Suicide in veterinary medicine: A literature review.

Veterinarians are commonly exposed to occupational stressors, including excessive workload and financial constraints. These stressors can lead to psychological distress, which typically results in mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and burnout and can even culminate in suicide attempts or suicide deaths. Risk factors associated with poor mental health and high rates of suicide in veterinary practitioners include continuous exposure to challenging scenarios, such as interpersonal conflicts, performing euthanasia, and easy access to lethal means of suicide, such as opioids and anesthetics. The previous studies highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of predisposing factors, mental health-related improvements in the professional environment, and the subsequent establishment of primary mental health-related care policies. Effective ways to promote mental health and prevent suicide may include social support, resilience, developing coping skills, promoting a healthy work environment, and discouraging perfectionist behaviors. This review aimed to summarize findings in studies that have investigated mental health and suicide in veterinarians and veterinary students and highlight measures that could be implemented as options for mental health promotion and suicide prevention.

Determination of cardiovascular risk in Spanish veterinarians using different scaling methods.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for a significant morbimortality rate around the world. Due to the characteristics of their work, health care professionals, including veterinarians, are more prone to present this type of pathology. Objectives: To determine the level of cardiovascular risk using different scales in a group of veterinarians. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 610 Spanish veterinarians was conducted to assess cardiovascular risk scores, including 14 overweight and obesity scales, six fatty liver scales, six cardiovascular risk scales, four atherogenic indices, and three metabolic syndrome scales. Results: The prevalence of obesity among women was 7.95%, and 17.53% among men. Hypertension was present in 15.23% of women and 24.68% of men. Dyslipidemia affected 45% of women and 58.64% of men. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria was slightly over 10% while 10.90% of women and 14.93% of men showed moderate to high values on the Registre Gironí del Cor scale. Conclusions: There is a moderate to high level of cardiovascular risk among veterinarians in this group.

Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares são responsáveis por uma taxa de morbimortalidade significativa no mundo. Devido às características do seu trabalho, os profissionais de saúde, incluindo veterinários, são mais propensos a apresentar este tipo de patologia. Objetivos: Determinar o nível de risco cardiovascular utilizando diferentes escalas num grupo veterinários. Métodos: Estudo descritivo e transversal em 610 veterinários em que foram avaliadas diferentes escalas relacionadas com o risco cardiovascular, incluindo 14 escalas de excesso de peso e obesidade, seis de fígado gordo, seis de risco cardiovascular, quatro índices aterogênicos e três de síndrome metabólica. Resultados: A prevalência da obesidade foi de 7,95% nas mulheres e 17,53% nos homens. A hipertensão estava presente em 15,23% das mulheres e 24,68% dos homens. A dislipidemia afetou 45% das mulheres e 58,64% dos homens. A prevalência da síndrome metabólica com critérios da International Diabetes Federation foi ligeiramente superior a 10% enquanto valores moderados ou elevados da escala Registre Gironí del Cor foram encontrados em 10,90% das mulheres e 14,93% dos homens. Conclusões: Neste grupo de veterinários, o nível de risco cardiovascular pode ser considerado de moderado a elevado.

Antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors influencing antibiotic use by Ecuadorian veterinarians working on cattle and poultry farms: A cross-sectional study.

Understanding antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors influencing antibiotic use is essential for implementing strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use. There is, however, limited research exploring these issues with Ecuadorian veterinarians. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and applied cross-sectionally to veterinarians (n = 173) from two professional organizations to explore the antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors (e.g., attitudes and perceptions) influencing antibiotic use, and to identify strategies to reduce antibiotic use. The response rate was 78.4%. Responses were compared between veterinarians working mainly on cattle and poultry farms using Mann-Whitney U tests. The most important attitudes, beliefs and perceptions towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic use were identified with the Relative Importance Index (RII). Veterinarians showed high awareness of AMR and its implications for public health, as well as the necessity of reducing antibiotic use. However, some veterinarians appear to underestimate the potential contribution of veterinary antibiotic use on AMR in humans. Veterinarians self-reported high prescription (> 20%) of antibiotics for cattle and poultry that are critically important for human medicine, such as 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, polymyxins and quinolones. Further, antibiotic therapy was not tailored to disease type. Cattle and poultry veterinarians perceived similar barriers to increasing antibiotic stewardship including: poor biosecurity measures, animal confinement, low feed quality, farmers' behaviors (such as stopping antibiotic treatment, storing antibiotics on farms, buying antibiotics in veterinary supply stores), and sales agents' roles as non-professional prescribers of antibiotics. Overall, veterinarians were broadly supportive (>90%) of most strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use. They saw more merit in improving biosecurity of farms and implementing educational programs for farmers and veterinarians. This study provides insight into the complexity of antibiotic use on Ecuadorian farms and the need for holistic strategies in a One Health context, to achieve antibiotic stewardship.

The Emotional Impact of Patient Loss on Brazilian Veterinarians.

Veterinarians, unlike human physicians, could potentially care for the patient for several years, from conception to end-of-life care. Because of their close relationship with the animal, healthcare providers (for example, veterinarians and staff) are more likely to be affected by bad events and end-of-life care. The purpose of this study was to assess the emotional impact of patients' deaths on Brazilian veterinarians; 549 Brazilian veterinarians (78.3% females) completed a 20-item online questionnaire. Females were more emotionally affected than males by having to talk to the owner about their animal's death and more emotionally affected by the animal's death itself. Furthermore, the emotional impact of an animal's death was heavily influenced by the number of animals euthanized and varied greatly across veterinarians based on their age, with vets over 50 years old being less affected than vets between the ages of 31 and 40. The majority of responders (91.0%) were not trained to deal with grief during their degree. Those who had some training reported being less affected by bereavement. These findings indicate that patient death is a significant emotional concern for veterinarians. Specific education during the degree course, aimed at preparing future veterinarians to deal with death and death communication, is lacking but necessary.

