Antibiotic resistance through the lens of One Health: A study from an urban and a rural area in Sri Lanka

This study aimed to investigate and compare the proportion of AMR Escherichia coli (E. coli) between urban (Dompe in the Western province) and rural (Dambana in the Sabaragamuwa province) areas in Sri Lanka. The overall hypothesis of the study is that there is a difference in the proportion of AMR E. coli between the urban and the rural areas. Faecal samples were collected from healthy humans (n = 109), dairy animals (n = 103), poultry (n = 35), wild mammals (n = 81), wild birds (n = 76), soil (n = 80) and water (n = 80) from both areas. A total of 908 E. coli isolates were tested for susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials. Overall, E. coli isolated from urban area was significantly more likely to be resistant than those isolated from rural area. The human domain of the area had a significantly higher prevalence of AMR E. coli, but it was not significantly different in urban (98%) and rural (97%) areas. AMR E. coli isolated from dairy animals, wild animals and water was significantly higher in the urban area compared with the rural area. There was no significant difference in the proportion of multidrug resistance (MDR) E. coli isolated from humans, wild animals and water between the two study sites. Resistant isolates found from water and wild animals suggest contamination of the environment. A multi-sectorial One Health approach is urgently needed to control the spread of AMR and prevent the occurrences of AMR in Sri Lanka.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance of Environmental and Clinical Aeromonas Species Isolated from Fresh Water Ornamental Fish and Associated Farming Environment in Sri Lanka

The aims of this study were to characterize and investigate antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of integrons in 161 Aeromonas spp. isolated from ornamental freshwater fish farming environment, apparently healthy and diseased fish. Phylogenetic analyses of the gyrB gene sequences identified Aeromonas veronii as the most abundant species (75.8%) followed by Aeromonashydrophila (9.3%), Aeromonas caviae (5%), Aeromonas jandaei (4.3%), Aeromonas dhakensis (3.7%), Aeromonas sobria (0.6%), Aeromonas media (0.6%), and Aeromonas popoffii (0.6%). Susceptibility to thirteen antimicrobials was determined and antimicrobial resistance frequencies were: amoxicillin (92.5%), enrofloxacin (67.1%), nalidixic acid (63.4%), erythromycin (26.1%), tetracycline (23.6%), imipenem (18%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (16.8%), and gentamicin (16.8%). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was widespread among the isolates (51.6%, 83/161) with 51.6% (63/122) A. veronii isolates being MDR. In addition, 68.3% of isolates had multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexes higher than 0.2, suggesting that they originated from a high-risk source of contamination where antimicrobials are often used. In all, 21.7% isolates carried class 1 integrons, with 97.1% having gene cassettes, while there were 12 isolates carrying class 2 integron gene cassettes. Our findings highlight that the aquatic environment and ornamental fish act as reservoirs of multidrug resistant Aeromonas spp. and underline the need for a judicious use of antimicrobials and timely surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquaculture.

Continuing professional development for veterinarians in a changing world

The veterinary profession has time and again successfully adapted to new challenges and developments, with considerable evolution of the skills needed. Different contexts, production systems and societal requirements continue to shape the profession, resulting in an increasing demand for specialisation, interdisciplinary collaboration along value chains, and preparedness for the omnipresent risk of emerging diseases. To keep up with changes, new insights, advances in research and novel ways to address challenges, continuing professional development (CPD) and the adaptation and updating of the veterinary curriculum have been essential to maintain and enhance the quality and performance of Veterinary Services. This paper reviews actors involved in the provision of Veterinary Services and discusses how vital CPD is in addressing current and future challenges, by focusing on veterinarians and allied veterinary professionals. The authors examine how providers of CPD contribute to the system and how the internal and external factors of a cohort or individual affect the quality and impact of capacity development. The paper further examines the landscape of veterinary CPD in terms of organisational structures, pedagogical approaches, the transition from input- to outcome-based learning, modern delivery tools, and the demands on the different actors involved in the delivery of animal health services. The authors conclude that CPD is essential if the quality of Veterinary Services is to keep pace with the ever-increasing and evolving demands of the 21st century. A CPD programme should therefore be constructed in a way that is tailored to the needs of veterinary professionals and to the requirements of their workplace, whether they work with animal keepers, livestock value chains, national governments or international regulatory bodies. An optimised and successful veterinary sector requires an evidencebased CPD programme that keeps those professionals who are involved in the delivery of animal health services both competent and relevant in a changing world.

Developing a non-invasive method of detecting elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus infections using faecal samples

BACKGROUND

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV)-associated haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is a leading cause of death in Asian elephant calves across the world. Cases of EEHV-HD have been detected in free-living calves through post-mortem examination (PME) indicating the presence of the virus in the wild. In the absence of a non-invasive sampling method, little research into free-living populations has been possible. This study aimed to provide evidence that faeces can be used as a non-invasive sampling method for the detection of EEHV excretion using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

METHODS

Serial saliva swabs and faecal samples were taken from five captive Asian elephants in Thailand over 12 weeks. To ensure the presence of detectable elephant DNA within the sample, qPCR was run for amplification of the Asian elephant tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) gene, EEHV1 and EEHV4.

