Hiring intentions and remuneration of veterinary practitioners in western Canada.

All private veterinary practices in western Canada (N = 1333) were surveyed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (January to November 2020) to generate data on the demographics of the profession, and to quantify past and present hiring intentions (demand) as well as remuneration for veterinary associates. The response rate was 39.5% (526/1333), 186 of which had hired at least one full- (FT) or part-time (PT) associate within the 12-month period preceding the completion of the survey. When extrapolated to the practices that did not respond (nonresponders), as many as 471 practices may have hired an associate within the previous 12 mo. The median (mean) annual remuneration paid to FT associates was $90 000 ($91 730). The median number of months it took to hire an associate did not vary by province (P = 0.52); however, it did vary by practice type (P <0.0001): companion animal practice, 3.0 mo; food animal practice, 8.0 mo; and mixed animal practice, 12.0 mo. At the time of the survey, 232 of the 526 (44.1%) responding practices were currently seeking to fill 281 vacancies, representing 274 full-time equivalents (FTE). If extrapolated to the nonresponders, the total number of vacant FTE positions could have been as high as 694. The median (mean) annual wage offered for a FT associate was $87 500 ($88 940), which did not differ by province (P = 0.14) or practice type (P = 0.22). The results of this study support anecdotal reports of a shortage of private veterinary practitioners in western Canada.

Intentions d'embauche et rémunération des vétérinaires praticiens dans l'Ouest canadien. Tous les cabinets vétérinaires privés de l'Ouest canadien (N = 1333) ont été interrogés pendant la pandémie de SARS-CoV-2 (janvier à novembre 2020) afin de générer des données sur la démographie de la profession et de quantifier les intentions d'embauche passées et présentes (demande) ainsi que rémunération des associés vétérinaires. Le taux de réponse était de 39,5 % (526/1333), dont 186 avaient embauché au moins un associé à temps plein (FT) ou à temps partiel (PT) au cours de la période de 12 mois précédant la fin de l'enquête. Lorsqu'ils sont extrapolés aux pratiques qui n'ont pas répondu (non-répondants), jusqu'à 471 pratiques peuvent avoir embauché un associé au cours des 12 derniers mois. La rémunération annuelle médiane (moyenne) versée aux associés de FT était de 90 000 $ (91 730 $). Le nombre de mois qu'il a fallu pour embaucher un associé ne variait pas selon la province (P = 0,52); cependant, elle variait selon le type de pratique (P <0,0001) : pratique des animaux de compagnie, 3,0 mois; pratique des animaux destinés à l'alimentation, 8,0 mois; et pratique animale mixte, 12,0 mois. Au moment de l'enquête, 232 des 526 cabinets répondants (44,1 %) cherchaient actuellement à pourvoir 281 postes vacants, représentant 274 équivalents temps plein (ETP). Si extrapolé aux non-répondants, le nombre total de postes vacants en ETP aurait pu atteindre 694. Le salaire annuel médian (moyen) offert pour un associé à temps plein était de 87 500 $ (88 940 $), ce qui ne différait pas selon la province (P = 0,14) ou type de pratique (P = 0,22). Les résultats de cette étude appuient les rapports anecdotiques d'une pénurie de vétérinaires praticiens privés dans l'Ouest canadien.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Demographic survey of private veterinary practices in western Canada.

A workforce survey of private veterinary practices in western Canada was conducted in 2020. Data were obtained on 526 practices (response rate = 39.5%) and 1445 individual veterinary practitioners. Overall, 68.4% of practitioners identified as female, with 4 times as many females as males comprising the youngest age cohorts (26 to 35 y) of the profession. The majority of practices (67.9%) were companion animal, followed by mixed animal (21.9%) and food animal (10.2%). Most females (77.2%) and males (57.8%) were engaged in companion animal practice, whereas 23.5% of males and 6.0% of females were food animal practitioners. During an average work week, practitioners devoted 77.4% of practice time to small animals, 15.1% to food animals, and 7.5% to equine animals. A greater proportion of males (75.2%) versus females (63.2%) worked on a full-time equivalent basis (P < 0.001). Whereas males were 1.7 times (95% CI = 1.3 to 2.3; P < 0.001) more likely to be practice owners than females, 54.5% of females were owners. Practice ownership was lower than in previous surveys, a trend that may have long-term implications with respect to the corporatization of the veterinary profession.

