RESUMO
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a clinically diagnosed disease that carries a reported misdiagnosis rate of 10-20%. Recent scientific discoveries have provided evidence of volatile organic compounds in sebum that are unique to patients with PD. The primary objective of this study was to determine if companion dogs could be trained to distinguish between sebum samples provided by PD-positive patients and PD-negative human controls. This was a randomized, handler-blind, controlled study. Twenty-three canines of varying breeds, ages, and environmental backgrounds were included. The study period encompassed 200 total working days from 2021 to 2022. Factors investigated included donor gender and levodopa drug affectivity, as well as canine breed, age, and duration of training time. The findings in this study were compiled from data collected during the final two years of a seven-year research program. For this two-year reporting period, when averaged as a group, the 23 dogs were 89% sensitive and 87% specific to olfactory distinction between PD-positive and PD-negative human donor samples. Ten of the twenty-three dogs averaged 90% or higher in both sensitivity and specificity. In 161 separate trials, a dog was presented with both novel PD-positive and PD-negative samples. For these novel exposures, the dogs collectively averaged 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity. PD medication was also investigated and was found to have no discernible impact on canine sensitivity or specificity results. Study findings support the application of companion dogs, trained with force-free, reward-based methodologies, for the detection of PD-positive and PD-negative samples under controlled conditions.
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Doença de Parkinson , Cães , Animais , Doença de Parkinson/veterinária , Doença de Parkinson/diagnóstico , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Animais de Estimação , Olfato , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Doenças do Cão/diagnósticoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Avian malaria is caused by diverse parasite species of the genus Plasmodium, and it affects various bird species. The occurrence of this disease in some wild bird species is sparsely documented due to the scarce availability of samples. Hence the pathogenicity in some hosts is not completely known. In addition, feral birds may act as reservoirs bridging the transmission cycle from wild migratory birds to domestic and zoo-kept bird species. CASE PRESENTATION: An owner of pigeons adopted a feral pigeon (Columba livia forma domestica) and housed it together with his other pet-pigeons. The bird died unexpectedly a few weeks after a surgical procedure and necropsy revealed a severely anaemic carcass, with pale organs and hydropericardium. Histopathologic analysis revealed inflammatory infiltrates in the lung and liver, and monocytes and Kupffer cells contained haemozoin pigment indicative of phagocytosis of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes. A high erythrocytic infection rate of 18% was evident in tissues and blood vessels in various organs. Furthermore, the thyroid had masses classified as thyroid carcinomas. Immunohistochemistry with anti- Plasmodium falciparum HSP70 antibody revealed positive signals in erythrocytes and intravascular leucocytes. Further microscopy analysis using a Hemacolor-stained impression smear revealed a high parasitaemia with an asynchronous infection showing all erythrocytic stages. Molecular diagnosis by PCR identified Plasmodium relictum, lineage GRW11 as the aetiological agent. The bird presented died most likely due to an acute infection as evidenced by the high blood parasitaemia, leading to major erythrocyte destruction. Further analyses of feral pigeons (n = 22) did not reveal any additional cases of Plasmodium infections. CONCLUSION: This study reports the first mortality associated with P. relictum lineage GRW11. The study supports previous studies, suggesting that Plasmodium infections are not frequent in pigeons. Host conditions like immunosuppression due to the tumour may have influenced the infection outcome in this fatal case. Use of anti-P. falciparum HSP70 antibody for detection of P. relictum antigens for immune assays in blood and tissue samples will be a useful tool for future studies.
Assuntos
Columbidae , Malária Aviária , Plasmodium , Animais , Columbidae/parasitologia , Malária Aviária/parasitologia , Malária Aviária/diagnóstico , Plasmodium/isolamento & purificação , Plasmodium/classificação , Masculino , Evolução Fatal , Animais de Estimação/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves/patologiaRESUMO
Trixacarus caviae is a sarcoptic mange mite infesting guinea pigs. Infestation in immunosuppressed animals produces severe dermatological problems, including alopecia, intense pruritus, hyperkeratosis and non-dermatological issues (e.g., seizures). Treatment options are limited and include topical application of macrocyclic lactones or amitraz or injectable administration of ivermectin or doramectin. Considering the severity of the disease and the challenging treatment, the present paper aimed to determine the efficacy of oral afoxolaner in a severe case of infestation with T. caviae in a pet guinea pig. One female guinea pig was referred to the New Companion Animal Clinic due to severe dermatological problems. A clinical evaluation was done, and skin scrapings were collected and examined under the microscope. Small mites were detected and morphologically identified as T. caviae. The animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg/kg afoxolaner, and the lesions, presence/absence of mites and intensity of pruritus were evaluated periodically until 2 months post-treatment. A week after the medication, the lesions were milder, but pruritus was still present and was attributed to the healing process. Further examinations showed significant improvement with the complete remission of clinical signs and no mites at the microscopic examination after 4 weeks. Afoxolaner was safe and effective in this guinea pig for the treatment of T. caviae mange with no repetition needed.