RESULTS

Of 28 sample pairs, seven saliva samples were positive for EEHV, of which two had paired positive faecal samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the first evidence that EEHV is excreted in faeces at detectable levels. This method may in future be used for improved understanding of the epidemiology of EEHV in free-living elephant populations, as well as detection of EEHV excretion in captive herds.

Effect of Tourist Activities on Fecal and Salivary Glucocorticoids and Immunoglobulin A in Female Captive Asian Elephants in Thailand

Simple Summary

How tourist camp activities affect individual elephant welfare is an important and highly debated topic. Saliva and fecal samples were collected monthly for 1 year from 44 female Asian elephants that participated in three programs (saddle-, bareback-, or no-riding), and analyzed for glucocorticoids (GC) and immunoglobulin A (IgA). The hypothesis was that better welfare would be associated with low GC and high IgA concentrations. Both biomarkers showed significant variation with respect to camp size, riding activities, tourist-to-elephant ratios and seasonality, but not always consistently between feces and saliva, and not always in the predicted direction. However, there was no clear indication that riding per se negatively affected these two biomarkers. The lack of consistent responses highlights the difficulty in interpreting physiological data in relation to management factors, and suggests more work is needed to differentiate between potential chronic (feces) and acute (saliva) responses.

Abstract

Asian elephants have been an important part of wildlife ecotourism in Thailand for over two decades. Elephants in tourist camps are exposed to a variety of management styles and daily activities that can potentially affect health and welfare. This study investigated relationships between a novel welfare biomarker, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and daily camp activities, and compared results to glucocorticoid (GC) measures. Often no-riding camps are portrayed as providing better welfare than camps that offer riding. Therefore, we predicted that elephants at no-riding camps would have lower GC and higher IgA concentrations, and a low GC/IgA ratio. Forty-four female elephants from six elephant camps were divided into three groups based on riding activities: saddle-riding, bareback-riding, and no-riding. Fecal and salivary samples were collected monthly for 1 year along with evaluations of body condition, foot health, and wounding. Camp environment and management varied among camps, although the major difference was in riding activities. Concentrations of GCs and IgA varied among the working groups, but not always consistently between sample matrices. Overall fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations were lowest in the saddle-riding group. Only in one bareback-riding camp did the elephants exhibit a potentially positive welfare response with a low GC/IgA ratio over time. Other results varied between the two biomarkers, with considerable variability across camps, suggesting there is more to good welfare than whether elephants participate in riding or not. Several other human-induced stressors, like chaining, ankus use, and limited social opportunities are likely to be impacting well-being and should be considered to ensure management practices meet physical and psychological welfare needs.

Circadian Rhythm of Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Associations with Cortisol as A Stress Biomarker in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus)

Salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) has been proposed as a potential indicator of welfare for various species, including Asian elephants, and may be related to adrenal cortisol responses. This study aimed to distinguish circadian rhythm effects on sIgA in male and female Asian elephants and compare patterns to those of salivary cortisol, information that could potentially have welfare implications. Subjects were captive elephants at an elephant camp in Chiang Mai province, Thailand (n = 5 males, 5 females). Salivette^® kits were used to collect saliva from each elephant every 4 h from 06:00 to 22:00 h for 3 consecutive days (n = 15 samples/elephant). Enzyme immunoassays were used to quantify concentrations of IgA and cortisol in unextracted saliva. Circadian rhythm patterns were determined using a generalized least-squares method. Both sIgA and cortisol followed a circadian rhythm, although the patterns differed. sIgA displayed a daily quartic trend, whereas cortisol concentrations demonstrated a decreasing linear trend in concentrations throughout the day. There was no clear relationship between patterns of sIgA and salivary cortisol, implying that mechanisms of control and secretion differ. Results demonstrate for the first time that circadian rhythms affect sIgA, and concentrations follow a daily quartic pattern in Asian elephants, so standardizing time of collection is necessary.

Student experiences and perceptions of compulsory research projects: a veterinary perspective

Background

Although research underpins clinical work, many students training to be clinicians are not inherently interested in developing research skills.

Aim

To characterise and understand veterinary student experiences and perceptions of compulsory research projects.

Methods

This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study, with a questionnaire survey of an entire cohort informing purposive selection for focus group discussions. Student views were triangulated with staff questionnaire data.

Results

About a third of the cohort felt that the project had not been worthwhile or had not fostered useful skills. Focus group data analysis identified fragility of motivation and lack of clear schemata for the research process as key themes. Students were easily demotivated by typical research challenges and lack of schemata contributed to a poor understanding of the rationale for the project, encouraging highly extrinsic forms of motivation. Triangulation with staff questionnaire data indicated that staff understood students’ challenges, but were more likely than students to consider it to be a valuable learning experience.