Streptococcus spp. in equines - infection and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles

Background: Empirical antimicrobial prescribing is commonly used in equine veterinary. Therefore, professionals can obtain information about antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacterial strains based on veterinary literature. Considering equine infections, Streptococcus spp. are important pathogens that can cause serious damage in horses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and infection profiles of Streptococcus spp. strains isolated from equines with infectious diseases subjected to microbiological analysis. Materials, Methods & Results: Veterinarians sent 13 samples and culture in Blood and MacConkey Agar were performed. After the incubation period, suspected colonies, which showed significative growth, were analyzed by Gram-staining, biochemical tests, and subjected to confirmatory identification in Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. In vitro AST analysis were performed by disc diffusion method, in accordance with the veterinarians' request. The antimicrobials tested in this study were: ceftiofur, gentamicin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, amikacin, penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, vancomycin and metronidazole. The samples included uterine exudate, hock fistula, osteosynthesis exudate, exudate from the guttural pouch, and were originated from animals located in different and distant geographical regions in the cities of Porto Alegre, Pelotas, and Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus equi and Streptococcus thoraltensis were the Streptococcus species identified in the samples. S. dysgalactiae was the mainly species found in the uterus samples, while S. thoraltensis, an unusual Streptococcus species, was identified as etiological agent of endometritis in 2 of the analyzed animals. On the other hand, S. equi was found in both the guttural pouch, representing the etiological agent of the strangle case, and in the osteosynthesis exudate, as infectious agent of post-osteosynthesis surgery. The majority of streptococci strains were susceptible to ceftiofur drug. Amikacin and ciprofloxacin, however, were the drugs for which the strains were mainly resistant according to the results. Discussion: The present study provided the AST and infection profile of Streptococcus species related to equine infectious diseases. S. dysgalactiae is considered an unusual bacterium isolated from horses that can be related to endometritis, S. equi is the causative agent of strangles, and S. thoraltensis is unusual in equines. Generally, the observed susceptibility to ceftiofur of the strains analyzed was in agreement with previous results reported in the literature. However, ceftiofur is a third-generation cephalosporin and is considered a critically important antibiotic for human health and its use in veterinary medicine should be cautious. Considering the resistance profile found, Streptococcus spp. can be intrinsically resistant to low drug concentrations of aminoglycosides. Moreover, the emergence and spread of fluoroquinolones resistance may also be due to the acquisition of resistance via horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, the present study described both infection and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus strains related to equine infectious diseases. Considering the findings, the results found in this study might contribute to the decision-making by veterinarians to further equine treatments.

Serologic evidence of rickettsial diseases associated with tick bites in workers of urban veterinary clinics.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Rickettsial and other zoonotic diseases are a latent risk for workers of veterinary clinics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of parasitosis caused by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and to estimate the seroprevalence of rickettsial diseases in workers of urban veterinary clinics of Juárez city, México. METHODS: The participants of the study were recruited from 63 private veterinary clinics and hospitals. The serological analysis of the blood samples collected was carried out using immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The statistical analysis for prevalences, risk factors, and correlation was performed with the SAS program. RESULTS: In total, 167 veterinary workers were included in the study. The prevalence of tick bites was 40% (67/167), and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of bites included the activities performed in the clinic and the number of labour hours spent per week. About 21% (35/167) of participants were seropositive to R. rickettsii, 28% (47/167) to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and 24% (40/167) to Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A correlation was observed between: the number of workers in the clinics and the proportion of tick bites (r2 = 0.865); the prevalence of bites and the seropositivity of the participants to at least one pathogen (r2 = 0.924); and the number of bites per individual and infection to pathogens (r2 = 0.838). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Workers in urban veterinary clinics are highly exposed to tick bites and, therefore, to the diseases they transmit. Hence, it is important to implement prevention measures and perform constant monitoring of these diseases.

A acumulação de animais e a formação de veterinários

A acumulação de animais é um problema complexo e interdisciplinar cujo entendimento é baseado em poucas informações e cujas consequências envolvem o bem estar humano, animal e efeitos ambientais. Os veterinários estão na linha de frente no encontro e solução dos casos de acumulação, mas não são preparados, no ensino superior, para o enfrentamento de problemas complexos como este. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão do conhecimento atual sobre a acumulação de animais feita a partir das palavras-chave "transtorno de acumulação", "acumulação de animais" e "veterinários" em português e inglês, assim como correlacionar estes dados com o ensino para a formação de veterinários. Para que os veterinários sejam mais bem preparados para enfrentar este tipo de problema, já nas universidades, deve ser fortalecida a tríade ensino, pesquisa e extensão, assim como o ensino claramente voltado para a compreensão considerando-se competências relacionadas à atuação em ambiente multiprofissional e à participação e contribuição social.(AU)

Hoarding of animals is a complex, multi- and interdisciplinary problem whose understanding is based on little information. The consequences of hoarding involve human and animal welfare, besides environmental effects. Veterinarians are the professionals on the front line in finding and solving hoarding problems, but higher education does not prepare them to face this kind of problem. The objective of this study is to present a review of the current knowledge on animal hoarding based on the terms "hoarding", "animal hoarding" and "veterinarians" in Portuguese and English, and to link these data with veterinary education. For veterinarians to be better prepared to face this type of problem, still in universities, the triad teaching, research and extension should be strengthened, as well as the use of teaching techniques clearly aiming at understanding considering competencies related to multidisciplinarity, and social participation and contribution.(AU)

