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 utilized 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.

Spatial multi-criteria decision analysis for the selection of sentinel regions in tick-borne disease surveillance.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of cost-effective surveillance systems is essential for tracking the emerging risk of tick-borne diseases. In Canada, where Lyme disease is a growing public health concern, a national sentinel surveillance network was designed to follow the epidemiological portrait of this tick-borne disease across the country. The surveillance network consists of sentinel regions, with active drag sampling carried out annually in all regions to assess the density of Ixodes spp. ticks and prevalence of various tick-borne pathogens in the tick population. The aim of the present study was to prioritize sentinel regions by integrating different spatial criteria relevant to the surveillance goals. METHODS: We used spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analyses (MCDA) to map priority areas for surveillance across Canada, and to evaluate different scenarios using sensitivity analyses. Results were shared with stakeholders to support their decision making for the selection of priority areas to survey during active surveillance activities. RESULTS: Weights attributed to criteria by decision-makers were overall consistent. Sensitivity analyses showed that the population criterion had the most impact on rankings. Thirty-seven sentinel regions were identified across Canada using this systematic and transparent approach. CONCLUSION: This novel application of spatial MCDA to surveillance network design favors inclusivity of nationwide partners. We propose that such an approach can support the standardized planning of spatial design of sentinel surveillance not only for vector-borne disease BDs, but more broadly for infectious disease surveillance where spatial design is an important component.

Prioritisation of areas for early detection of southward movement of arctic fox rabies based on historical surveillance data in Quebec, Canada.

Arctic rabies virus variant (ARVV) is enzootic in Quebec (Canada) north of the 55th parallel. With climate change, increased risk of re-incursion of ARVV in more densely populated southern regions raises public and animal health concerns. The objective of this study was to prioritise geographical areas to target for an early detection of ARVV incursion south of the 55th parallel based on the historical spatio-temporal trends of reported rabies in foxes in Quebec. Descriptive analyses of fox rabies cases from 1953 to 2017 were conducted. Three periods show increases in the number of fox rabies cases in southern regions and indicate incursion from northern areas or neighbouring provinces. The available data, particularly in central and northern regions of the province, were scarce and of low spatial resolution, making it impossible to identify the path of spread with precision. Hence, we investigated the use of multiple criteria, such as historical rabies cases, human population density and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) relative abundance, to prioritise areas for enhanced surveillance. This study underscores the need to define and maintain new criteria for selecting samples to be analysed in order to detect rapidly ARVV cases outside the current enzootic area and any potential re-incursion of the virus into central and southern regions of the province.

Bioeconomic modelling of raccoon rabies spread management impacts in Quebec, Canada.

Beginning in 2006, point infection control operations and aerial distribution of oral rabies vaccines along the US border were performed in Quebec, Canada, to control the potential spread of raccoon rabies. A benefit-cost analysis assessed the economic efficiency of this rabies control programme into the future. In this study, a mathematical simulation model was used to determine the potential spread of raccoon rabies from the 2006 index case, and incidence rates of human post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), animal testing and human exposure investigations were calculated. Benefits were calculated as the potential savings from reduced numbers of human PEP, animal testing and human exposure investigations owing to control, which ranged from $47 million to $53 million. Programme cost scenarios were based on projections of total expenditures, which ranged from $33 million to $49 million. Economic efficiency was indicated for approximately half of the modelled scenarios, with the greatest benefit-cost ratios resulting from reduced future programme costs.