Conocimiento y prevalencia de síntomas de disfunciones del suelo pélvico en mujeres nulíparas que practican deportes de alto impacto: estudio preliminar / Knowledge and prevalence of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunctions in nulliparous women who practice high impact sports: Preliminary study

Objetivos Describir los conocimientos sobre el suelo pélvico (SP), las disfunciones del suelo pélvico (DSP), sus principales factores de riesgo y las estrategias preventivas y de tratamiento para las mismas, así como determinar la prevalencia de síntomas de DSP y el distrés que producen en mujeres nulíparas que practiquen baloncesto, fútbol o balonmano. Metodología Estudio descriptivo transversal, de base poblacional. Se incluyeron mujeres mayores de edad que practicasen baloncesto, fútbol o balonmano al menos tres horas semanales durante dos años. Se excluyeron mujeres embarazadas, con antecedentes gestacionales, con alteraciones cognitivas o visuales. Para llevar a cabo el estudio, se diseñó un cuestionario ad hoc en la plataforma de Google Forms, que se difundió mediante WhatsApp. Resultados Las participantes tenían mayor conocimiento sobre la incontinencia urinaria (10/12 puntos) que sobre los prolapsos de órganos pélvicos (6/12 puntos). A pesar de tener conocimientos sobre la localización del SP y sus funciones, no realizaban una contracción anticipada de esta musculatura antes de levantar peso. Se obtuvo una prevalencia de síntomas de DSP del 84,6%, destacando la incontinencia urinaria (82,9%). El distrés producido por estos síntomas fue leve (mediana: 11,97; RIC: 16,7). Conclusiones Las mujeres de la muestra tienen conocimientos elevados sobre el SP y las DSP; sin embargo, no utilizan la contracción anticipada de la musculatura del SP como estrategia de protección frente al incremento de presión intraabdominal durante la práctica deportiva. La prevalencia de síntomas de DSP es alta, aunque el distrés que estos síntomas les producen es leve. (AU)

Objectives To describe the knowledge about the pelvic floor (PF), pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD), its main risk factors, and the preventive and treatment strategies for them, as well as to determine the prevalence of PFD symptoms and the distress produced in nulliparous women who play basketball, football or handball. Methodology Descriptive cross-sectional study, population-based. Women of legal age who practiced basketball, football or handball for at least 3hours a week for 2years were included. Pregnant women, with a history of pregnancy, with cognitive or visual alterations were excluded. To carry out the study, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed on the Google Forms platform, which was disseminated through WhatsApp. Results The participants had greater knowledge about urinary incontinence (10/12 points) than about pelvic organ prolapse (6/12 points). Despite having knowledge about the location of the PF and its functions, they did not perform an anticipated contraction of this muscle before lifting weights. A prevalence of PFD symptoms of 84.6% was obtained, highlighting urinary incontinence (82.9%). The distress produced by these symptoms was mild (median: 11.97; IQR: 16.7). Conclusions The women in the sample have high knowledge about the PF and the PFD, however, they do not use the anticipated contraction of the PF muscles as a protection strategy against the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during sports practice. The prevalence of PFD symptoms is high, although the distress that these symptoms cause them is mild. (AU)

Conocimiento y prevalencia de síntomas de disfunciones del suelo pélvico en mujeres nulíparas que practican deportes de alto impacto: estudio preliminar / Knowledge and prevalence of symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunctions in nulliparous women who practice high impact sports: Preliminary study

