[Evaluation of a novel training course for hoof trimmers to participate in a Swiss national cattle claw health monitoring programme]. / Evaluation eines Ausbildungskonzeptes für Klauenpfleger zur Durchführung eines schweizweiten Klauengesundheitsmonitorings für Rinder.

INTRODUCTION: The main goal of the resources project «Healthy claws - the foundation for the future¼ is to establish a Swiss national claw health monitoring programme for cattle, similar to what has already been established in other countries (e. g. Finland, Sweden). So far in the course of the project, 30 claw trimmers have been trained to use a digital recording software. An appropriate training concept and information to the work environment of Swiss claw trimmers are necessary to ensure that the recorded claw health data is of good quality. The newly developed training programme for claw trimmers was evaluated using the 30 first trained claw trimmers of the project. The training consisted of group events and individual schooling sessions, during which the claw trimmers were trained to recognise, classify and digitally record foot and claw disorders according to the «ICAR claw health atlas¼. At the end of the training programme, demographic and work relevant data about the claw trimmers was collected and their abilities when using the recording software, as well as recognising and classifying foot and claw disorders using pictures or live animals, were evaluated. The demographic and work relevant data collected at the end of the training showed an ageing of the profession (43% of the participants were over 50 years old), a lack of full-time claw trimmers (23% of the claw trimmers worked 90% or 100%), a neglect of locomotion scoring during claw trimming (no locomotion scoring standing from 60% and in movement from 33% of the participants) and a broad use of the Swiss claw trimming method (90% of the claw trimmers indicate using this method). An average Cohens kappa value of 0,74, and thus an overall substantial agreement with the first author, respectively the ICAR Atlas, was achieved for the identification and classification of foot and claw disorders. It was also noted, that all the participants were capable of using the recording software in practice after their schooling. The calculation of Cohens kappa values helps to recognise claw trimmers which fall below the limiting value and therefore show an insufficient agreement. These claw trimmers can thus be excluded from the scientific evaluation or undergo further training. It was concluded that the described training concept is suitable to establish a national claw health monitoring programme.

INTRODUCTION: L'objectif principal du projet «Des onglons sains ­ de bon pied vers l'avenir¼ est la mise en place d'un programme national suisse de surveillance de la santé des onglons des bovins, similaire à ce qui a déjà été mis en place dans d'autres pays (par ex. Finlande, Suède). Jusqu'à présent, au cours du projet, 30 pareurs d'onglons ont été formés à l'utilisation d'un logiciel de documentation électronique. Un concept de formation approprié et des informations sur l'environnement de travail des pareurs suisses sont nécessaires pour garantir la bonne qualité des données enregistrées. Le programme de formation nouvellement mis au point a été évalué à l'aide des 30 premiers pareurs formés. La formation a consisté en des formations de groupe et des formations individuelles, au cours desquelles les pareurs ont été formés à reconnaître, classifier et enregistrer électroniquement les maladies des onglons selon l'«Atlas ICAR santé des onglons¼. À la fin de la formation, des données démographiques et professionnelles concernant les pareurs ont été collectées et leurs capacités à utiliser le logiciel d'enregistrement, à reconnaître et classifier les maladies des onglons à l'aide d'images ou sur des animaux vivants, ont été évaluées. Les données démographiques et professionnelles collectées à l'issue de la formation ont entre autre montré un vieillissement de la profession (43% des participants avaient plus de 50 ans), un manque d'ongleurs à temps plein (23% des ongleurs travaillent à 90% resp. 100%), une négligence de la notation de la motricité lors du parage des onglons (pas de notation de la motricité stationnaire chez de 60% et en mouvement chez33% des participants) et une large utilisation de la méthode suisse de parage des onglons (90% des ongleurs indiquent utiliser cette méthode). Une valeur moyenne du coefficient kappa de Cohens de 0,74, et donc une concordance globale avec le premier auteur, respectivement l'Atlas ICAR, a été obtenue pour l'identification et la classification des maladies des onglons. Il a également été constaté que tous les participants étaient capables après leur formation d'utiliser le logiciel d'enregistrement dans la pratique. Le calcul de valeurs kappa de Cohens permet de reconnaître les pareurs qui descendent en dessous d'une valeur limite et présentent donc une concordance insuffisante. Ces pareurs peuvent ainsi être exclus de l'évaluation scientifique ou suivre une formation complémentaire. On peut en conclure que le concept de formation décrit convient pour la mise en place d'un programme national de surveillance de la santé des onglons.

