated mammalian species should follow a stepwise approach beginning with an assessment of analytical performance, followed by an evaluation of overlap performance, clinical performance, and impact on patient outcomes and management. The lack of species-specific standards and antibodies for nondomesticated mammals presents a challenge, and more attention needs to be focused on assessing cross-reactivity and ensuring adequate analytical performance of APR assays. Sample selection for the initial evaluation of APRs should consider preanalytical influences and should originate from animals with confirmed inflammatory disease and healthy animals. Reference intervals should be generated according to published guidelines. Further evaluation should focus on assessing the diagnostic utility of APRs in specific disease scenarios relevant to a species. Greater attention should be paid to assay performance and uniformity of methods when using APRs for population and ecosystem surveillance. Veterinary clinical pathologists should work closely with zoo veterinarians and wildlife researchers to optimize the accuracy and utility of APR measurements in these various conservation medicine scenarios.     

Rabies

The practicing veterinarian has a key role to play in rabies control in the maintenance of protection in the companion animal populations, in the education of the pet-owning community on rabies, and in the decision-making process that accompanies human exposure to potentially rabid animals. This role encompasses far more than the routine maintenance of health and well-being in pet animal populations. Although it is important to remain diligent in the immunization of domestic pets against rabies to provide a barrier between wildlife, the main reservoir of infection, and man, it is also important to be aware of the current trends in wildlife rabies within a region. Research is currently underway to investigate methods of immunizing wildlife populations, but the effective and widespread control of rabies in these species is still a long way off; in the meantime, there will be an increasing demand for practicing veterinarians to take the lead in the control of this most fearful zoonotic disease.     

World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines

Dental, oral, and maxillofacial diseases are some of the most common problems in small animal veterinary practice. These conditions create significant pain as well as localized and potentially systemic infection. As such, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) believes that un- and under treated oral and dental diseases pose a significant animal welfare concern. Dentistry is an area of veterinary medicine which is still widely ignored and is subject to many myths and misconceptions. Effective teaching of veterinary dentistry in the veterinary school is the key to progression in this field of veterinary medicine, and to the improvement of welfare for all our patients globally. These guidelines were developed to provide veterinarians with the information required to understand best practices for dental therapy and create realistic minimum standards of care. Using the three-tiered continuing education system of WSAVA, the guidelines make global equipment and therapeutic recommendations and highlight the anaesthetic and welfare requirements for small animal patients. This document contains information on common oral and dental pathologies, diagnostic procedures (an easily implementable and repeatable scoring system for dental health, dental radiography and radiology) and treatments (periodontal therapy, extractions). Further, there are sections on anaesthesia and pain management for dental procedures, home dental care, nutritional information, and recommendations on the role of the universities in improving veterinary dentistry. A discussion of the deleterious effects of anaesthesia free dentistry (AFD) is included, as this procedure is ineffective at best and damaging at worst. Throughout the document the negative effects of undiagnosed and/or treated dental disease on the health and well-being of our patients, and how this equates to an animal welfare issue, is discussed.     

Tasks of public veterinary affairs in environmental hygiene]

The involvement of official veterinarians in tasks of environmental hygiene is demonstrated under differentiation of the following working-fields: animal waste-removal, animal health protection, animal welfare, and controlling of foods of animal origin. Thereby it results that nearly all sections of public veterinary affairs are connected with environmental aspects to a high degree.     

Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs in West Africa as a model for sustainable partnerships in animal and human health

The concept of animal and human health experts working together toward a healthier world has been endorsed, but challenges remain in identifying concrete actions to move this one health concept from vision to action. In 2008, as a result of avian influenza outbreaks in West Africa, international donor support led to a unique opportunity to invest in Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programs (FELTPs) in the region that engaged the animal and human health sectors to strengthen the capacity for prevention and control of zoonotic diseases. The FELTPs mixed 25% to 35% classroom and 65% to 75% field-based training and service for cohorts of physicians, veterinarians, and laboratory scientists. They typically consisted of a 2-year course leading to a master's degree in field epidemiology and public health laboratory management for midlevel public health leaders and competency-based short courses for frontline public health surveillance workers. Trainees and graduates work in multidisciplinary teams to conduct surveillance, outbreak investigations, and epidemiological studies for disease control locally and across borders. Critical outcomes of these programs include development of a cadre of public health leaders with core skills in integrated disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccination campaigns, laboratory diagnostic testing, and epidemiological studies that address priority public health problems. A key challenge exists in identifying ways to successfully scale up and transform this innovative donor-driven program into a sustainable multisectoral one health workforce capacity development model.     

Ocular disease in rats: a review

The rat Rattus norvegicus is widely used in experimental work, both providing a rodent model for human ocular disease and as a species for toxicologic screening. In addition, the rat is more and more widely kept as a pet, being both friendly and intelligent. Diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease is important for the welfare of individual animals and whole colonies, but also to ensure that spontaneous disease is not compromising experimental work. Here, ophthalmic conditions are reviewed in order to provide a survey of ocular disease in the rat both for veterinary ophthalmologists and for laboratory animal veterinarians and research workers.     

Animal health and animal health care concepts changing over time

The term "animal health", in particular applied to herds and flocks of food animals, needs to be newly defined in the light of the growing societal concerns with modern husbandry systems and animal welfare. This paper deals with a definition of animal health, which is extended to the well being of the animals and to pre-harvest food safety aspects. The future activities of food animal veterinarians have to meet the new demands and societal expectations discussed in this paper.     

Educational preparedness of veterinarians for foreign animal diseases

Veterinary medical education in FADs has been and will continue to be critically important if veterinarians are expected to fulfill the profession's primary obligations to society--those of protecting our animals' health, conserving our animal resources, and promoting public health. It is imperative that curricula and instruction in veterinary schools and colleges provide the depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding necessary to prepare all veterinarians, including those in private practice, for their key role in defending against FADs. Development and implementation of governmental and military programs to diagnose, prevent, control, and eradicate FADs will require a dedicated cadre of public sector veterinarians who have a solid educational foundation in FADs and understand the contemporary issues and global challenges we face. Animal-related industries, associations, and organizations will increasingly rely on well-educated veterinarians to help guide them in ways that will protect animals, clientele, consumers, and trading partners from effects of FADs. Agencies and organizations concerned with conservation of animal resources will require veterinary expertise necessary to prevent FADs in a multitude of animal species, including marine animals, wildlife, endangered species, zoologic specimens, and important genetic lines as well as our domestic companion and livestock species. Species affected by FADs also include human beings for those disease agents with zoonotic potential; thus, veterinary education also plays a key role in public health.