Conclusions

Findings support ongoing curriculum development and emphasise that, to optimise motivation, engagement and learning, students training to be clinicians need a clear rationale for research, based on development of critical inquiry skills as a core clinical competency.

Discipline-Specific Compared to Generic Training of Teachers in Higher Education

A recurrent theme arising in the higher education sector is the suitability and effectiveness of generic versus discipline-specific training of university teachers, who are often recruited based on their disciplinary specialties to become teachers in higher education. We compared two groups of participants who had undergone training using a generic post-graduate certificate in higher education (PGCertGeneric) versus a discipline-specific course in veterinary education (PGCertVetEd). The study was conducted using a survey that allowed comparison of participants who completed PGCertGeneric (n=21) with PGCertVetEd (n=22). Results indicated that participants from both PGCertGeneric and PGCertVetEd considered teaching to be satisfying and important to their careers, valued the teaching observation component of the course, and identified similar training needs. However, the participants of the PGCertVetEd felt that the course made them better teachers, valued the relevance of the components taught, understood course design better, were encouraged to do further courses/reading in teaching and learning, changed their teaching as a result of the course, and were less stressed about teaching as compared to the PGCertGeneric participants (p<.05). It is likely that the PGCertVetEd, which was designed and developed by veterinarians with a wider understanding of the veterinary sector, helped the participants perceive the training course as suited to their needs.

Scaffolded Active Learning: Nine Pedagogical Principles for Building a Modern Veterinary Curriculum

Veterinary discipline experts unfamiliar with the broader educational literature can find the adoption of an evidence-based approach to curriculum development challenging. However, greater societal and professional demands for achieving and verifying Day One knowledge and skills, together with continued progress in information generation and technology, make it all the more important that the defined period for initial professional training be well used. This article presents and discusses nine pedagogical principles that have been used in modern curricular development in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States: (1) outcomes-based curriculum design; (2) valid and reliable assessments; (3) active learning; (4) integrated knowledge for action; (5) tightly controlled core curriculum; (6) "just-in-time" rather than "just-in-case" knowledge; (7) vertical integration, the spiral curriculum, and sequential skills development; (8) learning skills support; and (9) bridges from classroom to workplace. Crucial to effective educational progress is active learning that embraces the skills required by the modern professional, made possible by tight control of curricular content. In this information age, professionals' ability to source information on a "just-in-time" basis to support high quality reasoning and decision making is far more important than the memorization of large bodies of increasingly redundant information on a "just-in-case" basis. It is important that those with responsibility for veterinary curriculum design ensure that their programs fully equip the modern veterinary professional for confident entry into the variety of roles in which society needs their skills.

Teacher development: a patchwork-text approach to enhancing critical reflection in veterinary and para-veterinary educators

Reflection is an essential component of teacher-development programs, and reliable, valid methods to teach, assess, and evaluate reflection are critical. However, it is important that appropriate methods are created for and evaluated across multiple disciplinary backgrounds, as the participants' backgrounds are a major factor in the development of critical reflection. The patchwork-text approach is a narrative process that is predominantly focused on the personal development of the individual. The current study used the patchwork-text approach for the development of reflection in participants with a science background who had not used a reflective approach for personal development before. Twenty summative essays and 103 formative essays from 21 participants who underwent a 1-year higher-education teacher-development program were analyzed to assess whether the quality and quantity of reflective writing was enhanced through a regular, iterative process of reflective writing with feedback. The analysis of the essays involved the use of a predefined set of criteria for identifying the different reflective levels from 1 to 4 and the calculation of a reflective score to evaluate the overall development. The results show a clear improvement of higher-level critical thinking as the participants progressed through their course. Higher levels of reflection were achieved particularly where a unit focused on a familiar area for the participant as opposed to one in which the participant had less experience. The analysis provides evidence that the patchwork text is a useful method for development and evaluation of reflection in participants with a veterinary/animal-science base.

False aneurysms in carotid arteries of cattle and water buffalo during shechita and halal slaughter

It has previously been shown that the cattle brain is supplied with blood via a basi-occipital plexus, in addition to branches from the carotid and basilar arteries. In addition it has been shown during conventional stunning and slaughter that the carotid arteries in cattle can develop false aneurysms at their severed ends and this can curtail exsanguination. This investigation examined whether false aneurysms can occur during religious slaughter, and during bleeding following electrical stunning that simultaneously induced a cardiac arrest. The prevalence of large (>3cm outer diameter) false aneurysms in cattle carotid arteries was 10% for both shechita and halal slaughter. The prevalence of animals with bilateral false aneurysms (at least 2cm in one artery and at least 3cm diameter in the opposite artery) was 7% and 8% for shechita and halal slaughter, respectively. No false aneurysms occurred during bleeding in cattle that were electrically stunned and simultaneously developed a cardiac arrest. The combination of false aneurysms and collateral routes to the brain present a risk of sustained consciousness during religious slaughter in cattle.