68 results on '"Fiona Lovatt"'
Search Results
2. From the other perspective: Behavioural factors associated with UK sheep farmers' attitudes towards antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.
- Author
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Charlotte Doidge, Eliana Lima, Fiona Lovatt, Chris Hudson, and Jasmeet Kaler
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Research suggests that many sheep farmers continue to carry out traditional antibiotic use practices despite new 'good practice' recommendations. The aim of this study was to group farmers depending on their attitudes around antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, and determine the behaviours that are associated with the farmers in these groups. In 2017, a flock health survey was sent to British sheep farmers. K-means cluster analysis was used to identify groups of farmers with similar attitudes towards antibiotic use and resistance. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to determine the associations between farmers' past behaviours and their antibiotic attitude group. There were 461 responses. Two groups of farmers were identified based on their antibiotic attitudes. Cluster 1 were defined as the "discordant" group who had positive views of using antibiotics prophylactically and negative views of reducing antibiotic use. Cluster 2 were defined as the "concordant" group who were positive about reducing antibiotic use and had negative views about using antibiotics prophylactically. Using antibiotics in all lambs (OR = 2.689, CI = 1.571, 4.603), using antibiotics in all ewes (OR = 3.388, CI = 1.318, 8.706), always trimming diseased feet over the past three years (OR = 2.487, CI = 1.459, 4.238), not using a computer to record information over the past three years (OR = 1.996, CI = 1.179, 3.381), not changing worming practices over the past three years (OR = 1.879, CI = 1.144, 3.087), and farmers' perceptions that their sheep flock did not make a financial loss in the past three years (OR = 2.088, CI = 1.079, 4.040) were significantly associated with belonging to the discordant group. Talking to their veterinarian about antibiotic use or the frequency of veterinary visits were not associated with antibiotic attitude group. These results suggest that farmers who had attitudes relating to antibiotic use that did not align with current recommendations carried out more traditional practices, which were strengthened by their positive perceptions of profitability.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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3. Farmers' Perceptions of Preventing Antibiotic Resistance on Sheep and Beef Farms: Risk, Responsibility, and Action
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Charlotte Doidge, Annmarie Ruston, Fiona Lovatt, Chris Hudson, Lis King, and Jasmeet Kaler
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antibiotic resistance ,sheep ,perceptions ,behavior ,risk ,antibiotic use ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious public health risks facing humanity. The overuse of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious disease have been identified as sources of the global threat of antibiotic resistance. This paper examines how farmers perceive and manage risks associated with overuse of antibiotics. Specifically, the paper examines the role of habitus and risk in determining farmers' decisions to adopt national antibiotic reduction targets set by members of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance's Targets Task Force. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 sheep and beef farmers in England and Wales. Farmers presented four scripts which illuminated reasons for limited adoption of the targets. The scripts presented the farmers as “good farmers” facing an emerging threat to their ontological security. Scripts suggested that they engaged in preventative measures but deflected responsibility for reducing antibiotic resistance to veterinarians and poorly run farms. This research provides valuable insights for policy makers and highlight the benefits of including social science research to support effective implementation.
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- 2020
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4. To prescribe or not to prescribe? A factorial survey to explore veterinarians' decision making when prescribing antimicrobials to sheep and beef farmers in the UK.
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Charlotte Doidge, Chris Hudson, Fiona Lovatt, and Jasmeet Kaler
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Resistance to antimicrobials is one of the biggest challenges worldwide for public health. A key strategy for tackling this is ensuring judicious use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. Whilst there are many studies in human medicine investigating prescribing behaviour of doctors, there is limited work to understand what factors influence veterinarian prescribing behaviour. Veterinarians often prescribe antimicrobials to sheep and beef farmers in contexts other than at a clinical consultation, and decision-making behind this has not been explored. The aim of this study was to measure, for the first time, the influence of factors from social theories on veterinarians' decision to prescribe antimicrobials to sheep and beef farmers without a clinical consultation, using a factorial survey approach. Respondents were presented with eight vignette scenarios, where a farmer asks for antimicrobials at the veterinary practice. Seven factors, identified from constructs of social theories, were included in the vignettes. Random intercept and random slope models were built to estimate the effects of the vignette factors and vet characteristics on the respondents' willingness to prescribe ratings. A total of 306 surveys were completed. The vignette factors: case type, farmer relationship, other veterinarians in practice, time pressure, habit, willingness to pay, and confidence in the farmer, were significant in the decision to prescribe. Confidence in the farmer was the most influential vignette variable, and was included as a random slope effect. Respondent variables with significant influence on the decision to prescribe were agreeableness personality score, region of veterinary practice, and presence of a small animal department. These influential factors could be considered to target interventions in beef and sheep farm animal veterinary practice for improved antimicrobial stewardship.
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- 2019
- Full Text
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5. Drivers for precision livestock technology adoption: A study of factors associated with adoption of electronic identification technology by commercial sheep farmers in England and Wales.
