[Epidemiological profile and analysis of predictive factors of organ donation refusal in the Moroccan population]. / Profil épidémiologique et analyse des facteurs prédictifs du refus du don d'organe chez la population marocaine.

Organ donation is influenced by several factors. A better understanding of the reasons for organ donation refusal would allow an increase in the number of donors. The objective of our study is to assess the knowledge and position of the general Moroccan population considering organ donation and to determine the factors that influence their positions. In this study, socio-demographic data, knowledge and attitude towards organ donation and reasons for refusing organ donation were collected from 677 Moroccan participants. Although only 1% of participants are enrolled in the donor registry, our survey showed that 64.7% of participants are in favor of organ donation. The level of education, the socio-professional category, the marital status, the ethnic origin and the medical coverage are the socio-demographic factors most discriminating concerning the will to donate organs or not. The binary logistic regression made it possible to identify the factors that prevent organ donation, namely the problem of confidence in the health system, personal and religious reasons but also the lack of valid reasons. Thus, a better knowledge of the legislation in force and of the position of the Islamic religion as well as the establishment of training and information programs through advertising campaigns will promote organ donation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Use of pathophysiological indicators for individual decision of anthelmintic treatment of ewes against gastro-intestinal nematodes in Morocco.

The targeted selective treatments (TST) aim at reducing the number of anthelmintic treatments but also to maintain productivity of animals. The aim of this work was to assess the validity of pathophysiological indicators for detecting individually ewes in need for treatments in two regions of Morocco with different management and climatic environment (Chaouia plain-seven farms, and Middle-Atlas-three farms). Although resistance to benzimidazoles was already present the same drug was used for TST. The indicators tested were: FAMACHA(©) (associated with anaemia), DISCO (diarrhoea score), and BODCON (body condition score). Only FAMACHA(©) and DISCO indicators were well correlated to the EPGs. DISCO only did permit a substantial reduction (up to 85%) of the number of treatment and EPG (nematode eggs per gramme) remained low on average (less than 160).

A survey on meat sheep farms in two regions of Morocco on farm structure and the acceptability of the targeted selective treatment approach to worm control.

Sheep production is very important in Morocco and two regions (Chaouia plain and semi-mountainous Middle-Atlas) play a significant role in this production. Ten farms were investigated for nematode species and resistance each region. Pooled material from each region provided evidence of benzimidazole resistance in Teladorsagia in both regions; Haemonchus contortus was resistant in the Chaouia only. Forty eight farms in Chaouia and 27 farms in Middle-Atlas were given questionnaires in order to characterize farms and sheep production and to investigate interest in anthelmintic targeted selective treatments (TST) against digestive-tract strongyles. TST is intended to restrict the use of anthelmintics to animals with high infection or presenting clinical signs. The acceptance of TST (67 and 81% of farmers at Chaouia plain and Middle-Atlas respectively) was strongly associated with availability of guidance for infection or clinical markers for selecting sheep in need of treatment. TST interest is associated with health indicators (Gower coefficient nearly one) and the lower cost of TST is highly attractive. The farmers showing an interest in TST have a larger number of ewes, use pasture under forest and have higher number of lambs consumed or sold per ewe. They tend to have collective ownership, acceptable hygienic conditions in the sheepfold and contracted workers. They turn to their neighbours regarding sick animals and get advice on drug selection from veterinarians. The structure of the farm is then linked to the potential use of TST.