1
|
Elsohaby I, Alahadeb JI, Mahmmod YS, Mweu MM, Ahmed HA, El-Diasty MM, Elgedawy AA, Mahrous E, El Hofy FI. Bayesian Estimation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Three Diagnostic Tests for Bovine Tuberculosis in Egyptian Dairy Cattle Using Latent Class Models. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110246. [PMID: 34822619 PMCID: PMC8622144 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to calculate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the single cervical tuberculin test (SCT), rapid lateral flow test (RLFT), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection in Egyptian dairy cattle herds within a Bayesian framework. The true M. bovis infection within-herd prevalence was assessed as a secondary objective. Data on the test results of SCT, RLFT, and RT-PCR for the detection of M. bovis were available from 245 cows in eleven herds in six major governorates in Egypt. A Bayesian latent class model was built for the estimation of the characteristics of the three tests. Our findings showed that Se of SCT (0.93 (95% Posterior credible interval (PCI): 0.89–0.93)) was higher than that of RT-PCR (0.83 (95% PCI: 0.28–0.93)) but was similar to the Se of RLFT (0.93 (95% PCI: 0.31–0.99)). On the contrary, SCT showed the lowest Sp estimate (0.60 (95% PCI: 0.59–0.65)), whereas Sp estimates of RT-PCR (0.99 (95% PCI: 0.95–1.00)) and RLFT (0.99 (95% PCI: 0.95–1.00)) were comparable. The true prevalence of M. bovis ranged between 0.07 and 0.71. In conclusion, overall, RT-PCR and RLFT registered superior performance to SCT, making them good candidates for routine use in the Egyptian bovine tuberculosis control program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City 44511, Egypt;
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A4P3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-902-566-6063
| | - Jawher I. Alahadeb
- Department of Biology, College of Education (Majmaah), Majmaah University, P.O. Box 66, Al Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yasser S. Mahmmod
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City 44511, Egypt;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Al Ain 17155, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marshal M. Mweu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 30197-00100, Kenya;
| | - Heba A. Ahmed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City 44511, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed M. El-Diasty
- Mansoura Provincial Lab, Animal Health Research Institute, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (M.M.E.-D.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Attia A. Elgedawy
- Mansoura Provincial Lab, Animal Health Research Institute, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (M.M.E.-D.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Eman Mahrous
- Animal Health Research Institute, Giza 12618, Egypt;
| | - Fatma I. El Hofy
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Welby S, Cargnel M, Saegerman C. Quantitative decision making in animal health surveillance: Bovine Tuberculosis Surveillance in Belgium as case study. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e119-e129. [PMID: 34331517 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite eradication and control measures applied across Europe, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a constant threat. In Belgium, after several years of official bTB-free status, routine movement testing, as currently practiced, revealed itself inadequate to detect some herds affected by sporadic breakdowns. The aim of this study was to assess different surveillance system components that strike a balance between cost and effectiveness and to identify sustainable alternatives, which substantiate a bTB-free claim while ensuring early detection and acceptance by various animal health stakeholders. For this pupose, a stochastic iteration model was used to simulate the current surveillance system's expected performance in terms of detection sensitivity and specificity. These results were then descriptively compared with observed field results. Second, the cost and effectiveness of simulated alternative surveillance components were quantified. Sensitivity analyses were performed to measure key assumptions' impacts (i.e. regarding diagnostic tests and true prevalence). The results confirmed discrepancies between the observed and simulated expected performance of bTB surveillance in Belgium. Second, simulated alternatives showed that interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and serological testing with antibody-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ab-ELISA) targeting at-risk herds would enable an increase in the overall cost effectiveness (sensitivity and specificity) of the Belgian bTB surveillance system. Sensitivity analyses showed that results remained constant despite the modification of some key assumptions. While the performance of the ongoing bTB surveillance system in Belgium was questionable at the time of the study, this exercise highlighted that not only sensitivity but specificity also are key drivers of surveillance performance. The quantitative approach, taking into consideration various stakeholders' needs and priorities, revealed itself to be a useful tool in allowing evidence-based decision making for future tuberculosis surveillance in Belgium, in line with the international standards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Welby