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Eliana Lima, Thomas Hopkins, Emma Gurney, Orla Shortall, Fiona Lovatt, Peers Davies, George Williamson, and Jasmeet Kaler
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
The UK is the largest lamb meat producer in Europe. However, the low profitability of sheep farming sector suggests production efficiency could be improved. Although the use of technologies such as Electronic Identification (EID) tools could allow a better use of flock resources, anecdotal evidence suggests they are not widely used. The aim of this study was to assess uptake of EID technology, and explore drivers and barriers of adoption of related tools among English and Welsh farmers. Farm beliefs and management practices associated with adoption of this technology were investigated. A total of 2000 questionnaires were sent, with a response rate of 22%. Among the respondents, 87 had adopted EID tools for recording flock information, 97 intended to adopt it in the future, and 222 neither had adopted it, neither intended to adopt it. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used to identify farmer beliefs and management practices significantly associated with adoption of EID technology. EFA identified three factors expressing farmer's beliefs-external pressure and negative feelings, usefulness and practicality. Our results suggest farmer's beliefs play a significant role in technology uptake. Non-adopters were more likely than adopters to believe that 'government pressurise farmers to adopt technology'. In contrast, adopters were significantly more likely than non-adopters to see EID as practical and useful (p≤0.05). Farmers with higher information technologies literacy and intending to intensify production in the future were significantly more likely to adopt EID technology (p≤0.05). Importantly, flocks managed with EID tools had significantly lower farmer- reported flock lameness levels (p≤0.05). These findings bring insights on the dynamics of adoption of EID tools. Communicating evidence of the positive effects EID tools on flock performance and strengthening farmer's capability in use of technology are likely to enhance the uptake of this technology in sheep farms.
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- 2018
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6. Anatomy and Pathology of the Texel Sheep Larynx
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Katie Waine, Ben Strugnell, John Remnant, Fiona Lovatt, Martin Green, Hannah Rideout, Elizabeth Genever, and Kerstin Baiker
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texel ,bluefaced leicester ,sheep ,larynx ,laryngeal chondritis ,texel throat ,respiratory disease ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Laryngeal chondritis, or “Texel throat„, is a disease affecting the upper respiratory tract of sheep with breeds like the Texel appearing to be predisposed. Previous work suggests the conformation of these breeds of sheep may be predisposing these animals to laryngeal disease. This study evaluated the anatomy of the Texel sheep larynx and describes incidental pathology. Forty-three larynges from rams of the Texel and Bluefaced Leicester breeds of sheep were measured and photographed. A larynx from each breed was submitted for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements, photography, CT, and MRI demonstrated a difference in the anatomy of the larynx between breeds and a higher proportion of Texel sheep had laryngeal lesions. This study supports the hypothesis that the anatomy of the Texel sheep could be pre-disposing the breed to laryngeal chondritis.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
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7. Ewe colostrum quality on commercial Welsh sheep farms
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Phillipa Page, Ginny Sherwin, Rosalie Sampson, Kate Phillips, and Fiona Lovatt
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animal diseases ,food and beverages - Abstract
In advance of the 2020 lambing season, 147 Welsh farmers were engaged in active colostrum management through training and discussion groups. Sixty-four of these farmers returned data on 1295 ewes, including ewe age, breed, body condition score (BCS), number of live and dead lambs born, a description of udder condition, colour of colostrum and a Brix reading. Flock numbers were available from 43 farmers and information on late pregnancy ration from 30 farms. Results were analysed using a Brix reading cut-off of 26.5% and showed that 76% of samples exceeded this level and were considered of good quality. With an average of 20 ewe colostrum samples returned per flock, the greatest variation was found to be at the flock level with ewe nutrition considered to be the greatest driver. Concentrate feed space, silage crude protein and the supplementation of concentrates to twin and triplet-bearing ewes were all factors that indicated a potential flock level role in determining the colostrum quality. Individual level ewe factors appeared to have a much smaller role in determining the quality of the colostrum, with the ease of stripping being the main significant factors. Colostrum quality was more likely to be inadequate if the ewe was reported to be hard to strip (OR 0.56). While not significant in the final regression model, other ewe factors appeared to have an impact on the colostrum quality, such as the BCS and number of lambs born; however, lack of significance in the model may mean they are not significant or that they reflect differences in management between different flocks. As UK sheep farmers prepare for lambing 2022, and continue to optimise colostrum management and reduce levels of antibiotic given to neonatal lambs, this practical study has demonstrated how sheep farmers can be actively motivated to measure colostrum quality to determine how to optimally manage colostral antibody delivery to individual lambs.
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- 2022
8. Antibiotic Use in the Northern Irish Sheep Flock: What Lessons Can Be Learnt from Medicine Records and Farmer Attitudes to Improve Stewardship of These Essential Medicines?
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Paul Crawford, Kim Hamer, Fiona Lovatt, Malgorzata Behnke, and Philip A. Robinson
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- 2023
9. Sheep abortion – a roundtable discussion
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Fiona Lovatt, Joseph Henry, Amanda Carson, Moyna Richey, Kim Hamer, Bryan Griffiths, Emily Gascoigne, Liz Griffiths, Kate Hovers, and JP Crilly
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medicine.medical_specialty ,Obstetrics ,embryonic structures ,medicine ,Biology ,Abortion ,reproductive and urinary physiology - Abstract
Foreword Abortion takes a heavy toll on the sheep industry, not only economically, but in emotional terms too. Enzootic abortion in ewes is consistently the most frequent diagnosis followed in descending order by infection with Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. Causes of abortion also lead to increased barren rates, and the birth of weak lambs, so the impact of these pathogens is greater than just abortion. Fortunately there are vaccines for the two most common causes of abortion, providing farmers and the veterinary surgeons advising them with effective and sustainable tools in the control of enzootic abortion and toxoplasmosis. The uptake of these vaccines, however, remains lower than might reasonably be expected. In this roundtable discussion the barriers to the implementation of the extant measures of abortion control were discussed and suggestions made as to how abortion can better be prevented.
