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Hotea I, Sirbu C, Plotuna AM, Tîrziu E, Badea C, Berbecea A, Dragomirescu M, Radulov I. Integrating (Nutri-)Metabolomics into the One Health Tendency-The Key for Personalized Medicine Advancement. Metabolites 2023; 13:800. [PMID: 37512507 PMCID: PMC10384896 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics is an advanced technology, still under development, with multiple research applications, especially in the field of health. Individual metabolic profiles, the functionality of the body, as well as its interaction with the environment, can be established using this technology. The body's response to various external factors, including the food consumed and the nutrients it contains, has increased researchers' interest in nutrimetabolomics. Establishing correlations between diet and the occurrence of various diseases, or even the development of personalized nutrition plans, could contribute to advances in precision medicine. The interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment is of particular importance today, with the dramatic emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases, food, water and soil contamination, and the degradation of resources and habitats. All these events have led to an increase in risk factors for functional diseases, burdening global health. Thus, this study aimed to highlight the importance of metabolomics, and, in particular, nutrimetabolomics, as a technical solution for a holistic, collaborative, and precise approach for the advancement of the One Health strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionela Hotea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Catalin Sirbu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Plotuna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emil Tîrziu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Corina Badea
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adina Berbecea
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Monica Dragomirescu
- Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Isidora Radulov
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" from Timisoara, Calea Aradului, No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
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TAMTA SHIKA, VINODHKUMAR OR, KARTHIKEYAN A, DUBAL ZB, KHAN SHARUN, A SAIED ABDULRAHMAN, DHAWAN MANISH, DHAMA KULDEEP, MALIK YS. Epidemiological profiling of SARS-CoV-2 with focus on one-health approaches in mitigating COVID-19 pandemic. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v91i10.117206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Of the 1,415 human pathogens identified, 175 are responsible for causing emerging diseases, 132 are zoonotic and majority of the diseases are categorized as emerging or re-emerging. Emerging novel Coronavirus (COVID- 19) is one of them, and it is responsible for causing social and economically critical disease in both humans and animals. This review presents the understanding of epidemiological characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic related to host, agent, and the environment with transmission and spread of the disease for better prevention of the COVID-19. The inclination of the viruses to spillover between different species and determining the number of the reservoir of coronaviruses in an entirely new host to create infection is of emerging importance. The understanding of disease patterns will potentiate our expertise to alert how, when, and where the potential epidemic will occur. One health approach involves co-operation from all the sectors, including healthcare (medical and veterinary), environmental, pharmaceutical, educational, research, police, and administration, to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the public health threat.
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Silva C, Requicha JF, Martins JJ, Duarte A, Dias IR, Viegas CA, Saavedra MJ. Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur ( Varecia variegata) in Captivity: Analysis of the Oral Microbiota in a One Health Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2905. [PMID: 34679926 PMCID: PMC8533010 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102905] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the susceptibility profile to antibiotics and biofilm formation of Gram-negative bacterial isolates obtained from the oral cavity of the black-and-white ruffed lemur (Varecia variegata). From eight individuals from a zoo located in Portugal, samples of the oral microbiota were collected with sterile swabs and then placed in closed tubes with a transport medium. Culture was carried out for media of Gram-negative bacteria. Twenty-two isolates were obtained and subjected to susceptibility tests to twenty-five antimicrobial agents belonging to seven different classes. All tested isolates demonstrated resistance to, at least, one antibiotic, and it was possible to observe multidrug resistance in 11 of the 22 isolates (50%). It should be noted that an isolate showed phenotypic resistance to imipenem, an antibiotic for exclusive use in a hospital environment. All the isolates showed an increasing ability of biofilm formation over time. The obtained results show that wild mammals in captivity could be reservoirs and potential sources of multi-resistant pathogens. In view of this fact and considering the One Health concept, it will be advisable to establish local monitoring programs worldwide that benefit and protect human, animal and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Silva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
| | - João F. Requicha
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - José J. Martins
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Department of Animal Science, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Aida Duarte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Research, University of Lisbon, 1640-042 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Center of Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2825-001 Monte da Caparica, Portugal
| | - Isabel R. Dias
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos A. Viegas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Saavedra
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (C.S.); (J.F.R.); (I.R.D.); (C.A.V.)