- Sciensano, Epidemiology and Public Health Directorate, Veterinary Epidemiology Service, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mickaël Cargnel
- Sciensano, Epidemiology and Public Health Directorate, Veterinary Epidemiology Service, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Centre, Research Unit of Epidemiology & Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Elsohaby I, Ahmed HA, El-Diasty MM, Elgedawy AA, Mahrous E, El Hofy FI. Serological and molecular evidence of Mycobacterium bovis in dairy cattle and dairy farm workers under the intensive dairy production system in Egypt. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 129:1207-1219. [PMID: 32500542 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We employed a combination of diagnostic tests including single cervical tuberculin test (SCT), rapid lateral-flow test (RT), TB-Feron, conventional PCR and culture to investigate the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infections in dairy cattle under the intensive dairy production system in Egypt. METHODS AND RESULTS In total, 2710 dairy cows from 11 herds in six Governorates were tested by SCT and 444 (16·4%) were TB reactors. Only 65 cows responded to M. bovis antigen by RT and TB-Feron. A postmortem examination showed that 49 (75·4%) of slaughtered cows have visible lesions. Testing of 215 out 444 SCT reactor cows by culture and PCR using blood and milk samples revealed that M. bovis were more frequently identified in the blood (6·1-20·5%) than milk (2·3-5·6%) samples. Additionally, in this study, we investigated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with M. bovis infection in dairy farm workers. Overall, 100 dairy farm workers were tested using QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and 35 (35%) were positive. In all, 23 (23%) of MTC positive were M. bovis positive using PCR. Mycobacterium bovis positive cases were associated with workers who had respiratory signs and did not wash or disinfect their hands after handling cows. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of M. bovis in dairy cows and dairy farm workers under the intensive dairy production system in Egypt is high. It is therefore essential to disseminate effective prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of M. bovis between dairy cows and dairy workers. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study revealed that the use of RT or TB-Feron as an ancillary test of SCT reactor cows resulted in a significant reduction in the SCT false-positive slaughtered cows. A high prevalence of M. bovis infection among farm workers provides evidence of occupational risk in the intensive dairy production system in Egypt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Elsohaby
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.,Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, Canada
| | - H A Ahmed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - M M El-Diasty
- Animal Health Research Institute, Mansoura Provincial Lab, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - E Mahrous
- Animal Health Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - F I El Hofy
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Elsohaby I, Mahmmod YS, Mweu MM, Ahmed HA, El-Diasty MM, Elgedawy AA, Mahrous E, El Hofy FI. Accuracy of PCR, mycobacterial culture and interferon-γ assays for detection of Mycobacterium bovis in blood and milk samples from Egyptian dairy cows using Bayesian modelling. Prev Vet Med 2020; 181:105054. [PMID: 32554290 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The number of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) infected dairy herds in Egypt is growing and this calls for accurate and reliable diagnostic methods at cow level for cost-effective bTB eradication as culling of the whole herd is not economically sustainable. The present study aimed to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of PCR, mycobacterial culture and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) assays for Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) detection in blood and milk samples from dairy cows in Egyptian dairy herds within a Bayesian framework. As a secondary objective, the distribution of true within-herd prevalence of M. bovis infection was estimated. Blood and milk samples were collected from 245 Holstein dairy cows in 11 Egyptian dairy herds and subjected to PCR, mycobacterial culture and IFN-γ testing. With respect to the detection of M. bovis in blood, IFN-γ recorded higher Se [0.97 (95% Posterior Credible Interval (PCI): 0.87-1.00)] than PCR [0.68 (95% PCI: 0.53-0.95)] and culture [0.22 (95% PCI: 0.13-0.37)]. However, Sp estimates of PCR [0.98 (95% PCI: 0.95-1.00)], culture [0.99 (95% PCI: 0.98-1.00)] and IFN-γ [0.97 (95% PCI: 0.88-1.00)] were comparable. As for milk samples, Se estimate of PCR [0.29 (95% PCI: 0.01-0.60)] was higher than that of culture [0.08 (95% PCI: 0.001-0.23)]. However, the Sp estimates of both tests were statistically similar. The estimated true within-herd prevalences of M. bovis varied across the tested bovine subpopulations and ranged between 0.06 and 0.66. In conclusion, IFN-γ registered a similar overall performance to PCR but was superior to mycobacterial culture. With its good accuracy and wide applicability, IFN-γ lends itself to use in the Egyptian bTB eradication program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Elsohaby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt; Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada.