- Published
- 2021
10. A survey of British sheep farmers: Practices, opinions and knowledge surrounding the management of sheep scab
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Alice E.O. Smith, Charlotte Doidge, Fiona Lovatt, and Jasmeet Kaler
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Food Animals ,Animal Science and Zoology - Published
- 2023
11. Failing to control Maedi-Visna
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Scott Jones, Fiona Lovatt, Peers Davies, Stephen Dunham, and Rachael Tarlinton
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General Materials Science - Abstract
Maedi-Visna is a lentivirus of sheep that causes lung disease and chronic wasting. It has been designated an “Iceberg disease” by the UK sheep industry levy board with a very large burden of subclinical disease that is often not apparent until losses in an individual flock become catastrophic. Disease prevalence in the UK is thought to have doubled in the last 10 years, however farmer and veterinary awareness of the disease is poor. There is no vaccine and treatment is not cost effective, meaning that the only realistic control option is culling of affected animals. Current testing protocols use MV gag protein ELISAs. A long lag time between infection and antibody production means that many animals are missed on flock screening and repeated rounds of testing over a period of years are necessary to remove all infected animals. Preliminary testing of flocks that have attempted eradication indicates that those that do not keep testing until all animals are negative fail to eliminate the disease and that prevalence rates can even increase substantially in these flocks. The viruses extreme variability confounded attempts to develop a qPCR capable of detecting all variants, indeed deep sequencing was required to establish which strains of virus are currently present in UK sheep as there has been substantial genetic drift since the last sequencing studies (performed more than 20 years ago). More promisingly virus was detectable in nasal swabs of experimental animals at least offering sampling methods that can be done by farmers themselves.
- Published
- 2022
12. To scan or not to scan? The economics of transthoracic ultrasonography for 'whole-flock' ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma screening in UK sheep flocks
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Peers Davies, Ben Strugnell, Lian Thomas, Fiona Lovatt, and Isobel Willison
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Lung Neoplasms ,Sheep ,General Veterinary ,Animals ,Sheep Diseases ,Adenocarcinoma of Lung ,Female ,General Medicine ,United Kingdom ,Ultrasonography - Abstract
Transthoracic ultrasonography (TTUS) is currently the only widely used method to diagnose suspected preclinical or subclinical cases of ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma/Jaagsiekte (OPA) in live sheep. However, the economic impact of using TTUS as a screening test has not been described previously.Test characteristics for TTUS in a low-prevalence situation were obtained from a previous study of 1074 breeding ewes that underwent TTUS with an experienced operator. The economic impact was modelled using a 10,000-iteration partial budget simulation and probability sensitivity analysis to explore the relative influence of model variables.In flocks of this size, culling true-positive and false-positive cases resulted in an estimated median net loss of £4647 (interquartile range: £3537-£6006), determined primarily by replacement ewe value and the cost of TTUS per ewe.The results of this study emphasise that great caution should be exercised by practitioners when determining if TTUS is appropriate as a screening test for OPA in low-prevalence flocks or subpopulations within a flock, such as younger age groups, where the losses incurred through the inadvertent culling of healthy sheep may significantly exceed any benefit derived from culling preclinical/subclinical cases.
- Published
- 2022
13. Considering the 3Rs for castration and tail docking in sheep
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Charlotte Mouland, Fiona Lovatt, and Emily Gascoigne
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chemistry.chemical_compound ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Castration ,Endocrinology ,General Veterinary ,chemistry ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Biology - Published
- 2021
14. Detecting genetic signals of selection in heavily bottlenecked reindeer populations by comparing parallel founder events
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A. Rus Hoelzel, Menno J. de Jong, and Fiona Lovatt
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Islands ,0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,dbSNP ,Natural selection ,Demographic history ,Genetic Drift ,Context (language use) ,Locus (genetics) ,Biology ,Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,03 medical and health sciences ,Genetics, Population ,030104 developmental biology ,Genetic drift ,Evolutionary biology ,Genetics ,Animals ,Selection, Genetic ,Adaptation ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Selection (genetic algorithm) ,Reindeer - Abstract
Founder populations are of special interest to both evolutionary and conservation biologists, but the detection of genetic signals of selection in these populations is challenging due to their demographic history. Geographically separated founder populations likely to have been subjected to similar selection pressures provide an ideal but rare opportunity to overcome these challenges. Here we take advantage of such a situation generated when small, isolated founder populations of reindeer were established on the island of South Georgia, and using this system we look for empirical evidence of selection overcoming strong genetic drift. We generated a 70 k ddRADseq single nucleotide polymorphism database for the two parallel reindeer founder populations and screened for signatures of soft sweeps. We find evidence for a genomic region under selection shared among the two populations, and support our findings with Wright–Fisher model simulations to assess the power and specificity of interpopulation selection scans—namely Bayescan, OutFLANK, PCadapt and a newly developed scan called Genome Wide Differentiation Scan (GWDS)—in the context of pairwise source–founder comparisons. Our simulations indicate that loci under selection in small founder populations are most probably detected by GWDS, and strengthen the hypothesis that the outlier region represents a true locus under selection. We explore possible, relevant functional roles for genes in linkage with the detected outlier loci.