Research and extension action for parasitic control in pig breeding families located in Tanguá, Rio de Janeiro / Pesquisa e ação de extensão para controle das parasitoses em propriedades familiares de criação de suínos localizadas em Tanguá, Rio de Janeiro

This study aimed to analyze the parasites infesting pigs and their producers on family farms in Tanguá, RJ, Brazil, and to conduct extension activities between 2018 and 2019. Fecal samples were collected from 132 pigs, as well as, skin scrapings from the ears of 125 animals. In addition, 36 stool specimens from farmers and their families were analyzed. The collected material was processed by direct examination, sedimentation and flotation techniques. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 88.6% of the pigs, especially coccidia (71.8%), Balantioides coli (55%), strongyles (40.2%) and Strongyloides ransomi (31.6%) which showed statistically significance (p<0.05). Ectoparasites were identified in 16% of the pigs, mostly Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis (76.2%). Parasites were detected in 19.4% of the humans, including, Entamoeba coli (19.4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (5.5%). The frequency of B. coli and S. scabiei var. suis (p<0.05) were statistically significant, when analyzing the age group of the animals, having been more detected in the older years, fatterners phase. The pig farmers participated in these activities extension, which included lecture and "field day", aimed at imparting information about parasites and their prophylaxis. The situation in Tanguá pig farms reinforces the need to carry out programs that provide technical support to these farmers, whose livelihood depends on pig farming.(AU)

Este estudo objetivou analisar os parasitos que infectam suínos e seus produtores em propriedades familiares em Tanguá, RJ, Brasil, realizando atividades extensionistas entre 2018 e 2019. Amostras fecais foram coletadas de 132 suínos, bem como raspados da pele da orelha de 125 animais. Além disso, 36 amostras fecais dos produtores e seus familiares foram analisadas. O material coletado foi processado pelo exame direto e por técnicas de sedimentação e flutuação. Parasitos gastrointestinais foram detectados em 88,6% dos suínos, principalmente coccídios (71,8%), Balantioides coli (55%), estrôngilos (40,2%) e Strongyloides ransomi (31,6%) que apresentaram significância estatística (p<0,05). Ectoparasitos foram identificados em 16% dos suínos, principalmente Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis (76,2%). Parasitos foram detectados em 19,4% das amostras fecais humanas, incluindo Entamoeba coli (19,4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (8,3%) e Trichuris trichiura (5,5%). A frequência de B. coli e S. scabiei var. suis foi estatisticamente significativa (p<0,05), quando se analisou os animais por faixa etária, tendo sido principalmente detectado nos animais mais velhos, como na fase de terminação. Os produtores de suínos participaram ativamente das atividades de extensão, incluído a palestra e a atividade "dia de campo", que tinham como objetivo mediar informações sobre parasitos e suas medidas profiláticas. A situação nas granjas familiares de Tanguá demonstra a necessidade de realização de programas que apoiem tecnicamente esses produtores, que utilizam a suinocultura como fonte de subsistência.(AU)

African swine fever: Etiology, epidemiological status in Korea, and perspective on control.