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt; Section of Veterinary Sciences, Health Sciences Division, Al Ain Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology, United Arab Emirates
| | - Marshal M Mweu
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Heba A Ahmed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | | | | | - Eman Mahrous
- Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, 12618, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fatma I El Hofy
- Department of Bacteriology, Immunology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guétin-Poirier V, Crozet G, Gardon S, Dufour B, Rivière J. Integrating data of veterinarians' practices in assessing the cost effectiveness of three components of the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system by intradermal tuberculin testing in French cattle farms through a scenario-tree approach. Res Vet Sci 2019; 128:242-260. [PMID: 31837513 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Disease surveillance systems' effectiveness relies on participants following prescribed practices. We developed a general method to improve a previous cost-effectiveness evaluation of three French screening program protocols for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) to account for the practices of participants by scenario tree modelling. This method relies on: 1) semi-directive interviews of participants to identify the variability of practices and potentially influential factors, and to understand the sociological context; 2) a quantitative survey, based on multiple-choice questions, to quantify various practices and identify significantly influential factors by multivariable regression analyses; 3) addition of the scenario-tree nodes corresponding to the practices and their influential factors and configuration of the new limbs according to the data of the quantitative survey. We used this approach to integrate data concerning veterinary practices and identify some failures to conform to regulatory guidelines regarding intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin test (SICCT) (testing and notification of non-negative results). Such nonconformities appeared to be mainly caused by cattle restraint issues and the perception of veterinarians of the bTB control program. Indeed, their perception of that program significantly influenced veterinarians' practices. We modelled the influence of the SICCT practices on the SICCT results. The incorporation of these data led to a major decrease of the herd sensitivity estimations relative to the previous assessments that did not incorporate data of practices (15% to 42% decrease). This result shows the important impact of veterinarians' practices and their influencing factors (such as perception of the bTB control program) on the effectiveness of the surveillance system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Guétin-Poirier
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France.
| | - G Crozet
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| | - S Gardon
- École Nationale des Services Vétérinaires (French National School of Veterinary Services), Marcy l'Etoile F-69280, France
| | - B Dufour
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| | - J Rivière
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort F-94700, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Napp S, Ciaravino G, Pérez de Val B, Casal J, Saéz JL, Alba A. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the surveillance system for tuberculosis in cattle in Spain. Prev Vet Med 2019; 173:104805. [PMID: 31715496 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In Spain, the eradication of tuberculosis (TB) in cattle has had some setbacks and therefore we need to re-evaluate the current surveillance strategies. The Spanish cattle TB surveillance system consists of three components: a) routine skin testing, b) slaughterhouse surveillance, and c) pre-movement controls. Our objectives were to assess the effectiveness of the whole surveillance system and evaluate the relative contribution of each of those components, both at national and at the province level. The effectiveness was estimated based on both the sensitivity of detection per year and the time until detection. Moreover, we evaluated the impact of different factors on that effectiveness. We used a stochastic model that simulated the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex (MTC) infection within cattle herds that was modified to incorporate the three components of TB surveillance. Input data, at the province level, on cattle movements off-farm or the frequency of the routine screening were provided by the Spanish Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Under the current conditions, 96.1% of Spanish herds were detected within one year after their infection (i.e. mean sensitivity of TB surveillance), although that detection took on average 178 days. The surveillance system effectiveness was highly dependent on the routine skin testing, responsible for the detection of almost 90% of the infected herds, while slaughterhouse surveillance and pre-movement controls contributed only to the identification of a small proportion of infected herds. We observed substantial differences in the effectiveness of the surveillance components among Spanish provinces, although in general, the sensitivities were high. The most influential factor on the efficiency of TB detection in Spain was, by far, the frequency of routine controls, followed by the sensitivity of the test used. In a context of reduced funding for cattle TB eradication, the frequency of testing should be adapted based on risk-based surveillance strategies, i.e. efforts should focus on herds more likely to be infected, but also in herds more likely to infect other herds. While slaughterhouse surveillance seems a cost-effective strategy, the use of pre-movement testing at least in areas of low incidence should be further evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Napp
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Giovanna Ciaravino
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Pérez de Val
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Casal
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Saéz
- Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Alba
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Crozet G, Dufour B, Rivière J. Investigation of field intradermal tuberculosis test practices performed by veterinarians in France and factors that influence testing. Res Vet Sci 2019; 124:406-416. [PMID: 31078788 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis infection remains at a low but persistent level in French cattle herds and requires for its surveillance the use of tests with limited sensitivity and specificity. It thus appears essential to understand the reality of the field situation, to identify parameters which could affect how veterinarians perform these tests and how it can affect the sensitivity of the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system. We surveyed rural veterinarians (n = 1084), major stakeholders of the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system, after judgement (non-random) sampling to investigate their skin-test practices and their perception of the surveillance and control programs for this disease. The response rate was 19.4% (210/1084). The responses highlighted that veterinarians were aware of the importance of the fight against bovine tuberculosis and were resilient to the challenges and issues faced during fieldwork. However, we identified several areas of noncompliance with regulatory recommendations, particularly regarding the choice of injection site, verifying the quality of the injection, the method of test reading, and the reporting of non-negative test results. Multivariate analysis showed that veterinarians who had worked for fewer years in large-animal practice had better skin-test procedures. A higher proportion of performed comparative tests and a more positive perception of surveillance and control programs by veterinarians were associated with better skin-test practices. The areas of noncompliance identified in this study could be detrimental to the sensitivity of bovine tuberculosis surveillance but our results suggest that improving the information provided to veterinarians and increasing their awareness are feasible solutions to improve the surveillance efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Crozet
- Research Unit in Epidemiology of Animal Infectious Diseases (EpiMAI USC Anses), Alfort National Veterinary School, 7, avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France.