Enquête démographique sur les cabinets vétérinaires privés dans l'Ouest canadien. Une enquête sur la main-d'oeuvre des cabinets vétérinaires privés dans l'Ouest canadien a été menée en 2020. Des données ont été obtenues sur 526 cabinets (taux de réponse = 39,5 %) et 1445 praticiens vétérinaires individuels. Dans l'ensemble, 68,4 % des praticiens se sont identifiés comme des femmes, avec quatre fois plus de femmes que d'hommes parmi les cohortes d'âge les plus jeunes (26 à 35 ans) de la profession. La majorité des pratiques (67,9 %) étaient chez les animaux de compagnie, suivis des pratiques mixtes (21,9 %) et chez les animaux de rente (10,2 %). La plupart des femmes (77,2 %) et des hommes (57,8 %) travaillaient en pratique des animaux de compagnie, tandis que 23,5 % des hommes et 6,0 % des femmes étaient en pratique des animaux de rente. Au cours d'une semaine de travail moyenne, les praticiens ont consacré 77,4 % de leur temps de pratique aux petits animaux, 15,1 % aux animaux de rente et 7,5 % aux équidés. Une plus grande proportion d'hommes (75,2 %) que de femmes (63,2 %) travaillaient en équivalent temps plein (P < 0,001). Alors que les hommes étaient 1,7 fois (IC à 95 % = 1,3 à 2,3; P < 0,001) plus susceptibles d'être propriétaires d'un cabinet que les femmes, 54,5 % des femmes étaient propriétaires. La propriété de la pratique était plus faible que dans les enquêtes précédentes, une tendance qui peut avoir des implications à long terme en ce qui concerne la corporisation de la profession vétérinaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Ergonomic assessment of veterinarians during performance of bovine reproductive examinations.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and quantify potential ergonomic hazards associated with routine reproductive examinations of cattle. SAMPLE: 7 bovine veterinarians. PROCEDURES: Each veterinarian was observed and videotaped during 2 bovine reproductive examination appointments. During each appointment, a force-matching protocol was used to estimate the entry force used by the veterinarian to insert an arm into a cow's rectum. Veterinarian posture and repetitive movements and the work environment were assessed and quantified during review of the video recordings. Descriptive data were generated. RESULTS: Of the 14 appointments observed, 9 and 5 involved examination of beef and dairy cows, respectively. For all veterinarians, an arm inclination ≥ 60° was observed during most reproductive examinations. The number of examinations performed per hour ranged from 19.1 to 116.8. The estimated entry force ranged from 121 to 349 N. During all 9 appointments involving beef cows, the veterinarian participated in other tasks (eg, operating overhead levers, opening gates, or assisting with cattle handling) that represented ergonomic hazards. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results confirmed that reproductive examination of cattle exposes veterinarians to various ergonomic hazards involving awkward positions and repetitive and forceful exertions that can contribute to musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, particularly of the upper extremities (neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands). Veterinarians frequently participated in other tasks during reproductive examination appointments that exposed them to additional ergonomic hazards. Risk mitigation strategies should prioritize minimizing exposure of veterinarians to tasks not directly associated with the reproductive examination procedure to decrease their overall ergonomic hazard burden.

Population Genomic Analysis of Mycoplasma bovis Elucidates Geographical Variations and Genes associated with Host-Types.

