The increasing public health problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been linked to the extensive antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals. We conducted a survey among ruminant farmers in Selangor, Malaysia to assess their level of awareness on AMR, attitudes towards AMU, and determinants that influence their practices. The survey was developed in English and Malay, validated, and administered to ruminant farmers in Selangor. A total of 84 farmers (response rate of 55%) completed the structured questionnaire. They appeared to be little aware of AMR and the impact on animals and public health. Indications of inappropriate AMU include their misconception on conditions requiring antibiotic therapy and easy accessibility to antibiotics. More than 70% (60/84) of the respondents believed that all sick animals need to be given antimicrobials. Half of the farmers especially those involved in the production of small and large ruminants; namely mixed ruminant farmers (MRF) (63%, 31/49) indicated that antimicrobials do not have any side effects in animals. Sixty-four percent (54/84) of the farmers have stored antimicrobials in their farms of which the practice was more common (P = 0.02) among the MRF compared to the single ruminant farmers (SRF). Although most of the farmers felt good farm biosecurity will help reduce AMU, they were indifferent regarding using antimicrobials only when prescribed by a veterinarian and non-storage of antimicrobials for later uses. Farmers with larger herd size (>100 animals/herd) and few years of farming experience agreed more to the suggestions about their role and that of veterinarians respectively in reducing the drivers of AMR. These areas might need to be considered by advisors to inform ruminant farmers on AMR and to encourage them for prudent AMU in food-producing animals.

Simple SummaryLameness is a major welfare issue in dairy cows. Locomotion scoring (LS) is mostly used in identifying lame cows based on gait and postural changes. However, lameness shares some important associations with body condition, hock condition, leg hygiene and behavioral changes such as lying behavior. These measures are considered animal-based indicators in assessing welfare in dairy cows. This review discusses lameness as a welfare problem, the use of LS, and the relationship with the aforementioned welfare assessment protocols. Such information could be useful in depicting the impact on cow welfare as well as in reducing the occurrence of lameness in dairy herds.AbstractDairy cow welfare is an important consideration for optimal production in the dairy industry. Lameness affects the welfare of dairy herds by limiting productivity. Whilst the application of LS systems helps in identifying lame cows, the technique meets with certain constraints, ranging from the detection of mild gait changes to on-farm practical applications. Recent studies have shown that certain animal-based measures considered in welfare assessment, such as body condition, hock condition and leg hygiene, are associated with lameness in dairy cows. Furthermore, behavioural changes inherent in lame cows, especially the comfort in resting and lying down, have been shown to be vital indicators of cow welfare. Highlighting the relationship between lameness and these welfare indicators could assist in better understanding their role, either as risk factors or as consequences of lameness. Nevertheless, since the conditions predisposing a cow to lameness are multifaceted, it is vital to cite the factors that could influence the on-farm practical application of such welfare indicators in lameness studies. This review begins with the welfare consequences of lameness by comparing normal and abnormal gait as well as the use of LS system in detecting lame cows. Animal-based measures related to cow welfare and links with changes in locomotion as employed in lameness research are discussed. Finally, alterations in lying behaviour are also presented as indicators of lameness with the corresponding welfare implication in lame cows.

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of lameness, claw lesions, and associated risk factors in dairy farms in Selangor, Malaysia. The sample population was 251 lactating cows from 8 farms assessed for lameness and claw lesions by locomotion scoring and claw assessment respectively while specific animal-based measures were hypothesized as cow-level risk factors. The Wilcoxon rank test and logistic regression were applied to assess the prevalence of lameness, claw lesions, and association with potential risk factors, respectively. The prevalence of lameness was 19.1% ranging from 10.0 to 33.3% while 31.1% of cows had claw lesions and ranged from 16.3–40%. Claw lesions were recorded in 87.5% of the lame cows with highest being those affected with sole lesions (54.2%) and white line disease (61.2%). Overall, the occurrence of overgrown claws, sole lesions, white line disease, and digital dermatitis were 37, 18.2, 10.9, and 8.3%, respectively. More than one claw lesion per cow was present in 71.8% of the affected cows. Lameness was associated with early lactation (OR = 3.3; 95% CI 2–7), injured hocks (OR = 4.8; 95% CI 5-17), and dirty legs hygiene (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.3-6.2), whereas presence of claw lesions was associated with dirty legs hygiene (OR = 4.7; 95% CI 4-11) and overgrown claw (OR = 2.7; 95% CI 1.4-5.3). To reduce the prevalence of lameness, farmers need to improve the management of cows with overgrown claw, injured hocks, and cleanliness by establishing routine claw trimming and efficient stall design.

