The application of medical informatics to the veterinary management programs at companion animal practices in Alberta,Canada: A case study

Companion animals closely share their domestic environment with people and have the potential to, act as sources of zoonotic diseases. They also have the potential to be sentinels of infectious and noninfectious, diseases. With the exception of rabies, there has been minimal ongoing surveillance of, companion animals in Canada. We developed customized data extraction software, the University of, Calgary Data Extraction Program (UCDEP), to automatically extract and warehouse the electronic, medical records (EMR) from participating private veterinary practices to make them available for, disease surveillance and knowledge creation for evidence-based practice. It was not possible to build, generic data extraction software; the UCDEP required customization to meet the specific software, capabilities of the veterinary practices. The UCDEP, tailored to the participating veterinary practices’, management software, was capable of extracting data from the EMR with greater than 99%, completeness and accuracy. The experiences of the people developing and using the UCDEP and the, quality of the extracted data were evaluated. The electronic medical record data stored in the data, warehouse may be a valuable resource for surveillance and evidence-based medical research.     

Proportion of pet cats registered with a veterinary practice and factors influencing registration in the UK

Registration of a cat with a veterinary practice is likely to be a critical factor for access to key preventative medicine. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data in the United Kingdom on the registration status of cats and potential explanatory variables. These data were also used to identify potential sources of bias associated with selecting controls from veterinary registered populations of cats due to differences between registered and unregistered cats. Cat owners reported that 13.6% (84/616) of their cats had not been registered with a veterinary practice since living at their current address. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that unregistered cats were significantly more likely than registered cats to be entire, to have not been vaccinated within the previous year, to be living in households in Northern Ireland and in households with an annual income <￡10,000.(1) Whilst the neuter status and the vaccination status of the cat are likely to result from non-registration, the household location and annual income are factors that can be used to inform future interventions designed to increase the proportion of veterinary registered cats.     

Risk factors associated with the antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci in canine pyoderma

This study reports the susceptibility to antimicrobial agents of staphylococci (n=105) isolated from dogs, and the factors associated with this resistance. The study animals were 23 healthy dogs (group A), 24 with first-time pyoderma (group B), and 27 with recurrent pyoderma that had undergone long-term antibiotic treatment (group C). Staphylococci were more commonly isolated from the pyoderma-affected than the healthy dogs (p<0.0001). Some 78% of the isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent. Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cephalosporins (OR 4.29, 95% CI [1.15, 16.3] respectively), enrofloxacin (OR 9.47, 95% CI [1.53, 58.5]) and ciprofloxacin (OR 79.7 95% CI [3.26, 1947.4]) was more common among group C isolates. Some 32% of all the isolates were multiresistant (MR) and 10.4% were methicillin-resistant (MRS). The probability of isolating MRS staphylococci in group C increased by a factor of four (95% CI [1.18, 17.9]) compared to A plus B. Multi-resistant (MR) isolates were obtained more commonly from urban than rural dogs (OR 3.79, 95% CI [1.09, 13.17]). All the MRS staphylococci encountered were obtained from urban dogs and more commonly from male dogs (p=0.07). This study shows that dogs bred in urban habitat, with a history of antibiotic therapy in the past year represents significant risk of being carriers of isolates resistant to methicillin (MRS) and other antimicrobials. These factors should be considered before applying an antimicrobial treatment in veterinary clinics.     

A case-control study of risk factors for brucellosis seropositivity in Portuguese small ruminants herds

A case–control study involving 255 small ruminants herds randomly selected was carried out in Portugal between January and December 2004, to identify risk factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity.

To achieve this objective, two groups of herds selected according their prevalence status were compared: “cases” (farms with seroprevalence higher than 5%, n = 123) and “controls” (farms seronegatives, n = 132). A carefully structured questionnaire was used to collect data from each herd. A statistical analysis to compare “case” versus “control” herds was performed with the variables obtained from the questionnaire and the seroprevalence results. The effects on seroprevalence of several variables such as: individual characteristics; farm management practices; farm characteristics; animal health; knowledge and characteristics of farmers were evaluated. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Univariable analysis was used to screen the variables used in the logistic regression model. Nine variables were associated with brucellosis seropositivity in univariable analysis p < 0.10. These variables were retained for multivariable logistic regression model. Regression model identified five variables as risk factors for seropositivity. The odds of brucellosis were increased: herds with more than 116 animals (OR = 2.99); in herds with no cleaned-watering places (OR = 3.05); in herds with insufficient manure removal and insufficient cleaning of premises (OR = 2.87); in introduction of animals from non-free brucellosis herds or from herds of unknown status (OR = 12.11). In the other hand, farmers’ age (the eldest) was related to decreased odds (OR = 0.4).