Objetivos Describir los conocimientos sobre el suelo pélvico (SP), las disfunciones del suelo pélvico (DSP), sus principales factores de riesgo y las estrategias preventivas y de tratamiento para las mismas, así como determinar la prevalencia de síntomas de DSP y el distrés que producen en mujeres nulíparas que practiquen baloncesto, fútbol o balonmano. Metodología Estudio descriptivo transversal, de base poblacional. Se incluyeron mujeres mayores de edad que practicasen baloncesto, fútbol o balonmano al menos tres horas semanales durante dos años. Se excluyeron mujeres embarazadas, con antecedentes gestacionales, con alteraciones cognitivas o visuales. Para llevar a cabo el estudio, se diseñó un cuestionario ad hoc en la plataforma de Google Forms, que se difundió mediante WhatsApp. Resultados Las participantes tenían mayor conocimiento sobre la incontinencia urinaria (10/12 puntos) que sobre los prolapsos de órganos pélvicos (6/12 puntos). A pesar de tener conocimientos sobre la localización del SP y sus funciones, no realizaban una contracción anticipada de esta musculatura antes de levantar peso. Se obtuvo una prevalencia de síntomas de DSP del 84,6%, destacando la incontinencia urinaria (82,9%). El distrés producido por estos síntomas fue leve (mediana: 11,97; RIC: 16,7). Conclusiones Las mujeres de la muestra tienen conocimientos elevados sobre el SP y las DSP; sin embargo, no utilizan la contracción anticipada de la musculatura del SP como estrategia de protección frente al incremento de presión intraabdominal durante la práctica deportiva. La prevalencia de síntomas de DSP es alta, aunque el distrés que estos síntomas les producen es leve. (AU)

Objectives To describe the knowledge about the pelvic floor (PF), pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD), its main risk factors, and the preventive and treatment strategies for them, as well as to determine the prevalence of PFD symptoms and the distress produced in nulliparous women who play basketball, football or handball. Methodology Descriptive cross-sectional study, population-based. Women of legal age who practiced basketball, football or handball for at least 3hours a week for 2years were included. Pregnant women, with a history of pregnancy, with cognitive or visual alterations were excluded. To carry out the study, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed on the Google Forms platform, which was disseminated through WhatsApp. Results The participants had greater knowledge about urinary incontinence (10/12 points) than about pelvic organ prolapse (6/12 points). Despite having knowledge about the location of the PF and its functions, they did not perform an anticipated contraction of this muscle before lifting weights. A prevalence of PFD symptoms of 84.6% was obtained, highlighting urinary incontinence (82.9%). The distress produced by these symptoms was mild (median: 11.97; IQR: 16.7). Conclusions The women in the sample have high knowledge about the PF and the PFD, however, they do not use the anticipated contraction of the PF muscles as a protection strategy against the increase in intra-abdominal pressure during sports practice. The prevalence of PFD symptoms is high, although the distress that these symptoms cause them is mild. (AU)

Effect of type of fiber and its physicochemical properties on performance, digestive transit time, and cecal fermentation in broilers from 1 to 23 d of age.

The effects of insoluble fiber (IF) sources differing on particle size and hydration capacity (HC) on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, cecal fermentation, and digestive transit time were investigated from 1 to 23 d of age in 550 Ross-308 broiler males housed in 50 cages. The experimental design was based on the administration of a common corn-soybean meal nonsupplemented with additional IF sources diet in mash form (Control), and 4 dietary treatments consisting in the Control diet diluted with 1.5% of different IF: lignocellulose (LC), fine-ground straw (FS) and coarse-ground straw (CS), all characterized by high HC; and almond shell (AS) having low HC. Cecal fermentation was assessed by in vitro fermentation of the IF sources using the cecal content of 22-day broilers as inoculum. Compared with control birds, the inclusion of IF sources tended to impair the FCR (P = 0.053), with birds fed the HC-IF sources (LC, FS, and CS) showing lower ADFI (P = 0.005) and ADG (P = 0.001) than those fed the AS diet. The relative weight of gizzard and cecum, small intestine length, and digestive transit time decreased in AS group (P ≤ 0.050) compared with the average value of the groups fed the other IF sources. The inclusion of IF reduced (P = 0.006) the excreta moisture content, with no differences among IF sources. Dietary treatments had no effect either on cecal short fatty acids concentration or on intestinal morphology. As indicated by the in vitro gas production results, both LC and AS were less fermented than FS and CS, although all IF sources were low fermentable. None of the IF sources were able to influence the fermentation capacity of cecal microbiota after 22 d of feeding. In summary, animals fed AS presented smaller gizzard and cecum relative size, showed higher ADFI and ADG, and tended to improve fed conversion ratio in comparison to those fed the rest of IF sources.