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Naftalenos , Animais , Cobaias , Feminino , Naftalenos/administração & dosagem , Naftalenos/uso terapêutico , Infestações por Ácaros/veterinária , Infestações por Ácaros/tratamento farmacológico , Infestações por Ácaros/parasitologia , Acaricidas/uso terapêutico , Acaricidas/administração & dosagem , Animais de Estimação , Pirimidinas/administração & dosagem , Pirimidinas/uso terapêutico , Doenças dos Roedores/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças dos Roedores/parasitologia , IsoxazóisRESUMO
Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia species associated with birds. One of the causative agents of the disease is Chlamydia psittaci, which is commonly carried by psittacine and other bird species, can be highly pathogenic and virulent to humans. In Hong Kong, a city with high population density, psittacosis is a notifiable disease with over 60% of cases in the last decade resulting in hospitalization. However, the sources of transmission of C. psittaci and its prevalence in pet birds in Hong Kong are currently unknown. To evaluate the risks of psittacosis transmission through pet birds, we tested the presence of C. psittaci and determined its genotypes in samples obtained from 516 captive birds from households, pet shops, and a veterinary hospital in Hong Kong. Results revealed that five samples (0.97%), collected from budgerigars and cockatiels, were C. psittaci-positive, while four (80%) of them were obtained from pet shops. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that all identified strains belonged to Genotype A and showed high similarity to other sequences of this genotype obtained from various geographical locations and host species, including mammals. Our findings provide evidence for the presence of Chlamydia psittaci and shed light on its sources in captive birds in Hong Kong. They highlight the potential zoonotic risks associated with this pathogen, which can affect both humans and wild birds.
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Doenças das Aves , Aves , Chlamydophila psittaci , Genótipo , Animais de Estimação , Filogenia , Psitacose , Animais , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , Chlamydophila psittaci/isolamento & purificação , Hong Kong/epidemiologia , Psitacose/microbiologia , Psitacose/epidemiologia , Psitacose/veterinária , Animais de Estimação/microbiologia , Aves/microbiologia , Prevalência , Doenças das Aves/microbiologia , Doenças das Aves/epidemiologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The global increase of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is one of the most urgent public health threats affecting both humans and animals. The One Health concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health and highlights the need for integrated approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Although the sharing of environments and antimicrobial agents between companion animals and humans poses a risk for MDRO transmission, companion animals have been studied to a lesser extent than livestock animals. This study therefore used core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) to investigate the genetic relationships and putative transmission of MDROs between humans and pets. METHODS: This descriptive integrated typing study included 252 human isolates, 53 dog isolates and 10 cat isolates collected from 2019 to 2022 at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany. CgMLST was performed to characterize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The genetic diversity of the MDROs of the different host populations was determined and compared based on sequence type and core genome complex type. RESULTS: Within this study the majority of samples from pets and humans was genetically distinct. However, for some isolates, the number of allelic differences identified by cgMLST was low. Two cases of putative household transmission or shared source of VR E. faecium and MDR E. coli between humans and pets were documented. CONCLUSIONS: The interaction between humans and their pets appears to play a minor role in the spread of the MDROs studied. However, further research is needed. This study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive molecular surveillance and a multidisciplinary One Health approach to understand and contain the spread of MDROs in human and animal populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00030009).
Assuntos
Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina , Tipagem de Sequências Multilocus , Animais de Estimação , Humanos , Animais , Cães , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla/genética , Gatos , Animais de Estimação/microbiologia , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina/genética , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina/classificação , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Genoma Bacteriano , Enterococos Resistentes à Vancomicina/genética , Alemanha , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Variação Genética , Saúde ÚnicaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Research into the impact of social relationships on childhood and adolescent health and wellbeing has been largely limited to children's relationships with other humans, while studies into the impact of pet ownership are sparse and have generally not adjusted for potential confounders. This study aimed to investigate the association between pet ownership and a range of developmental outcomes in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: Data were self-reports and direct assessments of approx. 14,000 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Multivariable regression models adjusting for confounding factors examined associations between developmental outcome measures (emotional health, behavioural development, cognitive development, language development, educational attainment) and concurrent pet ownership, including species, and also longitudinal pet ownership history and pet-interaction where possible. Analyses model numbers using multiple imputation varied from n = 393-8963. RESULTS: In cross-sectional analyses, owning a dog (b = 0.24, [0.06-0.41], p = .004) and owning other/miscellaneous pets (b = 0.18, [0.03-0.33], p = .021) at age 3 were associated with higher prosocial behaviour score. Owning a pet was associated with a higher non-verbal communication score at age 2 (cross-sectional, b = 0.18, [0.04-0.32], p = .014), and a higher language development score at age 5 (cross-sectional, b = 1.01, [0.18-1.83], p = .017). However, pet ownership was associated with lower educational attainment across a number of academic subjects and timepoints, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. It was also cross-sectionally linked to hyperactivity at age 3 and conduct problems at age 3 and 11. Furthermore, at age 8, cross-sectional analysis showed that children who owned any pets (OR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.73-0.98], p= ·026) or cats (0.83, [0.73-0.95], p= ·006) had lower odds of high self-esteem (scholastic competence). CONCLUSIONS: Using a large, well-designed longitudinal study and adjusting for key confounders, we found little evidence of cross-sectional or longitudinal associations between pet ownership and emotional health or cognitive outcomes in children. There may, however, be some cross-sectional and longitudinal association with poorer educational attainment and a positive impact on social interactions as seen through associations with enhanced language development and prosocial behaviour. This study demonstrates the importance of adjustment for confounding variables and suggests that, contrary to popular belief, positive impacts of pet ownership on childhood development may be mainly limited to social behaviour and language development.
