Prevalence of proliferative enteritis on pig farms in Australia

SUMMARY Three surveys, undertaken to assess the prevalence of proliferative enteritis (PE) on pig farms in Australia and to investigate risk factors associated with clinical disease, indicated that PE was a common disease in pig farms. Forty of the 71 (56%) randomly-selected producers had either observed PE or had a veterinarian diagnose the disease in their herd during 1988 to 1990. A relatively low prevalence of the disease was recorded at veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and this suggested that diagnoses of PE were often not confirmed by histopathological examination of the intestines of affected pigs. Non-haemorrhagic PE occurred most often in six- to 24-week-old pigs, but was also reported in 52-week-old pigs. Proliferative haemorrhagic enteropathy usually affected pigs over 16 weeks of age, but was also reported in pigs as young as six weeks and as old as four years of age. A survey of pig-specialist veterinarians indicated that most veterinarians diagnosed PE based on clinical and gross pathological examination of affected pigs, without laboratory confirmation. There were difficulties associated with measuring the prevalence of PE among herds, including the effectiveness of antibacterials for its prevention and control, its subclinical nature and probable mis-diagnoses. This study highlighted the need for an ante-mortem diagnostic test to measure the prevalence of PE more accurately.     

Visualization and application of disease diagnosis codes for population health management using porcine diseases as a model

Accurate and timely results of diagnostic investigations and laboratory testing guide clinical interventions for the continuous improvement of animal health and welfare. Infectious diseases can severely limit the health, welfare, and productivity of populations of animals. Livestock veterinarians submit thousands of samples daily to veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) for disease diagnosis, pathogen monitoring, and surveillance. Individual diagnostic laboratory reports are immediately useful; however, aggregated historical laboratory data are increasingly valued by clinicians and decision-makers to identify changes in the health status of various animal populations over time and geographical space. The value of this historical information is enhanced by visualization of trends of agent detection, disease diagnosis, or both, which helps focus time and resources on the most significant pathogens and fosters more effective communication between livestock producers, veterinarians, and VDL professionals. Advances in data visualization tools allow quick, efficient, and often real-time scanning and analysis of databases to inform, guide, and modify animal health intervention algorithms. Value is derived at the farm, production system, or regional level. Visualization tools allow client-specific analyses, benchmarking, formulation of research questions, and monitoring the effects of disease management and precision farming practices. We present here the approach taken to visualize trends of disease occurrence using porcine disease diagnostic code data for the period 2010 to 2019. Our semi-automatic standardized creation of a visualization platform allowed the transformation of diagnostic report data into aggregated information to visualize and monitor disease diagnosis.     

An investigation into the practices of dairy producers and veterinarians in dehorning dairy calves in Ontario

The objective of this survey was to describe the current state of dehorning practices by dairy producers and veterinarians in Ontario and to identify opportunities to improve on existing practices. Two hundred and seven producers and 65 veterinarians completed a survey on dehorning practices during the summer of 2004. Seventy-eight percent of dairy producers dehorn their own calves; 22% use local anesthetics. Veterinarians dehorn calves for 31% of dairy clients; 92% use local anesthetics. Pain management was the most common reason for use of local anesthetics for both groups, while time (veterinarians) and time and cost (producers) were the most common reasons for lack of use. Producers who used local anesthetics were 6.5 times more likely to have veterinary involvement in their dehorning decisions. Thirteen percent of producers were unaware of the options for pain management. These results suggest that veterinarians should take the initiative to educate their clients about the options for pain management.     

A survey of swine production health problems and health maintenance expenditures

Swine producers in the Missouri Mail-In-Record program provided information on herd health problems, death losses and health maintenance expenditures in their swine herd for the years 1978 and 1979. Swine health problems and death losses dampen profits for swine producers. During the study period approximately one-third of all pigs raised by Missouri Mail-In-Record swine panel producers were affected by health problems. It is important for swine producers to keep health problems under control. Important health problems for swine producers were scours, pneumonia, salmonellosis, TGE, and influenza. Important death causal factors were crushing or trauma, scours, lack of milk, and pneumonia. Health problems and death losses were most severe during the first quarter of the year. The major swine health expenditure was for services which were farmer administered. On a relative basis smaller producers depended more on veterinarians for seervices than did larger producers. Also, producers that had more than one type of production technology (pasture, confinement, etc.) tended to have larger animal health expenditure levels.     