Potential risk factors identified in this study were consistent factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity and support current recommendations for the control of brucellosis. Considering the paucity of epidemiological reports on brucellosis in the Northeast of Portugal and the absence of any data concerning factors related to either the prevention or the spread of the disease, our results could make a useful contribution towards the prevention of small ruminants brucellosis in the area.     

A case-control study of factors associated with pelvic and tibial stress fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses in training in the UK

Few epidemiological studies have investigated risk factors for musculoskeletal injury occurring in Thoroughbred racehorses during training, although it is the major cause of wastage in the racing industry. We recently conducted a large-scale epidemiological study to estimate the incidence of fracture in racehorses in training in the UK and to identify associated risk factors. Thirteen racehorse trainers provided data on horses in their care, with daily recording of training information and provision of details on any fractures incurred. Data were collected for 2 years, including two consecutive flat racing seasons (1999 and 2000). This paper describes findings from a nested case-control study investigating factors associated with the occurrence of pelvic and tibial stress fractures in our study population. Cases were identified from the main study and defined as horses with a pelvic or tibial stress fracture, confirmed through routine diagnostic imaging. Randomly selected controls were matched on date of fracture in the case. Age and gender of the horse, its exercise history and training surfaces were examined as explanatory variables. Exercise was quantified as cumulative distances cantered and worked at high speed in 30- and 60-day periods prior to date of fracture in the case. Conditional logistic regression was used to construct multivariable models for the 30- and 60-day periods, respectively. We hypothesised that larger cumulative exercise distances would be associated with an increased risk of pelvic or tibial stress fracture and that different training surfaces would be associated with differences in fracture risk. In the 30-day period, when adjusting for trainer, the risk of pelvic or tibial stress fracture increased with increasing distance cantered, reaching a peak at around 50 km, after which the risk reduced. This trend was not obvious in the 60-day period, with no significant association between exercise distances and risk of stress fracture. Predominant use of one particular sand-based all-weather surface was related to an increased risk of pelvic or tibial stress injury, although this finding should be interpreted with caution. Surface maintenance and construction may play a role; variables that were not considered in the current analyses, which were based on a relatively small number of cases. Trainer was associated with differences in stress fracture risk after adjusting for exercise distances and surface but age and gender were not.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors associated with anthelmintic resistance in sheep

Background

Anthelmintic drugs have been widely used in sheep as a cost-effective means for gastro-intestinal nematode (GIN) control. However, growing anthelmintic resistance (AHR) has created a compelling need to identify evidence-based management recommendations that reduce the risk of further development and impact of AHR.

Objective

To identify, critically assess, and synthesize available data from primary research on factors associated with AHR in sheep.

Methods

Publications reporting original observational or experimental research on selected factors associated with AHR in sheep GINs and published after 1974, were identified through two processes. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Agricola, CAB) and Web of Science (a collection of databases) were searched for potentially relevant publications. Additional publications were identified through consultation with experts, manual search of references of included publications and conference proceedings, and information solicited from small ruminant practitioner list-serves. Two independent investigators screened abstracts for relevance. Relevant publications were assessed for risk of systematic bias. Where sufficient data were available, random-effects Meta-Analyses (MAs) were performed to estimate the pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) of AHR for factors reported in ≥2 publications.

Results

Of the 1712 abstracts screened for eligibility, 131 were deemed relevant for full publication review. Thirty publications describing 25 individual studies (15 observational studies, 7 challenge trials, and 3 controlled trials) were included in the qualitative synthesis and assessed for systematic bias. Unclear (i.e. not reported, or unable to assess) or high risk of selection bias and confounding bias was found in 93% (14/15) and 60% (9/15) of the observational studies, respectively, while unclear risk of selection bias was identified in all of the trials. Ten independent studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, and MAs were performed for five factors. Only high frequency of treatment was a significant risk factor (OR = 4.39; 95% CI = 1.59, 12.14), while the remaining 4 variables were marginally significant: mixed-species grazing (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 0.66, 4.07); flock size (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.97, 1.07); use of long-acting drug formulations (OR = 2.85; 95% CI = 0.79, 10.24); and drench-and-shift pasture management (OR = 4.08; 95% CI = 0.75, 22.16).