: Among more than twenty species belonging to the class Mollecutes, Mycoplasma bovis is the most common cause of bovine mycoplasmosis in North America and Europe. Bovine mycoplasmosis causes significant economic loss in the cattle industry. The number of M. bovis positive herds recently has increased in North America and Europe. Since antibiotic treatment is ineffective and no efficient vaccine is available, M. bovis induced mycoplasmosis is primarily controlled by herd management measures such as the restriction of moving infected animals out of the herds and culling of infected or shedders of M. bovis. To better understand the population structure and genomic factors that may contribute to its transmission, we sequenced 147 M. bovis strains isolated from four different countries viz. USA (n = 121), Canada (n = 22), Israel (n = 3) and Lithuania (n = 1). All except two of the isolates (KRB1 and KRB8) were isolated from two host types i.e., bovine (n = 75) and bison (n = 70). We performed a large-scale comparative analysis of M. bovis genomes by integrating 103 publicly available genomes and our dataset (250 total genomes). Whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) based phylogeny using M. agalactiae as an outgroup revealed that M. bovis population structure is composed of five different clades. USA isolates showed a high degree of genomic divergence in comparison to the Australian isolates. Based on host of origin, all the isolates in clade IV was of bovine origin, whereas majority of the isolates in clades III and V was of bison origin. Our comparative genome analysis also revealed that M. bovis has an open pangenome with a large breadth of unexplored diversity of genes. The function based analysis of autogenous vaccine candidates (n = 10) included in this study revealed that their functional diversity does not span the genomic diversity observed in all five clades identified in this study. Our study also found that M. bovis genome harbors a large number of IS elements and their number increases significantly (p = 7.8x10-6) as the genome size increases. Collectively, the genome data and the whole genome-based population analysis in this study may help to develop better understanding of M. bovis induced mycoplasmosis in cattle.

Factors associated with the adoption of technologies by the Canadian dairy industry.

Data generated from Statistics Canada's 2016 Census of Agriculture and Census of Population were used to describe the adoption of 8 technologies by the Canadian dairy industry: computer/laptop, smartphone/tablet, auto-steering, auto-feeding, auto-environment, robotic milking, global positioning systems (GPS), and geographical information systems (GIS). Logistic regression was used to analyze the adoption of each technology by geographical region, operators' gender, operators' age, herd size, and number of operators per farm. Gender and age were marginally related to the level of adoption of each technology, whereas the number of operators per dairy farm and farm size were associated with increased adoption of most technologies. Quebec had the smallest average farm size, but the highest levels of adoption for 5 of 8 technologies.

Facteurs associés avec l'adoption des technologies par l'industrie laitière canadienne. Les données générées par le Recensement de la population et le Recensement de l'agriculture de 2016 de Statistiques Canada furent utilisées pour décrire l'adoption de huit technologies par l'industrie laitière canadienne : ordinateur/portable, téléphone intelligent/tablette, assistant à la navigation, alimentation automatique, environnement automatisé, traite robotisée, système de positionnement global (GPS), et système d'information géographique (GIS). Une régression logistique fut utilisée pour analyser l'adoption de chaque technologie par région géographique, sexe de l'opérateur, l'âge de l'opérateur, taille du troupeau, et nombre d'opérateurs par ferme. Le sexe et l'âge étaient reliés de manière marginale au degré d'adoption de chaque technologie, alors que le nombre d'opérateurs par ferme et la taille de la ferme étaient associés avec une augmentation de l'adoption de la plupart des technologies. Le Québec avait la taille moyenne des fermes la plus petite, mais le niveau d'adoption le plus élevé pour cinq des huit technologies.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Investigation of Macrolide Resistance Genotypes in Mycoplasma bovis Isolates from Canadian Feedlot Cattle.

Mycoplasma bovis is associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome (CPPS) in feedlot cattle. No efficacious vaccines for M. bovis exist; hence, macrolides are commonly used to control mycoplasmosis. Whole genome sequences of 126 M. bovis isolates, derived from 96 feedlot cattle over 12 production years, were determined. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of five macrolides (gamithromycin, tildipirosin, tilmicosin, tulathromycin, tylosin) was conducted using a microbroth dilution method. The AST phenotypes were compared to the genotypes generated for 23S rRNA and the L4 and L22 ribosomal proteins. Mutations in domains II (nucleotide 748; E. coli numbering) and V (nucleotide 2059 and 2060) of the 23S rRNA (rrl) gene alleles were associated with resistance. All isolates with a single mutation at Δ748 were susceptible to tulathromycin, but resistant to tilmicosin and tildipirosin. Isolates with mutations in both domain II and V (Δ748Δ2059 or Δ748Δ2060) were resistant to all five macrolides. However, >99% of isolates were resistant to tildipirosin and tilmicosin, regardless of the number and positions of the mutations. Isolates with a Δ748 mutation in the 23S rRNA gene and mutations in L4 and L22 were resistant to all macrolides except for tulathromycin.

Ownership structure and financial status of Canadian dairy operations.