A acumulação de animais e a formação de veterinários

A acumulação de animais é um problema complexo e interdisciplinar cujo entendimento é baseado em poucas informações e cujas consequências envolvem o bem estar humano, animal e efeitos ambientais. Os veterinários estão na linha de frente no encontro e solução dos casos de acumulação, mas não são preparados, no ensino superior, para o enfrentamento de problemas complexos como este. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão do conhecimento atual sobre a acumulação de animais feita a partir das palavras-chave "transtorno de acumulação", "acumulação de animais" e "veterinários" em português e inglês, assim como correlacionar estes dados com o ensino para a formação de veterinários. Para que os veterinários sejam mais bem preparados para enfrentar este tipo de problema, já nas universidades, deve ser fortalecida a tríade ensino, pesquisa e extensão, assim como o ensino claramente voltado para a compreensão considerando-se competências relacionadas à atuação em ambiente multiprofissional e à participação e contribuição social.

Hoarding of animals is a complex, multi- and interdisciplinary problem whose understanding is based on little information. The consequences of hoarding involve human and animal welfare, besides environmental effects. Veterinarians are the professionals on the front line in finding and solving hoarding problems, but higher education does not prepare them to face this kind of problem. The objective of this study is to present a review of the current knowledge on animal hoarding based on the terms "hoarding", "animal hoarding" and "veterinarians" in Portuguese and English, and to link these data with veterinary education. For veterinarians to be better prepared to face this type of problem, still in universities, the triad teaching, research and extension should be strengthened, as well as the use of teaching techniques clearly aiming at understanding considering competencies related to multidisciplinarity, and social participation and contribution.

Bien estar de los caballos de tracción y perfil socio-económico de los carreteros de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul / Welfare of draught horses and economic social aspects of the carters of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul state / Bem estar de equinos de tração e perfil sócio-econômico dos carroceiros de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar las condiciones de bien estar de los caballos de tracción en Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul y comprobar el perfil socio-económico de sus respectivos propietarios, vinculado al proyecto de extensión "Programa de Ação Social Amigos dos Carroceiros (PASAC)" desarrollado por los estudiantes del curso de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Federal de Santa María (UFSM). Este estudio tiene característica descriptivo y retrospectivo, donde se recogieron los datos primarios durante las actividades realizadas en PASAC, de 13 de marzo 2011 a diciembre de 2013. Se han registrado 191 caballos de 123 familias, y ninguno de estos animales habían raza. En suma yoría tenían edades mayores de 11 años (45,6%, 87/191). Para la condición corporal, 58,6% (112/191) de los animales tenían La apariencia delgada a regular, 33% (63/191) tuvo buen estado y 8,4% (16/191) eran obesos. Los principales estados patológicos clínicamente diagnosticados fueron: trastornos nutricionales, abrasiones, conjuntivitis, parasitosis, enfermedades infecciosas contagiosas, anemia y trastornos músculo esquelético y de pulmón. La mayoría de los carreteros (54,5%, 67/123) habían edades comprendidas entre 21 y 40 años, com virtién dose em la responsabilidad de las actividades de trabajo y el cuidado de los animales. Cuanto al nivel de estúdios, 9.8% (12/123) eran analfabetos, [...](AU)

The objective of this study was evaluate the conditions of the welfare of the draught horses in Santa Maria, central region of the Rio Grande do Sul state, and verify the economic social aspect of their owners. Data were collected during activities in the social project Programa de Ação Social Amigos dos Carroceiros (PASAC) (equivalent to Social Program Carters Friend) developed by the Veterinary Medicine college at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, from March 2011 to December 2013. One hundred and ninety-one horses, belonging to 123 families were registered in the PASAC. None of these animals showed breed and the age of most animals was 11 years old (45.6% - 87/191). In the assessment of body condition, 58.6% (112/191) of the animals had slim to regular aspect, 33% (63/191) had good shape and 8.4% (16/191) were obese. The main clinical affections diagnosed included: nutritional disorders, abrasions, conjunctivitis, parasites, infectious diseases, anemia, pulmonary, and skeletal muscle disorders. The majority of carters (54.5% - 67/123) were 21 to 40 years old, and they had a responsibility with work and care of animals. The education level of carters observed was: 9.8% (12/123) were illiterate, 71.5% (88/123) had incomplete elementary education and 18.7% (23/123) had elementary school. Based on the evidenced profile, social and educational measures need to be encouraged [...](AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as condições de bem estar dos equinos de tração em Santa Maria, RS, e verificar o perfil sócio-econômico dos seus respectivos proprietários, vinculados ao projeto de extensão Programa de Ação Social Amigos dos Carroceiros (PASAC). Este estudo possui característica descritiva e retrospectiva, onde os dados primários foram coletados durante as atividades desenvolvidas no PASAC, desenvolvido pelo curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, no período de março de 2011 a dezembro de 2013. Foram cadastrados 191 equinos de 123 famílias, sendo que, nenhum destes animais apresentava raça definida, tendo em sua maioria, idade acima dos 11 anos (45,6%, 87/191). Quanto à condição corporal, 58,6% (112/191) dos animais apresentavam aspecto de magro à regular, 33% (63/191) possuíam bom estado aparente e 8,4% (16/191) eram obesos. Entre as principais afecções clinicamente diagnosticadas no PASAC destacaram-se: desordens nutricionais, escoriações, conjuntivites, parasitoses, doenças infecto contagiosas, anemias, afecções músculo esqueléticas e pulmonares. A maior parte dos carroceiros (54,5%, 67/123) atendidos apresentava faixa etária entre 21 a 40 anos, ficando a eles a responsabilidade das atividades de trabalho e dos cuidados dos animais. Quanto ao nível de escolaridade 9,8% (12/123) não eram alfabetizados, 71,5% (88/123) [...](AU)