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV) and AL4AnimalS, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB) and Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Steele SG, Toribio JALML, Mor SM. Global health security must embrace a One Health approach: Contributions and experiences of veterinarians during the COVID-19 response in Australia. One Health 2021; 13:100314. [PMID: 34485671 PMCID: PMC8397892 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus of likely zoonotic origin, was first reported in December 2019. Its rapid worldwide spread precipitated a range of interventions, including by veterinarians, due to impacts on human health and well-being as well as animal health and welfare. We conducted 36 key informant interviews to explore the responses of Australian veterinarians, their engagement in One Health collaboration and cooperation, and their existing and developed insights to the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Australian veterinarians provided valuable contributions to the national COVID-19 response by protecting animal welfare, maintaining local food security, providing essential veterinary services while mitigating human health risks in clinical settings and providing both key skills and surge capacity to the human health response. This was all guided by skills in scientific literacy and evidence-based communication. Informants identified a clear and urgent need for greater One Health coordination during pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, even in the case of a disease which largely only affects humans. Veterinarians provided key skills and surge capacity in epidemiology and laboratory analysis within the national COVID-19 response. Maintenance of veterinary services assisted pet owners, many of whom saw their pets as a source of emotional and physical support during the pandemic. Veterinarians identified an urgent need for improved One Health coordination to strengthen preparedness and response to future pandemic. Both intra- and inter-professional silos were recognised as perpetual obstacles to operationalising One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra G Steele
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary Science, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jenny-Ann L M L Toribio
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary Science, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Siobhan M Mor
- University of Liverpool, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Merseyside L3 5RF, United Kingdom
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Guerrini A. Animals, vaccines, and COVID-19. ENDEAVOUR 2021; 45:100779. [PMID: 34352721 PMCID: PMC8289630 DOI: 10.1016/j.endeavour.2021.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Animals, especially mammals, have played a critical role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 virus originated in animals, and the virus can jump back and forth between humans and animals. Moreover, animals have been central to the development of the various vaccines against the virus now employed around the world, continuing a long history. The interrelationships between animals and humans in both disease transmission and its prevention call for an interdisciplinary approach to medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Guerrini
- Oregon State University, 322 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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Mobasheri A, Trumble TN, Byron CR. Editorial: One Step at a Time: Advances in Osteoarthritis. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:727477. [PMID: 34336985 PMCID: PMC8322576 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.727477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Departments of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Troy N. Trumble
- Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Christopher R. Byron
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Gallagher CA, Keehner JR, Hervé-Claude LP, Stephen C. Health promotion and harm reduction attributes in One Health literature: A scoping review. One Health 2021; 13:100284. [PMID: 34381864 PMCID: PMC8339253 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One Health faces enormous pressure and challenges as it attempts to mitigate dynamic, surprising and complex global events that threaten the health and sustainability of human and animal populations and the biosphere. One Health practitioners and researchers need every advantage to developing working solutions to the world's imminent complex issues. Heath promotion and harm reduction, interrelated approaches that have seen much success over decades of use in global public health, may be important models to consider. Both use an upstream socioecological determinant of health approach to reach beyond the health sector in all health efforts, and encourage active community participation and empowerment to attain and sustain human and ecological health. This scoping review of 411 documents, believed to be the first to relate health promotion and harm reduction to One Health, searched self-declared One Health research literature for evidence of health promotion and harm reduction policies, principles and methodologies. It sought to answer the questions: "What is the scope of practice of One Health in self-declared One Health publications?" and "Are attributes of health promotion and harm reduction found in self-declared One Health-reviewed research literature?" Over half of the papers revealed no health promotion or harm reduction attributes while 7% were well-endowed with these attributes. These 7% of papers focused on deep-seated, complex health issues with systemic knowledge gaps and decision-making issues revolving around specific population vulnerabilities, social inequities and competing stakeholders. Implementing 'on the ground change' was a common theme in the strongest health promotion/harm reduction papers we identified. Alternatively, papers lacking health promotion or harm reduction attributes focused on managing proximate risks, primarily for infectious diseases. The addition of health promotion and harm reduction to One Health practices may help the field rise to the growing expectations for its involvement in complex global issues like pandemics and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa A Gallagher
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Main Street, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Jon R Keehner
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Main Street, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Luis Pablo Hervé-Claude
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Main Street, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Craig Stephen
