The nutritional and economic potentials of livestock systems are compromised by the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. A major driver of resistance is the misuse and abuse of ...antimicrobial drugs. The likelihood of misuse may be elevated in low- and middle-income countries where limited professional veterinary services and inadequately controlled access to drugs are assumed to promote non-prudent practices (e.g., self-administration of drugs). The extent of these practices, as well as the knowledge and attitudes motivating them, are largely unknown within most agricultural communities in low- and middle-income countries. The main objective of this study was to document dimensions of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance in livestock systems and identify the livelihood factors associated with these dimensions. A mixed-methods ethnographic approach was used to survey households keeping layers in Ghana (N = 110) and Kenya (N = 76), pastoralists keeping cattle, sheep, and goats in Tanzania (N = 195), and broiler farmers in Zambia (N = 198), and Zimbabwe (N = 298). Across countries, we find that it is individuals who live or work at the farm who draw upon their knowledge and experiences to make decisions regarding antimicrobial use and related practices. Input from animal health professionals is rare and antimicrobials are sourced at local, privately owned agrovet drug shops. We also find that knowledge, attitudes, and particularly practices significantly varied across countries, with poultry farmers holding more knowledge, desirable attitudes, and prudent practices compared to pastoralist households. Multivariate models showed that variation in knowledge, attitudes and practices is related to several factors, including gender, disease dynamics on the farm, and source of animal health information. Study results emphasize that interventions to limit antimicrobial resistance should be founded upon a bottom-up understanding of antimicrobial use at the farm-level given limited input from animal health professionals and under-resourced regulatory capacities within most low- and middle-income countries. Establishing this bottom-up understanding across cultures and production systems will inform the development and implementation of the behavioral change interventions to combat antimicrobial resistance globally.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus (PEDV) is a globally emerging and re-emerging epizootic swine virus that causes massive economic losses in the swine industry, with high mortality in piglets. In ...Vietnam, PED first emerged in 2009 and has now developed to an endemic stage. This is the first cross-sectional survey performed to evaluate the proportion of PEDV-positive swine farms in Vietnam from January 2018 to February 2019. Fecal samples from 327 pig farms in northern Vietnam were collected and tested for PEDV infection by reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method. The proportion of PEDV-positive farms was 30.9% and PEDV-positive farms were distributed throughout the study area. The highest proportion of PEDV-positive farms was 70% (7/10) among nucleus production type farms (
P
< 0.05). Higher proportions of PEDV-positive farms were found in the Northeast and Red River Delta areas, which are the major areas of pig production (
P
< 0.05). The proportion of PEDV-positive farms was higher among larger farms (
P
< 0.05). Our findings illustrate the high proportion of PEDV-positive farms in the Vietnamese pig population and will help to better understand the epidemiological dynamics of PED infection, to estimate impact, and establish and improve prevention and control measures.
The poultry sector contributes significantly to Kenya's food and economic security. This contribution is expected to rise dramatically with a growing population, urbanization, and preferences for ...animal-source foods. Antimicrobial resistance is putting the poultry sector in Kenya-and worldwide-at risk of production losses due to the failure of medicines for animal (and human) health. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance has been linked to overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in poultry and other sectors. Previous studies have documented poultry farmer antimicrobial use but without systematic consideration of the contexts (i.e., drivers) as important targets for behavior change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To improve understanding of antimicrobial use patterns in poultry systems, we conducted a mixed-methods knowledge, attitudes, and practices study of 76 layer farms in Kiambu County; Kenya. We found that commonly used antibiotics were often labeled for prophylactic, growth promotion, and egg production improvement purposes. Antimicrobial use was also motivated by the presence of diseases/disease symptoms, most of which could instead be managed through infection prevention measures. The results suggest that improving vaccination and biosecurity practices on farms and engaging with drug-makers to ensure proper labeling and marketing of antimicrobial drugs may represent important areas of opportunity for social behavior change communication and/or behavioral science interventions (i.e., nudges) to reduce disease burdens and promote prudent antimicrobial use. We conclude our findings with suggestions for further research into the behavioral insights at play in these scenarios to fuel future intervention development.