The ownership structure and financial status of Canadian dairy farms is described using Statistics Canada 2016 Census of Agriculture data. As herd size increased, family corporation became the most common ownership model after accounting for herd location by region. Regardless of location, gross farm receipts, operating expenses and profit margin increased significantly with herd size. Western Canadian dairies occupied significantly larger land bases and had significantly higher profit margins compared to all other regions. New trade agreements could affect the financial stability of Canada's dairy industry; these data provide a baseline for future comparison.

Structure de propriété et statut financier des opérations laitières canadiennes. La structure de propriété et le statut financier des fermes laitières canadiennes sont décrits en utilisant les données de Statistiques Canada du Recensement en agriculture de 2016. À mesure que la taille du troupeau augmentait, la corporation familiale devenait le modèle de propriété le plus fréquent après avoir pris en compte la localisation par région du troupeau. Sans égard à la localisation, le revenu brut par ferme, les dépenses d'opération et la marge de profit augmentèrent de manière significative avec la taille du troupeau. Les fermes laitières de l'ouest canadien occupaient des fonds de terre significativement plus grands et avaient des marges de profit significativement plus élevées comparativement à toutes les autres régions. Les nouvelles ententes d'échanges commerciaux pourraient affecter la stabilité financière de l'industrie laitière canadienne; ces données fournissent une mesure de base pour des comparaisons futures.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort in the upper extremities of bovine practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with work-preventing musculoskeletal discomfort (MSKD) in the upper extremities (defined as neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands) of bovine practitioners. SAMPLE: 116 members of the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners. PROCEDURES: Data from a previously described cross-sectional survey of western Canadian bovine practitioners underwent further analysis. The survey, developed to glean information about MSKD in bovine practitioners, was a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire that included questions regarding personal and work characteristics and incidence and location of MSKD during the preceding 12 months along with perceptions about most physically demanding tasks. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with work-preventing upper extremity MSKD. RESULTS: 18 of 116 (15.5%) respondents indicated they had experienced work-preventing upper extremity MSKD during the preceding 12 months. The final multivariable regression model indicated that practice type (mixed animal vs primarily [> 50%] bovine; OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 0.96 to 10.67), practitioner height (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.99), and number of veterinarians in the practice (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.66) were significantly associated with the odds of work-preventing upper extremity MSKD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that reproductive examination of cattle was not a significant risk factor for upper extremity MSKD in bovine practitioners. Further research into the effects of biomechanical, organizational, and psychosocial workplace factors on the development of MSKD in bovine practitioners is necessary to help inform prevention strategies to foster career longevity in this increasingly diverse practitioner group.

Complete Genome Sequences of 16 Mycoplasma bovis Isolates from Canadian Bison and Cattle.

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of 12 Mycoplasma bovis isolates cultured from Canadian bison and 4 cultured from Canadian cattle. The sequences are of value for understanding the phylogenetic relationship between cattle and bison isolates and will aid in elucidating the genetic basis for virulence and host specificity.

Comparison of Two Multilocus Sequence Typing Schemes for Mycoplasma bovis and Revision of the PubMLST Reference Method.

Mycoplasma bovis causes pneumonia, pharyngitis, otitis, arthritis, mastitis, and reproductive disorders in cattle and bison. Two multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes have been developed for M. bovis, with one serving as the PubMLST reference method, but no comparison of the schemes has been undertaken. Although the PubMLST scheme has proven to be highly discriminatory and informative, the recent discovery of isolates missing one of the typing loci, adh-1, raises concern about its suitability for continued use. The goal of our study was to compare the performance of the two MLST schemes and identify a new reference scheme capable of fully typing all isolates. We evaluated 448 isolates from diverse geographic and anatomic sites that collectively represent cattle, bison, deer, and a goat. The discrimination indexes (DIs) for the PubMLST and the alternative scheme are 0.909 (91 sequence types [STs]) and 0.842 (77 STs), respectively. Although the PubMLST scheme outperformed the alternative scheme, the adh-1 locus must be retired from the PubMLST scheme if it is to be retained as a reference method. The DI obtained using the six remaining PubMLST loci (0.897, 79 STs) fails to reach the benchmark recommended for a reference method (0.900), mandating the addition of a seventh locus. Comparative analysis of genome sequences from the isolates used here identified the dnaA locus from the alternative scheme as the optimal replacement for adh-1 This revised scheme, which will be implemented as the new PubMLST reference method, has a DI of 0.914 and distinguishes 88 STs from the 448 isolates evaluated.