Sleep, chronotype, and behavior in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Sleep problems are highly prevalent in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although chronotype has been linked to behavioral problems, its specific contribution to ADHD symptoms remains unclear. We assessed the association between chronotype and sleep and behavioral problems in adolescents with ADHD between 12 and 18 years of age using questionnaires (Morningness-Eveningness Scale for Children [MESC], Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ], and Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire [PSQ]). Overall, 84 families (parents and adolescents) were enrolled. The intermediate chronotype was the most common in the study sample. No sex differences were detected in the proportion of morning, intermediate, and evening types. No correlation was found between MESC score and body mass index nor total PSQ score. Regarding SDQ, a significant negative correlation was found between the MESC score and hyperactivity/inattention score. We conclude that adolescents with ADHD tend to have an intermediate chronotype and eveningness is related to hyperactivity/inattention problems.

Reconciling livestock production and wild herbivore conservation: challenges and opportunities.

Increasing food security and preventing further loss of biodiversity are two of humanity's most pressing challenges. Yet, efforts to address these challenges often lead to situations of conflict between the interests of agricultural production and those of biodiversity conservation. Here, we focus on conflicts between livestock production and the conservation of wild herbivores, which have received little attention in the scientific literature. We identify four key socio-ecological challenges underlying such conflicts, which we illustrate using a range of case studies. We argue that addressing these challenges will require the implementation of co-management approaches that promote the participation of relevant stakeholders in processes of ecological monitoring, impact assessment, decision-making, and active knowledge sharing.

[Breath-holding spell or epileptic seizure? A description of three girls with epileptic seizures triggered by anoxia]. / ¿Espasmo del sollozo prolongado o crisis epiléptica?: descripción de tres niñas con crisis epilépticas desencadenadas por anoxia.

TITLE: ¿Espasmo del sollozo prolongado o crisis epiléptica?: descripción de tres niñas con crisis epilépticas desencadenadas por anoxia.

Effect of a functional feed additive on mitigation of experimentally induced gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata enteromyxosis.

In gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, infection by Enteromyxum leei produces a cachectic syndrome with anorexia, weight loss, severe epaxial muscle atrophy and, eventually, death. Currently, there are neither vaccines nor effective prescription medicines to control this infection. Nutraceutical approaches are raising interest in the aquaculture industry, responding to the lack of therapeutic tools for the management of insidious chronic losses due to parasites. In this study, the effect of a commercially available health-promoting feed additive (SANACORE® GM) at 2 different doses was tested in comparison with a basal diet without the additive during a laboratory-controlled challenge with E. leei. Group performance and biometrical values were monitored, and an in-depth parasitological diagnosis, quantification of parasite loads and histopathological examination were carried out at the end of the trial. Supplemented diets mitigated the anorexia and growth arrestment observed in challenged fish fed the basal diet. This mitigation was maximum in the highest dose group, whose growth performance was not different from that of unchallenged controls. Treated groups also presented lower prevalence of infection and a lower parasite load, although the differences in the mean intensity of infection were not statistically significant. Although the decrease in parasite levels was similar with both doses of additive tested, the pathogeny of the infection was mostly suppressed with the higher dose, while only mitigated with the lower dose. The mechanisms involved in the effects obtained remain to be investigated, but the results point to a modulation of the immunopathological response to the infection.

Horizontal transmission of Endolimax piscium, causative agent of systemic amoebiasis in Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis.

Systemic amoebiasis of Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis is caused by Endolimax piscium Constenla, Padrós & Palenzuela, 2014 a cryptic parasitic member of the Archamoebae whose epidemiology is yet unknown. To test whether the parasite can be transmitted horizontally, an experimental trial by cohabitation between non-infected and infected fish was designed. Transmission of the parasite from naturally infected to healthy fish was confirmed in the experiment, with the water as the most likely route of infection. Under the conditions of the study, the infection process was remarkably slow, as parasites could be detected by in situ hybridization within the intestinal mucosa of recipient fish only after 17 wk of cohabitation, and none of the new hosts displayed clinical signs of disease. Long prepatent period and the need for additional triggering factors for the development of the clinical condition are suggested. The intestinal mucosa is proposed as the tissue where the amoeba can survive as endocommensal, but also as an invasion route from which the parasite would disperse to other organs.