African swine fever (ASF), caused by the ASF virus, a member of the Asfarviridae family, is one of the most important diseases in the swine industry due to its clinical and economic impacts. Since the first report of ASF a century ago, ample information has become available, but prevention and treatment measures are still inadequate. Two waves of epizootic outbreaks have occurred worldwide. While the first wave of the epizootic outbreak was controlled in most of the infected areas, the second wave is currently active in the European and Asian continents, causing severe economic losses to the pig industry. There are different patterns of spreading in the outbreaks between those in European and Asian countries. Prevention and control of ASF are very difficult due to the lack of available vaccines and effective therapeutic measures. However, recent outbreaks in South Korea have been successfully controlled on swine farms, although feral pigs are periodically being found to be positive for the ASF virus. Therefore, we would like to share our story regarding the preparation and application of control measures. The success in controlling ASF on farms in South Korea is largely due to the awareness and education of swine farmers and practitioners, the early detection of infected animals, the implementation of strict control policies by the government, and widespread sharing of information among stakeholders. Based on the experience gained from the outbreaks in South Korea, this review describes the current understanding of the ASF virus and its pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, and control.

Smallholder pig farming education improved community knowledge and pig management in Angónia district, Mozambique.

Education on pig farming has been recognized as an important method of transferring knowledge and improving production among smallholder pig producers in rural settings, but the effectiveness of this in different rural settings remains unknown. A community-based intervention trial on smallholder pig farmers was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of pig farming education. Baseline information was collected using interview-based questionnaires and observations regarding pig welfare and husbandry practices followed by participatory pig farming education and field demonstrations. The study was carried out between May 2014 and May 2016 and involved 90 smallholder pig farmers from six villages in Angónia district, of Tete province in Mozambique. The baseline questionnaire among several aspects regarding pig management highlighted that most farmers had an overall knowledge on aspects of transmission (55.1%) and prevention (48.9%) of African swine fever (ASF), porcine cysticercosis (PC) transmission (8.2%), and field diagnosis (36.7%), and they were not aware of the zoonotic potential of PC or the basic husbandry procedures of pigs kept under permanent confinement. Forty-nine of the 90 farmers enrolled, participated in the pig farming education, which provided the basis for making a comparison between trained (54%) and non-trained (46%) pig farmers. Since knowledge for ASF transmission (P < 0.036), pig pen design (P < 0.014), reasons for confine the pigs (P < 0.016), as well as the adoption of the new introduced pig pen model (P < 0.025), and the practices of acceptable, good hygiene of the pig pen (P < 0.009 and P < 0.014, respectively), improved significantly in both groups, a remarkable spill-over was observed, proving villagers capable of transferring knowledge within the villages. However, water provision and total confinement in both groups were still not practiced by the most farmers following the pig farming education (P > 0.174 and 0.254). It is concluded that despite improved knowledge, the farmers failed to follow several recommendations, most likely due to poverty such as lack of basic resources like food and water, which even the farmers themselves lacked for their day to day living.

[Design and practice of the case study methodology throughout the "Animal Genetic Principles and Breeding Methods" course].

"Animal Genetics Principles and Breeding Methods" is a main course for Master students majoring in Agriculture (Livestock) and involves a combination of theory and practice. The traditional teaching method is difficult not only to meet the requirements of modern professional degree teaching, but also for the students to master the theory and practice of genetic breeding. We have employed the case study methodology during the entire course. This paper analyzes the connotation and characteristics of the method and expounds the design and discussion of the cases. Besides, the teaching evaluation is also included. It provides a reference for the application and promotion of the case teaching method in training graduate students majoring in agriculture.

Poultry in the classroom: effectiveness of an online poultry-science-based education program for high school STEM instruction.

Public knowledge of the poultry industry is limited, yet attitudes towards the industry shape consumer behavior and influence the attractiveness of poultry careers and future study. This study assessed an online learning program contextualizing STEM learning within poultry science which was designed to increase poultry knowledge and interest. High school student participants (n = 169) across 16 classes (n = 12 teachers) in Indiana completed seven 30-min online modules during the fall 2018 semester. This case study used a mixed-methods, sequential explanatory design. Student knowledge and interest in poultry and teacher perceptions of the program were examined using quantitative measures. The study's qualitative portion assessed perceptions of the learning experience and comprised open-ended student and teacher survey questions and a teacher focus group. Qualitative data suggested that students' poultry knowledge, including awareness of the industry and related careers, was improved following the modules. Paired t-tests showed moderate to large effect sizes regarding increases in content quiz scores following each module (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.45 to 0.80). Students' mean interest in poultry was initially low and remained statistically similar upon completion of the program (M = 1.84, 1.87; p = 0.67). Student and teacher statements indicated that design features of the program enhanced interest for some students. Other students did not perceive the program and its poultry science topics to be interesting or relevant to their lives. Results from this study can be used to inform the creation of effective poultry learning resources to contribute to workforce development and enhance the industry's public image.