Bien estar de los caballos de tracción y perfil socio-económico de los carreteros de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul / Welfare of draught horses and economic social aspects of the carters of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul state / Bem estar de equinos de tração e perfil sócio-econômico dos carroceiros de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar las condiciones de bien estar de los caballos de tracción en Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul y comprobar el perfil socio-económico de sus respectivos propietarios, vinculado al proyecto de extensión "Programa de Ação Social Amigos dos Carroceiros (PASAC)" desarrollado por los estudiantes del curso de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Federal de Santa María (UFSM). Este estudio tiene característica descriptivo y retrospectivo, donde se recogieron los datos primarios durante las actividades realizadas en PASAC, de 13 de marzo 2011 a diciembre de 2013. Se han registrado 191 caballos de 123 familias, y ninguno de estos animales habían raza. En suma yoría tenían edades mayores de 11 años (45,6%, 87/191). Para la condición corporal, 58,6% (112/191) de los animales tenían La apariencia delgada a regular, 33% (63/191) tuvo buen estado y 8,4% (16/191) eran obesos. Los principales estados patológicos clínicamente diagnosticados fueron: trastornos nutricionales, abrasiones, conjuntivitis, parasitosis, enfermedades infecciosas contagiosas, anemia y trastornos músculo esquelético y de pulmón. La mayoría de los carreteros (54,5%, 67/123) habían edades comprendidas entre 21 y 40 años, com virtién dose em la responsabilidad de las actividades de trabajo y el cuidado de los animales. Cuanto al nivel de estúdios, 9.8% (12/123) eran analfabetos, [...]

The objective of this study was evaluate the conditions of the welfare of the draught horses in Santa Maria, central region of the Rio Grande do Sul state, and verify the economic social aspect of their owners. Data were collected during activities in the social project Programa de Ação Social Amigos dos Carroceiros (PASAC) (equivalent to Social Program Carters Friend) developed by the Veterinary Medicine college at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, from March 2011 to December 2013. One hundred and ninety-one horses, belonging to 123 families were registered in the PASAC. None of these animals showed breed and the age of most animals was 11 years old (45.6% - 87/191). In the assessment of body condition, 58.6% (112/191) of the animals had slim to regular aspect, 33% (63/191) had good shape and 8.4% (16/191) were obese. The main clinical affections diagnosed included: nutritional disorders, abrasions, conjunctivitis, parasites, infectious diseases, anemia, pulmonary, and skeletal muscle disorders. The majority of carters (54.5% - 67/123) were 21 to 40 years old, and they had a responsibility with work and care of animals. The education level of carters observed was: 9.8% (12/123) were illiterate, 71.5% (88/123) had incomplete elementary education and 18.7% (23/123) had elementary school. Based on the evidenced profile, social and educational measures need to be encouraged [...]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as condições de bem estar dos equinos de tração em Santa Maria, RS, e verificar o perfil sócio-econômico dos seus respectivos proprietários, vinculados ao projeto de extensão Programa de Ação Social Amigos dos Carroceiros (PASAC). Este estudo possui característica descritiva e retrospectiva, onde os dados primários foram coletados durante as atividades desenvolvidas no PASAC, desenvolvido pelo curso de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, no período de março de 2011 a dezembro de 2013. Foram cadastrados 191 equinos de 123 famílias, sendo que, nenhum destes animais apresentava raça definida, tendo em sua maioria, idade acima dos 11 anos (45,6%, 87/191). Quanto à condição corporal, 58,6% (112/191) dos animais apresentavam aspecto de magro à regular, 33% (63/191) possuíam bom estado aparente e 8,4% (16/191) eram obesos. Entre as principais afecções clinicamente diagnosticadas no PASAC destacaram-se: desordens nutricionais, escoriações, conjuntivites, parasitoses, doenças infecto contagiosas, anemias, afecções músculo esqueléticas e pulmonares. A maior parte dos carroceiros (54,5%, 67/123) atendidos apresentava faixa etária entre 21 a 40 anos, ficando a eles a responsabilidade das atividades de trabalho e dos cuidados dos animais. Quanto ao nível de escolaridade 9,8% (12/123) não eram alfabetizados, 71,5% (88/123) [...]

Antibody profile to Borrelia burgdorferi in veterinarians from Nuevo León, Mexico, a non-endemic area of this zoonosis.