Assuntos
Desenvolvimento Infantil , Animais de Estimação , Humanos , Estudos Transversais , Estudos Longitudinais , Criança , Animais , Masculino , Feminino , Pré-Escolar , Reino Unido , Vínculo Humano-Animal , Coorte de Nascimento , Desenvolvimento da Linguagem , Cães , Adolescente , Escolaridade , Cognição , GatosRESUMO
A growing body of evidence has provided support for the beneficial impact of human-animal interactions on a range of biological, social, and psychological outcomes for humans; however, less is conclusively known about the association between animal companionship and psycho-social health specifically among aging populations. In this study, we assessed the association between animal companionship and psycho-social well-being in a large sample (N = 30,865) of community dwelling Canadians aged 45 and older. Using cross-sectional data from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Healthy Aging, we conducted hierarchical multiple regression to assess the relationship between animal companionship and four domains of psycho-social well-being (satisfaction with life, loneliness, depression, and levels of social support) after controlling for socio-demographic factors and psycho-social measures. Results indicate that those with animal companionship report significantly higher levels of social support than aging Canadians without animal companionship; however, animal companionship was also associated with significantly lower levels of life satisfaction and higher levels of both loneliness and depression. These findings complicate the existing literature on human-animal interactions by suggesting the benefits associated with animal companionship may vary across distinct domains of psycho-social health. As such, results from this study highlight the need for more nuanced model specifications when assessing the relationship between animal companionship and psycho-social well-being. Implications of these findings for the provision of social services to older adults with pets are provided.
Assuntos
Depressão , Vínculo Humano-Animal , Solidão , Satisfação Pessoal , Apoio Social , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Envelhecimento/psicologia , Canadá , Estudos Transversais , Depressão/psicologia , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Solidão/psicologia , População Norte-Americana , Animais de Estimação/psicologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to determine the views and thoughts of dog owners in Türkiye on animal welfare. The research material consisted of data obtained from face-to-face surveys with 172 randomly selected dog owners. Half of the dog owners (54,7 %) were aware of the concept of animal welfare, and almost two-thirds (61,6 %) organized their dogs' living spaces according to animal welfare principles. Participants most associated the concept of animal welfare with the concept of animal quality of life (47,7 %). Gender (p.
INTRODUCTION: L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer les opinions et les réflexions des propriétaires de chiens en Turquie quant au bien-être des animaux. Le matériel de recherche se compose de données obtenues à partir d'enquêtes en face-à-face avec 172 propriétaires de chiens sélectionnés au hasard. La moitié des propriétaires de chiens (54,7 %) connaissaient le concept de bien-être animal et près des deux tiers (61,6 %) organisaient l'espace de vie de leur chien selon les principes du bien-être animal. Les participants associaient le plus souvent le concept de bien-être animal à celui de qualité de vie des animaux (47,7 %). Le sexe (p.
Assuntos
Bem-Estar do Animal , Propriedade , Cães/psicologia , Animais , Humanos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Masculino , Turquia , Feminino , Animais de Estimação/psicologia , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
Humans can form an intense bond with their pets through shared love, attachment, and amusement. Through this case study, nurses can develop an increased understanding of how companion pets affect the quality of life of patie.
Assuntos
Animais de Estimação , Humanos , Animais , Neoplasias/psicologia , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Feminino , Masculino , Vínculo Humano-Animal , Cães , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Gatos , AdultoRESUMO
Background: Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) involving live visits with canines shows strong promise to improve quality of life (QOL) in hospitalized youth with cancer or blood disorders. The emerging field of virtual AAI allows access to AAI regardless of setting and extends to children at home. Youth and Pet Survivors™ (YAPS) is a novel form of virtual AAI with dog and cat pen pals who share a diagnosis of cancer or serious illness. Little is known about how exchanging letters with animals with a shared diagnosis influences perceived QOL, and how the human-animal bond (HAB) is expressed in letter narratives. Method: A thematic narrative analysis approach was used to analyze a secondary dataset consisting of letters and interviews from children in YAPS. The research team designed a conceptual framework to guide the analysis, integrating concepts of perceived QOL, the HAB, and emotional social support. Results: Collectively, the letter and interview texts illustrated cocreated stories of the HAB. Themes included the virtual HAB as a mirror, constructing identity in the context of the HAB, expressions of the mutuality of the HAB, happiness with having a pen pal, illness story, and connection to normalcy. Answers to research questions operationalize the influence of virtual AAI. Discussion: Having an animal pen pal improved perceived QOL and was a potent source of emotional social support across the illness trajectory, supporting YAPS as a nurse-led intervention for facilitating adjustment to illness. This study adds a conceptual framework and scientific evidence to the emerging field of virtual AAI.