Calidad de vida en pacientes tratados con metadona: el WHOQOL-BREF, estudio psicométrico y resultados de aplicación / Quality of life in patients treated with methadone: The WHOQOLBREF, psychometric study and application results

Objetivo. De entre los muchos instrumentos propuestos para medir la calidad de vida de los pacientes con adicción a opiáceos tratados con metadona el WHOQOL-BREF, propuesto por la World Health Organization, es el que más se utiliza en la actualidad. Este trabajo pretende estudiar la fiabilidad y la validez de constructo de la prueba, aplicada a una muestra amplia y representativa de pacientes, y comparar los resultados con los datos disponibles para población general en España. Se reclutó una muestra de 523 sujetos que se encontraban en tratamiento con metadona, en Madrid y Extremadura. Se efectuó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para probar la estructura teóricamente propuesta y, seguidamente, un análisis paralelo optimizado para conocer el número más adecuado de componentes de la prueba. Los resultados muestran que la prueba presenta sólidos valores de consistencia interna, tanto a nivel del ítem como de las escalas. La estructura tetradimensional teórica se confirma en la muestra con adecuados indicadores de ajuste, aunque también se obtienen serios argumentos para considerar su unidimensionalidad. Se estudió la relación estructural entre los cuatro dominios. El WHOQOL-BREF se muestra como una prueba fiable y válida para su uso en pacientes tratados con metadona, proporcionando una medida multidimensional de la calidad de vida percibida, que incluye factores sociales y ambientales ausentes en otros instrumentos, que son de enorme importancia en el tratamiento de los problemas adictivos

The most commonly instrument used to measure quality of life in patients with addictive behaviors is the WHOQOL-BREF, developed by the World Health Organization. No studies have been found to explore the psychometric properties in Spanish clinical samples. This paper aims to study their reliability as well as the construct validity in a representative sample of patients and comparing the results to the data available for the general population in Spain. A sample was recruited comprised of 523 subjects who were undergoing treatment with methadone in Madrid and Extremadura. A confirmatory factor analysis was completed to test the theoretically proposed structure and then an optimized-parallel analysis was done to establish the most adequate number of components. The result offers solid values for internal consistency both as concerns the items and the scales. The theoretical tetra-dimensional structure is confirmed in the sample although serious arguments are also found for considering its onedimensionality. The structural relationship between the four domains was studied. The WHOQOL-BREF proves to be a reliable and valid test for use on patients treated with methadone, providing a multi-dimensional measure of perceived quality of life that includes social and environmental factors of great importance in treating addiction problems

Afectación traqueobronquial en un paciente con enfermedad de Crohn: una complicación infrecuente / Tracheobronquial affectation in a Patient with Crohn's Disease: An uncommon complication

Paciente de 33 años con Enfermedad de Crohn (EC) refractaria al tratamiento en cuarta línea de terapia inmunosupresora, que ingresa por un cuadro de tres semanas de evolución de tos productiva y síntomas constitucionales asociados a un brote de su enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). Se realiza una fibrobroncoscopia (FB) en la que se visualizó una mucosa eritematosa, tejido inflamatorio y de aspecto granulomatoso. Se realizaron biopsias bronquiales y finalmente se llegó al diagnóstico traqueobronquitis relacionada a la EC como manifestación extraintestinal

A 33 year-old man with Crohn disease (CD) refractory to usual treatment, actually receiving fourth line of immunosuppressive therapy presented with three weeks of productive cough, constitutional symptoms associated to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reactivation. A flexible bronchoscopy (FB) was performed and showed erythematous mucosa and exuberant tissue that suggest a granulomatous process. Bronchial specimens were taken and sent to histopathological study, finally diagnosis was made, CD related tracheobronquits as extraintestinal manifestation

Tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) y síndrome de Klinefelter, ¿es un factor de riesgo? / No disponible