- Published
- 2021
15. Update on caseous lymphadenitis in sheep
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Fiona Lovatt, Emily Gascoigne, Nicky Ogden, and Peers Davies
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medicine.medical_specialty ,General Veterinary ,040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Dermatology ,Insidious onset ,0403 veterinary science ,Medicine ,Caseous lymphadenitis ,Flock ,business - Abstract
Background: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), caused by the gram-positive bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, has been present in Great Britain since the 1980s and is now considered endemic. CLA is considered to be an iceberg disease; that is, it is a production-limiting disease, characterised by slow insidious onset, that has production-limiting effects in a larger proportion of the flock than is exhibiting clinical signs at any given point in time. Aim of the article: The disease has been previously reviewed in In Practice (Baird 2003). In this article we consider updates in our understanding of the pathology, risk factors for flocks and the challenges of initiating control where the cost of the disease is still relatively unquantified.
- Published
- 2020
16. Sheep scab in Northern Ireland: Its distribution, costs and farmer knowledge about prevention and control
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Paul E. Crawford, Kim Hamer, Fiona Lovatt, and Philip A. Robinson
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History ,Mite Infestations ,Farmers ,Sheep ,Polymers and Plastics ,Sheep Diseases ,Ectoparasitic Infestations ,Northern Ireland ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,United Kingdom ,Food Animals ,Animals ,Humans ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Business and International Management - Abstract
Sheep scab (psoroptic mange), which is endemic in the United Kingdom (UK) flock, has a significant, negative impact on sheep welfare. Nothing has previously been published about the distribution of sheep scab in Northern Ireland (NI), nor about Northern Irish farmers’ knowledge and behaviours relating to the disease, its treatment, prevention and control.\ud \ud Between March and June 2021 an online questionnaire on the disease was completed by sheep farmers in NI. Forty-four respondents out of a total of 122 valid returns (36%) indicated that they had had at least one outbreak of sheep scab in their flock within the previous five years. These flocks were spread throughout NI and included flocks grazing on common land. Farmers reporting sheep scab in their flock considered movements of sheep between flocks to be the main cause of flock infestation.\ud \ud Respondents demonstrated knowledge gaps in relation to the parasite biology, disease transmission, prevention and treatment options, as well as a lack of awareness of some of the relevant industry guidelines. We highlight that some farmers rely on clinical signs alone to rule out the possibility that newly purchased sheep are infested with sheep scab before mixing them with their flock. This activity poses a high risk for the introduction of sheep scab into previously uninfested flocks. The inadequacy of some farmers’ quarantine rules, or their inability to follow them, was also reported by farmers as being the cause of their flock infestation.\ud \ud Sheep scab outbreaks were shown to result in significant financial cost, with some farmers reporting their most recent outbreak had cost over £2500 ($3329). The paper also highlights that in addition to the animal health and welfare impact and financial cost, sheep scab was reported to have a social cost: 94 respondents (79%) agreed that a sheep scab outbreak caused emotional stress to affected farmers.\ud \ud These findings have provided evidence of the widespread nature of sheep scab in the NI flock, and of the knowledge gaps and behaviours which need to be addressed to improve sheep scab control. This will require a combination of focused research, knowledge exchange between farmers, advisors, policy makers and regulators, and co-developed disease control plans at a flock and national level.
- Published
- 2021
17. Putting sheep scab in its place: A more relational approach
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Alice E.O. Smith, Annmarie Ruston, Charlotte Doidge, Fiona Lovatt, and Jasmeet Kaler
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Mite Infestations ,Farmers ,Sheep ,Food Animals ,England ,Animals ,Humans ,Sheep Diseases ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Ectoparasitic Infestations - Abstract
Since the reintroduction of sheep scab within the UK, its prevalence has increased despite several industry-led initiatives to control and manage the disease. Some studies have suggested that initiatives or policies should instead focus on specific places, such as geographically high-risk areas for sheep scab, which could allow for a more targeted approach. However, this risk of sheep scab has been measured in set geographical areas, without the reference to the interplay of topography, host, pathogen and the way in which humans socially and culturally define risk and place, potentially limiting the effectiveness of preventative initiatives. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to understand how place influences sheep farmers' approaches to the identification and management of the risk of sheep scab in their flocks. Qualitative data was collected from 43 semi-structured interviews with sheep farmers from England, Scotland, and Wales and was analysed by using the constant comparative approach. The codes were grouped into four concepts that influenced farmers' decision-making strategies for sheep scab control: perception of place; risk identification; risk categorisation; and risk management. These concepts were used as an analytical framework to identify three different 'places': 'uncontrollable places', 'liminal places' and 'protective places'. Each place reflects a different sheep scab control strategy used by farmers and shaped by their perceptions of place and risk. The 'uncontrollable places' category represented farmers who were located in areas that were geographically high-risk for sheep scab and who experienced a high frequency of sheep scab infestations in their flocks. The risk posed by their local landscape and neighbouring farmers, who neglected to engage in preventative behaviours, led them to feel unable to engage in effective risk management. Thus, they viewed scab as uncontrollable. The farmers within the 'liminal places' category were characterised as farmers who were located in high-risk areas for sheep scab, but experienced low levels of sheep scab infestations. These farmers characterised the risks associated with sheep scab management in terms of needing to protect their reputation and felt more responsibility for controlling sheep scab, which influenced them to engage in more protective measures. The farmers within the 'protective places' category were characterised as farming within low-risk areas and thus experienced a low level of sheep scab infestations. These farmers also described their risk in terms of their reputation and the responsibility they held for protecting others. However, they sought to rely on their low geographical risk of sheep scab as a main source of protection and therefore did not always engage in protective measures. These results suggest that place-based effects have significant impacts on sheep farmers' beliefs and behaviours and thus should be considered by policymakers when developing future strategies for sheep scab control.
