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More SJ, Houtsma E, Doyle L, McGrath G, Clegg TA, de la Rua-Domenech R, Duignan A, Blissitt MJ, Dunlop M, Schroeder PG, Pike R, Upton P. Further description of bovine tuberculosis trends in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, 2003-2015. Vet Rec 2018; 183:717. [PMID: 30487295 PMCID: PMC6312888 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Extending on earlier work, trends in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) from 2003 to 2015 are described for the countries of the UK and the Republic of Ireland using standardised definitions and measures. Based on measures of animal and herd incidence, there remains a stable situation of extremely low prevalence in Scotland and the Low Risk Area of England, and a higher but ongoing reduction in prevalence in the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, there has been a rising bTB trend during 2010–2015, although not to levels experienced during 2002–2004. In the High Risk Area and Edge Area of England during 2010–2015, the rising bTB trends have continued but with some recent evidence of stabilisation. In Wales, prevalence has fallen subsequent to a peak in 2008. The paper considers country-level differences in the light of key policy changes, which are presented in detail. This work is unique, and will assist policymakers when critically evaluating policy options for effective control and eradication. Ongoing updates of this analysis would be useful, providing an evidence base for country-level comparison of bTB trends into the future. The use of multivariable analytical methods should be considered, but will rely on substantial sharing of raw data across the five countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Erik Houtsma
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Doyle
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Guy McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tracy A Clegg
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ricardo de la Rua-Domenech
- Advice Services Team, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Bovine Tuberculosis Programme, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London, England
| | - Anthony Duignan
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Martyn J Blissitt
- Veterinary and Science Team, Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate Scottish Government, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Mervyn Dunlop
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Paul G Schroeder
- Wales Bovine TB Epidemiology Team, APHA Wales, Carmarthen, Wales
| | - Ryan Pike
- TB Team, Welsh Government, Cardiff, Wales
| | - Paul Upton
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, England
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2
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Doyle R, Clegg TA, McGrath G, Tratalos J, Barrett D, Lee A, More SJ. The bovine tuberculosis cluster in north County Sligo during 2014-16. Ir Vet J 2018; 71:24. [PMID: 30534362 PMCID: PMC6262969 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-018-0135-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine tuberculosis (bTB, caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis) is endemic in the Irish cattle population, and the subject of a national eradication programme since the late 1950s. During 2014, a substantial area-level bTB outbreak developing in north County Sligo, necessitating the need for an enhanced response. This paper describes this outbreak, the response that was undertaken and some lessons learned. RESULTS In the north Sligo area between 2014 and 2016, 23 (31.9%) of restricted herds had 4 or more reactors to the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT)/animals with bTB lesions disclosed during the restriction, and the majority (55.5%) of test-positive animals were identified as standard reactors to the SICTT. The herds restricted during 2014-16 were typically larger than other herds in the study area and introduced more animals during 2013. M. bovis was also detected in local badgers, but not deer. CONCLUSION This paper describes a substantial outbreak in north County Sligo over a 3-year period. A coordinated area-based approach was a key feature of the outbreak, and substantial resources were applied to bring the outbreak under control. No definitive source was identified, nor reasons why a substantial number of herds were infected over a relatively short period. A coordinated regional approach was taken, and a number of lessons were learned including the need for urgency, for a team-based approach, for a consistent message when dealing with the public, for an area-based approach, for a degree of flexibility for the breakdown manager, and for molecular tools to assist in answering key questions relating to the source and spread of M. bovis to many herds during this bTB outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Doyle
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co. Kildare W23 X3PH Ireland
| | - Tracy A. Clegg
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Guy McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Jamie Tratalos
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
| | - Damien Barrett
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Backweston Administration Building, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co. Kildare W23 X3PH Ireland
| | - Ada Lee
- Cyberport, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
| | - Simon J. More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6 Ireland