Surveyed attitudes, perceptions and practices in Norway regarding the use of local anaesthesia in piglet castration

The last two years piglet castration in Norway has been performed by veterinarians and with the use of anaesthesia. In order to evaluate this new policy, veterinarians and pig producers were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their experiences with the new castration practices. The answers showed that the piglets were most often castrated using a combination of subcutaneous and intratesticular administration of lidocaine with adrenaline at an average age of 10 days. The effect of the anaesthesia was regarded as good by 54% of the veterinarians and 19% of the producers. Post-operative complications were rare. The overall evaluation showed that two-thirds of the veterinarians, but only one-third of the pig producers were satisfied or very satisfied with the implemented policy. However, while two-thirds of the pig producer had a negative attitude to the policy before it was implemented, only one-third were dissatisfied after two years experience.     

Compendium of measures to control Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) infection among humans (psittacosis) and pet birds, 2005

Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever and ornithosis, is a bacterial infection of humans that can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems. It is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci. From 1988 through 2003, 935 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the CDC and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. In birds, C. psittaci infection is referred to as avian chlamydiosis. Infected birds shed the bacteria through feces and nasal discharges, and humans become infected from exposure to these materials. This compendium provides information about psittacosis and avian chlamydiosis to public health officials, physicians, veterinarians, the pet bird industry, and others concerned with controlling these diseases and protecting public health. The recommendations in this compendium provide standardized procedures for controlling avian chlamydiosis in birds, a vital step to protecting human health. This document will be reviewed and revised as necessary.     

Skills required of dairy veterinarians in western Canada: A survey of practicing veterinarians

This study determined skills required of entry-level veterinarians for dairy practice in western Canada and compared mixed and dairy practitioners in the skills that they perform. We surveyed western Canadian veterinarians involved in dairy practice, focusing primarily on clinical activity of respondents. Response rate was 39.4% (281/714). Respondents were classified as either mixed practitioners (< 10% time in dairy practice) or dairy practitioners (> 75% time in dairy practice). For both groups, individual animal medicine and surgery skills were performed more commonly than herd health skills. The most important skills identified were those required for basic theriogenology, physical examination, treatment of common disorders, and general surgery. These results underscore the continued importance of individual animal skills in food animal practice in western Canada.     

Physical examination of passerines.

A physical examination of a passerine incorporates the same basic techniques used for other avian species. Although frequently a concern for practitioners, the small size of many of these patients can be overcome with a few technical and equipment modifications. When evaluating clinical findings and collecting diagnostic samples, veterinarians must remain cognizant of important anatomical differences between passerines and psittacines so that they can interpret the results of these tests properly. Because of the many species contained within this order, practitioners should gather as much useful information as possible when examining a novel species. In this way, we will continue to expand the medical knowledge base for this large and diverse group of birds.     

Perceived Usefulness of the Collection of Subclinical and other Disease Entities Detected at Slaughter

Based on a survey of 1820 Ontario pork producers and 16 veterinary members of the Ontario Swine Practitioners Association, condemnation/demerit data, while viewed as potentially valuable, are seldom, if ever, utilized in the provision of herd health programs. We found, however, that: 1) 89.4 percent (SD 1.04 percent) of producers and all veterinarians would use the disease information made available by a computerized system that would collect and report on subclinical and other disease entities detected during the slaughter of hogs; 2) Iesion diagnosis should be as detailed as possible and report on severity of disease; and 3) with the exception of those producers who ship larger numbers of hogs to market for which reports were wanted for each kill, monthly reports would be adequate.

Written comments by producers expressed concerns about confidentiality of individual herd data, costs for the information/service, and veterinary expertise in the interpretation of findings.

     

Physical examination of swine.

Swine may be examined to evaluate a disease state or a lowered economic performance or as a herd health consultation. As much of the examination as possible should be performed without handling the animal. A thorough history, evaluation of herd records, environmental examination, and herd examination should be performed prior to the evaluation of an individual animal. All necessary equipment should be available when starting the individual examination. The animals is then restrained and examined, and necessary samples are taken. Post-mortem examinations or slaughter house evaluations are a very frequent part of a health examination on swine. All samples taken should be in accordance with the standards of the laboratory that you use. You should work closely with the laboratory to obtain the best results. Physical examination of swine can be rewarding for the veterinarian as well as the producer. The most important aspect to remember is to have enough information and the proper equipment available to handle the animals for the minimal amount of time to gain the maximum benefits. Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs are similar to domestic swine in terms of their diseases and health but are dissimilar in management; pot-bellied pigs are frequently brought to the veterinarian for individual examinations. History is the most valuable part of the examination, followed by observation. Pot-bellied pigs prefer to be held securely with a hand under the chin and rump. The examination is conducted similarly to the examination of any companion animal. Chemical restraint often is necessary for sampling or minor surgical procedures. Owners should be consulted prior to the use of any restraint. This will help win their approval and confidence when working on their pets. While performing the physical examination, look at the pig's overall health as well as specific breed characteristics. Try to stay abreast of swine vaccination recommendations; you may be consulted in this regard. Most importantly, never forget even though they are pigs, pot-bellied pigs are companion animals and should be handled as such.     