Short communication: Microlearning courses are effective at increasing the feelings of confidence and accuracy in the work of dairy personnel.

Optimization of work processes and personnel compliance becomes progressively essential to ensure high process and product quality on dairy farms with an increasingly nonfamily work force. Standard operating procedures (SOP) are important to minimize variation. In addition to having a set of protocols and SOP, regular training of employees is indispensable to reduce procedural drift. A total of 243 farm owners, employees, and veterinarians from 35 farms were invited to take 3 microlearning lessons for colostrum management and provide feedback in an embedded survey. The overall response rate was 48%, and almost all participants accessed the SOP within the course (i.e., 92, 90, and 96% in the first, second, and third course, respectively). Overall, 59% (22/37) launched the course in their leisure time and 80% stated that they were convinced to work more accurately after having taken the course. Most employees underestimated the time spent in the course (76%), accessed background information (89%), or provided feedback (55%). These observations are indicative of high engagement. Overall, 78% of employees felt more confident in correct task completion after the training.

Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM): protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a Homestead Food Production programme on undernutrition in rural Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic undernutrition affects over 150 million children worldwide and has serious consequences. The causes are complex and include insufficient dietary diversity and poor hygiene practices. Systematic reviews of nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions concluded that while these hold promise, there is insufficient evidence for their impact on child growth. The Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) project is a 1:1 cluster-randomised trial aiming to evaluate the impact of a Homestead Food Production (HFP) programme implemented by Helen Keller International on women's and children's undernutrition. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The HFP intervention comprises training of women's groups and asset distribution to support year-round home gardening, poultry rearing and improved nutrition and hygiene practices. Formal trainings are supplemented by behaviour change communication during household visits, and facilitated links between producer groups and market actors. The FAARM trial will examine if and how this complex intervention reduces undernutrition. In 2015, FAARM enrolled married women and their children (0-3 years) in 96 rural settlements of Habiganj district in Sylhet division, Bangladesh. Covariate-constrained randomisation was used to assign 48 settlements to receive a 3-year HFP intervention, with the other 48 acting as controls, targeting over 2700 women. To study impact pathways, a surveillance system collects data on all participants every 2 months. In late 2019, children 0-3 years of age (born during the intervention period) will be surveyed, thus capturing impact during the critical first 1000 days of life. Children's length/height-for-age z-scores will be compared between intervention and control arms using mixed-effects linear regression. Secondary outcomes include women's and children's micronutrient status, dietary intake, dietary diversity and other indicators of child growth, development and morbidity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was received in Bangladesh and Germany. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations in Bangladesh and internationally. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02505711; Pre-results.

A Bird's-Eye View of Regulatory, Animal Care, and Training Considerations Regarding Avian Flight Research.

A thorough understanding of how animals fly is a central goal of many scientific disciplines. Birds are a commonly used model organism for flight research. The success of this model requires studying healthy and naturally flying birds in a laboratory setting. This use of a nontraditional laboratory animal species presents unique challenges to animal care staff and researchers alike. Here we review regulatory, animal care, and training considerations associated with avian flight research.

Calf care personnel on dairy farms and their educational opportunities.