OBJECTIVES: Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by infections with Borrelia. Persons infected with Borrelia can be asymptomatic or can develop disseminated disease. Diagnosis and recognition of groups at risk of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi is of great interest to contemporary rheumatology. There are a few reports about Borrelia infection in Mexico, including lymphocytoma cases positive to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto by PCR and a patient with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. Veterinarians have an occupational risk due to high rates of tick contact. The aim of this work was to investigate antibodies to Borrelia in students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, at Nuevo León, Mexico, and determine the antibody profile to B. burgdorferi antigens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sera were screened using a C6 ELISA, IgG and IgM ELISA using recombinant proteins from B. burgdorferi, B. garinii and B. afzelii. Sera with positive or grey-zone values were tested by IgG Western blot to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. RESULTS: All volunteers reported tick exposures and 72.5% remembered tick bites. Only nine persons described mild Lyme disease related symptoms, including headaches, paresthesias, myalgias and arthralgias. None of the volunteers reported erythema migrans. Nine samples were confirmed by IgG Western blot. The profile showed 89% reactivity to OspA, 67% to p83, and 45% to BmpA. CONCLUSIONS: Positive sera samples shared antibody reactivity to the markers of late immune response p83 and BmpA, even if individuals did not present symptoms of Lyme arthritis or post-Lyme disease. The best criterion to diagnose Lyme disease in our country remains to be established, because it is probable that different strains coexist in Mexico. This is the first report of antibodies to B. burgdorferi in Latin American veterinarians. Veterinarians and high-risk people should be alert to take precautionary measures to prevent tick-borne diseases.

Los veterinarios titulares de Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, España) durante el siglo XIX / Professional veterinarians in Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, Spain) during the 19th century / Os veterinários titulares de Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, Espanha) durante o século XIX

Los veterinarios recibieron diferentes denominaciones a lo largo del siglo XIX en España: albéitares, herradores, castradores, mariscales, etc., y no fueron reconocidos laboral y socialmente hasta el siglo XX. En 1850 se les ceden responsabilidades sanitario-zootécnicas, aunque muchos siguieron practicando el herrado. Con la creación de las escuelas de veterinaria, se plantan las bases de la veterinaria moderna en España, lo cual le da trascendencia en la salud pública, sobre todo en figuras como el subdelegado veterinario y el inspector de carnes, al entender las repercusiones que las enfermedades que sufren los animales tienen en la población que consume sus carnes. Mediante el estudio del Archivo Histórico de Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, España) se ha podido analizar cómo vivieron y trabajaron los profesionales de la veterinaria en la población durante el siglo XIX. Se observa cómo se asentaban o marchaban de la ciudad, cómo atendían las epidemias que sufrían los animales para el consumo humano y cómo sufrían las dificultades económicas de la época y del Ayuntamiento. La destrucción y pérdida de parte del Archivo dificulta la obtención de más datos.

Veterinarians had different names throughout the 19th century in Spain: veterinary surgeons, farriers, castrators, marshals, etc., and they were not professionally and socially recognized until the 20th century. In 1850 they were given sanitary and zootechnical responsibilities, although many of them continued practicing horse shodding. With the creation of veterinary schools, the foundations of modern veterinary medicine were established in Spain; this has a special importance for public health issues, especially regarding figures like deputy veterinary and meat inspector, as they tried to understand the impact of animal diseases on the population who consumed animal meat. Studies in the Historical Archives of Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, Spain) made it possible to analyze how veterinary professionals lived and worked there during the 19th century, how they settled in or left the city, how they treated epidemics in animals for human consumption, and how they suffered the economic difficulties of the period and the City. The destruction and loss of part of the Archives makes it difficult to obtain more data.

Os veterinários receberam diferentes denominações ao longo do século XIX na Espanha: veterinários, ferradores, castradores, mariscais, etc., e não foram reconhecidos laboral e socialmente até o século XX. Em 1850 foram-lhes cedidas responsabilidades sanitário-zootécnicas, ainda que muitos tenham continuado praticando o ferrageamento. Com a criação das escolas de veterinária, se planta as bases da veterinária moderna na Espanha, o que dá transcendência na saúde pública, principalmente em figuras como o subdelegado veterinário e o inspetor de carnes, ao entender as repercussões que as doenças sofridas pelos animais têm na população que consume suas carnes. Através do estudo do Arquivo Histórico de Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz, Espanha) foi possível analisar como viveram e trabalharam os profissionais da veterinária na população durante o século XIX. Observa-se como se assentavam ou deixavam a cidade, como atendiam as epidemias que os animais para o consumo humano sofriam e como sofriam as dificuldades econômicas da época e da Prefeitura. A destruição e perda de parte do Arquivo dificulta a obtenção de mais dados.

Encuesta sobre vacunación anti-rábica en veterinarios de fauna silvestre en Chile / Wildlife veterinarians rabies vaccination in Chile: a survey

Introduction: Rabies is a lethal but preventable disease. Knowing the extent of immunization coverage among at risk populations, may help to guide immunization efforts, as well as increase the effectiveness of rabies control and prevention programs. Aim: To determine the proportion of wildlife veterinarians in Chile, as part of a group at risk of rabies transmission. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to wildlife veterinarians in Chile. Results: We found that veterinarians in Chile work mainly with carnivores and deer compared to other mammals (p < 0.001), rarely works with bats (p = 0.6572). Most of the participants had been bitten by domestic animals, while a lesser proportion (29%) by wild animals. Most of the participants never received rabies vaccination (53%), while within the group that had started a rabies vaccination scheme, a substantial proportion (39%) did not complete it. Discussion and conclusion: Identify the vaccination status of risk groups is important for infectious disease control and prevention programs, as this information helps to identify priority groups during outbreaks or vaccine scarcity. Wildlife veterinarians in Chile are at risk of rabies transmission and should be included in rabies prevention programs, especially considering their vulnerability and lack of biosafety practices. Increasing education in rabies epidemiology and prevention is urgently needed in veterinary faculties in Chile.