| | - Barbara Dufour
- Research Unit in Epidemiology of Animal Infectious Diseases (EpiMAI USC Anses), Alfort National Veterinary School, 7, avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Julie Rivière
- Research Unit in Epidemiology of Animal Infectious Diseases (EpiMAI USC Anses), Alfort National Veterinary School, 7, avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Poirier V, Rivière J, Bouveret A, Gardon S, Dufour B. Cost-effectiveness assessment of three components of the bovine tuberculosis surveillance system by intradermal tuberculin testing in French cattle farms by a scenario tree approach. Prev Vet Med 2019; 166:93-109. [PMID: 30935511 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In most officially bovine tuberculosis (bTB)-free countries, bTB has not been fully eradicated. Costly and time-consuming surveillance and control measures are therefore still in place to control this infection. An officially bTB-free status, both at the national and at the herd level, influences whether and when animals can be sold. Thus, this infection is still an economic issue, justifying measures towards its eradication. An evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of such measures would be highly useful, especially to optimise the costs of control measures and their adaptation to a local epidemiological context. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of three mandatory surveillance protocols currently used in France by herd type (type of production, size, and turnover of the herd) under French field conditions. The first protocol ("strict") implies the direct slaughter and post-mortem analyses of any intradermal cervical tuberculin test (ICT) reactor, and negative results to a second intradermal cervical comparative tuberculin test (ICCT) to regain bTB-free status of the herd. In the second protocol ("compliant quick-path") bTB-free status can be regain if post-mortem analyses of reactors to the first ICT are negative. In the third protocol ("compliant slow-path"), ICCT-reactive animals are tested using the interferon gamma assay; the results of this test influence the path of further investigation. We built scenario trees for each of these protocols at the animal level. They allowed us to estimate herd sensitivity and the total cost of each protocol by herd type. The protocols could be ordered by decreasing herd sensitivity and cost, regardless of the herd type, as follows: strict protocol, compliant quick-path protocol, and compliant slow-path protocol. We calculated a cost-effectiveness index to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each protocol. The strict protocol was never the most cost-effective, regardless of herd type, due to higher costs relative to the other protocols, despite better herd sensitivity. We found the compliant quick-path to be the most cost-effective protocol for big beef, big dairy, and mixed herds. The compliant slow-path was the most cost-effective for small-scale beef and dairy herds. All differences were significant. This comparison of the cost-effectiveness of the protocols by herd type could help authorities to choose the most suitable protocol in the investigation of suspected cases, depending on the herd type, but could be improved by accounting for important sociological data, such as the acceptability of the protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Poirier
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - J Rivière
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - A Bouveret
- Animal Epidemiology Working Group of the military health service, F-75007, Paris, France
| | - S Gardon
- Ecole Nationale des Services Vétérinaires (French National School of Veterinary Services), F-69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - B Dufour
- USC EPIMAI, Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Evaluation of the McLintock syringe as a cause of non-specific reactions in the intradermal tuberculin test used for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Res Vet Sci 2019; 122:175-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
10
|
The importance of communication in promoting voluntary participation in an experimental trial: A qualitative study based on the assessment of the gamma-interferon test for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in France. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185799. [PMID: 28973018 PMCID: PMC5626495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors leading each stakeholder to participate in an experimental trial is a key element for improving trial set-up and for identifying selection bias in statistical analyses. An experimental protocol, validated by the European Commission, was developed in France to assess the ability of the gamma-interferon test in terms of accuracy to replace the second intradermal skin test in cases of suspected bovine tuberculosis. Implemented between 2013 and 2015, this experimental trial was based on voluntary participation. To determine and understand the motivation or reluctance of farmers to take part in this trial, we carried out a sociological survey in France. Our study was based on semi-structured interviews with the farmers and other stakeholders involved. The analysis of findings demonstrated that shortening the lock-up period during tuberculosis suspicion, following the use of a gamma-interferon test, was an important aim and a genuine challenge for the animal health stakeholders. However, some farmers did not wish to continue the trial because it could potentially have drastic consequences for them. Moreover, misunderstandings and confusion concerning the objectives and consequences of the trial led stakeholders to reject it forcefully. Based on our results, we offer some recommendations: clear and appropriate communication tools should be prepared to explain the protocol and its aims. In addition, these types of animal health trials should be designed with the stakeholders’ interests in mind. This study provides a better understanding of farmer motivations and stakeholder influences on trial participation and outcomes. The findings can be used to help design trials so that they promote participation by farmers and by all animal health stakeholders in general.
