Biosecurity adoption in Québec dairy farms: Results from a risk assessment questionnaire analyzed using conventional and unsupervised artificial intelligence methods.

This study documents the current state of biosecurity on dairy farms in Québec following the implementation of a mandatory biosecurity risk evaluation that was part of the proAction accreditation program developed by Dairy Farmers of Canada. Using a cross-sectional design, 3,825 risk assessment questionnaires completed between 2018 and 2021 were extracted from Vigil-Vet database, which is a software used by veterinarians for conducting the proAction risk assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the practices adopted by dairy producers. Additionally, multiple correspondence analysis was used to explore the association between the diseases of most concern and the adoption of biosecurity practices. Moreover, we used a hierarchical cluster analysis on principal components to identify distinct patterns of biosecurity practices among dairy producers. This analysis enabled the identification of typologies or clusters of farms based on the specific biosecurity practices they currently employ. The results of the descriptive statistics indicated that mastitis was the disease of most concern for most dairy farmers (40%). Moreover, given that only 10% of the 2,237 dairy farmers who acquired animals adhered to quarantine practices, there seems to be a need for improved implementation of biosecurity measures aimed at restricting the introduction of diseases when introducing new animals. Conversely, cleaning stalls and health equipment were adequately addressed by 95% and 86% of dairy producers, respectively. The multiple correspondence analysis indicated no significant association between the disease of most concern and the farm's biosecurity profile, except for respondents who identified digital dermatitis as their disease of most concern. Through the hierarchical cluster analysis, 3 clusters were identified among 3,581 farms: (1) Cluster 1 included farms with good management of sick animals; (2) Cluster 2 included farms with good management of young animals; and (3) Cluster 3 included farms with poor management of sick animals and young animals. Our study makes an important contribution by providing valuable insights into the biosecurity practices currently adopted on Québec dairy farms. It establishes a baseline for assessing progress in biosecurity practices adoption and serves as a reference point for future evaluations. In addition, these findings play a key role in monitoring the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving biosecurity on dairy farms. By making use of this knowledge, stakeholders can make informed decisions that prioritize animal health, increase productivity, and ensure sustainability of the dairy industry.

Assessing most practical and effective protocols to sanitize hands of poultry catching crew members.

Catching crew members can heavily contaminate their hands with organic material. They can act as mechanical vector and spread diseases between farms. Hand hygiene is an important issue for the industry as a whole and for human health by reducing contamination risks. Many studies, in human medicine, tend to make hand rub a standard for hand hygiene. However, few studies have tested the effectiveness of hand hygiene products on visibly contaminated hands. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of practical hand sanitization protocols: water and soap, degreasing cream and hand wipes, all combined with alcohol-based hand gel. The use of alcohol-based gel alone was also evaluated. For the reduction of coliforms after washing, there was no statistically significant difference between protocols when the initial level of bacterial contamination was low to moderate. When hands were highly contaminated, the alcohol-based gel alone was less effective than the degreasing cream combined with the alcohol-based gel (p=0.002). As for the reduction in total aerobic bacteria counts, there was no difference between protocols when the initial level of bacterial contamination was low. The water, soap and alcohol-based gel protocol was more effective than the scrubbing wipes and alcohol-based gel protocol when hands were moderately (p=0.002) and highly contaminated (p=0.001). All protocols were effective in neutralizing Salmonella on hands. Reducing the level of bacterial contamination on hands before using an alcohol-based gel seems important to ensure effective hand sanitation for highly and moderately contaminated hands. This can be done by using a degreasing cream or water and soap. Based on the survey, catching crew members preferred using warm water and soap compared to a degreasing cream.