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Milne GM, Graham J, Allen A, Lahuerta-Marin A, McCormick C, Presho E, Skuce R, Byrne AW. Spatiotemporal analysis of prolonged and recurrent bovine tuberculosis breakdowns in Northern Irish cattle herds reveals a new infection hotspot. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2018; 28:33-42. [PMID: 30739653 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite a state-led eradication programme, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains endemic in Northern Ireland (NI). Of particular concern are "chronic" prolonged and recurrent bTB breakdowns, which represent significant financial and administrative burdens. However, little is known regarding the spatiotemporal distribution of chronic breakdowns in NI. We therefore analysed both the spatial and spatiotemporal distributions of chronic bTB breakdowns between 2004 and 2014. Significantly positive values for Moran's Index of spatial autocorrelation were found, and Local Moran's I clustering was employed to assess for spatial associations in the number and prevalence of chronic bTB breakdowns across NI. Additional spatio-temporal analysis using SaTScan showed that the burden of chronic bTB infection tends to be found where bTB levels are already high. However, a novel hotspot was revealed wherein the prevalence of chronic breakdowns was higher than expected; this should be the subject of follow-up surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Milne
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - J Graham
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - A Allen
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - A Lahuerta-Marin
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - C McCormick
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - E Presho
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - R Skuce
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK
| | - A W Byrne
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), 12 Stoney Road, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SD, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Allen AR, Skuce RA, Byrne AW. Bovine Tuberculosis in Britain and Ireland - A Perfect Storm? the Confluence of Potential Ecological and Epidemiological Impediments to Controlling a Chronic Infectious Disease. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:109. [PMID: 29951489 PMCID: PMC6008655 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful eradication schemes for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) have been implemented in a number of European and other countries over the last 50 years. However, the islands of Britain and Ireland remain a significant aberration to this trend, with the recent exception of Scotland. Why have eradication schemes failed within these countries, while apparently similar programs have been successful elsewhere? While significant socio-economic and political factors have been discussed elsewhere as key determinants of disease eradication, here we review some of the potential ecological and epidemiological constraints that are present in these islands relative to other parts of Europe. We argue that the convergence of these potential factors may interact additively to diminish the potential of the present control programs to achieve eradication. Issues identified include heterogeneity of diagnostic testing approaches, the presence of an abundant wildlife reservoir of infection and the challenge of sustainably managing this risk effectively; the nature, size, density and network structure of cattle farming; potential effects of Mycobacterium bovis strain heterogeneity on disease transmission dynamics; possible impacts of concurrent endemic infections on the disclosure of truly infected animals; climatological differences and change coupled with environmental contamination. We further argue that control and eradication of this complex disease may benefit from an ecosystem level approach to management. We hope that this perspective can stimulate a new conversation about the many factors potentially impacting bTB eradication schemes in Britain and Ireland and possibly stimulate new research in the areas identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. A. Skuce
- Veterinary Science Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Lahuerta-Marin A, Gallagher M, McBride S, Skuce R, Menzies F, McNair J, McDowell SWJ, Byrne AW. Should they stay, or should they go? Relative future risk of bovine tuberculosis for interferon-gamma test-positive cattle left on farms. Vet Res 2015; 46:90. [PMID: 26338808 PMCID: PMC4559371 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a serious infectious disease that remains an ongoing concern for cattle farming worldwide. Tuberculin skin-tests are often used to identify infected animals (reactors) during test-and-cull programs, however, due to relatively poor sensitivity, additional tests can be implemented in parallel. For example, in Northern Ireland interferon-gamma (IFN-g) testing is used in high-risk herds. However, skin-test negative animals which are positive to the IFN-g test are not required by law to be slaughtered – therefore the final choice for these animals’ fate is left with the owner. During this study we investigated whether these animals represented a greater risk of becoming a skin reactor, relative to IFN-g test negative animals from the same herds. Our study population included 1107 IFN-g positive animals from 239 herds. A Cox-proportional hazard model indicated that animals which tested IFN-g positive were 2.31 times (95% CI: 1.92-2.79; P < 0.001) more likely to become a reactor compared with IFN-g negative animals. Animals from dairy herds, and from herds in the south-east, were of higher risk than animals from beef herds and other regions, respectively. Our findings suggest that IFN-g positive animals represent a higher risk of failing a skin-test in the future, indicating the value of IFN-g testing for identifying early-stage infected animals. These IFN-g positive animals are not under any disease restriction, and may move freely (trade), which may put recipient herds at increased risk. Our findings provide important evidence for stakeholders engaged in bTB eradication programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lahuerta-Marin
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Martin Gallagher
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Stewart McBride
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Robin Skuce
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK. .,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK.
| | - Fraser Menzies
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dundonald House, Stormont, Belfast, UK.
| | - Jim McNair
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Stanley W J McDowell
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
| | - Andrew W Byrne
- Veterinary Science Division, Department of Bacteriology, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3SD, UK.
