ABSTRACT
Whether or not primates are behaviorally affected by the presence of visitors in a zoo setting is a question of great relevance to zoo animal well-being. The situation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic provided an unusual opportunity to examine how the absence of visitors impacts behavior. We took advantage of this opportunity to study the behavior of a gorilla troop during periods of no-visitors compared to our long-term database on gorilla behavior during normal zoo operations. While there were notable individual differences in response to visitors, we found no significant relationship between presence of visitors and behavior. These results suggest that the presence of visitors does not have a significant impact on behavior and well-being of zoo-housed gorillas.
ABSTRACT
The upheaval wrought on the U.S. beef industry by the global COVID-19 pandemic carried with it several lessons that might help improve resiliency should there be a reoccurrence. First, the futures market for fed cattle fell well before cash prices, which sent a signal to market cattle early, and those who did so benefited. Second, the decline in futures anticipated the closure of slaughter plants and provided an opportunity to purchase and store beef primals in anticipation of future scarcity. Third, the beef industry has ways of slowing or stopping the pipeline of animals destined for feed yards and can "store" these animals in background feeding facilities or on pasture or rangeland. Producers who waited to sell feeder cattle benefited from higher feeder cattle prices once the processing facilities reopened. Fourth, cow slaughter plants responded to the pandemic and subsequent scarcity of labor much better than large fed-cattle plants. Cow plants are not as sophisticated and complex as fed-cattle plants. This relative simplicity may help explain the superior performance of these plants during the crisis. Sixth, the academic work on the value of building smaller plants as a response against concentration provides mixed results-these plants require more labor per animal and can be even more susceptible to labor scarcity. Seventh, the observed increase in boxed beef prices, even as fed cattle prices fell, demonstrates the risk-mitigating impact of producer ownership of downstream activities in the value chain.
ABSTRACT
The UK online puppy trade has rapidly outgrown the current legislation, aided by the anonymity provided by classified advertisement platforms. In an effort to meet increased demand, some unregulated and regulated breeders may have employed practices that negatively impact canine welfare. A paucity of up-to-date empirical data, necessary to characterise the scale and nature of this industry, makes intervention challenging. This study quantifies the online puppy trade via web-scraped online classified advertisements, providing empirical data that reveal market trends, along with spatial and temporal patterns. A total of 17,389 unique dog advertisements were collated and analysed over a 2-year period (1 June 2018 to 31 May 2020). The second year included the COVID-19 Lockdown (23 March 2020 to 31 May 2020). Statistical comparisons between dependent and independent variables were performed by linear regression. In the case of a single continuous variable, a one sample t-test was used. Of these advertisements, 57.2% were sourced from a pet-specific classified advertisement website (Pets4Homes, n = 9948), and the remaining 42.8% from two general classified advertisement websites (Gumtree, n = 7149, 41.1%; Preloved, n = 292, 1.7%, respectively). England exhibited the greatest number of advertisements (n = 10,493), followed by Wales (n = 1566), Scotland (n = 975), and Northern Ireland (NI; n = 344). Scaled for estimated human population density, Wales possessed as many advertisements per million inhabitants (489.4) as the other three combined (England = 186.4, Scotland = 177.3, and NI = 181.1). Across both years, 559 unique breeds were advertised, yet 66% of all advertisements focused on 20 breeds, and 48% advertisements focused on only 10 breeds. Regional breed popularity was suggested, with French Bulldog as the most advertised breed in England (7.3%), Scotland (6.8%), and Wales (6.8%), but Schnauzers were most popular within Northern Ireland (6.83%). Within the 559 unique breeds advertised, only 3.4% had links to conformational disorders CD); however, these breeds were among the most commonly advertised, totalling 46.9% of all ads. Across all regions, price density peaked between GBP 300 and GBP 1000, with Bulldogs presenting the greatest cost (mean = GBP 1461.38, SD = GBP 940.56), followed closely by French Bulldog (mean = GBP 1279.44, SD = GBP 664.76) and Cavapoo (mean = GBP 1064.56, SD = GBP 509.17). CD breeds were found to be GBP 208.07 more expensive, on average, than non-CD breeds. Our results represent a buoyant online market with regional and seasonal fluctuations in price, advertised breed frequency and total counts. This suggests a market influenced by consumer trends, with a particular focus on breed preference, despite links to illness/disease associated with conformation. Our findings highlight the value of utilising online classified advertisement data for long-term monitoring, in order to assist with evidence-based regulatory reform, impact measurement of targeted campaigns, and legislative enforcement.