International organizations and governments have argued that animal health service providers can play a vital role in limiting antimicrobial resistance by promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials. ...However, there is little research on the impact of these service providers on prudent use at the farm level, especially in low- and middle-income countries where enforcement of prudent-use regulations is limited. Here, we use a mixed-methods approach to assess how animal health-seeking practices on layer farms in Ghana (
= 110) and Kenya (
= 76) impact self-reported antimicrobial usage, engagement in prudent administration and withdrawal practices and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance. In general, our results show that the frequency of health-seeking across a range of service providers (veterinarians, agrovets, and feed distributors) does not significantly correlate with prudent or non-prudent use practices or the levels of antimicrobials used. Instead, we find that patterns of antimicrobial use are linked to how much farmers invest in biosecurity (e.g., footbaths) and the following vaccination protocols. Our results emphasize that more research is required to understand the interactions between animal health service providers and farmers regarding antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. Addressing these gaps will be crucial to inform antimicrobial stewardship training, curriculums and, guidelines whose ultimate purpose is to limit the selection and transmission of antimicrobial resistance.
Global, national, and local efforts to limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) often stress the importance of raising awareness among users, sellers, and prescribers of antimicrobial drugs. This ...emphasis is founded upon two assumptions. First, awareness is limited, particularly concerning the links between antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR. Second, "filling the awareness gaps" will motivate practises that will limit AMR. The first assumption is supported by knowledge, attitudes, and practises (KAP) surveys but these same studies provide mixed support for the second, with several studies finding that knowledge and attitudes are not correlated with related practises. This disconnect may arise as these surveys typically do not collect data on the cultural or historical contexts that pattern AMU. To explore how these contexts impact KAP related to AMU and AMR, we use a mixed-methods approach to examine veterinary practises among Maasai pastoralists in Tanzania. We combine a quantitative KAP survey (
= 195 households) with extensive qualitative data from focus group discussions (
= 55 participants). Results document limited awareness of AMR but also find that knowledge and attitudes are not correlated with practise. Thematic analysis of qualitative data pointed to three reasons behind this disconnect, including (1) Maasai self-perceptions as veterinary experts, (2) the central role of livestock in Maasai culture, and (3) the use of ethnoveterinary knowledge in animal health treatment. We argue that mixed-method approaches will be critical to developing the targeted awareness campaigns needed to limit the emergence and transmission of AMR.
IntroductionAwareness-raising campaigns play a central role in efforts to combat drug resistance. These campaigns assume that knowledge deficits drive poor practices that increase resistance. ...Therefore, increasing awareness will promote prudent practices and reduce resistance. However, most awareness campaigns have been developed and evaluated in high-income and public health settings. Consequently, it is not clear whether these campaigns are effective in low-income and middle-income countries and/or within animal health settings.MethodsFocus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect narratives of veterinary drug use among Maasai pastoralists (n=70), animal health professionals (n=10) and veterinary drug sellers (n=5). Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes across narratives and groups.ResultsNarratives of Maasai and animal health professionals indicated that Maasai treated their livestock with limited input from the professional sector and that non-prudent treatment practices were observed (eg, using antimicrobials as ‘energizers’). Professionals linked these practices to knowledge and attitudinal deficits among the Maasai, while Maasai narratives highlighted the importance of climatic uncertainties and cultural beliefs surrounding veterinary care.ConclusionNarratives of veterinary drug use from animal health professionals are consistent with the knowledge deficit assumption guiding awareness-raising efforts. In contrast, Maasai narratives highlight how animal health practices are patterned by cultural norms interacting with factors largely outside of Maasai control, including a constrained professional veterinary sector. If these cultural and structural contexts remain unconsidered in awareness-raising strategies, current campaigns are unlikely to motivate practices necessary to limit drug resistance, especially within low-income and middle-income settings.
The first Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), published in 2016, identified the need to develop capacity for AMR surveillance ...and monitoring in food and agriculture sectors. As part of this effort, FAO has developed the "Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems" (FAO-ATLASS) to assist countries in systematically assessing their AMR surveillance system in food and agriculture. FAO-ATLASS includes two different modules for surveillance and laboratory assessment. Each module includes two questionnaires that collect either qualitative or semi-quantitative data to describe and score the performance of national AMR surveillance system data production network, data collection and analysis, governance, communication and overall sustainability in a standardized manner. Based on information captured in the questionnaire by trained assessors (1) tables and figures describing the outputs of the surveillance system are automatically generated (2) a Progressive Improvement Pathway (PIP) stage, ranging from "1-limited" to "5-sustainable", is assigned to each laboratory assessed in the country, each area of the surveillance system and also to the overarching national AMR surveillance system. FAO-ATLASS allows national authorities to implement a strategic stepwise approach to improving their AMR surveillance systems
the FAO-ATLASS PIP system and provides an evidence base for actions and advocacy. The implementation of FAO-ATLASS at regional and global levels can contribute to harmonize and better coordinate strategies aimed at implementing an integrated AMR surveillance system under the One Health approach.