Update on demographics of the Canadian Dairy Industry for the period 2011 to 2016.

Between 2011 and 2016, the number of dairy operations in Canada decreased by 13.3%. Mean herd size increased from 65 to 73 animals per farm. The ratio of older (> 60 years old) to younger (< 31 years old) producers also increased. The age structure of the industry suggests that consolidation will continue for the next decade, which has implications for the provision of veterinary services to dairy operations.

Actualisation des données démographiques des exploitations laitières pendant la période de 2011 à 2016. De 2011 à 2016, le nombre d'exploitations laitières au Canada a diminué de 13,3 %. La taille moyenne des exploitations a augmenté de 65 à 73 animaux par ferme. Le ratio d'éleveurs plus âges (> 60 ans) de ceux plus jeunes (< 31 ans) a augmenté aussi. La structure par âge suggère que cette consolidation doive se poursuivra pendant la prochaine décennie et devrait toucher l'offre des services vétérinaires aux exploitations laitières.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Measuring behavioral and physiological responses to pain mitigation for ovariectomy in Bos taurus yearling beef heifers.

Ovariectomy (spaying) using the trans-vaginal dropped ovary technique (DOT) is performed to prevent pregnancy in cull female beef cattle that are not retained for breeding stock in areas practicing extensive grazing management. There are no reports describing analgesia for this surgical procedure. The objective of this study was to measure behavioral and physiological responses to determine whether an analgesic protocol of BXK [butorphanol (0.01 mg/kg), xylazine (0.02 mg/kg), and ketamine (0.04 mg/kg)] injected intramuscularly (i.m.) before spaying could mitigate procedural and immediate postsurgical pain, and whether oral meloxicam (1 mg/kg) administered at the time of spaying could mitigate postsurgical inflammatory pain. Forty-four red Angus and Angus crossbred yearling heifers (322 ± 27.0 kg BW) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: PALP (control; palpated but not spayed; n = 14), SPAY (spayed with no analgesia; n = 15), and BXKM (spayed with analgesia; n = 15). Behavioral measurements included visual analog scale (VAS) score, flight speed (FS), stride length (SL), and gait score (GS), as well as activity (lying, standing) and feeding behavior. Physiological measurements included salivary cortisol (SC), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), substance P (SP), complete blood count (CBC), and rectal temperature (RT). Saliva and blood samples were collected, and RT, FS, SL, and GS were measured on day -1, day 0 (time of palpation/spaying), and hours 1, 2, 4, and days 1, 2, 4, and 7 after palpation/spaying. The BXKM heifers had lower SC concentrations than SPAY heifers at 1 h (P = 0.01) and 2 h (P = 0.004). Heifers treated with BXKM had Hp concentrations lower than SPAY heifers at 2 d (P = 0.01), 4 d (P < 0.001), and 7 d (P = 0.008), and lower Hp concentrations than PALP heifers at 4 d (P < 0.001). Concentrations of SAA were greater (P = 0.04) in BXKM heifers than in PALP heifers at 1 h and lower in PALP heifers than in BXKM heifers (P = 0.02) and SPAY heifers (P = 0.05) at 1 d. Heifers in the BXKM group had higher RT than PALP and SPAY heifers at 1 h (P < 0.001) and 2 h (P = 0.004). Results suggest that DOT ovariectomy is acutely stressful and painful and administration of BXK before spaying and meloxicam at the time of spaying mitigated the procedural and postsurgical stress, pain, and inflammation.

Comparison of multilocus sequence types found among North American isolates of Mycoplasma bovis from cattle, bison, and deer, 2007-2017.