Describimos el caso clínico de un paciente de 36 años diagnosticado de síndrome de Klinefelter a la edad de 24 años, en tratamiento sustitutivo con testosterona, que ingresa con diagnóstico de tromboembolia pulmonar (TEP) aguda sintomática de bajo riesgo. En el momento del diagnóstico no se objetivó ningún factor desencadenante del evento trombótico. El paciente recibió tratamiento anticoagulante con antagonistas de la vitamina K durante 6 meses, sin complicaciones clínicas. El estudio de trombofilia fue negativo y se decidió tratamiento anticoagulante indefinido, ante un evento no provocado y bajo riesgo de hemorragia. Se desconoce si el síndrome de Klinefelter o su tratamiento se asocian a un riesgo aumentado de enfermedad tromboembólica venosa (ETEV) (AU)

A 36-year-old man who had a history of Klinefelter syndrome and was receiving treatment with testosterone, was admitted into our hospital with the diagnosis of low-risk acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). After receiving 6 months of anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists, the patient was asymptomatic and free from clinical events. He had a normal hypercoagulability workup. He was offered indefinite anticoagulation, since the risk of bleeding was low. Currently, it has not been elucidated whether there is an association between Klinefelter syndrome or its treatment and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Advising patients with Klinefelter syndrome about the optimal duration of anticoagulation following acute VTE is complex (AU)

The prostacyclin pathway in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a clinical review.

INTRODUCTION: Prostacyclin is produced in vascular endothelial cells and acts via the IP prostacyclin receptor to cause vasodilation and inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet aggregation. Prostacyclin production is reduced in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and drugs targeting the prostacyclin pathway are one of the pharmacotherapeutic options for PAH. Areas covered: The prostacyclin pathway and drugs that target it are discussed, including synthetic prostacyclin (epoprostenol), prostacyclin analogs (iloprost, treprostinil, beraprost) and selective prostacyclin IP receptor agonists (selexipag). An overview of the development of these therapies, from the earlier agents requiring parenteral administration, through inhaled formulations, to oral products, is provided, together with a summary of data from key clinical trials and registries. Expert commentary: Synthetic prostacyclin and prostacyclin analogs are beneficial for patients with PAH, but they tend to be underused, in part due to the difficulties associated with the administration of parenteral and inhaled formulations. Oral prostacyclin analogs have some limitations with regard to efficacy. The newest agent targeting the prostacyclin pathway, the selective prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag, is administered orally, and has been shown to reduce a composite morbidity/mortality endpoint. Ongoing studies will help clarify how best to use it in the management of PAH.

Manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas de la enfermedad de Graves en la edad pediátrica / Neuropsychiatric manifestations of Graves’ disease in paediatric patients

No disponible

[Restless legs syndrome in patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. / Sindrome de piernas inquietas en pacientes diagnosticados de trastorno por deficit de atencion/hiperactividad.

INTRODUCTION: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disease. RLS has been linked to various psychiatric disorders, especially with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). AIMS: The main objective was to describe the frequency of RLS in pediatric patients diagnosed with ADHD. Secondary objectives of the study were describe other sleep disorders in ADHD patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicentre prospective study was conducted in nine Spanish centers. We included children aged 6-18 years diagnosed with ADHD between January and June 2015. Data were collected by 13 researchers doctors through an interview with the parent/caregiver and with the child. To assess the degree of functioning of patients with ADHD we used the Children's Global Assessment Scale. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children was applied to screening sleep disorders in childhood. RESULTS: A sample of 73 patients was collected. Five patients (6.8%) met diagnostic criteria for RLS: four of them definitive and one probable. CONCLUSIONS: RLS is a frequent condition in adulthood but also in adolescence and childhood. ADHD patients have an increased risk of an RLS.