- Published
- 2021
18. The impact of glutaraldehyde based footbaths on Dichelobacter nodosus prevalence and the antimicrobial resistant community of the ovine interdigital skin
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Hayley J. Marshall, Adam M. Blanchard, Katie R. Kelly, Jia Ni Goh, Alexander D. Williams, Lis King, Fiona Lovatt, Peers L. Davies, and Sabine Tötemeyer
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Dichelobacter nodosus ,Sheep ,Anti-Infective Agents ,General Veterinary ,Glutaral ,Prevalence ,Animals ,Sheep Diseases ,General Medicine ,Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections ,Foot Rot ,Microbiology - Abstract
Ovine footrot, is a highly contagious polymicrobial bacterial infection, primarily caused by Dichelobacter nodosus. Preventative bactericidal footbaths are commonly used in the sheep industry to reduce the spread of bacteria. However, their effect on the bacterial community is poorly understood. This is the first study to investigate the impact of 2% Digicur (ProGiene,UK) footbath on the bacterial community of the ovine interdigital skin following a common UK footbathing routine. Swab samples were analysed by qPCR to determine prevalence and load of D. nodosus and numerated on MacConkey agar in the presence or absence of tetracycline and ampicillin to determine phenotypic antimicrobial resistance. Metagenomics were used to determine the impact of a single footbath on the bacterial community and genotypic antimicrobial resistance. The results suggest 2% Digicur is ineffective at reducing the load of D. nodosus when applied as a one off or weekly footbath, however sheep may act as a reservoir for multi-drug resistant bacteria creating opportunities to spread antimicrobial resistance to other sheep and their environment.
- Published
- 2022
19. Evaluation of the use of antibiotic waste bins and medicine records to quantify antibiotic use on sheep, beef, and mixed species farms: A mixed methods study
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Jasmeet Kaler, Charlotte Doidge, Fiona Lovatt, Jonah Dickie, and Chris Hudson
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Data collection ,Farmers ,Farms ,Sheep ,medicine.drug_class ,Antibiotics ,food and beverages ,Animal identification ,Beef cattle ,Prescription data ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Veterinarians ,Dairying ,Geography ,Qualitative analysis ,Mixed species ,Food Animals ,Environmental health ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Cattle ,Antibiotic use - Abstract
There is a lack of robust data on antibiotic use on sheep and beef farms in the UK, particularly for farms with mixed species. On mixed farms, quantification of antibiotic use is reliant on accurate farmers' records as veterinary prescription data does not provide information at the species level. Previous studies that have investigated multiple antibiotic use collection methods were conducted on single species farms and failed to collect data on the reasons why differences in methods may exist. This study aimed to evaluate sheep and beef farmers' antibiotic recording practices by comparing quantities of antibiotics measured from medicine records and empty antibiotic packaging collection bins, and identify barriers and facilitators of the antibiotic use collection methods. Thirty-five farms were followed for a year period. Farmers were asked to record their antibiotic treatments and deposit empty antibiotic packaging used in sheep or beef cattle into a bin. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to understand the experiences of farmers taking part in the study and explore the possible differences in methods. Bins and medicine records were collected and the mass of active ingredient (mg) was calculated. The level of agreement between the two antibiotic use collection methods was measured using rank parameters of Kendall's Ta . The bins were 67 % (CI = 29–87 %) more likely to measure more antibiotic use than the medicine records. The scale of variability of the measurements between two random farms was 33 % (CI = 6–56 %) larger for the antibiotic waste bins than the scale of variability between the medicine records. Sheep farmers often missed neonatal lamb treatments off their medicine records, with a median of 32.5 missing treatments per farm (IQR = 18–130). Of the mixed species farms, 28 % of treatment entries were missing the species the antibiotic was used in. Farmers reported that the bin was easy to use but they also reported that there was a tendency to under-report actual use where there were multiple workers on the farm or where treatments were administered by the veterinarian. The qualitative analysis identified contextual barriers to accurate medicine recording, such as difficulties with animal identification , with recording in the field, and with recording during lambing time. This study demonstrated that there were significant differences in antibiotic use measured by the bins and the medicine records. The mixed-methods approach provided an understanding of the contextual barriers that impacted farmers' medicine recording and use of the bin. This information on the contextual barriers can be used to inform the design of data collection methods to improve antibiotic consumption data in the sheep and beef sectors.
