Survey of euthanasia methods used in neotropical chiropterans in São Paulo State, Brazil: critical analyses and proposal for standardization of bat euthanasia methods / evantamento dos métodos de eutanásia utilizados em quirópteros neotropicais no estado de São Paulo, Brasil: análise crítica e proposta de padronização de métodos de eutanásia em morcegos

Zoonotic Surveillance Divisions (ZSDs) rescue and euthanize bats in contact with humans. The euthanasia procedure should be conducted safely for the animal and caretaker and minimal stress for the animal is important. The objectives of this study were: i. evaluate the methods of euthanasia used by ZSDs in the State of São Paulo; ii. compare the methods with national and international guidelines for animal euthanasia practices; iii. assess the methodologies considering taxonomy and eating habits of the main bat species, and iv. propose standardization of euthanasia procedures. Sixty-five ZSDs locations received an online questionnaire or were contacted by telephone and 33 ZSDs (50.8%) responded and are distributed in 11 mesoregions in the state to remain anonymous. The euthanasia methods were divided into chemical (injectable or inhalation), physical, or mixed methods. Bat specimens (n = 550) were identified and classified to evaluate the main genera found in the state. The location of the ZSD, species, eating habits, and the method of euthanasia used were analyzed. The specimens by bat families were Molossidae (n = 340), Phyllostomidae (n = 171), and Vespertilionidae (n = 39). Chemical methods were used in 25 ZSDs (75.75%), physical in 5 (15.15%), and mixed in 3 (9.09%). There is no uniformity or standardization in bat euthanasia methods used by ZSDs, although most are based on acceptable chemical methods. It was proposed an algorithm to assist the veterinarian in choosing the method of euthanasia for bats that will allow standardizing euthanasia procedures for this species, considering physiological differences, and respecting technical, bioethical, and animal welfare guidelines.(AU)

As Divisões de Vigilância de Zoonoses (DVZs) coletam e eutanasiam morcegos que tiveram contato com humanos. O procedimento de eutanásia precisa ocorrer de modo seguro para o animal e para o manipulador, sendo importante garantir o mínimo de estresse ao animal. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: i. avaliar os métodos de eutanásia praticados nas DVZ do estado de São Paulo; ii. comparar esses métodos com os guias nacionais e internacionais de práticas de eutanásia animal; iii. avaliar as metodologias aplicadas considerando a taxonomia e os hábitos alimentares das principais espécies de ocorrência de morcegos; e iv. propor a padronização dos procedimentos de eutanásia. Sessenta e cinco DVZs receberam o questionário online ou foram contatadas por telefone, dessas, trinta e três DVZs (50,8%) que responderam ao questionário foram incluídas no estudo e distribuídas em 11 mesorregiões para garantir anonimato. Os métodos de eutanásia reportados foram divididos em métodos químicos (injetáveis; inalatórios), físicos ou mistos. Os espécimes de morcegos (n = 550) foram identificados e classificados para avaliar os principais gêneros encontrados no estado. A localização da DVZ, as espécies, os hábitos alimentares e o método de eutanásia utilizado foram analisados. Os espécimes por família de espécies de morcegos foram Molossidae (n = 340), Phyllostomidae (n = 171) e Vespertilionidae (n = 39). Métodos químicos foram utilizados em 25 DVZs (75,75%), físicos em 5 (15,15%) e mistos em 3 (9,09%). Não há uniformidade ou padronização nos métodos de eutanásia de morcegos, embora a maioria seja baseada em métodos químicos aceitáveis. É proposto um algoritmo para auxiliar o veterinário na escolha do método de eutanásia, que permite a padronização desses procedimentos para os morcegos, considerando as diferenças fisiológicas e respeitando as diretrizes técnicas, bioéticas e de bem-estar animal.(AU)

Study of demographic profile of animal bite cases and management practices in a dedicated anti rabies clinic of a tertiary care hospital, Hassan, Karnataka

Background: Animal bites cause a big burden in terms of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. These bites could be caused by rabid animals causing rabies. Annually about 59,000 persons die of rabies, of which 20,000 is from India alone. Rabies though 100% fatal is preventable with post-exposure prophylaxis which includes wound wash, anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin. The objectives of the present study was to describe the demographic profile of animal bite cases and to assess the management practices of animal bite cases reporting to dedicated anti-rabies clinic (ARC) of a tertiary care hospital, Hassan, Karnataka.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the inception of anti-rabies clinic (12th October 2017) to August 2018 among animal bite cases reported to ARC. They were interviewed by using a semi-structured, pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Data regarding socio-demographic profile were collected from the animal bite victims. All the animal bite cases were managed as per WHO guidelines.Results: The total number of animal bite victims reported to ARC during the study period was 3500. Majority of the bite victims belonged to adult population (20-60 years). Majority were males (66.2%). 77% belonged to the rural population. Dogs (97.1%) were the most common biting animal. 79% of the bites were provoked. Turmeric powder was the most commonly used irritant. Most bites belonged to Category III (84%). Category I, II, III bites were managed appropriately according to WHO guidelines.Conclusions: Knowing the burden, socio-demographic characteristics and the management of animal bite victims in the dedicated ARC of HIMS has helped the programme officer in implementing the National Rabies Control Programme in Hassan district.