Assuntos
Terapia Assistida com Animais , Neoplasias , Qualidade de Vida , Cães , Animais , Humanos , Adolescente , Criança , Gatos , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Neoplasias/psicologia , Feminino , Masculino , Terapia Assistida com Animais/métodos , Doenças Hematológicas/psicologia , Doenças Hematológicas/terapia , Vínculo Humano-Animal , Animais de EstimaçãoRESUMO
Antibiotic resistance constitutes a significant public health challenge, with diverse reservoirs of resistant bacteria playing pivotal roles in their dissemination. Among these reservoirs, pets are carrying antibiotic-resistant strains. The objective of this study was to assess the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli, and the prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli strains in dogs and cats from Tamaulipas, Mexico. A total of 300 stool samples (150 dogs and 150 cats) from healthy pets were subjected to analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and the identification of ESBLs were carried out by disc diffusion method. The presence of resistance genes, class 1, 2, and 3 integrons (intI1, intI2, and intI3) and phylogroups was determined by PCR analysis. The findings reveal that 42.6% (128/300) of the strains exhibited resistance to at least one of the eight antibiotics assessed, and 18.6% (56/300) demonstrated multidrug resistance (MDR), that distributed across 69 distinct resistance patterns. Altogether 2.6% of E. coli strains (8/300) were confirmed as TEM and CTX-M type ESBL producers. These outcomes underscore the roles of dogs and cats in Tamaulipas as reservoirs for the dissemination of MDR and/or ESBL strains. The results underscore the necessity for conducting prevalence studies on ESBL-producing E. coli, forming a foundation for comprehending the present scenario and formulating strategies for the control and mitigation of this issue.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Escherichia coli , Fezes , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Animais de Estimação , beta-Lactamases , Animais , Cães/microbiologia , México , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/isolamento & purificação , Gatos/microbiologia , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Animais de Estimação/microbiologia , beta-Lactamases/genética , Fezes/microbiologia , Infecções por Escherichia coli/veterinária , Infecções por Escherichia coli/microbiologia , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana , Integrons , Doenças do Gato/microbiologia , Doenças do Cão/microbiologia , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Both cats and dogs fetch, but the likely function(s) of this behavior for each species have not been compared. In this study, we assessed data from online surveys of cat and dog behavior (Fe-BARQ; C-BARQ) completed by cat (N = 8224) and dog owners (N = 73724). We assessed responses to the items "Plays 'fetch'; likes to retrieve thrown objects or toys" (Fe-BARQ) and "Will 'fetch' or attempt to fetch sticks, balls, or objects" (C-BARQ). Cats and dogs described as "sometimes," "usually" or "always" fetching were categorized as fetchers. Regression models were used to examine which animal-related (e.g., sex, age) and environmental factors best predicted fetching, and chi-square tests were used to explore the effect of breed on fetching behavior. Fetching was reported in 40.9% of cats and 77.8% of dogs. In cats, fetching was correlated with play and activity. In dogs, fetching was correlated with overall trainability. In both cats and dogs, being female, older, living with (other) dogs, and having health problems decreased the likelihood of fetching. Breed effects were observed in both species, with fetching more prominent in cat breeds originating in the Far East (e.g., Burmese, Siamese, and Tonkinese) and in dog breeds from the Retriever, UK Rural, Poodle, Pointer and Spaniel clades. We discuss the results in the context of domestication history of both cats and dogs and posit several hypotheses about why fetching behavior is observed in both.
Assuntos
Comportamento Animal , Animais , Gatos , Cães , Feminino , Masculino , Comportamento Animal/fisiologia , Propriedade , Humanos , Animais de Estimação , PrevalênciaRESUMO
Social cognitive models are useful for improving our understanding of the relationship between people's health beliefs and disease risks and have been widely employed in human medicine. In veterinary science, there is little research about owners' perceptions of pet health and parasitic infections/infestations, despite the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens by ectoparasites. This study investigated the effects of demographic factors on pet owner's perception of ectoparasite infestation risk and behaviours related to animal health in southeast Queensland, Australia employing the Health Belief Model (HBM). A total of 241 dog owners were surveyed in 2018. The electronic survey was generated through SurveyMonkey and distributed utilising UQ SVS and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) email networks, informative posters and brochures placed in selected veterinary clinics, and in-person visits to dog parks. The relationship between dog owners' perception of flea and tick infestation risk was assessed using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model, social cognitive framework for health protection. Most survey respondents were between 26 and 45 years of age (40%), identified themselves as females (83%) and had a bachelor's degree (43%). Our results indicate that female owners had greater level of health concern related to ectoparasites compared to males. Similarly, owners aged 18 to 25, with a grade 10 to 12 level of attained education and living predominately in a rural setting showed greater level of health concern related to ectoparasite infestations. The results also indicated that cat owners had on average, higher levels of health concern than dog owners. Our study indicates that the perceptions of pet owners towards perception of flea and tick infestation risk varies demographically, and owner education is an important predictor of prevention behaviours towards tick and flea infestation of pets.