Introducción: La rabia es una enfermedad infecciosa mortal pero prevenible. Establecer si existe una adecuada inmunización pre-exposición contra la rabia en un grupo de riesgo, puede ayudar a enfocar los esfuerzos de inmunización para hacer efectivos los programas de control y prevención de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Determinar mediante una encuesta la proporción de veterinarios de fauna silvestre como grupo de riesgo que han recibido inmunización contra la rabia. Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta electrónica a veterinarios de fauna de vida silvestre de Chile. Resultados: Los veterinarios encuestados tienden a trabajar con carnívoros y ciervos en comparación con otros mamíferos (p < 0,001), rara vez con murciélagos (p = 0,6572). La mayoría de los encuestados había sido mordido por animales domésticos y una proporción menor (29%) por animales silvestres. La mayoría nunca había sido vacunado contra la rabia (53%), mientras que del grupo que sí había recibido vacunación anti-rábica, una importante proporción (39%) no completó el esquema de vacunación. Sorprendentemente, este grupo de profesionales rara vez trabaja con murciélagos (p = 0,6572), lo que puede reducir su exposición a linajes de rabia transmitida por murciélagos. Discusión y Conclusión: Identificar el estado de inmunización contra la rabia en grupos de riesgo es una información importante para evaluar los programas de prevención y control de enfermedades infecciosas y podría ayudar a identificar grupos prioritarios en situaciones de brote o escasez de vacuna. Los veterinarios de fauna de vida silvestre en Chile constituyen un grupo vulnerable: no mantienen prácticas de bioseguridad necesarias y tienen riesgo de adquirir la encefalitis rábica por lo que deberían ser considerados en los programas de prevención pre-exposición de la enfermedad. La educación sobre la epidemiología y prevención de la rabia es urgente en las facultades de medicina veterinaria en Chile.

Serological survey of veterinarians to assess the zoonotic potential of three emerging swine diseases in Mexico.

We conducted an immunological assay of blood samples taken from 85 swine-specialist veterinarians attending the Congress of the Mexican Association of Swine Specialist Veterinarians in Mexico in 2011. Serum samples were assayed for Porcine rubulavirus (PorPV), Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and Leptospira spp. antibodies. Using a hemagglutination inhibition test, we registered 2.3% and 27% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. Using viral neutralization tests, we registered 5.8% and 47% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. For Leptospira spp., we registered a seropositivity of 38.8%. The variables (sex, age, years of exposure, number of visited farms, biosecurity level and region) showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the seropositivity for EMCV, PorPV and Leptospira spp. except for number of visited farms on HI seropositivity for EMCV (P < 0.05; odds ratio: 1.38). The data obtained provide information on the epidemiology of emerging diseases with zoonotic potential in occupational risk groups.

Percepção e atitudes de proprietários quanto a vacinação de cães na região sul do estado do Espírito Santo - Brasil / Owners´ perceptions and attitudes on vaccination of dogs in the southern of Espírito Santo - Brazil

Os cães são dependentes de seus proprietários para a determinação de seus cuidados gerais, saúde e bem-estar, incluindo a realização de vacinas contra doenças infecciosas. Para obter maiores informações sobre as práticas de vacinação realizadas em cães de uma amostra populacional da região sul do estado do Espírito Santo, realizou-se este estudo por meio de enquetes aplicadas a proprietários de cães desta região, totalizando 344 entrevistas.As análises estatísticas de frequência e correlação foram realizadas. A enquete foi constituída por perguntas referentes à realização de vacinação em cãese ciência dos protocolos vacinais pelos proprietários, além de levantar dados quanto ao custo da realização de vacinas, a abrangência das campanhas públicas de vacinação antirrábica e nível socioeconômico dos entrevistados. Pode-se concluir que a campanha pública de vacinação antirrábica é satisfatória, uma vez que a maior parte da população estava ciente e realizava a vacina antirrábica anualmente, independentemente do nível de escolaridade. Por outro lado, a vacina polivalente é realizada por menos da metade da população estudada, sendo que os proprietários eram mais informados do protocolo vacinal de filhotes do que do protocolo anual de revacinação para adultos. Os proprietários com maior nível de escolaridade são mais instruídos quanto ao protocolo vacinal de cães. A vacinação ainda é realizada, em partes, por profissionais não especializados. Para que as práticas de vacinação sejam realizadas adequadamente e garantam a proteção dos cães contra doenças infecciosas, deve-se realizar uma conscientização dos proprietários com relação aos protocolos corretos e à necessidade de aplicação de vacinas por médicos veterinários.(AU)

Dogs are dependent on their owners to determine their general care, health and welfare, including the holding of vaccines against infectious diseases. This study was performed to gather more information on immunization practices performed in dogs by surveying owners of the southern of Espírito Santo State, totalizing 344 interviews. Statistical analysis of frequency and correlation were performed. The survey consisted of questions regarding the implementation of vaccination in dogs and aware of vaccine protocols by the owners, and also collect data about the cost of performing vaccines, the coverage of public campaigns of rabies vaccination and socioeconomic status of respondents. It was concluded that public campaign of rabies vaccination is satisfactory, as the most respondents was aware and performed that vaccines annually, independent of schooling level. Nevertheless, polyvalent vaccination is performed by less than a half of studied population, and owners were more aware about vaccination protocol in puppies than in adult dogs. Vaccination is still performed, in part, by non-specialist. The awareness of owners regarding correct protocols and application of vaccines by veterinarians should be performed to guarantee the properly vaccination practices and ensure the protection of dogs against infectious diseases.(AU)

Percepção e atitudes de proprietários quanto a vacinação de cães na região sul do estado do Espírito Santo - Brasil / Owners´ perceptions and attitudes on vaccination of dogs in the southern of Espírito Santo - Brazil