A prior multilocus sequence typing (MLST) study reported that Mycoplasma bovis isolates from North American bison possess sequence types (STs) different from those found among cattle. The 42 bison isolates evaluated were obtained in 2007 or later, whereas only 19 of 94 (~20%) of the available cattle isolates, with only 1 from North America, were from that same time. We compared STs of additional, contemporary, North American cattle isolates with those from bison, as well as isolates from 2 North American deer, all originating during the same timeframe, to more definitively assess potential strain-related host specificity and expand our understanding of the genetic diversity of M. bovis. From 307 isolates obtained between 2007 and 2017 (209 from cattle, 96 from bison, 2 from deer), we identified 49 STs, with 39 found exclusively in cattle and 5 exclusively in bison. Four STs were shared between bison and cattle isolates; one ST was found in cattle and in a deer. There was no clear association between ST and the health status of the animal of origin. An MLST-based phylogeny including 41 novel STs identified in our study reveals that STs found in bison fall within several divergent lineages that include STs found exclusively in cattle.

Investigation of white line separation under load in bovine claws with and without toe-tip necrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the degree of white line separation created by increasing physiologic loads between bovine claws with and without toe-tip necrosis (TTN). SAMPLE: Cadaveric bovine hind limbs with (n = 10) and without (10) TTN. PROCEDURES: Hind limbs in which 1 or both claws had evidence of apical white line separation were considered to have TTN. Hind limbs in which neither claw had evidence of white line separation were considered controls. Each hind limb was mounted in a materials testing system with the bottom surface of the hoof angled at approximately 5° to the horizontal plane such that the apex of the claws made initial contact with the clear testing surface to simulate physiologic loading conditions. A digital camera mounted underneath the testing surface was used to obtain images of the bottom of the hoof during the application of each of 3 increasing static loads (1, 2, and 3 kN). The images were analyzed with commercial image-processing software to quantify white line separation area. RESULTS: White line separation area was significantly greater for claws with TTN than for control claws and increased as the applied load increased. White line separation was almost nonexistent in control claws and was not affected by increasing load. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that mechanical loading exacerbated TTN, but compressive loading alone, even at excessive levels, did not initiate the condition. Interventions (eg, hoof blocks) that decrease loading of affected claws may be beneficial for the treatment of TTN at its earliest stages.

Changing demographics of the Canadian cow-calf industry for the period 2011 to 2016.

From 2011 to 2016, both the number of cow-calf producers and farm operations in Canada decreased by 12.4%. Furthermore, the current demographics portend a similar or greater loss in the number of producers and farms by the next census (2021). This level of consolidation has implications with respect to veterinary education and how practitioners will service the cow-calf sector.

Évaluation des données démographiques des exploitations vache-veau pendant la période de 2011 à 2016. De 2011 à 2016, le nombre d'exploitations de type vache-veau au Canada a baissé de 12,4 %. De plus, les données démographiques actuelles annoncent une perte semblable ou supérieure du nombre d'éleveurs et de fermes d'ici le prochain recensement (2021). Ce niveau de consolidation aura des répercussions en lien avec la formation vétérinaire et la façon dont les praticiens desserviront le secteur vache-veau.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Mistaken identity of an open reading frame proposed for PCR-based identification of Mycoplasma bovis and the effect of polymorphisms and insertions on assay performance.

Mycoplasma bovis is an important cause of disease in cattle and bison. Because the bacterium requires specialized growth conditions, many diagnostic laboratories routinely use PCR to replace or complement conventional isolation and identification methods. A frequently used target of such assays is the uvrC gene, which has been shown to be highly conserved among isolates. We discovered that a previously described PCR putatively targeting the uvrC gene amplifies a fragment from an adjacent gene predicted to encode a lipoprotein. Comparison of the lipoprotein gene sequence from 211 isolates revealed several single nucleotide polymorphisms, 1 of which falls within a primer-binding sequence. Additionally, 3 isolates from this group were found to have a 1,658-bp transposase gene insertion within the amplified region that leads to a false-negative result. The insertion was not detected in a further 164 isolates. We found no evidence that the nucleotide substitution within the primer-binding region affects the assay sensitivity, performance, or limit of detection. Nonetheless, laboratories utilizing this method for identification of M. bovis should be aware that the region amplified may be prone to nucleotide substitutions and/or insertions relative to the sequence used for its design and that occasional false-negative results may be obtained.

Survey of western Canadian veterinary practices: A demographic profile.