ABSTRACT
Dayuanyin (DYY) has been shown to reduce lung inflammation in both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and lung injury. This experiment was designed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of DYY against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) and to evaluate the effect of DYY on the protection of lung function. Animal welfare and experimental procedures are approved and in accordance with the provision of the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science. Male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, DYY group (800 mg.kg-1), and positive control sildenafil group (100 mg.kg-1). The animals were given control solvents or drugs by gavage three days in advance. On day 4, the animals in the model group, DYY group and sildenafil group were kept in a hypoxic chamber containing 10% +/- 0.5% oxygen, and the animals in the control group were kept in a normal environment, and the control solvent or drugs continued to be given continuously for 14 days. The right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy index, organ indices and other metrics were measured in the experimental endpoints. Meantime, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors in mice lung tissues were measured. The potential therapeutic targets of DYY on pulmonary hypertension were predicted using network pharmacology, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF- kappaB) signaling pathway-related proteins were measured by Western blot assay. It was found that DYY significantly reduced the right ventricular systolic pressure, attenuated lung injury and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors in mice. It can also inhibit hypoxia-induced activation of NF- kappaB signaling pathway. DYY has a protective effect on lung function, as demonstrated by DYY has good efficacy in HPH, and preventive administration can slow down the disease progression, and its mechanism may be related to inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by DYY.Copyright © 2023, Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Goats may suffer from rumen bloat for many reasons, e.g. improperly concentrated ratio or obstruction. The disease can be caused by eating undigested items, e.g. plastic rope or bags. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has often become mandatory for people to wear medical masks. People are generally unaware that masks left on the ground pose a risk to goats who may eat them. This case report describes the rumen bloat caused by medical masks in a male goat reared in an elementary school. After physical examination, the goat showed a bloated rumen, anorexia, depression, and weakness. The heart rate was normal, but respiratory patterns were fast and deep. Fewer defecated feces were noted by the owner. Furthermore, the owner's complaints and ultrasound images revealed that undigested items in the rumen were the cause. After performing a standard rumenotomy, we scooped out four medical masks, one plastic bag, and one high-density nylon rope from the rumen. We believe this was the first report describing the risk of medical masks in goats. Promoting life and animal welfare education is essential to inform others of the harm medical masks pose to animals.Copyright © 2023 World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Livestock products supply about 13 percent of energy and 28 percent of protein in diets consumed worldwide. Diarrhea is a leading cause of sickness and death of beef and dairy calves in their first month of life and also affecting adult cattle, resulting in large economic losses and a negative impact on animal welfare. Despite the usual multifactorial origin, viruses are generally involved, being among the most important causes of diarrhea. There are several viruses that have been confirmed as etiological agents (i.e., rotavirus and coronavirus), and some viruses that are not yet confirmed as etiological agents. This review summarizes the viruses that have been detected in the enteric tract of cattle and tries to deepen and gather knowledge about them.Copyright © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
ABSTRACT
Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat's lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Disease Vectors , Cats , Animals , Animal Welfare , Cat Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Depopulation of food-producing animals is becoming increasingly common in response to both disease outbreaks and supply chain disruptions. In 2019, the American Veterinary Medical Association released depopulation guidelines classifying certain heatstroke-based killing methods as "permitted in constrained circumstances", when circumstances of the emergency constrain reasonable implementation of "preferred" methods. Since then, tens of millions of birds and pigs have been killed by such methods, termed ventilation shutdown (VSD) Plus Heat and VSD Plus High Temperature and Humidity. While no research using validated measures of animal welfare assessment has been performed on these methods, their pathophysiology suggests that animals are likely to experience pain, anxiety, nausea, and heat distress prior to loss of consciousness. Heatstroke-based methods may result in prolonged suffering and often do not achieve 100% mortality. Potential and available alternative depopulation methods are briefly reviewed. The veterinary profession's ethical obligation to protect animal welfare in the context of depopulations is discussed.
ABSTRACT
According to its Founding Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 178/2002), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was tasked to establish a system of networks of organisations operating in the fields within EFSA's remit, with the objective to facilitate a scientific cooperation framework by coordinating activities, exchanging information, developing and implementing joint projects, and exchanging expertise and best practices. The Scientific Network on Risk Assessment in Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) aims to build a mutual understanding of risk assessment principles in the areas of animal health and welfare, to promote harmonisation of animal health and welfare risk assessment practices and methodologies, and to reduce the duplication of activities by identifying and sharing current and upcoming priorities. The network organises an annual meeting dedicated to animal health‐related issues to discuss and exchange on all topics relevant and interesting to its member organisations. In 2022, this annual meeting took place on 27 and 28 June. Among all topics covered, special attention was paid to avian influenza, African swine fever and SARS‐CoV‐2. One Health surveillance and biosecurity were further highlights in 2022. This report summarises the activities presented by members and observers of the network as well as EFSA's contributions during the meeting.