Knowledge and attitudes of Australian livestock producers concerning biosecurity practices

Biosecurity risks are a major threat to the profitability of the industry as well as impacting human and animal health. Livestock producers play a crucial role in biosecurity as the first to notice changes in the health or productivity of their stock and are generally responsible for implementing protective measures. However, uptake of biosecurity measures by producers is variable. We critically appraised the current literature regarding biosecurity practices in Australian livestock industries and highlight aspects that are well understood as well as those where further research or information is needed. Findings from 12 cross-sectional studies suggest that Australian producers' knowledge of biosecurity methods and importance might have a positive influence on their willingness to implement or incorporate biosecurity practices. There is moderate evidence supportive of biosecurity being well understood by livestock producers across Australia. Barriers to producers using biosecurity practices included lack of information or communication from agricultural, veterinary or government organisations. It was found that larger stock numbers were positively correlated with biosecurity implementation and that producers used veterinarians, government and industry agencies as resources for trusted information.     

Ratite production as an agricultural enterprise.

The ratite industry remains in the market introduction stage of evolution; basic information on markets and production is limited. It is uncertain when, or perhaps whether, either the ostrich or emu industries will progress to the market growth stage. Until significant expansion occurs, ratite operations are likely to be faced with low or even nonexistant profits. It is the authors' observation that the ostrich industry is making slow but significant progress toward introducing products into potential growth markets. The fact that ostrich products were in demand prior to the ostrich being introduced into North America has helped the industry. The future of the emu industry appears to be much less certain. In the authors' opinion, in order for the emu industry to become profitable and grow, significant promotion of emu meat and immediate resolution of the value of the oil must be achieved. Meat sales alone will not carry emu production as a profitable commercial enterprise. Veterinarians can derive significant conclusions from this information. Currently, ratite production is composed of firms generating losses or minimal profits. South African producers are receiving approximately the same amount for a slaughter ostrich as North American producers. It is unlikely that North American ostrich prices will increase significantly. Prices of ostrich breeders of $2,000 to $4,000 per pair and $400 to $450 for slaughter birds are likely to remain the same for some time. Given that world demand has increased at a slower rate than supply, prices may decrease further. Breeder and slaughter birds will continue to require significant veterinary care; however, the producer will be forced to perform more farm treatments, given the negligible margins. Based on the differences in efficiency of existing operations, there are ample opportunities for veterinarians and extension services to assist producers. Vertical coordination in the ratite industry may evolve slowly in the future, especially in the arid regions of the country; however, economies of size in ratite slaughter are likely to remain uncaptured in the short run, limiting the rate at which vertical coordination evolves. If significant opportunities develop for veterinarians in vertically integrated ratite firms, the emphasis, as with other intensive livestock operations, will be preventative rather than therapeutic medicine, and will involve the integration of nutrition, management, genetics, and the control of disease.     

Diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds: a review II. Indications of radiological examination and radiographs of pathological lesions

The second part of the review dealing with the diagnostic radiology of pet and wild birds discusses the indications of radiological examination, the interpretation of radiographs taken of pathological lesions, and the differential diagnosis of such lesions. Radiology has paramount importance in the diagnosis of diseases affecting the skeletal, digestive, respiratory, urogenital and cardiovascular systems. Certain diseases (shortage of grits, ovarian cysts) cannot be recognized without radiography. Other conditions (e.g. Macaw Wasting Disease, renal tumours, egg retention) require this complementary diagnostic method for confirmation of a suspicion based upon the clinical signs. Radiographic examination is also indicated for follow-up of the surgical management of bone fractures and for facilitating the implantation of transponders aimed at individual identification of the birds.     

Tools for the diagnosis of equine respiratory disorders.

Respiratory disorders are among the most common problems leading horse owners to seek veterinary attention. Accurate diagnosis of these conditions allows for proper treatment to be instituted, much to the benefit of the patient and satisfaction of the client. As an introduction to this issue on equine respiratory disorders, we review some of the tools that are available to equine veterinarians for the diagnosis of respiratory disorders. Physical and endoscopic examination, radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, techniques for sampling the respiratory tract, hematology, blood gas analysis, respiratory mechanics, and some modern diagnostic tools are briefly covered.     