Assuntos
Doenças do Cão , Infestações por Pulgas , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Infestações por Carrapato , Animais , Queensland/epidemiologia , Cães , Feminino , Masculino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/psicologia , Infestações por Carrapato/veterinária , Infestações por Carrapato/epidemiologia , Infestações por Carrapato/psicologia , Infestações por Pulgas/veterinária , Infestações por Pulgas/parasitologia , Infestações por Pulgas/epidemiologia , Infestações por Pulgas/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem , Propriedade/estatística & dados numéricos , Idoso , Adolescente , Animais de Estimação/psicologia , Animais de Estimação/parasitologiaRESUMO
Reptiles and amphibians are popular in the exotic pet trade, where Australian species are valued for their rarity and uniqueness. Despite a near-complete ban on the export of Australian wildlife, smuggling and subsequent international trade frequently occur in an unregulated and unmonitored manner. In 2022, Australia listed over 100 squamates in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to better monitor this trade. We investigated current trade and assessed the value of this Australian CITES listing using web-scraping methods to monitor the online pet trade in Australian reptiles and amphibians, with additional data from published papers, trade databases, and seizure records. Despite the export ban, we identified 170 endemic herpetofauna (reptile and amphibian) species in international trade, 33 of which were not recorded previously in the international market, including 6 newly recorded genera. Ninety-two traded species were included in CITES appendices (59 added in 2022), but at least 78 other traded species remained unregulated. Among these, 5 of the 10 traded threatened species were unlisted, and we recommend they be considered for inclusion in CITES Appendix III. We also recommend the listing of all Diplodactylidae genera in Appendix III. Despite this family representing the greatest number of Australian species in trade, only one genus (of 7 traded) was included in the recent CITES amendments. Overall, a large number of Australian reptile and amphibian species are traded internationally and, although we acknowledge the value of Australia's recent CITES listing, we recommend the consideration of other taxa for similar inclusion in CITES.
Escala del mercado internacional no regulado de reptiles y anfibios australianos Resumen Los reptiles y anfibios son populares en el comercio de mascotas exóticas, en el que las especies australianas son valoradas por su rareza y singularidad. A pesar de la prohibición casi total de la exportación de fauna silvestre australiana, el contrabando y el comercio internacional posterior se producen con frecuencia de forma no regulada y no supervisada. En 2022, Australia incluyó más de 100 escamosos en el apéndice III de la Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES) para controlar mejor este comercio. Investigamos el comercio actual y evaluamos el valor de esta inclusión en CITES con métodos de raspado web para monitorear el comercio virtual de reptiles y anfibios australianos como mascotas, con datos adicionales de artículos publicados, bases de datos comerciales y registros de incautaciones. A pesar de la prohibición de las exportaciones, identificamos 170 especies endémicas de herpetofauna (reptiles y anfibios) en el comercio internacional, 33 de las cuales no se habían registrado previamente en el mercado internacional, incluidos 6 géneros registrados recientemente. Noventa y dos especies comercializadas se incluyeron en los apéndices de CITES (59 añadidas en 2022), pero al menos otras 78 especies comercializadas permanecieron sin regular. Entre ellas, cinco de las diez especies amenazadas comercializadas no estaban incluidas y recomendamos que se considere su inclusión en el apéndice III de CITES. También recomendamos la inclusión de todos los géneros de Diplodactylidae en el apéndice III. A pesar de que esta familia representa el mayor número de especies australianas en el comercio, sólo un género (de 7 comercializados) fue incluido en las recientes enmiendas de CITES. En general, un gran número de especies de reptiles y anfibios australianos son objeto de comercio internacional y, aunque reconocemos el valor de la reciente inclusión de Australia en CITES, recomendamos que se consideren otros taxones para su similar inclusión.
Assuntos
Anfíbios , Comércio , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Espécies em Perigo de Extinção , Répteis , Animais , Répteis/fisiologia , Anfíbios/fisiologia , Austrália , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/legislação & jurisprudência , Espécies em Perigo de Extinção/legislação & jurisprudência , Internacionalidade , Animais de EstimaçãoRESUMO
Illegal poaching and overexploitation for the international pet trade are among the greatest threats to freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia. Expanding consumer research in China is crucial to filling knowledge gaps about the scale and structure of illegal trade and developing audience-targeted and relevant interventions that may reduce demand for illegal turtles as pets. We applied mixed methods to provide a detailed understanding of the consumer side of the illegal pet turtle trade in China. We conducted 30 interviews with key stakeholders and online surveys (n = 2456) of turtle keepers via community forums. From these, we identified 3 core consumer groups based on their prior turtle-keeping experience, species exposure, and potential for future purchases. We conducted a thematic qualitative analysis of concepts related to the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) model to determine the factors influencing the illegal pet turtle trade and to identify barriers to illegal purchases. Specifically, we identified purchasers' capabilities, opportunities, and motivations in the context of legality, enforcement risk, captive breeding, and impacts on wild population. We developed consumer journey maps (i.e., visual representations of customer's experiences throughout their buying journey) for core consumer groups. These maps illustrate the sequential behaviors and processes that consumers undertake when purchasing turtles, from initial exposure to sourcing, keeping, and providing a new home. Key factors influencing illegal purchases included convenient purchase channels, misguided cognition and motivations for pet keeping, and weak law enforcement. Effective interventions included messages focusing on shifting cognition and beliefs, increasing legal risk perception, and emphasizing stringent law enforcement, primarily delivered through online channels. Our results underscore the necessity for adaptable, audience-tailored interventions to reduce consumer demand for illegal wildlife products. The mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data, provided a comprehensive understanding of the target behavior and can inform the development of effective intervention strategies.