TITLE: Sindrome de piernas inquietas en pacientes diagnosticados de trastorno por deficit de atencion/hiperactividad.Introduccion. El sindrome de piernas inquietas (SPI) es una patologia neurologica comun. Se ha relacionado con diferentes trastornos psiquiatricos, especialmente con el trastorno por deficit de atencion/hiperactividad (TDAH). Objetivos. El objetivo principal fue describir la frecuencia del SPI en pacientes pediatricos diagnosticados de TDAH. Los objetivos secundarios del estudio fueron describir otros trastornos del sueño en pacientes con TDAH. Pacientes y metodos. Se realizo un estudio descriptivo prospectivo multicentrico en nueve centros españoles de niños de 6-18 años con diagnostico de TDAH entre enero y junio de 2015. Los datos fueron recogidos por 13 medicos investigadores mediante entrevista con el padre/cuidador y con el menor. Para valorar el grado de funcionamiento de los pacientes con TDAH se utilizo la Children's Global Assessment Scale. Se aplico la Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children de Bruni para el cribado del trastorno de sueño de la infancia. Resultados. Se recogio una muestra de 73 pacientes. Cinco pacientes (6,8%) cumplen criterios diagnosticos de SPI: cuatro de ellos definitivos y uno probable. Conclusiones. El SPI es una entidad frecuente en la edad adulta, pero tambien en la adolescencia y en la infancia. Los pacientes con TDAH tienen un riesgo aumentado de presentar de manera concomitante un SPI.

Development of different diagnostic techniques for Endolimax piscium (archamoebae) and their applicability in Solea senegalensis clinical samples.

Systemic amoebiasis of sole is caused by Endolimax piscium, a cryptic parasitic archamoeba whose epidemiology and pathogeny are yet unknown. To establish reliable detection methods for this parasite, a battery of molecular diagnostic tools (ISH, PCR and qPCR) were developed and evaluated with a panel of clinical samples from symptomatic diseased fish and from apparently normal animals of different stocks. As there is neither enough background information on the epidemiology of the disease nor a validated reference method, comparison of tests used a composite reference method approach. The ISH technique was the most specific and sensitive in intestine samples and particularly useful as a reference confirmatory method, while the best method in muscle samples was qPCR. Application of the tests to asymptomatic fish demonstrated presence of parasites in a large proportion (>25%) of their intestines, suggesting that this is the point of entry of the amoebae and the initial stage in the development of the disease. The triggering factors that facilitate the breaching of the intestinal barrier by E. piscium, causing granulomatous lesions in other organs and systemic spreading, are not completely understood but our results point to the connective tissue as a preferential target for parasite development and migration.

Management and outcomes in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: From expert centers to a nationwide perspective.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish "Registry of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension" (REHAP), started in 2007, includes chronic thromboembolic hypertension (CTEPH) patients. Based on data provided by this registry and retrospective data from patients diagnosed during 2006 (≤ 12 months since the registry was created), clinical management and long-term outcomes of CTEPH patients are analyzed nationwide for the first time in a scenario of a decentralized organization model of CTEPH management. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 391 patients (median [Q1:Q3] age 63.7 [48.0;73.3] years, 58% females) with CTEPH included during the period January 1, 2006-December 31, 2013 in the REHAP registry were analyzed. Rate of pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) was 31.2%, and highly asymmetric among centers: rate was 47.9% at two centers designated as CTEPH expert centers, while it was 4.6% in other centers. Among patients not undergoing PEA, 82% were treated with therapies licensed for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Five-year survival rate was 86.3% for PEA patients, and 64.9% for non-PEA patients. Among non-PEA patients, presenting proximal lesions (42% of non-referred patients) was associated with a 3-fold increase in mortality. PEA patients achieved significantly better hemodynamic and clinical outcomes at one-year follow-up compared to non-PEA patients. Patients not being referred for PEA assessment were older and had a worse functional capacity. Older age was the most deterrent factor for non-operability. CONCLUSION: Despite the increase in diagnosis and expertise in PEA-specialized centers, an important percentage of patients do not benefit of PEA in a decentralized organization model of CTEPH management.

Epidemiological surveillance in dairy farms in the Pastaza province of Ecuador. / Vigilancia epidemiológica en predios lecheros de la provincia de Pastaza, Ecuador.