Os cães são dependentes de seus proprietários para a determinação de seus cuidados gerais, saúde e bem-estar, incluindo a realização de vacinas contra doenças infecciosas. Para obter maiores informações sobre as práticas de vacinação realizadas em cães de uma amostra populacional da região sul do estado do Espírito Santo, realizou-se este estudo por meio de enquetes aplicadas a proprietários de cães desta região, totalizando 344 entrevistas.As análises estatísticas de frequência e correlação foram realizadas. A enquete foi constituída por perguntas referentes à realização de vacinação em cãese ciência dos protocolos vacinais pelos proprietários, além de levantar dados quanto ao custo da realização de vacinas, a abrangência das campanhas públicas de vacinação antirrábica e nível socioeconômico dos entrevistados. Pode-se concluir que a campanha pública de vacinação antirrábica é satisfatória, uma vez que a maior parte da população estava ciente e realizava a vacina antirrábica anualmente, independentemente do nível de escolaridade. Por outro lado, a vacina polivalente é realizada por menos da metade da população estudada, sendo que os proprietários eram mais informados do protocolo vacinal de filhotes do que do protocolo anual de revacinação para adultos. Os proprietários com maior nível de escolaridade são mais instruídos quanto ao protocolo vacinal de cães. A vacinação ainda é realizada, em partes, por profissionais não especializados. Para que as práticas de vacinação sejam realizadas adequadamente e garantam a proteção dos cães contra doenças infecciosas, deve-se realizar uma conscientização dos proprietários com relação aos protocolos corretos e à necessidade de aplicação de vacinas por médicos veterinários.

Dogs are dependent on their owners to determine their general care, health and welfare, including the holding of vaccines against infectious diseases. This study was performed to gather more information on immunization practices performed in dogs by surveying owners of the southern of Espírito Santo State, totalizing 344 interviews. Statistical analysis of frequency and correlation were performed. The survey consisted of questions regarding the implementation of vaccination in dogs and aware of vaccine protocols by the owners, and also collect data about the cost of performing vaccines, the coverage of public campaigns of rabies vaccination and socioeconomic status of respondents. It was concluded that public campaign of rabies vaccination is satisfactory, as the most respondents was aware and performed that vaccines annually, independent of schooling level. Nevertheless, polyvalent vaccination is performed by less than a half of studied population, and owners were more aware about vaccination protocol in puppies than in adult dogs. Vaccination is still performed, in part, by non-specialist. The awareness of owners regarding correct protocols and application of vaccines by veterinarians should be performed to guarantee the properly vaccination practices and ensure the protection of dogs against infectious diseases.

Esporotricose zoonótica: procedimentos de biossegurança / Zoonotic sporotrichosis: biosafety procedures

Background: Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii species complex, which is distributed worldwide, especially in regions of tropical and subtropical climates. It can affect both humans and a great variety of animals, among which, the domestic dog and cat. Today is considered the subcutaneous mycosis more frequent in Brazil, due to the progressive increase of zoonotic transmission of the disease in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. Review: In the endemic region of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro,veterinarians, their assistants and owners of cats with sporotrichosis are considered risk groups for acquiring the infection. Of the human cases of sporotrichosis in this endemic region that were accompanied by the Clinical Research Institute Evandro Chagas (IPEC / Fiocruz) in the period from 1998 to 2001, 5% of the patients diagnosed for the disease were veterinarians, demonstrating the occurrence of the infection in this occupational group. Biosafety is defined as a condition of security achieved by a set of measures aimed at the prevention, control, reduction or elimination of risks involved in activities that could endanger the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. However, small animal veterinary pratictioners from the endemic region of Rio de Janeiro usually do not follow biosafety measures, which increases the risk of acquisition of sporotrichosis. In most cases, the infection results from traumatic inoculation of the fungus in skin and in humans, clinical forms may be: fixed or localized cutaneous, lymphatic-cutaneous, spread-cutaneous, mucosal and extra-cutaneous or systemic. In the endemic form of this disease that occurs in Rio de Janeiro, the cat is seen as a source of infection. The zoonotic potential of the cat is characterized by the abundance of yeasts found in their skin lesions and proximity with humans. Cats acquire the disease after fights with other infected cats and the skin lesions more frequently found are nodules and ulcers, covered or not by crusts, which can progress to necrosis with exposure of bones and muscles. The presence of respiratory signs, especially sneezing, with or without lesions in the mucosal and in the nasal region is common. The azole itraconazole is considered the drug of choice for humans and cats. However, unlike humans, the treatment is considered difficult in cats. The definitive diagnosis of sporotrichosis is obtained by isolation of Sporothrix in culture. Nonetheless, in cats, due to the great quantity of yeasts in their lesions, cytopathological test is strongly indicated in the presumptive diagnosis because of the speed in processing, low cost and no requirement of sophisticated technical training or complex laboratory structure. Discussion: A zoonotic form of sporotrichosis has become endemic in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and the veterinarians are a high risk group for acquiring the disease as well as have a very important role in the application of measures for the prevention and control of sporotrichosis. Therefore, in this review, specific biosafety procedures to reduce risks during the handling of cats with suspected sporotrichosis by veterinarians, technicians, caretakers and owners of cats were described. The topics aproached were: clinical care of the cat (where were appointed the recommended personal protective equipment, animal restraint and good practices), decontamination of the environment, equipment and items used in the cat care and management of waste. Aspects related to the fungus and the disease itself were also discussed.