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Main Street, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Teixeira AIP, Cantarino L. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in cats: a systematic review. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021; 43:e000421. [PMID: 35749089 PMCID: PMC9179199 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm000421] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiological role of cats in the coronavirus disease pandemic remains unclear despite of several studies that have been conducted to understand it, in other words it is not yet known whether the cat would be able to transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Taking that into account, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to identify what is known and not known on this topic. Our results revealed that cats can be infected through an airborne (perhaps oral, too) route and that the clinical development of the infection in cats is parallel to that in humans. The majority of infected cats remained asymptomatic, and more severe clinical cases described occurred only in animals with comorbidities. In addition to infection, cats achieved seroconversion with detectable titers. However, the epidemiological role of cats in relation to transmission routes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unclear and needs to be studied further. We emphasize that, regardless of the conclusion regarding the epidemiological role of cats, this reinforces the concepts of ONE HEALTH to be incorporated into the studies and practices of epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases, with multidisciplinary teams, to achieve an understanding of the transmission of diseases with zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ligia Cantarino
- Veterinarian, DSc., Faculdade de Agronomia e Veterinária, UNB, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Correspondence Ligia Cantarino Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília - UnB Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, s/n CEP 70910-900 - Brasília (DF), Brasil E-mail:
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Schmiege D, Perez Arredondo AM, Ntajal J, Minetto Gellert Paris J, Savi MK, Patel K, Yasobant S, Falkenberg T. One Health in the context of coronavirus outbreaks: A systematic literature review. One Health 2020; 10:100170. [PMID: 33015306 PMCID: PMC7518973 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens global health thereby causing unprecedented social, economic, and political disruptions. One way to prevent such a pandemic is through interventions at the human-animal-environment interface by using an integrated One Health (OH) approach. This systematic literature review documented the three coronavirus outbreaks, i.e. SARS, MERS, COVID-19, to evaluate the evolution of the OH approach, including the identification of key OH actions taken for prevention, response, and control. The OH understandings identified were categorized into three distinct patterns: institutional coordination and collaboration, OH in action/implementation, and extended OH (i.e. a clear involvement of the environmental domain). Across all studies, OH was most often framed as OH in action/implementation and least often in its extended meaning. Utilizing OH as institutional coordination and collaboration and the extended OH both increased over time. OH actions were classified into twelve sub-groups and further categorized as classical OH actions (i.e. at the human-animal interface), classical OH actions with outcomes to the environment, and extended OH actions. The majority of studies focused on human-animal interaction, giving less attention to the natural and built environment. Different understandings of the OH approach in practice and several practical limitations might hinder current efforts to achieve the operationalization of OH by combining institutional coordination and collaboration with specific OH actions. The actions identified here are a valuable starting point for evaluating the stage of OH development in different settings. This study showed that by moving beyond the classical OH approach and its actions towards a more extended understanding, OH can unfold its entire capacity thereby improving preparedness and mitigating the impacts of the next outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Schmiege
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ana Maria Perez Arredondo
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) of the University of Applied Science Bonn Rhein-Sieg (HBRS), Grantham-Allee 20, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 174, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Joshua Ntajal
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Juliana Minetto Gellert Paris
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 174, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Merveille Koissi Savi
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 174, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Krupali Patel
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandul Yasobant
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Global Health, Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Falkenberg
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Genscherallee 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Hussain S, Hussain A, Ho J, Sparagano OAE, Zia UUR. Economic and Social Impacts of COVID-19 on Animal Welfare and Dairy Husbandry in Central Punjab, Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:589971. [PMID: 33195626 PMCID: PMC7644897 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.589971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal welfare and dairy husbandry in low-income countries are limited. We conducted a survey between February and June 2020 to evaluate the economic impact and animal health problems upon the pandemic. Participants were lead veterinarians from 14 dairy farms with herd size between 100 and 500 in Lahore. These farms were major suppliers of milk and dairy products to central Punjab, Pakistan. During the pandemic, 10 of the 14 dairy farms relied on feed mill concentrates to provide feeds to their herds. Half of the farms reported feed shortage due to lockdowns. Six (43%) dairy farms have witnessed a 7.5% shortage of dry feed intake. In seven (50%) farms, the body condition score decreased by 0.24 point. The body score reduction was significantly associated with depleted feed intake (P = 0.005). The veterinarians of 10 (71%) farms failed to gain access to essential veterinary medications, hampering the treatment of sick animals. Due to feed shortage and drug unavailability, daily milk production reduced by two litters per cow in the herd of five (35%) farms. The reduced feed intake was significantly associated with the decrease in milk production (P = 0.003), while numerous downstream milk-processing facilities were out of service during the pandemic, significantly reducing the profit of six (43%) dairy farms. Finally, our study showed that the dairy farming industry and animal welfare were critically affected by three aspects: feed shortage, inaccessibility to essential veterinary drugs, and a reduced consumer demand for dairy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jeffery Ho
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Olivier A. E. Sparagano
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ubaid-ur-Rehman Zia
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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