Uso de las percepciones del consumidor para guiar las intervenciones de cambio conductual enfocadas en el mercado ilegal de tortugas en China Resumen La caza furtiva y la sobreexplotación por el comercio internacional de mascotas son algunas de las mayores amenazas para las tortugas de agua dulce del sudeste asiático. Es esencial conocer más sobre los consumidores en China para llenar los vacíos en el conocimiento sobre la escala y la estructura del comercio ilegal y desarrollar intervenciones pertinentes y dirigidas al público que puedan reducir la demanda de tortugas como mascotas ilegales. Aplicamos métodos mixtos para conocer en detalle la percepción del consumidor del comercio ilegal de tortugas como mascotas en China. Realizamos 30 entrevistas a actores clave y encuestas en línea (n=2456) a cuidadores de tortugas a través de foros comunitarios. A partir de ellas, identificamos tres grupos principales de consumidores en función de su experiencia previa en la cría de tortugas, su exposición a las especies y su potencial para futuras compras. Realizamos un análisis cualitativo temático de conceptos relacionados con el modelo de capacidad, oportunidad, motivación y comportamiento (COMB) para determinar los factores que influyen en el comercio ilegal de tortugas e identificar las barreras para las compras ilegales. En concreto, identificamos las capacidades, oportunidades y motivaciones de los compradores en el contexto de la legalidad, el riesgo de aplicación de la ley, la cría en cautiverio y el impacto sobre la población silvestre. Elaboramos mapas de viaje del consumidor (representaciones visuales de las experiencias del cliente a lo largo de su compra) para los principales grupos de consumidores. Estos mapas ilustran los comportamientos y procesos secuenciales que llevan a cabo los consumidores cuando compran tortugas, desde la exposición inicial hasta la adquisición, el mantenimiento y la asignación de un nuevo hogar. Entre los factores clave que influyen en las compras ilegales se encuentran la conveniencia de los canales de compra, los conocimientos y motivaciones erróneos para mantener mascotas y la debilidad de la aplicación de la ley. Las intervenciones eficaces incluyeron mensajes centrados en cambiar los conocimientos y las creencias, aumentar la percepción del riesgo legal y hacer hincapié en la aplicación rigurosa de la ley, principalmente a través de canales virtuales. Nuestros resultados destacan la necesidad de intervenciones adaptables y adaptadas al público para reducir la demanda de productos ilegales de fauna silvestre por parte de los consumidores. El enfoque de métodos mixtos, que combina datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, proporcionó una comprensión exhaustiva del comportamiento objetivo y puede servir de base para el desarrollo de estrategias de intervención eficaces.
Assuntos
Comércio , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Animais de Estimação , Tartarugas , Tartarugas/fisiologia , Animais , China , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/legislação & jurisprudência , Animais de Estimação/psicologia , Comportamento do Consumidor , HumanosRESUMO
The global pet trade in invertebrates remains poorly understood and underrepresented in policy and research. Tarantulas are a highly traded invertebrate group. Many individuals in trade are wild caught, and trade regulation is often lacking, raising concerns about the effect of trade on local ecosystems and populations. We addressed local concerns surrounding the international trade of Tapinauchenius rasti (Caribbean diamond tarantula), which is endemic to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We assessed the extinction risks associated with this widely traded species by analyzing supply of and demand for the species with the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation, behavior) model. This model breaks down decision-making into capability, opportunity, and motivation. We interviewed stakeholders throughout the supply chain and analyzed content of an online hobbyist forum and a time series of prices for this species and other tarantulas. In terms of motivation, there was limited preference for the Caribbean diamond tarantula due to its morphology and behavior. In terms of opportunity, the species was readily available, primarily through captive breeding. Collecting wild specimens is challenging due to enforcement measures and logistical difficulties, making it an unprofitable endeavor. In terms of capability, the species was relatively low in price, likely because it is easy to breed in captivity. As a result, the current wildlife trade does not pose a significant threat to the Caribbean diamond tarantula. Our methodology can serve as a valuable tool for assessing potential threats posed by trade to other spider species and possibly other invertebrates. Understanding these threats is crucial for promoting responsible and sustainable trade practices that minimize risks to wild populations while ensuring equitable benefits for communities coexisting with wildlife.
Evaluación del riesgo de sobreexplotación para una especie de tarántula en el mercado de mascotas Resumen El comercio mundial de invertebrados como mascotas todavía es poco conocido y poco representado en las políticas y la investigación. Las tarántulas son un grupo de invertebrados muy comercializado. Muchos ejemplares comercializados son capturados en su entorno natural y a menudo no existe la regulación del comercio, lo que suscita preocupación por el efecto del comercio en los ecosistemas y las poblaciones locales. Abordamos las preocupaciones locales en torno al comercio internacional de Tapinauchenius rasti (tarántula diamante del Caribe), endémica de San Vicente y las Granadinas. Analizamos la oferta y la demanda de la especie con el modelo de comportamiento COMB para evaluar los riesgos de extinción asociados a esta especie tan comercializada. Este modelo desglosa la toma de decisiones en capacidad, oportunidad y motivación. Entrevistamos a los actores a lo largo de la cadena de suministro y analizamos el contenido de un foro de aficionados en línea y una serie cronológica de precios para esta especie y otras tarántulas. En términos de motivación, hubo una preferencia limitada por la tarántula diamante del Caribe debido a su morfología y comportamiento. En términos de oportunidad, la especie estaba fácilmente disponible, principalmente a través de la cría en cautiverio. La recolección de especímenes silvestres es un reto debido a las medidas judiciales y a las dificultades logísticas, por lo que no resulta rentable. En cuanto a la capacidad, el precio de la especie era relativamente bajo, probablemente porque es fácil de criar en cautiverio. Por lo tanto, el comercio actual de especies silvestres no supone una amenaza significativa para la tarántula diamante del Caribe. Nuestra metodología puede ser una herramienta valiosa para evaluar las amenazas potenciales que el comercio plantea a otras especies de arañas y posiblemente a otros invertebrados. Comprender estas amenazas es crucial para promover prácticas comerciales responsables y sostenibles que minimicen los riesgos para las poblaciones silvestres y garanticen al mismo tiempo beneficios equitativos para las comunidades que coexisten con la vida silvestre.