Zoonotic sporotrichosis: biosafety procedures / Esporotricose zoonótica: procedimentos de biossegurança

Background: Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii species complex, which is distributed worldwide, especially in regions of tropical and subtropical climates. It can affect both humans and a great variety of animals, among which, the domestic dog and cat. Today is considered the subcutaneous mycosis more frequent in Brazil, due to the progressive increase of zoonotic transmission of the disease in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.Review: In the endemic region of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro,veterinarians, their assistants and owners of cats with sporotrichosis are considered risk groups for acquiring the infection. Of the human cases of sporotrichosis in this endemic region that were accompanied by the Clinical Research Institute Evandro Chagas (IPEC / Fiocruz) in the period from 1998 to 2001, 5% of the patients diagnosed for the disease were veterinarians, demonstrating the occurrence of the infection in this occupational group. Biosafety is defi ned as a condition of security achieved by a set of measures aimed at the prevention, control, reduction or elimination of risks involved in activities that could endanger the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. However, small animal veterinary pratictioners from the endemic region of Rio de Janeiro usually do not follow biosafety measures, which increases the risk

Background: Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii species complex, which is distributed worldwide, especially in regions of tropical and subtropical climates. It can affect both humans and a great variety of animals, among which, the domestic dog and cat. Today is considered the subcutaneous mycosis more frequent in Brazil, due to the progressive increase of zoonotic transmission of the disease in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.Review: In the endemic region of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro,veterinarians, their assistants and owners of cats with sporotrichosis are considered risk groups for acquiring the infection. Of the human cases of sporotrichosis in this endemic region that were accompanied by the Clinical Research Institute Evandro Chagas (IPEC / Fiocruz) in the period from 1998 to 2001, 5% of the patients diagnosed for the disease were veterinarians, demonstrating the occurrence of the infection in this occupational group. Biosafety is defi ned as a condition of security achieved by a set of measures aimed at the prevention, control, reduction or elimination of risks involved in activities that could endanger the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. However, small animal veterinary pratictioners from the endemic region of Rio de Janeiro usually do not follow biosafety measures, which increases the risk

Zoonotic sporotrichosis: biosafety procedures / Esporotricose zoonótica: procedimentos de biossegurança

Background: Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii species complex, which is distributed worldwide, especially in regions of tropical and subtropical climates. It can affect both humans and a great variety of animals, among which, the domestic dog and cat. Today is considered the subcutaneous mycosis more frequent in Brazil, due to the progressive increase of zoonotic transmission of the disease in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.Review: In the endemic region of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro,veterinarians, their assistants and owners of cats with sporotrichosis are considered risk groups for acquiring the infection. Of the human cases of sporotrichosis in this endemic region that were accompanied by the Clinical Research Institute Evandro Chagas (IPEC / Fiocruz) in the period from 1998 to 2001, 5% of the patients diagnosed for the disease were veterinarians, demonstrating the occurrence of the infection in this occupational group. Biosafety is defi ned as a condition of security achieved by a set of measures aimed at the prevention, control, reduction or elimination of risks involved in activities that could endanger the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. However, small animal veterinary pratictioners from the endemic region of Rio de Janeiro usually do not follow biosafety measures, which increases the risk

Background: Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii species complex, which is distributed worldwide, especially in regions of tropical and subtropical climates. It can affect both humans and a great variety of animals, among which, the domestic dog and cat. Today is considered the subcutaneous mycosis more frequent in Brazil, due to the progressive increase of zoonotic transmission of the disease in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.Review: In the endemic region of zoonotic sporotrichosis in Rio de Janeiro,veterinarians, their assistants and owners of cats with sporotrichosis are considered risk groups for acquiring the infection. Of the human cases of sporotrichosis in this endemic region that were accompanied by the Clinical Research Institute Evandro Chagas (IPEC / Fiocruz) in the period from 1998 to 2001, 5% of the patients diagnosed for the disease were veterinarians, demonstrating the occurrence of the infection in this occupational group. Biosafety is defi ned as a condition of security achieved by a set of measures aimed at the prevention, control, reduction or elimination of risks involved in activities that could endanger the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. However, small animal veterinary pratictioners from the endemic region of Rio de Janeiro usually do not follow biosafety measures, which increases the risk

Bienestar animal en la enseñanza de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia: ¿Por qué y para qué? / Animal Welfare in the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry Curriculum: What for and why?

Animal welfare is nowadays considered a science and it should be part of the curriculum of Veterinary Schools and Faculties. Present knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurobiology and the nervous system in particular show that animals and men share many similar organic mechanisms. Observational and behavioural studies prove that animals are conscious of their surroundings and experience anxieties, fear, stress and pain. The link between animal welfare and production is mentioned and it is concluded that veterinarians must know about animal behaviour, it's physiological and neurological basis, with the objective to provide a state of wellbeing for animals which in return will favourably influence production.

Se revisan brevemente las razones del porqué el Bienestar animal actualmente es considerado una ciencia que debe ser incluida en el plan de estudios de las escuelas y facultades de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Se menciona que los conocimientos actuales sobre anatomía, fisiología, neurobiología y otros, nos comprueban que el organismo animal y en especial su sistema nervioso central (SNC) tienen muchas similitudes con los del ser humano y que los estudios observacionales y de comportamiento animal demuestran que los animales se dan cuenta, sufren ansiedad, miedo, estrés y dolor. Se subraya la relación que tiene el bienestar de los animales con la producción y se concluye que es necesario que los médicos veterinarios y zootecnistas conozcan el comportamiento de los animales, sus bases fisiológicas y neurológicas a fondo, para procurarles a un estado de bienestar que a su vez repercutirá en el éxito de su producción.