A mixed-mode survey was used to describe the demographics of the veterinary profession in western Canada and to assess the demand for veterinary practitioners. Data were received from 655 practices (response rate = 52%), providing demographic data on 1636 individual practitioners. Most (60%) respondents self-classified their practices as exclusively small animal, while 25% and 4% were mixed animal or exclusively food animal practices, respectively. Across all practices, 77% of practitioners' time was devoted to small animals and the average mixed animal practice devoted 60% of practitioners' time to small animals. After accounting for practices that did not respond, there were ~300 full-time equivalent (FTE) vacant positions for veterinary associates; however, only 12% of practices were in urgent need of hiring an associate veterinarian. This report informs both prospective employees and employers on the state of the marketplace for veterinary associates, and provides an overview of the demographics of the veterinary profession in western Canada.

Enquête auprès des pratiques vétérinaires de l'Ouest canadien : un profil démographique. Une enquête de type mixte a été utilisée pour décrire les données démographiques de la profession vétérinaire dans l'Ouest canadien et évaluer la demande de praticiens vétérinaires. Des données ont été reçues de 655 pratiques (taux de réponse = 52 %) et ont fourni des données démographiques sur 1636 praticiens individuels. La majorité (60 %) des répondants ont classé leur pratique comme traitant exclusivement des petits animaux, tandis que 25 % et 4 % étaient des pratiques mixtes ou exclusivement pour animaux destinés à l'alimentation. Dans toutes les pratiques, 77 % du temps des praticiens était consacré aux petits animaux et la pratique mixte moyenne consacrait 60 % du temps des praticiens aux petits animaux. Après avoir tenu compte des pratiques qui n'ont pas répondu, il y avait ~300 postes équivalent temps plein (ETP) vacants pour les vétérinaires salariés. Cependant, seulement 12 % des pratiques éprouvaient un besoin urgent d'embaucher un vétérinaire salarié. Ce rapport informe les employés et les employeurs éventuels sur l'état du marché pour les vétérinaires salariés et présente un aperçu des données démographiques de la profession vétérinaire dans l'Ouest canadien.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

The lesions of toe tip necrosis in southern Alberta feedlot cattle provide insight into the pathogenesis of the disease.

Gross and histologic postmortem studies were performed on the hind feet of feedlot cattle that had, or were free from, lesions of toe tip necrosis. The hind feet of feedlot cattle were collected by 3 veterinary feedlot practices in southern Alberta, Canada. Three studies of these feet were conducted: i) prediction of disease based on the presence or absence of apical white line separation, ii) gross assessment of the distribution and severity of lesions within affected claws, and iii) microscopic evaluation of the distal phalanx and surrounding soft tissues of affected claws. Prediction of toe tip necrosis based on the presence of apical white line separation was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). This, combined with a pattern of lesions indicative of an ascending infection of the distal phalanx and the absence of other lesions, suggests that the pathogenesis involves bacterial infection originating from the most distal aspect of the toe, at the apical white line.

Les lésions de la nécrose du bout des orteils chez le bétail des parcs d'engraissement du sud de l'Alberta fournissent des renseignements sur la pathogénèse de la maladie. Des études post-mortem macroscopiques et histologiques ont été réalisées sur les pieds arrière du bétail d'engraissement qui avait ou n'avait pas des lésions de nécrose du bout des orteils. Les pieds arrière du bétail d'engraissement ont été recueillis par trois pratiques vétérinaires de parcs d'engraissement du sud de l'Alberta, au Canada. Trois études de ces pieds ont été réalisées : i) prédiction de la maladie en fonction de la présence ou de l'absence d'une séparation de la ligne blanche apicale, ii) une évaluation macroscopique de la répartition et de la gravité des lésions dans les onglons affectés et iii) une évaluation microscopique des phalanges distales et des tissus mous entourant les onglons affectés. La prédiction de la nécrose du bout des orteils basée sur la présence d'une séparation de la ligne blanche apicale était significative du point de vue statistique (P < 0,0001). Ce fait, combiné à une tendance de lésions indiquant une infection ascendante des phalanges distales et l'absence d'autres lésions, suggère que la pathogénèse comporte une infection bactérienne provenant de l'aspect le plus distal de l'orteil, à la ligne blanche apicale.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Retrospective analysis of survey data relating to the employment conditions of Canadian veterinary graduates for the years 2008 to 2013.