Conclusions

While there is abundant literature on the topic of AHR in sheep GINs, few studies have explicitly investigated the association between putative risk or protective factors and AHR. Consequently, several of the current recommendations on parasite management are not evidence-based. Moreover, many of the studies included in this review had a high or unclear risk of systematic bias, highlighting the need to improve study design and/or reporting of future research carried out in this field.     

A case control study of factors and infections associated with clinically apparent respiratory disease in UK Thoroughbred racehorses

A matched case control study was used to determine infections and other factors associated with clinically apparent respiratory disease in young racehorses in training in the UK. A total of 170 cases, defined as horses with sudden onset coughing, nasal discharge or pyrexia, were identified and matched to 632 non-affected controls by trainer and time period. Factors examined included age, sex, time since entry into the training yard, time since last race and different infections including tracheal and nasopharyngeal (NP) bacteria and viruses. Multivariable conditional logistic regression (CLR) modelling was used to evaluate the risk of being a case for variables after adjustment for other factors. Three analyses were conducted using clinical cases as outcomes, which were compared with: (i) controls without evidence of subclinical inflammatory airway disease (IAD) (ii) controls with evidence of subclinical IAD and (iii) all controls irrespective of IAD status. A fourth analysis was conducted comparing the two groups of controls, i.e. those with and without IAD. Younger horses and those that had entered training more recently were at increased risk of suffering episodes of clinically apparent respiratory disease. Among the infections, increasing numbers of Pasteurella/Actinobacillus spp. in tracheal washes were associated with increasing risk of clinical disease. Tracheal infection with Streptococcus zooepidemicus was associated with both clinical respiratory disease and subclinical IAD when compared with controls with no evidence of IAD. This explained the lack of association between clinical cases and S. zooepidemicus when all controls were used. Tracheal isolation of Mycoplasma felis was also associated with clinical disease after controlling for other factors. An inverse association was identified between risk of clinically apparent disease and isolation from tracheal washes of the transient, non-pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter spp. There was no significant association identified between clinical disease and infection with equine herpesviruses-1 and -4, rhinoviruses-1 and -2 or adenovirus. Equine influenza was significantly associated with clinical respiratory disease but it was a very rare infection in this well-vaccinated population, only occurring in three cases.     

Chemical restraint-reversal with medetomidine and atipamezole in veterinary small animal practice: a survey on the opinions of the dog owners and veterinarians.

The opinions of animal owners and practising veterinarians concerning a new restraint-reversal medication (medetomidine-atipamezole) for dogs were obtained by two questionnaires in connection with a clinical study. Four alternative answers to each statement question scored as "completely agree", "somewhat agree", "somewhat disagree" and "completely disagree". The questionnaires were completed by 21 veterinarians and 245 dog owners. The overall response to the treatment was clearly positive. Both groups had a favourable attitude towards drug use with mean combined scores (from 1 to 4; 4 = most favourable) of 48.1 (max 56) for the dog owners and 39.2 (max 52) for the veterinarians. Only a little information was gained about the background of negative sentiments. Some pet owners (19%) opposed to medication on a priori grounds, some (26%) reacted strongly to the dizziness of their animals and some owners (21%) complained because of general anxiety before, during and after their pets were treated.     

A study of risk factors associated with Newcastle disease epidemics in village free-range chickens in Uganda

A prospective study of risk factors associated with outbreaks of Newcastle disease (ND) in indigenous free-range chickens was carried out in three agro-ecological zones in eastern Uganda. Sixty households keeping chickens were randomly selected and studied from March 2004 to February 2005, covering rainy and dry seasons. Data on ND outbreaks, risk factors and flock dynamics were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, while ND outbreaks were confirmed by haemagglutination inhibition test. Multivariate survival analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for Newcastle disease outbreaks. Although the survival time against ND was longer (>100 days) in the dry compared to the rainy season, incidence in the two seasons was not significantly different (p > 0.05). None of the factors investigated was significantly associated with ND. However, purchasing of restocking chickens from the market and neighbourhood (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–3.60), the presence of migratory wild birds (HR = 1.70; 95% CI 0.65–4.48) and being in agro-ecological zone 1 (HR = 1.48; 95% CI 0.66–3.36) showed a positive but non-significant association with risk for ND. To understand the roles of other domestic poultry species in the epidemiology of ND in rural free-range chickens, virus isolation and molecular characterization of isolates in addition to more prospective cohort studies with a larger sample size and similarly long period of follow-up are needed.     