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6
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McGrath G, Clegg TA, More SJ. Recent spatial changes in bovine tuberculosis in the Republic of Ireland. Vet Rec 2014; 175:45. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.101977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; UCD Veterinary Medicine; University College Dublin; Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
| | - T. A Clegg
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; UCD Veterinary Medicine; University College Dublin; Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
| | - S. J More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; UCD Veterinary Medicine; University College Dublin; Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
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7
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Galvin S, Bergin N, Hennessy R, Hanahoe B, Murphy AW, Cormican M, Vellinga A. Exploratory Spatial Mapping of the Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli in the Community. Antibiotics (Basel) 2013; 2:328-38. [PMID: 27029306 PMCID: PMC4790267 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics2030328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of antimicrobials over the past six decades has been associated with the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. To explore local geographical patterns in the occurrence of acquired antimicrobial resistance (AMR), AMR of E. coli causing urinary tract infections (UTI) in the community in the West of Ireland was mapped. All adult patients consulting with a suspected UTI in 22 general practices in the West of Ireland over a nine-month study period were requested to supply a urine sample. Those with a laboratory confirmed E. coli infection were included (n = 752) in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by standardized disc diffusion. Patient addresses were geocoded. The diameters of the zone of inhibition of growth for trimethoprim (5 μg) and ciprofloxacin (5 μg) for the relevant isolate was mapped against the patient address using ArcGIS software. A series of maps illustrating spatial distribution of AMR in the West of Ireland were generated. The spatial data demonstrated a higher proportion of isolates with AMR from urban areas. Some rural areas also showed high levels of resistant E. coli. Our study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of using a geographical information system (GIS) platform for routine visual geographical analysis of AMR data in Ireland. Routine presentation of AMR data in this format may be valuable in understanding AMR trends at a local level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Galvin
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Niall Bergin
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Ronan Hennessy
- GIS Centre, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Belinda Hanahoe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Andrew W Murphy
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Martin Cormican
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- Discipline of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Akke Vellinga
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
- Discipline of Bacteriology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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8
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The impact of animal introductions during herd restrictions on future herd-level bovine tuberculosis risk. Prev Vet Med 2013; 109:246-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Abernethy DA, Upton P, Higgins IM, McGrath G, Goodchild AV, Rolfe SJ, Broughan JM, Downs SH, Clifton-Hadley R, Menzies FD, de la Rua-Domenech R, Blissitt MJ, Duignan A, More SJ. Bovine tuberculosis trends in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, 1995-2010. Vet Rec 2013; 172:312. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.100969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Abernethy
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases; University of Pretoria; Private Bag X04 Onderstepoort 0110 South Africa
| | - P. Upton
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency; Weybridge, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB Great Britain
| | - I. M. Higgins
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; UCD School of Veterinary Medicine; University College Dublin; Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
| | - G. McGrath
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; UCD School of Veterinary Medicine; University College Dublin; Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
| | - A. V. Goodchild
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency; Weybridge, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB Great Britain
| | - S. J. Rolfe
- Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer; Welsh Government Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ Great Britain
| | - J. M. Broughan
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency; Weybridge, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB Great Britain
| | - S. H. Downs
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency; Weybridge, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB Great Britain
| | - R. Clifton-Hadley
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency; Weybridge, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB Great Britain
| | - F. D. Menzies
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit; Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3SB Northern Ireland UK
| | - R. de la Rua-Domenech
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency; Tuberculosis Programme of the Department for Environment; Food and Rural Affairs, Nobel House London SW1P 3JR Great Britain
| | - M. J. Blissitt
- Veterinary and Science Team; Rural and Environmental Directorate; Scottish Government, Saughton House Broomhouse Drive Edinburgh EH11 3XD Great Britain
| | - A. Duignan
- Department of Agriculture; Food and the Marine; Backweston, Celbridge Co. Kildare Ireland
| | - S. J. More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis; UCD School of Veterinary Medicine; University College Dublin; Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland
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Prevalence and significant geospatial clusters of bovine tuberculosis infection at livestock-wildlife interface ecosystem in Eastern Tanzania. Trop Anim Health Prod 2013; 45:1223-30. [PMID: 23338818 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0350-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an important neglected zoonosis that affects livestock, wildlife and human. A study to determine prevalence and geospatial clusters for BTB was conducted from June 2010 to March 2012 at livestock-wildlife interface areas (LWIA). A total of 1,288 cattle located in vicinity of Mikumi-Selous ecosystem Tanzania were tested. Single Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin Test and spatial scan statistic analysis were applied to establish the status of the disease and identify significant spatial BTB clusters. Overall individual prevalence was 3.7 % (n=1,288) (95 % CI=2.8-4.9) and 7.8 % (95 % CI=6.4-9.4) with cut-off of >4 and >2 mm, respectively. Villages with at least one reactor were 55.8 % (n=43). Reactivity was significantly higher in Mvomero and Kilosa districts compared with Kilombero and Ulanga districts (χ (2) =15.9; P<0.001). Significant spatial BTB clusters were revealed at 11 villages. BTB clustering was significant in Kilosa and Mvomero districts compared with Kilombero and Ulanga districts. There was overlap and aggregation of BTB clusters covering south and south-east of Kilosa district bordering Mikumi National Park (MNP) and Mvomero. Generally, clustering occurred around major rivers. The current study provides useful information on the dynamics and epidemiological status of BTB around the wildlife-livestock-human interface, it reveals that the wildlife are at risk of BTB from infected livestock. The study revealed hotspots for BTB that can be applied to guide implementation of participatory intervention at LWIA and control strategies in marginalised pastoralist communities. This study calls for similar studies in other Tanzania's LWIA for efficient intervention of BTB countrywide.