As dairy herd sizes become larger and the organization of the business more complex, targeting communication and education to enhance animal care becomes more difficult. The purpose of this study was to describe selected demographics of calf care employees on large (>500 animals) and small (<501 animals) dairy farms that raise their own calves. Two to 8 individuals per farm involved with calf care, including owners, veterinarians, and calf managers, feeders, and treaters, were interviewed in either English or Spanish. Interviews were conducted in person on 53 dairy farms located in Arizona, Idaho, New York, Oregon, and Washington State. The number of preweaned calves on the farm ranged from 9 to 1,500 (median = 93). A total of 224 individuals were interviewed across 8 job titles. As farm size increased, personnel structure became more complex. Farms with >100 preweaned calves were 15 times more likely to have a calf manager title compared with farms with ≤100 preweaned calves. Eight farms designated the same person as calf manager, treater, and feeder, all with ≤100 preweaned calves. Thirty-two (60%) of the farms had at least 1 full-time calf feeder. Almost 30% of owners and over 40% of veterinarians interviewed were over 50 yr of age, whereas over 40% of the calf managers, feeders, and treaters were under 30 yr of age. Seventy-three percent of feeders and 72% of treaters spoke Spanish at home. For languages in which interviewees were comfortable speaking, more than 30% of owners and 33% of veterinarians were comfortable communicating in Spanish. For calf care employees, 60% of calf managers, 42% of feeders, and 38% of treaters were bilingual (English and Spanish), but most (72%) preferred to be interviewed in Spanish. The level of education varied by job title for those interviewed, but most of the calf care team had high school or less education. However, some diversity was observed in educational background within job title with almost 38% of the calf managers having at least some college education. The majority of feeders (88%) and treaters (83%) reported being trained by another employee and 66 and 58%, respectively, had not received any continuing education in the previous year. With the amount of diversity seen on these farms, understanding employees' educational backgrounds, language, and generational differences may be valuable when developing training for new procedures for animal health or other aspects of animal care.

Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop: Helping zoos move toward the One Plan Approach.

Most threatened species do not yet have an integrated conservation plan to guide zoos and aquariums in species selection and conservation action. To address this issue, the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), in collaboration with regional zoo and aquarium associations, has developed a new process-an Integrated Collection Assessment and Planning (ICAP) workshop. This brings in situ and ex situ communities together to apply the decision process of the IUCN SSC Guidelines on the Use of Ex Situ Management for Species Conservation to the task of regional or global collection planning. The first ICAP workshop was held in 2016 for 43 canids and hyaenids in collaboration with the relevant regional zoo and aquarium associations and IUCN Specialist Groups. The ICAP process provides a comprehensive assessment that will enhance species conservation by providing guidance to zoos and aquariums on conservation priorities for collection planning, conservation education messaging, in situ field support, and integration of in situ and ex situ efforts, as well as by promoting collaboration among regional zoo and aquarium associations, field-based conservationists, and IUCN SSC Specialist Groups.

Knowledge, attitude and practices relating to zoonotic diseases among livestock farmers in Punjab, India.

Zoonotic diseases cause significant health and economic impact in developing countries such as India. Many zoonotic diseases are prevalent in the livestock and as an occupational zoonosis in the livestock farmers in India. Lack of knowledge on the disease transmission, prevention and control measures is a potential high risk for the occurrence of zoonotic diseases in the livestock and its keepers in India. We conducted this study to understand knowledge, attitude and practices of livestock farmers regarding zoonoses. Five villages from each of the 22 districts of the state were conveniently selected (n = 110). Farmers available at village community sites were enrolled in the study and requested to complete a custom designed questionnaire (n = 558). In addition, livestock farmers attending basic livestock husbandry training were also surveyed (n = 301). Data from questionnaires was used to create three index variables: (a) knowledge score; (b) attitude score and (c) practice score. Association between demographic and other explanatory variables with knowledge score was evaluated using linear regression analyses. Similarly, the association between knowledge and attitude score with practice score was evaluated. Of the 859 participants, 685 (80%) livestock farmers had heard the term 'zoonoses' but only 345 (40%), 264 (31%) and 214 (25%) farmers were aware of the zoonotic nature of tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis and taeniosis, respectively. For practices, 23% farmers reported consumption of raw milk and only 10% and 8% livestock farmers ever got their animals tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis, respectively. The low level of education and being a cattle farmer were negatively associated with the farmer's knowledge on zoonotic diseases. The attitude score was positively associated with the practice score of the participants. The results indicate need for educating the livestock farmers particularly those with a low level of education to reduce the health and economic impact of zoonotic diseases in India.