Collapse
|
11
|
Aznar MN, Arregui M, Humblet MF, Samartino LE, Saegerman C. Methodology for the assessment of brucellosis management practices and its vaccination campaign: example in two Argentine districts. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:281. [PMID: 28882137 PMCID: PMC5590139 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Argentina, vaccination with Brucella abortus Strain 19 vaccine is mandatory. The objective of the study was to develop and test a method for evaluating, in an innovative way, some farmers' and veterinarians' management practices in relation to brucellosis and to assess the vaccination campaign and coverage. The work took place in Brandsen and Navarro districts. Four questionnaires were designed (for officials from Local Sanitary Entities, vaccinators, vet practitioners and farmers). Responses were coded as "ideal" (0) and "not ideal" (1). To assess the relative weight of each question ("item"), experts ranked the items according to their impact on management practices and vaccination. A weighted score was then calculated. A higher weighted score was assigned to the worse practices. Farmers obtaining a global weighted score above the third quartile were classified as "inappropriately managed farms", to be compared per type of production system and district. To assess the immunization coverage, female calves were sampled 30 to 50 days post vaccination; they were expected to react positively to serological diagnostic tests (DT+). RESULTS There were significantly more inappropriately managed farms and higher global scores among beef farmers and in Brandsen. Eighty three percent (83%) of female calves were DT+, significantly under the ideal immunization coverage (95%). Only 48% of farms were considered well vaccinated. DT+ results were positively associated with the Brandsen district (OR = 25.94 [4.60-1146.21] and with the farms having more than 200 cow heads ((OR = 78.34 [4.09-1500.00]). On the contrary, DT+ were less associated with vaccinators being veterinary practitioners (OR = 0.07 [0.006-0.78]). Farmers are well advised by their veterinary practitioners but they should improve some management practices. CONCLUSIONS The vaccination campaign is globally well implemented, but the immunization coverage and some vaccinators' practices should be improved. This study leads to a better understanding of the most common used management and control practices regarding brucellosis, which affect its epidemiology. Any vaccination campaign should be periodically assessed to highlight possible fails. The described methodology can be extrapolated to other countries and different contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M N Aznar
- Instituto de Patobiología, INTA, CICVyA, Hurlingham, PC 1688, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Center for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, PC 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| | - M Arregui
- Instituto de Patobiología, INTA, CICVyA, Hurlingham, PC 1688, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M F Humblet
- Department for Occupational Safety and Health, Biosafety and Biosecurity Unit, University of Liege, PC 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - L E Samartino
- Instituto de Patobiología, INTA, CICVyA, Hurlingham, PC 1688, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to veterinary sciences (UREAR-ULg), Center for Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, PC 4000, Liege, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Antibody detection tests improve the sensitivity of tuberculosis diagnosis in cattle. Res Vet Sci 2017; 112:214-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
13
|
The Added-Value of Using Participatory Approaches to Assess the Acceptability of Surveillance Systems: The Case of Bovine Tuberculosis in Belgium. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159041. [PMID: 27462705 PMCID: PMC4962975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) surveillance in Belgium is essential to maintain the officially free status and to preserve animal and public health. An evaluation of the system is thus needed to ascertain the surveillance provides a precise description of the current situation in the country. The evaluation should assess stakeholders' perceptions and expectations about the system due to the fact that the acceptability has an influence on the levels of sensitivity and timeliness of the surveillance system. The objective of the study was to assess the acceptability of the bTB surveillance in Belgium, using participatory tools and the OASIS flash tool ('analysis tool for surveillance systems'). METHODS For the participatory process, focus group discussions and individual interviews were implemented with representatives involved with the system, both from cattle and wildlife part of the surveillance. Three main tools were used: (i) relational diagrams associated with smileys, (ii) flow diagrams associated with proportional piling, and (iii) impact diagrams associated with proportional piling. A total of six criteria were assessed, among which five were scored on a scale from -1 to +1. For the OASIS flash tool, one full day meeting with representatives from stakeholders involved with the surveillance was organised. A total of 19 criteria linked to acceptability were scored on a scale from 0 to 3. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Both methods highlighted a medium acceptability of the bTB surveillance. The main elements having a negative influence were the consequences of official notification of a bTB suspect case in a farm, the low remuneration paid to private veterinarians for execution of intradermal tuberculin tests and the practical difficulties about the containment of the animals. Based on the two evaluation processes, relevant recommendations to improve the surveillance were made. Based on the comparison between the two evaluation processes, the added value of the participatory approach was highlighted.