- Published
- 2021
20. Dealing with maedi visna in UK sheep flocks
- Author
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Nicky Ogden, Peers Davies, and Fiona Lovatt
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General Veterinary ,040301 veterinary sciences ,animal diseases ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Border Disease ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Disease ,Biology ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Virology ,0403 veterinary science ,Caseous lymphadenitis ,Flock ,Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma ,Maedi-Visna - Abstract
Background: Maedi visna (MV) is considered to be one of the ‘iceberg diseases’ of sheep; a group of infectious, production-limiting diseases which are endemic to the UK. Characterised by slow, progressive onset, these diseases lie undetected and can have a large impact on flock efficiency. This group of diseases also includes border disease, caseous lymphadenitis, ovine Johne’s disease and ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The prevalence and effects of these diseases within different UK flock types remains unknown. Aim of the article: To highlight the increasing importance of MV within the national flock. Here, we discuss the production effects, diagnosis and control options for MV.
- Published
- 2019
21. Responsible use of antibiotics on sheep farms: application at farm level
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Jennifer Duncan, Fiona Lovatt, and Davinia Hinde
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Scrutiny ,General Veterinary ,Animal health ,040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,medicine.drug_class ,Antibiotics ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Abortion ,040201 dairy & animal science ,0403 veterinary science ,Antibiotic resistance ,Farm level ,Agriculture ,Environmental health ,medicine ,Disease management (health) ,business - Abstract
There is currently global concern over rising levels of antibiotic resistance among commensal and pathogenic bacteria in human and animal populations. Unless urgent action is taken by the medical and veterinary professions, it is thought that we will enter a postantibiotic era in which bacterial diseases that were readily treatable with antibiotics will kill once again. Consequently, antibiotic use in both the human and animal health industries has come under intense scrutiny. Long-held ideas and accepted behavioural norms have rightly been challenged. Progress in the agricultural industries has developed apace with the establishment of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance Targets Task Force in December 2016 and Defra’s call for the implementation of sector-specific targets on the use of antibiotics. This article describes how veterinary surgeons and sheep farmers can work together to plan, prevent and protect against three specific disease management issues – infectious lameness, enzootic abortion of ewes and neonatal bacterial infections – by replacing, refining and reducing the use of antibiotics on farm, based on guidelines drawn up by the Sheep Veterinary Society.
- Published
- 2019
22. Impact of Flock Health Clubs
- Author
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Fiona Lovatt, Wendy Jones, Nicola Noble, Francesca Occhiuto, Marion Johnson, and Jasmeet Kaler
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040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,animal diseases ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,040201 dairy & animal science ,0403 veterinary science ,Sheep farming ,Agricultural science ,Geography ,Agriculture ,Grazing ,Flock ,Arable land ,business - Abstract
Sheep farming is an important part of UK agriculture with significantly more breeding females than either the pig or cattle sectors. Whether grazing alongside arable rotations or utilising the marginal uplands, sheep farms arguably play a key role that is embedded within UK rural society. However, research led by University of Nottingham has identified various challenges and barriers that have affected relationships between UK sheep farmers and the veterinary profession. In response to these findings, Flock Health Clubs were developed as an initiative that aimed for improved and cost-effective sheep farmer–veterinary interaction. We report quantitative and qualitative data that assess the impact of Flock Health Clubs and indeed show tangible improvements in both farmer–veterinary surgeon relationships and measures of flock health and welfare.
- Published
- 2020
23. Managing watery mouth in neonatal lambs
- Author
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Rebecca Mearns and Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
General Veterinary ,General Medicine - Published
- 2022
24. Farmers' Perceptions of Preventing Antibiotic Resistance on Sheep and Beef Farms: Risk, Responsibility, and Action
- Author
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Jasmeet Kaler, Chris Hudson, Fiona Lovatt, Charlotte Doidge, Annmarie Ruston, and Lis King
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,sheep ,antibiotic resistance ,040301 veterinary sciences ,0403 veterinary science ,antibiotic use ,03 medical and health sciences ,perceptions ,Antibiotic resistance ,medicine ,Habitus ,antimicrobial resistance ,Marketing ,Original Research ,030304 developmental biology ,risk ,0303 health sciences ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,behavior ,Public health ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,respiratory tract diseases ,Alliance ,Action (philosophy) ,cattle ,Infectious disease (medical specialty) ,Agriculture ,Ontological security ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Veterinary Science ,Business - Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious public health risks facing humanity. The overuse of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious disease have been identified as sources of the global threat of antibiotic resistance. This paper examines how farmers perceive and manage risks associated with overuse of antibiotics. Specifically, the paper examines the role of habitus and risk in determining farmers' decisions to adopt national antibiotic reduction targets set by members of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance's Targets Task Force. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 sheep and beef farmers in England and Wales. Farmers presented four scripts which illuminated reasons for limited adoption of the targets. The scripts presented the farmers as "good farmers" facing an emerging threat to their ontological security. Scripts suggested that they engaged in preventative measures but deflected responsibility for reducing antibiotic resistance to veterinarians and poorly run farms. This research provides valuable insights for policy makers and highlight the benefits of including social science research to support effective implementation.