Endoscopy in birds

Endoscopic examination is described as a valuable diagnostic method in birds. In the introduction, reference is made to the literature on this subject. Apart from the classical approaches, alternative sites to enter the thoraco-abdominal cavity in birds are discussed. The basic equipment for endoscopy in birds is described and a new biopsy forceps which makes a secondary puncture redundant is introduced. After a discussion of the indications and complications, the value of the endoscopic examination is compared with other diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in birds.     

Pet poultry training for veterinary practitioners

Keeping backyard poultry in urban areas is a burgeoning trend in the United States. As such, we believe urban pet poultry owners are increasingly likely to seek veterinary services from urban companion-animal practitioners. Traditionally, poultry species have been classified as production animals. Most small-animal practitioners have limited experience or knowledge of these species and hesitate to accept these animals at their practices. We developed a one-day course to train veterinarians in pet poultry (as opposed to commercial poultry) medicine. The course covers poultry examination, diseases, and treatments and provides an introduction to poultry breeds and behavior and the basics of nutrition and husbandry. We believe this type of continuing education program is important for veterinarians because they are often on the front line of human public health issues. In addition, courses of this type increase the number of veterinarians trained to spot serious avian diseases, including foreign diseases and diseases with zoonotic potential. Most important, veterinarians with this training develop the knowledge to contribute to the health and well-being of pet poultry along with their clients' other companion animals.     

Pig producers' perceptions of the Influenza Pandemic H1N1/09 outbreak and its effect on their biosecurity practices in Australia

The Influenza Pandemic (H1N1/09) virus was first reported in humans in Mexico in April 2009 and a pandemic level was declared on 11th of June 2009 by the World Health Organization (Chan, 2009; WHO, 2009a). Public misconceptions about the transmission of H1N1/09 were caused by the inadequate naming of the disease as 'swine influenza'. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the height of the outbreak in the Australian human population and before the virus was reported in the first piggery in Australia in July 2009 (OIE, 2009b; Holyoake et al., 2011). The aims of this study were to evaluate pig producers' perceptions about the virus and the outbreak financial impact and influence on on-farm biosecurity practices. A questionnaire was designed and posted to Australian Pork Limited (APL) members (n=460), obtaining responses from 182 producers (39.6%). Pig producers had good general knowledge on potential transmission pathways for H1N1/09 between people, with direct or close contact with a sick person perceived as the most likely pathways. Changes on biosecurity practices, such as asking visitors if they had recently been overseas (27.8%) and not allowing any visitor to inspect their pigs (18.3%), were reported among respondents. In addition, approximately 40% of producers asked their employees to notify flu like symptoms, consulted a veterinarian on H1N1/09 and visited websites to seek information on H1N1/09. A higher adoption of these practices was observed among large (>100 sows) than small herds. Only 2.9% of respondents reported a reduction in pig sales during the outbreak. However, approximately one third of producers reported being financially and emotionally stressed, 38.2% were distressed about the health of their pigs and 16.7% about their own health. The most important sources of information were APL (93%), veterinarians (89%) and the state Department of Primary Industries (DPI) (75%). The first two considered the most trusted sources of information. Television, radio and other farmers were considered more important sources of information by small herds and veterinarians by larger herds. Producers believed that the H1N1/09 outbreak was better managed by the pork industry (89.9%) than by the health authorities (58.8%), and the on-going communication with APL was the main strength of the outbreak management. Communication and extension programs in future outbreaks should consider the needs of all sectors of the pig industry to increase their effectiveness.     

Avian Atherosclerosis: Parrots and Beyond

Atherosclerotic lesions are prevalent in companion psittacine species. Parrots account for much of the veterinary scientific information on avian atherosclerosis, but the lesions have been described in virtually all avian orders. This review presents a synthesis of the epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic information known in psittaciformes, at this time, which may help in the veterinary management of atherosclerotic diseases. The article further expands on nondomestic avian species for which information is restricted to pathologic and prevalence studies. A thorough knowledge of atherosclerosis is of the upmost importance for avian clinicians as the disease is common, affects most species of birds, and seems to be associated with captive lifestyles characterized by decreased activity and nonnative diets. Therefore, avian veterinarians are expected to be largely exposed to this chronic medical condition through patient presentation and should be prepared to properly manage this disease.     

Endoscopy in birds

Summary

Endoscopic examination is described as a valuable diagnostic method in birds. In the introduction, reference is made to the literature on this subject. Apart from the classical approaches, alternative sites to enter the thoraco‐abdominal cavity in birds are discussed. The basic equipment for endoscopy in birds is described and a new biopsy forceps which makes a secundary puncture redundant is introduced.

After a discussion of the indications and complications, the value of the endoscopic examination is compared with other diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in birds.