A cross-sectional study was used to identify and assess prevalence and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of
and other enterobacteria isolated from healthy wildlife and livestock ...cohabiting at a 10,000 acres game ranch near Lusaka, Zambia. Purposive sampling was used to select wildlife and livestock based on similarities in behavior, grazing habits and close interactions with humans. Isolates (
= 66) from fecal samples collected between April and August 2018 (
= 84) were examined following modified protocols for bacteria isolation, biochemical identification, molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using R software, Genetyx ver.12 and Mega 6. Using Applied Profile Index 20E kit for biochemical identification, polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing, sixty-six isolates were identified to species level, of which
(72.7%, 48/66),
(1.5%, 1/66),
(22.7%, 14/66),
(1.5%, 1/66) and
(1.5%, 1/66), and their relationships were illustrated in a phylogenetic tree. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance or intermediate sensitivity expression to at least one antimicrobial agent was detected in 89.6% of the
, and 73.3% of the
isolates. The
isolates exhibited the highest resistance rates to ampicillin (27%), ceftazidime (14.3%), cefotaxime (9.5%), and kanamycin (9.5%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 18.8% of
isolates while only 13.3%
isolates showed MDR. The MDR was detected among isolates from impala and ostrich (wild animals in which no antimicrobial treatment was used), and in isolates from cattle, pigs, and goats (domesticated animals). This study indicates the possible transmission of drug-resistant microorganisms between animals cohabiting at the wildlife-livestock interface. It emphasizes the need for further investigation of the role of wildlife in the development and transmission of AMR, which is an issue of global concern.
To establish
in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry based-assays for the detection of porcine cytomegalovirus, routinely processed renal tissue sections from 34 diseased piglets suspected of ...having the infection were obtained and examined. Using hematoxylin and eosin, porcine cytomegalovirus inclusion bodies were found in the nucleus of renal epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells in the renal medulla in 30 cases. Inclusion bodies corresponding to porcine cytomegalovirus mRNA after
in situ hybridization or porcine cytomegalovirus antigens after immunohistochemistry were easily determined. The cells were characterized by cytomegaly and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Using
in situ hybridization, porcine cytomegalovirus mRNA were clearly detected in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cells in 28 of the 30 (93.3%) cases. Using immunohistochemistry, porcine cytomegalovirus antigens were clearly detected in the cytoplasm of the cells in 21 of the 30 (70.0%) cases. Higher specificities and increased intensity of staining was observed with minimal background using
in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry compared with hematoxylin and eosin. Thus, the two established methods are useful and helpful tools for detecting the presence of a porcine cytomegalovirus infection.
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global threat to public, animal, and environmental health, consequently producing downstream economic impacts. While top-down ...approaches to addressing AMR (e.g., laws regulating antimicrobial use) are common in high-income countries, limited enforcement capacities in low- and middle-income countries highlight the need for more bottom-up approaches. Within agriculture, efforts to apply bottom-up approaches to AMR have often focused on the promotion of biosecurity, which should reduce the need for antimicrobials by mitigating disease risk and limiting AMR transmission. Traditionally, efforts to encourage biosecurity adoption have emphasized training and awareness-raising initiatives. However, a growing body of research suggests a disconnect between knowledge and behavior, highlighting the existence of a knowledge–action gap. Method To understand the barriers and enablers patterning the knowledge-action gap in on-farm biosecurity uptake, we draw upon models from behavioral science. We analyzed in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with smallholder poultry producers in Ghana to understand factors underlying the intention–action gap in adopting biosecurity. As an analytical framework, we draw upon the Theoretical Domains Framework in combination with the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behavioral Model. Results and discussion While smallholder poultry farmers in Ghana were aware of the importance of biosecurity practices, they struggled with consistent implementation. Financial constraints, challenges in adapting practices to the local context, and limited resources hindered adoption. Additionally, cognitive biases like prioritizing short-term gains and underestimating disease risks played a role. However, some farmers found motivation in professional identity and social influences. These findings highlight the need for designing biosecurity interventions that consider human behavioral factors and the context in which behavior occurs. This underscores the importance of collaboration across disciplines, including veterinary science and the social and behavioral sciences. Implications and recommendations for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
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