Collapse
|
14
|
A review of risk factors for bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle in the UK and Ireland. Epidemiol Infect 2016; 144:2899-2926. [DOI: 10.1017/s095026881600131x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important disease of cattle caused by infection withMycobacterium bovis, a pathogen that may be extremely difficult to eradicate in the presence of a true wildlife reservoir. Our objective was to identify and review relevant literature and provide a succinct summary of current knowledge of risk factors for transmission of infection of cattle. Search strings were developed to identify publications from electronic databases to February 2015. Abstracts of 4255 papers identified were reviewed by three reviewers to determine whether the entire article was likely to contain relevant information. Risk factors could be broadly grouped as follows: animal (including nutrition and genetics), herd (including bTB and testing history), environment, wildlife and social factors. Many risk factors are inter-related and study designs often do not enable differentiation between cause and consequence of infection. Despite differences in study design and location, some risk factors are consistently identified, e.g. herd size, bTB history, presence of infected wildlife, whereas the evidence for others is less consistent and coherent, e.g. nutrition, local cattle movements. We have identified knowledge gaps where further research may result in an improved understanding of bTB transmission dynamics. The application of targeted, multifactorial disease control regimens that address a range of risk factors simultaneously is likely to be a key to effective, evidence-informed control strategies.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pucken VB, Götz F, Mansfeld R, Moder S, Sauter-Louis C, Straubinger RK, Knubben-Schweizer G. [The intradermal tuberculin test: literature, directive and implementation in practice]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2015; 43:197-206. [PMID: 26134062 DOI: 10.15653/tpg-141145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because of an increase in the number of cases of bovine tuberculosis in southern Germany (Allgäu region, mainly in the administrative district Swabia) during recent years, blanket tuberculosis testing was resumed in this region. The aim of this study was to review the veterinarians' current knowledge regarding the technique of the intradermal tuberculin test. As a consequence, a guide with precise instructions for the execution and interpretation of intradermal tuberculin testing in cattle based on the current legislation should be created. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using a questionnaire, farm-animal practitioners' knowledge and experiences of intradermal tuberculin testing were surveyed, collected and evaluated. Legislative texts on tuberculosis (particularly testing of tuberculosis) were evaluated in their current and previous versions, and compared with the experiences reported by the veterinarians. RESULTS A total of 137 veterinarians participated and 130 returned questionnaires could be evaluated. Forty-four of the 130 participants were involved in tuberculosis testing when the survey was performed. Of these 44 questionnaires, 42 were incorporated in the final evaluation. The majority of the veterinarians perform the intradermal tuberculosis test as laid down in the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002 of 8 July 2002 amending Annex B to Council Directive 64/432/EEC. However, many practitioners do not comply with the requirements of the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002 when evaluating the results of the intradermal tuberculosis test. Veterinarians showing the least accordance with required standards only test single animals or work in areas other than Swabia. CONCLUSIONS In areas severely affected by tuberculosis, the technique of intradermal tuberculosis testing is performed almost as demanded by the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002. However, a more uniform and careful approach should be sought when monitoring the results. The guide designed in the context of this study can help to improve the performance of the intradermal tuberculosis test. The information from the literature review also shows that there is currently no standardized method of intradermal tuberculosis testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - G Knubben-Schweizer
- Prof. Dr. Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer, Klinik für Wiederkäuer mit Ambulanz und Bestandsbetreuung der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstraße 16, 85764 Oberschleißheim, E-Mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abdellrazeq GS, Elnaggar MM, Osman HS, Davis WC, Singh M. Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Egyptian Cattle and the Standardization of the Interferon-gamma Assay as an Ancillary Test. Transbound Emerg Dis 2014; 63:497-507. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. S. Abdellrazeq
- Department of Microbiology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Alexandria University; Edfina Rosetta-line Egypt
| | - M. M. Elnaggar
- Department of Microbiology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Alexandria University; Edfina Rosetta-line Egypt
| | - H. S. Osman
- Central Department of Public Health and Abattoirs; General Organization for Veterinary Services; Cairo Egypt
| | - W. C. Davis
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology; College of Veterinary Medicine; Pullman WA USA
| | - M. Singh
- LIONEX Diagnostics and Therapeutics; Braunschweig Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Guta S, Casal J, Garcia-Saenz A, Saez J, Pacios A, Garcia P, Napp S, Allepuz A. Risk factors for bovine tuberculosis persistence in beef herds of Southern and Central Spain. Prev Vet Med 2014; 115:173-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
18
|
Current ante-mortem techniques for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Res Vet Sci 2014; 97 Suppl:S44-52. [PMID: 24768355 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (TB), mainly caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a zoonotic disease with implications for Public Health and having an economic impact due to decreased production and limitations to the trade. Bovine TB is subjected to official eradication campaigns mainly based on a test and slaughter policy using diagnostic assays based on the cell-mediated immune response as the intradermal tuberculin test and the gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) assay. Moreover, several diagnostic assays based on the detection of specific antibodies (Abs) have been developed in the last few years with the aim of complementing the current diagnostic techniques in the near future. This review provides an overview of the current ante-mortem diagnostic tools for diagnosis of bovine TB regarding historical background, methodologies and sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) obtained in previous studies under different epidemiological situations.