- Published
- 2020
25. Failing to control Maedi-Visna
- Author
-
Heather McKay, Fiona Lovatt, Scott Jones, Rachael E. Tarlinton, Lily Houghton, Alice Curwen, Laura Eden, Peers Davies, and Stephen P. Dunham
- Subjects
General Materials Science ,Biology ,Virology ,Maedi-Visna - Abstract
Maedi-Visna is a lentivirus of sheep that causes lung disease and chronic wasting. It has been designated an “Iceberg disease” by the UK sheep industry levy board with a very large burden of subclinical disease that is often not apparent until losses in an individual flock become catastrophic. Disease prevalence in the UK is thought to have doubled in the last 10 years, however farmer and veterinary awareness of the disease is poor. There is no vaccine and treatment is not cost effective, meaning that the only realistic control option is culling of affected animals. Current testing protocols use MV gag protein ELISAs. A long lag time between infection and antibody production means that many animals are missed on flock screening and repeated rounds of testing over a period of years are necessary remove all infected animals. Preliminary testing of flocks that have attempted eradication indicates that those that do not keep testing until all animals are negative fail to eliminate the disease and that prevalence rates can even increase substantially in these flocks. The viruses extreme variability confounded attempts to develop a qPCR capable of detecting all variants, indeed deep sequencing was required to establish which strains of virus are currently present in UK sheep as there has been substantial genetic drift since the last sequencing studies (performed more than 20 years ago). More promisingly virus was detectable in nasal swabs of experimental animals at least offering a possibility for sampling methods that can be done by farmers themselves.
- Published
- 2020
26. Controlling nematode infections in sheep: application of HACCP
- Author
-
Eric R. Morgan, Fiona Lovatt, Hannah Rose Vineer, and Emily Gascoigne
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,General Veterinary ,Animal health ,040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Drug resistance ,030108 mycology & parasitology ,Biology ,biology.organism_classification ,Disease control ,Biotechnology ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,Nematode ,Critical control point ,Flock ,Gastrointestinal nematode ,business ,Chemical control - Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode infection in sheep is a significant challenge for production with implications for animal health and welfare, and lamb growth. Flocks rely on the chemical control of worm burdens, but with the increasing challenge of anthelmintic resistance there is a necessity for farmers to uptake SCOPs (Sustainable Control of Parasites) guidance. Vets need to communicate practical strategies to farmers and suggest novel approaches that address these challenges so that holistic and sustainable parasite management can be achieved. This article examines the challenge of nematode infections and anthelmintic resistance and suggests how hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) application may facilitate a whole-flock strategy.
- Published
- 2018
27. Lameness — preventative management strategies
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt and Phillipa Page
- Subjects
Management strategy ,Engineering ,Ovine Digital Dermatitis ,Lameness ,business.industry ,Environmental health ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Operations management ,Flock ,Good practice ,business ,Welfare ,media_common - Abstract
Sheep lameness is a widespread health issue affecting most flocks within the UK. The authors consider that flock levels above 2% are significant in terms of production losses and challenges with control. Concern for sheep welfare, losses in production of the flock and the associated costs of a lameness problem are some of the reasons for a farmer contacting their veterinary surgeon for help and advice. This article focuses on the common infectious causes of sheep lameness: scald, footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD). It seeks to provide the most up to date research surrounding the aetiology of these diseases and treatments. Defining the risk factors for lameness on a farm is an important aspect when developing a preventative management strategy for the control of lameness. These risk factors will be discussed. The 5-Point Plan is an industry wide recognised plan for controlling lameness. How to implement this plan on farm including the use of vaccination and good practice quarantine procedures will be described in this article.
- Published
- 2017
28. Can farmers reliably perform neonatal lamb post mortems and what are the perceived obstacles to influencing lamb mortality?
- Author
-
Emily Gascoigne, Fiona Lovatt, and Katrine Bazeley
- Subjects
Lamb mortality ,040301 veterinary sciences ,business.industry ,animal diseases ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Environmental resource management ,0402 animal and dairy science ,food and beverages ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Specific mortality ,040201 dairy & animal science ,respiratory tract diseases ,0403 veterinary science ,Participatory rural appraisal ,Food Animals ,immune system diseases ,Economic cost ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Flock ,Rural area ,Socioeconomics ,Empowerment ,business ,Welfare ,media_common - Abstract
Neonatal lamb mortality constitutes a significant economic cost and is an important welfare challenge. Despite compelling evidence for reduction strategies and cost benefits associated with them, there has been no documented reduction in mortality since the 1970’s. We aimed to evaluate whether a knowledge exchange solution could be used to define farm specific loss risks accurately. This was done by training farmers how to examine neonatal lambs post-mortem to record and interpret common causes of mortality by following a basic framework. We used participatory rural appraisal to assess some of the existing challenges to reducing lamb mortality. When considering outcomes for specific post mortem questions, there was 87.5% agreement between veterinary and farmer answers and 82.3% of farmer diagnoses (n = 96) agreed with the veterinary conclusions. When merged with farmer performed post-mortems, farm specific mortality pie-charts were developed to highlight the variation between flocks and the necessity for flock specific advice. Common challenges to reducing lamb loss included level of labour, skill set of labour, communication within teams and whether farmers generally considered post-mortems to be a valuable tool. We consider that farmer post-mortems of lambs could be a tool for the veterinary-farmer team, facilitating the communication of farm specific advice and empowering farmers to effect positive change.