ABSTRACT
Background: Prior to the present research, the last nationally representative survey on the number and habits of Hungarian cog-keeping households was conducted in 2018, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Hungarian dog-keeping has not been studies so far. Some international sources consider the increase in the number of keepers of companion animals to be an accompanying effect of the quarantine period, the question was whether the situation is similar in Hungary. Changes in the number of animal keepers and pets, as well as changes in animal keeping habits, also have a significant impact on animal welfare. Objectives: Our study focuses on the changes of the number and demographic composition of dog keepers by the summer of 2021, on the source from which the dogs enter households, and on the opinion of dog keepers about issues related to their dog and responsible animal keeping in general. Materials and Methods: The results are based on a quantitative (n = 10 01) survey compiled through telephone interviews, which is representative to the Hungarian adult population in terms of age, sex, and geographical distribution, of households. Results and Discussion: The results show a significant increase in dog-keeping households, which rose from approximately one-third to one-half of all Hungarian households. Dog keepers are. rather women, and the proportion of those over 60 years old has increased. Most dog keepers are concentrated in Pest county (14.3%) and Budapest (11.1%) within Hungary. Many dog keepers still buy dogs without pedigrees (10.7%), and the proportion of animals adopted from smelters is relatively low (14.9%). For more than three-quarters of dog keepers, the cost of dog-keeping does not seem to be a problem. With very few exceptions, dog keepers agree that the basics of responsible animal keeping should be taught for children (98.3%) and that the state should support the national neutering programme (95.2%).
ABSTRACT
This novel qualitative study identifies challenges and opportunities to improve dog welfare in Ireland, as perceived by dog welfare organisations (DWOs), a previously underutilised stakeholder. This study sought the views of this predominantly voluntary sector of the next steps for policy and action in dog welfare, in light of the effects of the "puppy pandemic", increased costs and COVID-19 restrictions. An integrated online focus group and interview design involving DWOs was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Thematic analysis identified 2 key themes: (1) Key challenges and solutions in general dog welfare and (2) Challenges and opportunities in the welfare organisation sector. DWOs perceived poor public awareness of appropriate dog-husbandry, inadequate legislation enforcement, negative impact of puppy farms, and increased financial and volunteer burden. DWOs helped construct a best practice rehoming pathway, identified how overall standards could be improved and recommendations to enhance dog welfare. The DWOs perceived an increased numbers of households acquiring dogs, difficulties in rehoming, and financial challenges as threatening their viability as organisations and Irish dog welfare. Greater enforcement of legislation, greater communication between organisations and the government, and more media awareness were seen as helpful by the DWOs to improve dog welfare standards and their organisations.
ABSTRACT
Health and wellness of animals in our care is inexorably linked to their feeding experience (i.e., what and how food is offered). Usage of raw meat-based diets is longstanding and widespread in US zoos and aquaria, with a movement towards increased proportions of the diet from whole prey. Pet food industry has seen a steep rise in number and diversity of commercially available raw meat-based products for pets in recent decades, whereas the number of suppliers and products for zoo markets remain low. Budgetary constraints of zoos equate to lower quality ingredients than those in the premium pet food market. Zoo markets have not been immune to supply chain issues during the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic, resulting in the challenges of higher cost and decreased supply. Advances to the well-being of our animals could be achieved by leveraging findings from pet food research to include value-added nutrients such as probiotics, natural antioxidants, and Omega-3 enriched oils. In cases where animal needs differ from nutrition provided by commercial products (e.g., medical cases, enhancing feeding experience), zoo nutritionists rely on in-house formulations to provide additional support. Often these cases require creative formulation leveraging items from the human-food market and other unconventional sources. Examples and practical applications of individualized formulations for zoo and aquaria will be discussed. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Animal Science is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently spreading worldwide. The pandemic has already had significant adverse effects on human civilization, the environment, and the ecosystem at national and global levels. Moreover, the various sectors of the food production chain, particularly agriculture and livestock, have also been significantly affected in terms of production sustainability and economic losses. The global pandemic has already resulted in a sharp drop in meat, milk, and egg production. Restrictions of movement at national and international levels, implemented as a part of control strategies by public health sectors, have negatively impacted business related to the supply of raw materials for livestock farmers and farm outputs, veterinary services, farmworkers, and animal welfare. This review highlights the significant impacts of COVID-19 on the sustainability of livestock performance, welfare on a global scale, and strategies for mitigating these adverse effects.