Collapse
|
19
|
Álvarez J, Perez A, Marqués S, Bezos J, Grau A, de la Cruz ML, Romero B, Saez JL, del Rosario Esquivel M, Martínez MDC, Mínguez O, de Juan L, Domínguez L. Risk factors associated with negative in-vivo diagnostic results in bovine tuberculosis-infected cattle in Spain. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:14. [PMID: 24410926 PMCID: PMC3895706 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite great effort and investment incurred over decades to control bovine tuberculosis (bTB), it is still one of the most important zoonotic diseases in many areas of the world. Test-and-slaughter strategies, the basis of most bTB eradication programs carried out worldwide, have demonstrated its usefulness in the control of the disease. However, in certain countries, eradication has not been achieved due in part to limitations of currently available diagnostic tests. In this study, results of in-vivo and post-mortem diagnostic tests performed on 3,614 animals from 152 bTB-infected cattle herds (beef, dairy, and bullfighting) detected in 2007-2010 in the region of Castilla y León, Spain, were analyzed to identify factors associated with positive bacteriological results in cattle that were non-reactors to the single intradermal tuberculin test, to the interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay, or to both tests applied in parallel (Test negative/Culture + animals, T-/C+). The association of individual factors (age, productive type, and number of herd-tests performed since the disclosure of the outbreak) with the bacteriology outcome (positive/negative) was analyzed using a mixed multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The proportion of non-reactors with a positive post-mortem result ranged from 24.3% in the case of the SIT test to 12.9% (IFN-γ with 0.05 threshold) and 11.9% (95% CI 9.9-11.4%) using both tests in parallel. Older (>4.5 years) and bullfighting cattle were associated with increased odds of confirmed bTB infection by bacteriology, whereas dairy cattle showed a significantly lower risk. Ancillary use of IFN-γ assay reduced the proportion of T-/C + animals in high risk groups. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the likelihood of positive bacteriological results in non-reactor cattle is influenced by individual epidemiological factors of tested animals. Increased surveillance on non-reactors with an increased probability of being false negative could be helpful to avoid bTB persistence, particularly in chronically infected herds. These findings may aid in the development of effective strategies for eradication of bTB in Spain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucía de Juan
- Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET), Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gates MC, Volkova VV, Woolhouse MEJ. Risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in low incidence regions related to the movements of cattle. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:225. [PMID: 24206865 PMCID: PMC3826851 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains difficult to eradicate from low incidence regions partly due to the imperfect sensitivity and specificity of routine intradermal tuberculin testing. Herds with unconfirmed reactors that are incorrectly classified as bTB-negative may be at risk of spreading disease, while those that are incorrectly classified as bTB-positive may be subject to costly disease eradication measures. This analysis used data from Scotland in the period leading to Officially Tuberculosis Free recognition (1) to investigate the risks associated with the movements of cattle from herds with different bTB risk classifications and (2) to identify herd demographic characteristics that may aid in the interpretation of tuberculin testing results. Results From 2002 to 2009, for every herd with confirmed bTB positive cattle identified through routine herd testing, there was an average of 2.8 herds with at least one unconfirmed positive reactor and 18.9 herds with unconfirmed inconclusive reactors. Approximately 75% of confirmed bTB positive herds were detected through cattle with no known movements outside Scotland. At the animal level, cattle that were purchased from Scottish herds with unconfirmed positive reactors and a recent history importing cattle from endemic bTB regions were significantly more likely to react positively on routine intradermal tuberculin tests, while cattle purchased from Scottish herds with unconfirmed inconclusive reactors were significantly more likely to react inconclusively. Case-case comparisons revealed few demographic differences between herds with confirmed positive, unconfirmed positive, and unconfirmed inconclusive reactors, which highlights the difficulty in determining the true disease status of herds with unconfirmed tuberculin reactors. Overall, the risk of identifying reactors through routine surveillance decreased significantly over time, which may be partly attributable to changes in movement testing regulations and the volume of cattle imported from endemic regions. Conclusions Although the most likely source of bTB infections in Scotland was cattle previously imported from endemic regions, we found indirect evidence of transmission within Scottish cattle farms and cannot rule out the possibility of low level transmission between farms. Further investigation is needed to determine whether targeting herds with unconfirmed reactors and a history of importing cattle from high risk regions would benefit control efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Carolyn Gates