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11
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Kelly GE. Joint Spatio-Temporal Modeling of Mycobacterium bovis Infections in Badgers and Cattle – Results from the Irish Four Area Project. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1515/scid-2013-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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12
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O'Connor CM, Haydon DT, Kao RR. An ecological and comparative perspective on the control of bovine tuberculosis in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Prev Vet Med 2011; 104:185-97. [PMID: 22192362 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Disease ecology involves a systematic approach to understanding the interactions and evolution of host-pathogen systems at the population level, and is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of the reasons for disease persistence and the most likely means of control. This systems or ecological approach is being increasingly recognised as a progressive method in disease control and is exploited in diverse fields ranging from obesity management in humans to the prevention of infectious disease in animal populations. In this review we discuss bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain (GB) within a disease ecology context, and suggest how a comparative ecological perspective helps to reconcile apparent conflicts with the evidence on the effectiveness of badger culling to assist in the control of bTB in GB and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Our examination shows that failure of past measures to control bTB and the disparity in outcomes of badger culling experiments are the result of a complex relationship amongst the agent, host and environment, i.e. the episystem, of bTB. Here, we stress the role of distinctive bTB episystems and badger culling trial design in the ambiguity and resulting controversy associated with badger culling in GB and ROI. We argue this episystem perspective on bTB control measures in cattle and badger populations provides a useful and informative perspective on the design and implementation of future bTB management in GB, particularly at a time when both scientific and lay communities are concerned about the ongoing epidemic, the cost of current control measures and the execution of future control procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M O'Connor
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Jarrett Building, 464 Bearsden Rd, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom.
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13
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Reid N, Wilson GJ, Montgomery WI, McDonald RA. Changes in the prevalence of badger persecution in Northern Ireland. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-011-0560-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Jenkins HE, Woodroffe R, Donnelly CA. The duration of the effects of repeated widespread badger culling on cattle tuberculosis following the cessation of culling. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9090. [PMID: 20161769 PMCID: PMC2818840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the British Isles, control of cattle tuberculosis (TB) is hindered by persistent infection of wild badger (Meles meles) populations. A large-scale field trial--the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT)--previously showed that widespread badger culling produced modest reductions in cattle TB incidence during culling, which were offset by elevated TB risks for cattle on adjoining lands. Once culling was halted, beneficial effects inside culling areas increased, while detrimental effects on adjoining lands disappeared. However, a full assessment of the utility of badger culling requires information on the duration of culling effects. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We monitored cattle TB incidence in and around RBCT areas after culling ended. We found that benefits inside culled areas declined over time, and were no longer detectable by three years post-culling. On adjoining lands, a trend suggesting beneficial effects immediately after the end of culling was insignificant, and disappeared after 18 months post-culling. From completion of the first cull to the loss of detectable effects (an average five-year culling period plus 2.5 years post-culling), cattle TB incidence was 28.7% lower (95% confidence interval [CI] 20.7 to 35.8% lower) inside ten 100 km(2) culled areas than inside ten matched no-culling areas, and comparable (11.7% higher, 95% CI: 13.0% lower to 43.4% higher, p = 0.39) on lands <or=2 km outside culled and no-culling areas. The financial costs of culling an idealized 150 km(2) area would exceed the savings achieved through reduced cattle TB, by factors of 2 to 3.5. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings show that the reductions in cattle TB incidence achieved by repeated badger culling were not sustained in the long term after culling ended and did not offset the financial costs of culling. These results, combined with evaluation of alternative culling methods, suggest that badger culling is unlikely to contribute effectively to the control of cattle TB in Britain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E. Jenkins
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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