World Organisation for Animal Health

Inter-laboratory trials were carried out to evaluate the reproducibility and estimate test performance characteristics of the Phagomagnetic separation (PhMS)-qPCR assay, a novel phage-based assay recently developed as a rapid alternative to culture for detecting viable Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in bovine milk and feces. Unique reagents and a detailed instruction manual required for the PhMS-qPCR assay were provided to five European veterinary diagnostic laboratories by Rapid-Myco Technologies Limited. Milk and feces test panels were prepared at NEIKER and distributed to participant laboratories between April–June 2023 and March–May 2024, respectively. Each test panel comprised of MAP-spiked and/or naturally infected bovine milk or feces samples (18 samples per panel on two separate occasions for each sample matrix). The six participant laboratories (including organizer) performed automated or manual PhMS and used whatever qPCR instrument they had available. All laboratories used the IDEXX RealPCR MAP DNA test for the qPCR part of the assay. Generally, substantial agreement was observed overall between PhMS-qPCR results and reference culture results for spiked milk (Kappa value 0.5982) and naturally MAP-infected feces (Kappa value 0.7780 using an amended protocol). Preliminary estimates of the detection (analytical) sensitivity (Se), detection specificity (Sp) and trueness (T) of the PhMS-qPCR assay applied to bovine milk and feces were obtained. The mean Se, Sp, and T values across six laboratories were 93.1%, 67.9%, and 88.7% when milk was tested and 84.1%, 93.7%, and 88.9% when feces was tested. Overall, the PhMS-qPCR assay performed well in multiple laboratories and test reproducibility was demonstrated (Cohen's Kappa ≥0.6–1.000). The estimates of performance characteristics of the PhMS-qPCR assay are generally acceptable for a potential diagnostic test. Hence the PhMS-qPCR assay shows considerable promise as a rapid test to detect viable MAP in veterinary specimens such as milk and feces. Further and fuller validation of the assay will continue to assess its diagnostic potential.

Introduction:Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus and Lassa virus (LASV) are zoonotic agents regarded as high-consequence pathogens due to their high case fatality rates. CCHF virus is a vector-borne disease and is transmitted by tick bites. Lassa virus is spread via aerosolization of dried rat urine, ingesting infected rats, and direct contact with or consuming food and water contaminated with rat excreta.Methods:The scientific literature for biosafety practices has been reviewed for both these two agents to assess the evidence base and biosafety-related knowledge gaps. The review focused on five main areas, including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-acquired infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies.Results:There is a lack of data on the safe collection and handling procedures for tick specimens and the infectious dose from an infective tick bite for CCHF investigations. In addition, there are gaps in knowledge about gastrointestinal and contact infectious doses for Lassa virus, sample handling and transport procedures outside of infectious disease areas, and the contribution of asymptomatic carriers in viral circulation.Conclusion:Due to the additional laboratory hazards posed by these two agents, the authors recommend developing protocols that work effectively and safely in highly specialized laboratories in non-endemic regions and a laboratory with limited resources in endemic areas.

Abstract In 2021, a comprehensive dog demographic questionnaire combined with a KAP survey were conducted in the northern communal areas (NCAs) of Namibia with the aim of gaining a better understanding of dog populations, owner behaviour, and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to rabies. The survey of 3,726 households across the eight regions of the NCAs provided insights that will inform interventions on order to improve human rabies prevention and Namibia’s dog rabies control strategy. The results showed a relatively low average human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1 indicating a surprisingly high dog population of at least 272,000 dogs in the NCAs, 93% of which appear to be owned but are free-roaming. Data analysis revealed opportunities but also highlighted needs for improvements in rabies surveillance and mass dog vaccinations. Although knowledge, attitude, and practice scores towards epidemiologic and clinical aspects, human rabies prevention, and canine rabies vaccination were deemed to be acceptable, the survey nevertheless revealed deficiencies in some of the population. Interestingly, data seemed to indicate a certain number of unreported human rabies cases. Other findings included the very high number of dogs. However, only 50% of dog-owning households reported having vaccinated their dogs. In order to address these issues, the planning, announcement, and implementation of mass dog vaccination campaigns need to be adapted to achieve adequate vaccination coverage. Another focus needs to be on rabies awareness and education if Namibia is to be significantly contributing to the global goal of “Zero by 30”.Author SummaryAs a neglected disease, rabies remains a major One Health problem in Africa and Asia. Here we report the results of an extensive community survey on dog ownership and knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to rabies control and prevention, covering the Northern Communal Areas of Namibia. Our results showed that the dog population is large with a human/dog ratio (HDR) of 5.4:1, of which the vast majority is free-roaming thus supporting disease transmission but complicating control efforts. The majority of people across this part of Namibia were aware of rabies and had acceptable levels of attitudes and practices. While dog bite incidences per 100,000 people were high, ranging between 262 and 1,369, more than 90% of bite victims reported having visited a hospital after a bite incident. Still, gaps in dog rabies surveillance exist and incomplete or missing post exposure prophylaxes caused human casualties and call for ongoing interventions aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness.