A review of traditional and machine learning methods applied to animal breeding.

The current livestock management landscape is transitioning to a high-throughput digital era where large amounts of information captured by systems of electro-optical, acoustical, mechanical, and biosensors is stored and analyzed on a daily and hourly basis, and actionable decisions are made based on quantitative and qualitative analytic results. While traditional animal breeding prediction methods have been used with great success until recently, the deluge of information starts to create a computational and storage bottleneck that could lead to negative long-term impacts on herd management strategies if not handled properly. A plethora of machine learning approaches, successfully used in various industrial and scientific applications, made their way in the mainstream approaches for livestock breeding techniques, and current results show that such methods have the potential to match or surpass the traditional approaches, while most of the time they are more scalable from a computational and storage perspective. This article provides a succinct view on what traditional and novel prediction methods are currently used in the livestock breeding field, how successful they are, and how the future of the field looks in the new digital agriculture era.

Implementing small-scale poultry-for-nutrition projects: Successes and lessons learned.

This paper examines Helen Keller International's model for nutrition-sensitive poultry production using a programme implemented in four diverse African contexts-three rural and one urban. Consecutive cross-sectional surveys conducted every 5 months among ~15% of participating households show that despite project-provided training and inputs, there was only limited uptake of many "best practices." Few households constructed improved henhouses; vaccination rates varied and were highest when support was provided. Poultry mortality was high. Egg productivity remained average for village poultry systems, and egg consumption remained low (two to six eggs consumed per household per fortnight). However, children whose mothers were exposed to project messages on nutrition were more likely to eat eggs, and consumption was consistently higher among households with chickens. Women's involvement in chicken rearing was widespread, but their control over revenues from the sale of poultry products was limited. Key lessons learned from implementation were as follows: (a) strong behaviour change communication is needed to encourage egg consumption, (b) nutrition-sensitive village poultry programmes should often focus more on improved practices than improved breeds, (c) supporting women's chicken production is not a route to empowerment without complementary activities that directly support women's ownership and decision making. There is also a need for rigorous research on the role of village poultry in livelihoods, food systems, and consumption as well as the structure of poultry and egg markets in low-resource areas.

Are views towards egg farming associated with Brazilian and Chilean egg consumers' purchasing habits?

In many industrialised countries, public rejection of intensive animal production systems has led to the development of legislation and industry actions that have resulted in significant changes in animal care at the farm level. However, little is known about the views of citizens from emerging countries regarding animal production. The aims of this study were to explore the views of Brazilian and Chilean consumers towards egg farming, and to investigate if these views are associated with participants' eggs purchasing habits and reported willingness to pay (WTP) more for eggs produced in the conditions they perceive as important. In an open question, participants (n = 716) were asked to describe an ideal egg production farm and explain their reasons. This was followed by closed questions asking egg purchasing habits, willingness to pay for eggs produced in the conditions they perceive as important and demographic information. Participants main concerns were with animal welfare, naturalness, hygiene, production, and ethical aspects, which many associated with improved health, sensory, and nutritional quality of the eggs. The views of participants towards an ideal egg production farm were associated, to some extent, with type of egg purchasing habits and WTP a premium for organic or free-range eggs. Our results suggest a demand for more natural, animal friendly egg production systems; furthermore, they indicate a disconnect between lay citizens' expectations and industry practices, given that intensive confined systems typically fail to supply many of the expected characteristics.

Delivery and evaluation of participatory education for animal keepers led by veterinarians and para-veterinarians around the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India.