Lameness continues to be a welfare and economic issue for dairy cows. However, the consequences of lameness seem to be better understood by veterinarians and related personnel in comparison to dairy farmers. Prompt detection and treatment of lame cows is essential in reducing its negative impact on milk processing systems. To that end, understanding farmers’ perceptions regarding the significance of lameness to dairy cows is vital. One fundamental aspect is the underestimation of lameness prevalence by dairy farmers, which is as a result of different understanding of the problem. The same applies to their decision to treat lame cows and to adopt various detection and management practices. All of these shortcomings contribute to poor cattle welfare and economic losses in dairy production. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated dairy farmers’ perceptions of lameness and the associated implications on the wellbeing and productivity of dairy cows. Factors associated with farmers’ attitudes toward claw health and lameness management are also presented. Additionally, economic observations relating to lameness prevention, treatment and the adoption of lameness detection systems are also highlighted. To strengthen these points, interventional programmes requiring farmers’ participation are discussed as a promising approach in answering some of these challenges. A review of the literature indicates both the opportunities and barriers inherent in the tackling the lameness issue from the farmers’ perspectives. Such knowledge is crucial in identifying measures on how to motivate dairy farmers towards proper lameness management.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an endemic disease in Oman’s poultry industry and impacts negatively on food security. However, little is known regarding the potential risks of the disease in backyard poultry. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in backyard chickens and the herd-level risk factors in Oman. In total, 1383 serum samples were collected from chickens in 139 flocks from nine governorates. Information on associated risk factors was assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The samples were tested using commercial indirect ELISA kits.A logistic regression model was applied to assess the associated risk factors. The bird and flock-level NDV seroprevalence was 33.8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 12.8–38.6%) and 57.1% (95% CI: 35.7–71.4%), respectively. The highest seroprevalence of antibody to NDV at bird and flock levels was recorded in North Ash Sharqiyah (38.6%) and Al Buraimi (71.4%), respectively. Also, the lowest seroprevalence at bird and flock levels was recorded in Musandam (12.8%) and South Al Batinah (35.7%), respectively. A significant difference in NDV seroprevalence at flock and bird levels was only recorded in Ad Dakhliyah. Factors associated with higher seroprevalence to NDV included absence of a veterinarian in the farm (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 2.1, 11.7), usage of dead ND vaccine (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2–4.2), employment of non-permanent staff (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.5, 10.6) and free entry of visitors (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 2.0, 20.3). In conclusion, the results of this study revealed a high exposure of backyard chickens to NDV and the identified risk factors could be vital in the prevention and control of the disease in Oman.

No abstract

Lameness resulting from claw lesions remains a pressing welfare issue in dairy cows. Claw trimming (CT) is a common practice for prevention and management of clinically lame cows. This review summarizes the results of studies that have investigated various claw trimming (CT) methods, their application in lameness management, and associations with the welfare and production of dairy cows. The papers included in this review fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: published in peer review journal or book chapter within the last 20 years (1999–2019), written in English, and focused on the application of CT for lameness management and the association with either welfare or production variables. Databases used included Google scholar, Web of Science and PubMed. A total of 748 records were assessed and 61 papers were eligible for inclusion and the main objectives and results were used to categorize the results under six topics: CT techniques, association between CT and claw overgrowth/specific claw lesions, timing and frequency of CT, association between CT and behavioral variables, association between CT and physiological parameters, and association between CT and production. The literature findings showed the existence of various CT methods with the common types including the Dutch Five-step, White Line, White Line Atlas, and Kansas techniques. There is data paucity on the efficacy of these techniques in lameness management; however, the slight procedural difference yields varying sole thicknesses and presentations which may influence their prophylactic use. Results regarding the impact of CT on welfare and production were discussed in relation to potential short and long-term benefits. Depending on the lesion type and severity level, CT may induce immediate painful sensation, stress, changes in lying down activities and reduction in milk yield, but the positive impacts were more evident at later stages of lactation following improvement in locomotion score. The majority of the reviewed studies were lacking a detailed description of CT techniques and claw health of the studied animals; thus, reducing the strength of demonstrating CT-related benefits. However, electronic recording of claw health data during every CT visit provides the basis for monitoring hoof health and could assist in curtailing some of these challenges. To elucidate CT-related benefits, certain areas requiring further research were highlighted such as ascertaining the appropriate timing for preventive CT and identifying cows that will benefit more from such intervention during lactation.

Viral diseases are major causes of severe economic losses in poultry worldwide. Information on the economic impact of these diseases in poultry in Abuja is scanty. This study assesses the economic impact from losses incurred due to the outbreaks of Newcastle disease, (ND), Infectious bursal disease (IBD) and Avian influenza (AI) in some selected poultry farms in Abuja from 2006 to 2015 as well as personnel perception and knowledge on the economic impact of the diseases. A six (6) poultry farms with history of outbreaks were sampled for the study from 3 Area Councils (Gwagwalada, Kuje and Municipal) in Abuja. Also, a total of 60 structured questionnaires were administered to personnel in the poultry industry. Economic losses were categorized into number and monetary value of birds lost, drop in production and loss of jobs. Data from farm records were collected, computed and analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Results indicated that ND, AI and IBD made up of 58%, 7.6% and 33% respectively from the recorded outbreaks. Also, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the cumulative outbreaks, monetary value of birds lost and layoff of workers amongst the selected farms. However, other economic variables showed no significant difference. In monetary terms, outbreaks of ND resulted in the highest cumulative losses (N13 million) whilst AI caused more losses when evaluated per outbreak (N2 million). Most respondents in the questionnaire survey were involved in commercial (22%) and household production (21.6%). Awareness level of respondents on outbreaks of AI was highest and lowest for ND. Also, poultry production is a massive area of employment while biosecurity in farms need to be improved. Therefore, preventive measures are vital as these viral diseases could hinder expected revenue in poultry farms and the need for further studies to elucidate the economic losses from recurring outbreaks.