Introduction:Lack of evidence-based information regarding potential biological risks can result in inappropriate or excessive biosafety and biosecurity risk-reduction strategies. This can cause unnecessary damage and loss to the physical facilities, physical and psychological well-being of laboratory staff, and community trust. A technical working group from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE), World Health Organization (WHO), and Chatham House collaborated on the Biosafety Research Roadmap (BRM) project. The goal of the BRM is the sustainable implementation of evidence-based biorisk management of laboratory activities, particularly in low-resource settings, and the identification of gaps in the current biosafety and biosecurity knowledge base.Methods:A literature search was conducted for the basis of laboratory design and practices for four selected high-priority subgroups of pathogenic agents. Potential gaps in biosafety were focused on five main sections, including the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-acquired infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies. Categories representing miscellaneous, respiratory, bioterrorism/zoonotic, and viral hemorrhagic fever pathogens were created within each group were selected for review.Results:Information sheets on the pathogens were developed. Critical gaps in the evidence base for safe sustainable biorisk management were identified.Conclusion:The gap analysis identified areas of applied biosafety research required to support the safety, and the sustainability, of global research programs. Improving the data available for biorisk management decisions for research with high-priority pathogens will contribute significantly to the improvement and development of appropriate and necessary biosafety, biocontainment and biosecurity strategies for each agent.

Childhood vaccination remains a cost-effective strategy that has expedited the control and elimination of numerous diseases. Although coverage of new vaccines in low- and middle-income countries increased exponentially in the last two decades, progress on expanding routine vaccination services to reach all children remains low, and coverage levels in many countries remains inadequate. This study aimed to examine the pattern of wealth and residence-based related inequality in vaccination coverage through an equity lens. We used data from the 2017-2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey. Statistical and econometrics modeling were used to investigate factors associated with childhood vaccination. The Wagstaff decomposition analysis was used to disentangle the concentration index. A total of 1993 children were included, with 17% in the wealthiest quintile and 63% were living in rural areas. Findings showed that wealth is positively and significantly associated with vaccination coverage, particularly, for middle-wealth households. A secondary or higher education level of women and partners increased the odds of vaccination compared to no education (p < 0.05). Women with more antenatal care visits, with multiple births, attending postnatal care and delivery in a health facility had increased vaccination coverage (p < 0.01). Inequalities in vaccination coverage are more prominent in rural areas; and are explained by wealth, education, and antenatal care visits. Inequality in child vaccination varies according to socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics and is of interest to health policy. To mitigate inequalities in child vaccination coverage, policymakers should strengthen the availability and accessibility of vaccination and implement educational programs dedicated to vulnerable groups in rural areas.

The establishment of Ukraine as an independent food state has brought on the agenda the issue of the priority of the agro-industrial complex development, including agriculture, its key production and working potential.Animal husbandry is not only key, but also is one of the most economically and technologically vulnerable and risky type of agricultural activity.In addition to the unpredictability in animal feed supplying, which often depends on the agriculture level, there is a certain uncertainty in the demand for products and, accordingly, their prices 1 .Scientific studies have shown that changes of the animals' productivity on 50-80% is determined by the feed quality.With proper animal husbandry, the level of development of the fodder base, as usually, is ahead of the rate of growth of the livestock population.Unfortunately, the opposite trend is observed today in most of farms, which has caused an inefficient livestock feeding system and a significant increase in the cost of feed and livestock products 2 , 3 .The sheep breeding industry is a complex production and economic activity with its goal to meet the needs of the population in unique and valuable food products, and to supply the industry (light, food, pharmaceutical, etc.) with raw materials.In terms of the products' types manufactured, sheep breeding occupies the leading position among other branches of animal husbandry.However, transformations in the agrarian sector of the Ukrainian economy, a decrease the purchasing power of the population, the cancellation of state purchases of wool and targeted support caused the increasing of the negative trends in the sheep breeding industry.A sharp reduction of sheep population, a decrease in the volume of production and sale of the industry's products, a breakdown in the relations between production and processing, the deterioration of material and technical equipment and scientific support, the unprofitability of the vast majority of producers of sheep products have become characteristic features of post-1 Кіт В.Г., Самойленко А.П.Збитковість тваринництва можна ліквідувати Наук.вісн.Львів.акад.вет.медицини ім.С.З.Ґжицького, Львів, 1999.Вип. 2. С. 199-204. 2 Долішній М.І.Наукові основи розвитку тваринництва (економічний аспект) Наук.вісн.Львів.акад.вет.медицини ім.С.З.Ґжицького, Львів, 1999, Вип. 2. С. 195-199. Сапего В.И., Плющенко С.И., Берник Е.В., Ляхов Е.Н.Профилактика нарушения обмена веществ у телят микроэлементами Ветеринария с.-х.животных, 2006.№ 7. С. 50-52. Trace minerals content in the Luhansk Region soilMineral elements, depending on their biological role, can be divided into vitally important, conditionally important and elements with unexplored significance.Copper, zinc, manganese are part of the vital group, as they take part in most of the processes that take place in the body, in particular, in the construction of its tissues, maintenance of homeostasis and equilibrium of cell membranes, in the activation of chemical reactions by influencing direct enzyme systems or indirect action on the function of endocrine glands 6 .These compounds activities in the body depends not only on their quantity in the ration, but also on their form.In this regard, the problem of microelements complex using organic substances (proteins, peptides and amino acids) becomes relevant in animal husbandry.It is important that the soil contains a sufficient number of mobile forms of trace elements.Luhansk region is divided into 18 districts.Geographically, they can be divided into northern, central and southern districts (provinces).The first group includes Troitskуi, Bilokurakinskyi, Novopskovskyi, Markivskyi, Milovskyi, Bilovodskyi, Starobilskyi, Svativskyi and Kreminskyi districts.They are mostly bordering with the Donetsk region and the Russian Federation (except for Starobilskyi).The central districts of Luhansk region are Popasnyanskyi, Novoaidarskyi, Stanychno-Luhanskyi, Slovyanoserbskyi and Krasnodonskyi, which are located closest to the Luhansk city. 4