Six years of survey data generated from the "Annual New Graduate Survey" were collated and analyzed for trends. Canadian veterinary colleges graduated 14.9% more veterinarians in 2013 than 2008; 79.3% of graduates were female and this percentage was similar across all colleges (P = 0.51). The average base salary for new graduates remained constant at ~$69 000/annum for the years 2011 to 2013. However, the mean base salary of those employed in western Canada and Ontario was higher than that of employees in Quebec and the Maritimes (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the base salaries paid to males and females (P = 0.18) nor in what small animal, food animal, and equine practices were paying new graduates (P = 0.94). The 3 most common employee benefits were: a continuing education allowance, paid licensing fees, and paid malpractice insurance premiums.

Analyse rétrospective des données de sondage relatives aux conditions d'emploi des diplômés en médecine vétérinaire canadiens pour les années de 2008 à 2013. Six années de données de sondage recueillies dans le cadre du «Sondage annuel auprès des finissants¼ ont été colligées et analysées pour déceler des tendances. Les collèges de médecine vétérinaire canadiens ont produit 14,9 % plus de vétérinaires en 2013 par rapport à 2008; 79,3 % des diplômés étaient des femmes et ce pourcentage était semblable dans tous les collèges (P = 0,51). Le salaire de base moyen pour les finissants est demeuré constant à ~69 000 $/année de 2011 à 2013. Cependant, le salaire de base moyen des diplômés embauchés dans l'Ouest canadien et l'Ontario était supérieur à celui des employés au Québec et dans les Maritimes (P < 0,001). Il n'y avait pas de différences dans les salaires de base versés aux hommes et aux femmes (P = 0,18), ni dans les salaires versés aux finissants par les pratiques pour petits animaux, celles pour animaux destinés à l'alimentation et les pratiques équines (P = 0,94). Les trois avantages sociaux les plus fréquemment offerts aux employés étaient : une indemnité de formation continue, le paiement des frais de permis et les primes de l'assurance pour faute professionnelle.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Demographics of the Canadian dairy industry from 1991 to 2011.

A retrospective study of the demographics of the Canadian dairy industry was conducted using data derived from Statistics Canada's Census of Agriculture from 1991 to 2011. This longitudinal study shows that Canada's dairy industry has undergone considerable consolidation. From 1991 to 2011, the number of dairy producers and dairy farms decreased by 48.9% and 61.9%, respectively. Furthermore, this trend in consolidation is likely to continue; nearly half (45.8%) of all dairy producers in Canada were ≥ 50 y of age in 2011. Not only will most of these producers be retired by 2021, but younger producers will also exit the industry for other reasons. These findings mirror what is occurring in Canada's cow-calf industry, underscoring that supply-managed sectors experience demographic consolidation similar to non-supply managed sectors. These substantial changes will have ramifications for the veterinary profession. There will be fewer but larger farms, and the services and knowledge demanded of veterinarians will change accordingly, which has implications for food animal veterinary education.

Démographie de l'industrie laitière canadienne de 1991 à 2011. Une étude rétrospective de la démographie de l'industrie laitière canadienne a été réalisée à l'aide de données dérivées de statistiques provenant du Recensement de l'agriculture de 1991 à 2011 de Statistique Canada. Cette étude longitudinale montre que l'industrie laitière du Canada a subi une consolidation considérable. De 1991 à 2011, le nombre de producteurs laitiers et de fermes laitières a chuté de 48,9 % et de 61,9 %, respectivement. De plus, cette tendance à la consolidation se poursuivra probablement; près de la moitié (45,8 %) des producteurs laitiers du Canada étaient âgés de ≥ 50 ans en 2011. La majorité de ces producteurs prendra non seulement sa retraite d'ici 2021, mais les jeunes producteurs quitteront aussi l'industrie pour d'autres raisons. Ces résultats reflètent ce qui se passe dans l'industrie d'élevage-naissage et soulignent le fait que les secteurs à offre réglementée vivent une consolidation démographique semblable à celle des secteurs qui ne sont pas à offre réglementée. Ces changements importants auront des répercussions pour la profession vétérinaire. Il y aura moins de fermes mais elles seront plus grandes et les services et les connaissances demandées évolueront considérablement, ce qui aura des conséquences pour l'enseignement de la médecine vétérinaire des animaux destinés à l'alimentation.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).