A survey was carried out on dairy cattle farms in Pastaza province to analyse the degree of compliance with epidemiological surveillance activities (based on the main technical aspects in Ecuador's Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practices) and to assess the reduction of the risk of introducing disease into dairy cattle. Visits were made to 70 dairy and dual-purpose beef/dairy farms, where the survey was conducted to evaluate technical aspects relating to epidemiological surveillance and the risk of introducing disease. In only one of the nine areas of application covered in the guide was compliance with technical requirements greater than 70%: milking and milk handling (78.59%). In the following areas, a compliance rate of 40-65% was achieved: records and traceability; siting of livestock farms and infrastructure, facilities and equipment; use and quality of water and animal feed; and management of veterinary products and agricultural pesticides. In the remaining areas, the compliance rate was less than 20%. On average, there was only 27.96% compliance with the technical elements evaluated. The results show that current guidelines for good dairy farming practices can be used to evaluate basic aspects of epidemiological surveillance and of the reduction of the risk of introducing disease into dairy farms. They also reveal shortcomings in these aspects in the Amazonian province of Pastaza, which need to be addressed appropriately to reduce their negative impact on animal health.

Les auteurs décrivent une étude réalisée dans les exploitations bovines laitières de la province de Pastaza (Équateur) afin de déterminer le niveau de conformité des activités de surveillance épidémiologique et d'atténuation du risque d'introduction de diverses maladies animales. L'enquête portait sur les principales exigences techniques décrites dans le Guide de bonnes pratiques d'élevage en production laitière. À cette fin, 70 exploitations bovines laitières ou mixtes ont été inspectées pour évaluer leurs performances en termes de surveillance épidémiologique et d'atténuation du risque d'introduction de maladies. Parmi les neuf domaines opérationnels décrits dans le Guide, seules la traite et la gestion du lait étaient conformes à plus de 70 % des exigences techniques (78,59 %). Pour les domaines suivants, la conformité portait sur 40 % à 65 % des exigences techniques : enregistrement et traçabilité ; agencement des élevages et des infrastructures, installations et équipements ; utilisation et qualité de l'eau et des aliments donnés aux animaux ; gestion des produits à usage vétérinaire et des insecticides à usage agricole. Les autres opérations étaient conformes à moins de 20 % des exigences techniques. En moyenne, 27,96 % seulement des exigences techniques évaluées étaient respectées. Les résultats de l'étude démontrent que les guides de bonnes pratiques d'élevage en production laitière peuvent servir de base pour évaluer les principaux aspects de la surveillance épidémiologique et des mesures d'atténuation des risques d'introduction de maladies dans les cheptels laitiers ; d'autre part, l'étude a révélé des défaillances concernant ces aspects dans la province amazonienne de Pastaza, auxquelles il conviendra de prêter l'attention nécessaire afin de limiter leur impact négatif sur la santé animale.

Con el objetivo de realizar un análisis del grado de cumplimiento de las actividades de vigilancia epidemiológica y la reducción de riesgo de entrada de enfermedades en los predios productores de leche bovina de la provincia Pastaza, tomando como base los principales aspectos técnicos contemplados en la Guía de Buenas Prácticas Pecuarias de Producción de Leche, se visitaron 70 predios lecheros y de doble propósito, en los que se realizó una encuesta que incluía aspectos relacionados con la vigilancia epidemiológica y el riesgo de introducción de enfermedades. De las nueve áreas establecidas en la guía, solo cumple más del 70% de los aspectos técnicos el área de ordeño y manejo de la leche (78,59%). Cumplen entre el 40% y el 65% las siguientes áreas: documentos y trazabilidad; ubicación de las explotaciones pecuarias e infraestructura, instalaciones y equipos; uso y calidad del agua y de la alimentación animal; y manejo de productos de uso veterinario y plaguicidas de uso agrícola; el resto cumplen menos de un 20%. De media, se cumple solo el 27,96% de los elementos técnicos evaluados. Los resultados demuestran que, a partir de las guías establecidas para las buenas prácticas pecuarias de producción de leche, se pueden evaluar los aspectos básicos de vigilancia epidemiológica y de reducción de riesgos de introducción de enfermedades en los predios lecheros, y que en la provincia amazónica de Pastaza existen deficiencias en estos aspectos, a los cuales es necesario brindar la atención adecuada para reducir el impacto negativo que ejercen en la sanidad animal.