- Epidemiology Group, Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Meskell P, Devitt C, More SJ. Challenges to quality testing for bovine tuberculosis in Ireland; perspectives from major stakeholders. Vet Rec 2013; 173:94. [PMID: 23893590 DOI: 10.1136/vr.101676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Within the national bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication programme in Ireland, concern has been expressed about the quality of testing by veterinarians. However, there is little published evidence supporting this concern, or the challenges that undermine quality testing. Qualitative research methods were used to gather the perspectives of major stakeholders in the bTB eradication (BTE) scheme on the challenges to quality testing for bovine tuberculosis in Ireland. These stakeholders included private veterinarians, government veterinarians, senior managers and herd owners, on the quality of bTB testing and the barriers to improvement. Results are grouped into challenges that exist in the testing environment (ie, at a farm level), and challenges associated with the skills environment (ie, professional skills involved with conducting the test). Challenges in the testing environment include inadequate on-farm testing conditions; lack of clarity on responsibility to ensure adequate testing environment; and the influence of the veterinarian-client relationship. Challenges in the skills environment include deficiencies in the development and supervision of testing skills among trainees and newly qualified veterinarians; and deficiencies in testing standards at a practice level. Regular supervision of testing is necessary to ensure standards. The importance of a continued understanding of the disease (and its eradication) supported by a partnership, cooperative approach between all stakeholders, is emphasised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Meskell
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Saegerman C, Speybroeck N, Dal Pozzo F, Czaplicki G. Clinical Indicators of Exposure toCoxiella burnetiiin Dairy Herds. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:46-54. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Saegerman
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk analysis applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg); University of Liege; Liege Belgium
| | - N. Speybroeck
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS); Université catholique de Louvain; Bruxelles Belgium
| | - F. Dal Pozzo
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk analysis applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg); University of Liege; Liege Belgium
| | - G. Czaplicki
- Association Régionale de Santé et d'Identification Animales (ARSIA); Loncin Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Humblet MF, Moyen JL, Bardoux P, Boschiroli ML, Saegerman C. The importance of awareness for veterinarians involved in cattle tuberculosis skin testing. Transbound Emerg Dis 2011; 58:531-6. [PMID: 21569223 DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
France is currently facing a re-emergence of bovine tuberculosis in several regions. To assess the knowledge of veterinary field practitioners concerning skin testing, a questionnaire-based methodology developed in Belgium was adapted to the context of the French department of Dordogne. The veterinarians involved in herds skin testing were solicited to participate to the survey (n = 94), through an anonymous postal questionnaire including items related to each step of the skin test procedure. Each item of the questionnaire was allotted a compliance score by 5 experts in the field of bovine tuberculosis (0, 1 or 2 a correct, acceptable and unacceptable answer, respectively). These scores were balanced over 30 criteria according to their potential impact on the non-detection of reactors, on the basis of 11 experts' opinion. A global score was calculated for each participating veterinarian. In addition, the Departmental sanitary authorities held meetings in December 2005 and June 2006 to make the veterinarians aware of the importance of correctly performing the skin test. The participants to the study were asked to fill in the questionnaire in duplicate: one related to their practices before the meeting, and the other one focusing on their practices after the meeting. A comparison of both situations was carried out (pre- and post-awareness meeting), as well as a comparison with the Belgian situation, arbitrarily selected as reference for the methodology. The participation was representative and reached a 23.4% rate. A significant difference was noticed between the mean global score reached before and after the meeting. These results show the usefulness of an appropriate awareness campaign of veterinarians in relation to skin testing and the importance of frequently holding awareness meetings in areas remaining confronted with bovine tuberculosis problems. It also highlights the interest of a structured auto-assessment process of veterinary practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M-F Humblet
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, University of Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|