Assuntos
Comércio , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Aranhas , Animais , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/métodos , Aranhas/fisiologia , Animais de Estimação , Medição de Risco , Extinção BiológicaRESUMO
Background: Obesity of companion animals in Canada is becoming a problem in veterinary practice. Cats and dogs, in particular, are increasingly overweight. However, prevention and treatment present challenges. Challenges in treating pet obesity, such as client nonadherence and animal welfare issues arising from obesity, also affect the well-being of veterinarians - especially given the coincident high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue experienced in the profession. Objective: This study investigated how practicing veterinarians perceive the treatment of overweight companion animals and how treating obese pets affects well-being of veterinarians. Animals and procedure: We recruited veterinarians who routinely treat companion animals in private practice to participate in focus group interviews. We also interviewed veterinarians who could not attend the focus group sessions, yet still wished to contribute. Through thematic data analysis, we generated key themes that illustrated how treating obese pets negatively affects veterinarian well-being. Results: Eighteen companion animal veterinarians contributed to this study. We generated 3 themes from the analysis that illustrate negative effects of treating obese pets on veterinarian well-being: i) negative feelings such as frustration and sadness associated with treating obese pets; ii) owners' lack of comprehension of the effects of obesity on pets, including early euthanasia; and iii) client nonadherence regarding treatment. Conclusion and clinical relevance: This study contributes to the veterinary literature on companion animal obesity by focusing on how treating pet obesity affects veterinarian well-being, especially given high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue in the profession. As pet obesity increases in society, obesity prevention and treatment is becoming central to companion animal veterinary practice. Our findings suggest that veterinarian well-being is negatively affected in connection with companion animal obesity. We recommend relationship-centered communication, increased nutritional expertise, and a focus on wellness in the workplace to improve veterinarian well-being while treating pet obesity.
Quand les vétérinaires traitent des animaux en surpoids : perspectives pour la pratique vétérinaire. Contexte: L'obésité des animaux de compagnie au Canada devient un problème dans la pratique vétérinaire. Les chats et les chiens, en particulier, sont de plus en plus en surpoids. Cependant, la prévention et le traitement présentent des défis. Les défis liés au traitement de l'obésité des animaux de compagnie, tels que la non-observance des traitements par les clients et les problèmes de bien-être animal liés à l'obésité, affectent également le bien-être des vétérinaires en particulier compte tenu des taux élevés d'épuisement professionnel et de fatigue de compassion que connaît la profession. Objectif: Cette étude a examiné comment les vétérinaires en exercice perçoivent le traitement des animaux de compagnie en surpoids et comment le traitement des animaux obèses affecte le bien-être des vétérinaires. Animaux et procédure: Nous avons recruté des vétérinaires qui traitent régulièrement des animaux de compagnie en cabinet privé pour participer à des entretiens de groupe. Nous avons également interrogé des vétérinaires qui n'avaient pas pu assister aux séances de groupe de discussion, mais qui souhaitaient néanmoins contribuer. Grâce à l'analyse thématique des données, nous avons généré des thèmes clés illustrant comment le traitement des animaux obèses affecte négativement le bien-être des vétérinaires. Résultats: Dix-huit vétérinaires d'animaux de compagnie ont contribué à cette étude. Nous avons généré 3 thèmes à partir de l'analyse qui illustrent les effets négatifs du traitement des animaux obèses sur le bien-être du vétérinaire : i) les sentiments négatifs tels que la frustration et la tristesse associés au traitement des animaux obèses; ii) le manque de compréhension des propriétaires des effets de l'obésité sur les animaux de compagnie, y compris l'euthanasie précoce; et iii) la non-observance du traitement par les clients. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Cette étude contribue à la littérature vétérinaire sur l'obésité des animaux de compagnie en se concentrant sur la façon dont le traitement de l'obésité des animaux de compagnie affecte le bien-être des vétérinaires, en particulier compte tenu des taux élevés d'épuisement professionnel et de fatigue de compassion dans la profession. À mesure que l'obésité des animaux de compagnie augmente dans la société, la prévention et le traitement de l'obésité deviennent essentiels à la pratique vétérinaire des animaux de compagnie. Nos résultats suggèrent que le bien-être des vétérinaires est affecté négativement par l'obésité des animaux de compagnie. Nous recommandons une communication centrée sur les relations, une expertise nutritionnelle accrue et une concentration sur le bien-être au travail pour améliorer le bien-être des vétérinaires tout en traitant l'obésité des animaux de compagnie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).