AIM: We aim to investigate local perceptions of animal health challenges; current animal health knowledge; and methods to provide effective, relevant education to animal keepers in the Kanha Tiger Reserve area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A farmer education programme was undertaken in the Kanha Tiger Reserve area. Local animal health priorities were investigated through participatory village meetings (n = 38), individual animal keeper questionnaires (n = 100) and a written survey of local paravets (n = 16). Educational interventions were: veterinary surgeon led education meeting (VE); paravet led education meeting (PVE); distribution of printed materials (PM). 230 village meetings were carried out across 181 villages, contacting 3791 animal keepers. 20 villages received printed materials. Information was gathered on perceptions of local animal health challenges and current remedies. Efficacy of knowledge transfer was assessed four to five months later using a purposeful sample of 38 villages. RESULTS: Group meetings identified ticks (35/38), foot and mouth disease (FMD) (31/38) and diarrhoea (30/38) as the greatest animal health challenges. Individual interviews identified haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) (87/100), blackquarter (BQ) (66/100) and plastic ingestion (31/100). Paravets identified FMD (7/16), BQ (6/16) and HS (6/16), and also indicated that animal husbandry and socio-economic factors were important. Current treatments were primarily home remedies and herbalism, but also included contacting a paravet, use of pharmaceuticals and faith healing. Animal treatment knowledge prior to intervention was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.868). Following intervention animal health knowledge was assessed: PVE performed better than controls (P = 0.001) and PM (P = 0.003); VE performed better than controls (P = 0.009). There was no significant difference between VE and PVE (P = 0.666) nor PM and controls (P = 0.060). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Open access participatory village meetings are an effective way to provide animal health education. In this region distribution of posters and leaflets did not appear to be an effective way to contact animal keepers. Meetings led by paravets can be as effective as those led by veterinarians and paravets can rapidly and sustainably contact large numbers of animal keepers. Investigation of the local animal health situation is essential to ensure education is relevant and accessible to intended recipients. Interventions must be carefully planned to maximise engagement of all sections of the community, particularly women.

Teaching Tip: The Development of an Interactive Computer-Based Training Program for Timely and Humane On-Farm Pig Euthanasia.

With extensive knowledge and training in the prevention, management, and treatment of disease conditions in animals, veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring good welfare on swine farms by training caretakers on the importance of timely euthanasia. To assist veterinarians and other industry professionals in training new and seasoned caretakers, an interactive computer-based training program was created. It consists of three modules, each containing five case studies, which cover three distinct production stages (breeding stock, piglets, and wean to grower-finisher pigs). Case study development was derived from five specific euthanasia criteria defined in the 2015 Common Swine Industry Audit, a nationally recognized auditing program used in the US. Case studies provide information regarding treatment history, clinical signs, and condition severity of the pig and prompt learners to make management decisions regarding pig treatment and care. Once a decision is made, feedback is provided so learners understand the appropriateness of their decision compared to current industry guidelines. In addition to training farm personnel, this program may also be a valuable resource if incorporated into veterinary, graduate, and continuing education curricula. This innovative tool represents the first interactive euthanasia-specific training program in the US swine industry and offers the potential to improve timely and humane on-farm pig euthanasia.

Distinguishing industrial meat from that of indigenous chickens with molecular markers.

The aim of investigation was to evaluate a traceability system to detect industrial chicken meat among indigenous products, considering issues that could affect assignment accuracy. The dataset included 2 Italian indigenous meat breeds, namely Bionda Piemontese (2 ecotypes) and Bianca di Saluzzo, one broiler line, and 3 layer lines. Assignment tests were performed using a standard panel of 28 microsatellite loci. To evaluate effects of inbreeding and substructure on assignment accuracy, a simulated dataset was prepared. Broilers and layers belong to homogeneous populations and never enter the clusters of indigenous breeds. Ambiguity or misallocation are expected between the Bionda ecotypes and between the 2 indigenous breeds, but it is unlikely that niche products provided by Bionda and Bianca will compete with one another. Non-random mating reduces accuracy, but only populations having weak genetic differentiation are involved, namely those that are less interesting to discriminate. The dataset can be used as a reference population to distinguish commercial meat from indigenous meat with great accuracy. Misallocations increase as number of loci decreases, but only within or between the indigenous breeds. A subpanel of the most resolving 14 loci keeps sufficient informative content to provide accuracy and to correctly allocate additional test samples within the reference population. This analytical tool is economically sustainable as a method to detect fraud or mislabeling. Adoption of a monitoring system should increase the value of typical products because the additional burden of molecular analyses would improve commercial grade and perception of quality.