Positive animal welfare (PAW) is a rising topic in animal welfare science, although its construct, definition, and operational approach remain debated. Despite this scientific uncertainty, there is societal interest to include more indicators of positive welfare in legislation, animal welfare assessment and accreditation schemes. Changes in some farming practices seem to be in line with promoting PAW (e.g., free-range housing), providing animals more opportunities for positive experiences such as rewarding natural behaviour, greater autonomy, or choice. Interestingly, some of the ideas underlying PAW are present in extensive production systems or low-input animal management practices that are common in low-income countries, for example free-roaming livestock or village dogs. Nevertheless, welfare challenges such as neglect, diseases, poor nutrition, animal abuse and other forms of suffering remain ubiquitous, especially where resources like veterinary support are limited. Living conditions for animals in low-income countries provide examples of the delicate balance between positive welfare and welfare risks relating to health and survival, with inextricable ethical dilemmas. In our view, the growing focus on PAW could stimulate a more balanced approach to animal welfare worldwide, promoting PAW while simultaneously limiting various forms of welfare challenges. However, this requires accounting for human factors such as societal and cultural location-specific aspects to find flexible solutions that also benefit and respect people whose livelihood may be at stake. Those human factors also modulate the consideration and importance of providing animals with positive welfare states and the role of underlying ethical concepts like happiness and “a good life.”

Biological early warning systems (BEWS) are installed worldwide for the continuous control of water intended for multiple uses. Sentinel aquatic organisms can alert us to contaminant presence through their physiological or behavioural alterations. The present study is aimed at sharing the experience acquired with water biomonitoring of the Gran Sasso-Sirente (GS-S) aquifer. It represents the major source of the Abruzzi region surface water, also intended as drinkable and for irrigation use. Besides the biomonitoring of drinkable water of the Teramo Province made by Daphnia Toximeter and irrigation water of the L’Aquila Province by Algae Toximeter, a novel sensor named “SmartShell” has been developed to register the behaviour of the “pea clam” P. casertanum, an autochthonous small bivalve living in the Nature 2000 site “Tirino River spring”. The valve movements have been recorded directly on the field. Its behavioural rhythms have been analysed through spectral analyses, providing the basis for further investigations on their alterations as early warnings and allowing us to propose this autochthonous bivalve species as a novel sentinel organism for spring water.

The World Organisation for Animal Health advocates the zoning approach for the surveillance and monitoring of foot and mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious animal disease. Our purpose is to implement the zoning approach in Tunisia by identifying existing natural and artificial barriers to the movement of live animals. A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based MultiCriteria Evaluation approach was developed. Eight national and international experts were asked to identify the barriers and prioritize them, characterized by a percentage weight between 0 and 100. These barriers were mapped and combined, taking into account their relative importance, to create a friction map that makes it possible to visualize areas where animal movements are restricted. Uncertainty analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the model. The results showed that the selected barriers were in order of decreasing importance: maritime borders with a weight of 33.5%, rivers (13.8%), slopes equal to or greater than 10% (13.8%), wetlands (13.3%), forests (7.7%), land borders (7.7%), railway networks (5%) and main roads (4.9%). The Cap Bon zone is the only favourable zoning area for the control of FMD in Tunisia. A regional approach resulting from this work could be a major asset in identifying regions suitable for zoning in North Africa.