Assuntos
Obesidade , Médicos Veterinários , Animais , Médicos Veterinários/psicologia , Humanos , Gatos , Cães , Obesidade/veterinária , Obesidade/terapia , Obesidade/psicologia , Doenças do Gato/psicologia , Doenças do Gato/terapia , Animais de Estimação , Medicina Veterinária , Feminino , Masculino , Grupos Focais , Doenças do Cão/psicologia , Doenças do Cão/terapia , Esgotamento Profissional/psicologia , Bem-Estar do Animal , CanadáRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidium spp. is a ubiquitous, globally distributed intestinal protozoan infecting humans and at least 260 animal hosts. Due to close human contact with pet dogs and identification of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species and subtypes in these animals, dog health is not only a veterinarian issue but also a public health issue. This study aimed to understand occurrence and genetic characterization at both genotype and subtype levels in pet dogs in Yunnan Province, China. RESULTS: A total of 589 fresh fecal specimens were collected from adult pet dogs in the rural areas of eight cities/autonomous prefectures of Yunnan Province, China. 16 fecal specimens were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequence analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene, with an average occurrence rate of 2.7% (16/589) being observed. Three zoonotic Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. parvum (n = 7), C. suis (n = 5) and C. canis (n = 4). At the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus, only three C. parvum and two C. canis specimens were successfully amplified and sequenced, with subtype IIaA17G2R1 (n = 3) and subtypes XXa4 (n = 1) and XXa5 (n = 1) being identified, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present finding of three zoonotic Cryptosporidium species in dogs implied that dogs infected with Cryptosporidium spp. may pose a threat to human health. C. suis was identified in dogs in this study for the first time, expanding the host range of this species. Identification of C. parvum subtype IIaA17G2R1 and C. canis subtypes XXa4 and XXa5 will be helpful to explore the source attribution of infection/contamination and assess the transmission dynamics of C. parvum and C. canis in the investigated areas in the future.
Assuntos
Criptosporidiose , Cryptosporidium , Doenças do Cão , Fezes , Genótipo , Animais de Estimação , Filogenia , Cães , Animais , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/classificação , Cryptosporidium/isolamento & purificação , China/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Animais de Estimação/parasitologia , DNA de Protozoário/genética , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , DNA Ribossômico/genética , Dados de Sequência MolecularRESUMO
BackgroundCarriage of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in humans constitutes an important public health concern. Cross-transmission of bacteria between animals and humans has been demonstrated before.AimOur aim was to quantify the risk factor 'pet ownership' for MDRO colonisation in hospital patients.MethodsWe performed a matched case-control study from 2019 to 2022 in Berlin, Germany and compared MDRO-positive and MDRO-negative patients in terms of contact with pets and other risk factors for MDRO acquisition. Patients completed a questionnaire-based interview and provided nasal and rectal swabs. Pet owners provided swab samples from the throat and stool of their pets (dogs and cats). Phenotypically matching samples of owners and pets were analysed via whole genome sequencing.ResultsThe analyses included 2,891 patients. Reported pet ownership was 17.7% in MDRO-positives (154/871) and 23.4% in MDRO-negatives (472/2,020). Among 397 owner-pet pairs, we identified one pair sharing genotypically indistinguishable pathogens (0.3%). A risk factor analysis of pet ownership was performed for carriers of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (OR = 0.662; 95% CI: 0.343-1.277), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) (OR = 0.764; 95% CI: 0.522-1.118) and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) (OR = 0.819; 95% CI: 0.620-1.082). Colonisation with MDRO was rare in pets, and dogs were more often colonised than cats (MRSA: 0% vs 0%, VRE: 1.5% vs 1.0%, MDR-GNB: 17.2% vs 3.6%).ConclusionTransmission of MDROs between humans and pets is possible though rare. In an urban living space, neither cat nor dog ownership appears as a relevant risk factor for MDRO carriage in hospital patients.
Assuntos
Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla , Animais de Estimação , Humanos , Animais , Animais de Estimação/microbiologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Cães , Gatos , Alemanha/epidemiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Fatores de Risco , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Propriedade/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecção Hospitalar/transmissão , Infecção Hospitalar/epidemiologia , Infecção Hospitalar/microbiologia , Idoso , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina/isolamento & purificação , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente à Meticilina/genéticaRESUMO
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is zoonotic and capable of infecting many mammal species. However, whether common companion animals are susceptible to MPXV infection is unclear. During July 2022-March 2023, we collected animal and environmental swab samples within homes of confirmed human mpox case-patients and tested for MPXV and human DNA by PCR. We also used ELISA for orthopoxvirus antibody detection. Overall, 12% (22/191) of animal and 25% (14/56) of environmental swab samples from 4 households, including samples from 4 dogs and 1 cat, were positive for MPXV DNA, but we did not detect viable MPXV or orthopoxvirus antibodies. Among MPXV PCR-positive swab samples, 82% from animals and 93% from environment amplified human DNA with a statistically significant correlation in observed cycle threshold values. Our findings demonstrate likely DNA contamination from the human mpox cases. Despite the high likelihood for exposure, we found no indications that companion animals were infected with MPXV.