基于文献计量分析的我国黄芪、当归、党参在畜牧与动物医学领域的研究

目的：了解国内黄芪、当归、党参等3类中草药在＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域的研究状况,为后续研究提供参考。方法：运用文献计量学与计算机统计分析的研究方法,以国内3种中草药在＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域研究的期刊文献为样本,进行文献学特征、文献主题内容的分析与研究。结果：当归是3种中草药中＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域研究最早、时间跨度最大的中药材;3种中草药的主要饲喂或治疗对象有鸡、猪、牛、鼠、犬等;主要饲喂或用药类型有单药、组方、提取物、注射液、散剂、汤剂等;主要对症有增强免疫机能、生长性能、生产性能、治疗前胃疾病等。结论：在国内,高校是3种中草药＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域研究最主要机构,3种中草药在＂畜牧与动物医学＂领域应用范围较广、应用技术日趋成熟,普遍遵循着扶正祛邪、调节阴阳平衡的中兽医治疗原则。     

Herd-level factors associated with isolation of Salmonella in a multi-state study of conventional and organic dairy farms I. Salmonella shedding in cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between herd characteristics and the isolation of Salmonella from dairy cows in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New York. Study farms were 129 conventional and organic farms enrolled without regard to previous history of Salmonella infection. Herds were sampled at 2-month intervals over a 1-year period. This is the largest study to date on Salmonella shedding in dairy cows and the only study evaluating herd-level risk factors using longitudinal sampling to characterize Salmonella shedding on dairy farms. Salmonella was isolated in fecal samples from 1026 (4.9%) of 20,089 cows. Over the course of the study, 113 (87.6%) of 129 farms had at least one positive cow sample. Multi-variable logistic regression using the generalized estimating equations approach was used to test the association between herd-level risk factors and the dependent variable of within-herd prevalence by visit (number of Salmonella-positive cows/number of cows sampled) after adjustment for effects of herd size, season, state of origin, and the multiple sampling occasions per herd. Factors retained in the final model included lack of use of tiestall or stanchion facilities to house lactating cows (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.3), not storing all purchased concentrate or protein feeds in an enclosed building (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3–4.9), not using monensin in weaned calf or bred heifer diets (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 2.0–5.4), access of lactating or dry cows to surface water (e.g., lake, pond, river, or stream) (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3–3.9), disposal of manure in liquid form (slurry or irrigation, as opposed to disposal of manure by broadcast/solid spreader only) on owned or rented land (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–3.9), and cows eating or grazing of roughage from fields where manure was applied in solid or liquid form and not plowed under during the same growing season (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.0–3.0). A seasonal association was also present as cows were more likely to be Salmonella-positive in summer, spring, and fall compared to winter. Herd size was not associated with Salmonella shedding in the final multi-variable model. The herd-level risk factors identified in this study could potentially be implemented in Salmonella control programs on dairy farms.     

Herd-level factors associated with isolation of Salmonella in a multi-state study of conventional and organic dairy farms II. Salmonella shedding in calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between herd-level factors and the isolation of Salmonella in calves from dairy farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York. Study farms were 129 conventional and organic farms enrolled without regard to previous history of Salmonella infection. Herds were sampled at 2-month intervals over a 1-year period. Salmonella was isolated in fecal samples from 176 (3.8%) of 4673 preweaned calves with 40 (31.0%) of 129 farms having at least one positive calf sample over the course of the study. Multivariable logistic regression using the generalized estimating equations approach was used to evaluate risk factors for Salmonella shedding after adjustment for effects of herd size, season, state of origin and the multiple sampling occasions per herd. Factors retained in the final model that were associated with an increased odds for Salmonella shedding were lack of routine feeding of milk replacer containing antimicrobials to preweaned calves (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.8), use of maternity housing as a hospital area for sick cows more than once a month (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.0), and cow prevalence level by visit, categorized into the following four-levels: ≥20% (OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 5.7, 23.7), 10–19.9% (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.0, 11.5), 0.1–9.9% (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.5, 8.7) and 0% (reference level). Herd size was not associated with Salmonella shedding in the final multivariable model.