- Published
- 2017
29. Do UK sheep farmers use orf vaccine correctly and could their vaccination strategy affect vaccine efficacy?
- Author
-
Erica Gummery, Fiona Lovatt, Charles McQuilkin, Josh Onyango, Stephanie Small, Wendela Wapenaar, and Liz Cresswell
- Subjects
Infection risk ,Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ,sheep ,040301 veterinary sciences ,barriers ,Pustular dermatitis ,motivators ,Affect (psychology) ,compliance ,0403 veterinary science ,storage ,Environmental health ,medicine ,Ecthyma, Contagious ,Farmers ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,Zoonosis ,Domestic sheep reproduction ,Vaccination ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Orf virus ,Viral Vaccines ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,vaccine efficacy ,Vaccine efficacy ,medicine.disease ,vaccination ,040201 dairy & animal science ,United Kingdom ,ecthyma ,use ,business ,Orf - Abstract
© British Veterinary Association 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. Orf, a parapoxvirus, is a zoonosis causing a contagious pustular dermatitis, and has a high morbidity in sheep worldwide. Despite a vaccine being available, orf prevalence in England is estimated to be 2 per cent in ewes and 20 per cent in lambsa €a €. There is concern that farmers are not complying with the vaccination guidelines and therefore the objective of this study was to investigate if orf vaccine is used correctly on sheep farms in the UK and to identify barriers and motivators of sheep farmers to use the vaccine. The survey was completed by 570 respondents. The results show several areas of concern; only 27 per cent of respondents used the correct site (axilla), 37 per cent of respondents would use orf vaccine up to a week after opening a vial (shelf life is eight hours), 33 per cent of respondents would vaccinate their ewes too close to lambing and 73 per cent of respondents did not separate vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals (both leading to infection risk for non-vaccinated animals). When vaccinating, only 53 per cent of respondents were wearing gloves and 31 per cent washed their hands just before and immediately after vaccination. Results demonstrate that orf vaccination is not carried out correctly on all UK sheep farms, which is likely to affect vaccine efficacy. A concern around vaccine efficacy, the a € hassle' of the scratch administration, the a € risk of making it worse' and the zoonotic risk when vaccinating were the most common barriers for using orf vaccine, highlighting the importance of veterinary advice when prescribing orf vaccine.
- Published
- 2019
30. Using lamb sales data to investigate associations between implementation of disease preventive practices and sheep flock performance
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt, Jasmeet Kaler, Eliana Lima, and Peers Davies
- Subjects
productivity ,Farms ,husbandry ,animal diseases ,Sheep Diseases ,Disease ,Weaning ,Biology ,Abortion ,Breeding ,SF1-1100 ,Feces ,Animal science ,Pregnancy ,Animals ,Animal Husbandry ,Productivity ,Parasite Egg Count ,Anthelmintics ,Sheep ,questionnaire ,Commerce ,Animal husbandry ,vaccination ,Breed ,United Kingdom ,Animal culture ,Sheep flock ,Red Meat ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Female ,Flock - Abstract
Although the UK is the largest lamb meat producer in Europe, there are limited data available on sheep flock performance and on how sheep farmers manage their flocks. The aims of this study were to gather evidence on the types of disease control practices implemented in sheep flocks, and to explore husbandry factors associated with flock productivity. A questionnaire focusing on farm characteristics, general husbandry and flock health management was carried out in 648 farms located in the UK over summer 2016. Abattoir sales data (lamb sales over 12 months) was compared with the number of breeding ewes on farm to estimate flock productivity (number of lambs sold for meat per 100 ewes per farm per year). Results of a multivariable linear regression model, conducted on 615 farms with complete data, indicated that farms vaccinating ewes against abortion and clostridial agents and administering a group 4/5 anthelmintic to ewes (as recommended by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep Initiative) during quarantining had a greater flock productivity than farms not implementing these actions (P
- Published
- 2019
31. Increasing vet and sheep flock interactions in dairy practice
- Author
-
Andrew Davies, Fiona Lovatt, Jonathan Reader, and Emily Gascoigne
- Subjects
Service (business) ,medicine.medical_specialty ,General Veterinary ,040301 veterinary sciences ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Investment (macroeconomics) ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Sheep flock ,0403 veterinary science ,medicine ,Revenue ,Flock ,Business ,Marketing ,Dairy cattle ,health care economics and organizations ,Preventive healthcare - Abstract
© 2019 BMJ Publishing Group Limited. Sheep medicine has traditionally been a low priority for cattle-dominated practice, as it is commonly thought that there is minimal financial opportunities in this sector. The perception has been that the vet's role regarding sheep is that of an emergency care provider and that farmers would be reluctant to pay for training and preventive advice. As such, this has inhibited investment in sheep services within farm animal practices that predominantly focus on dairy cattle, as these services are deemed less lucrative revenue streams for the business (Bellet and others 2015). In this article, we explore the challenges associated with delivering sheep preventive medicine within private veterinary practice, and look at how, by harnessing positive relationships with commercial flock owners, farm animal practices can develop this service.
- Published
- 2019
32. Anatomy and Pathology of the Texel Sheep Larynx
- Author
-
Kerstin Baiker, Katie Waine, Hannah Rideout, Elizabeth Genever, Ben Strugnell, Fiona Lovatt, Martin J. Green, and John Remnant
- Subjects
Larynx ,laryngeal chondritis ,Pathology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,sheep ,040301 veterinary sciences ,biology.animal_breed ,Article ,0403 veterinary science ,Throat ,medicine ,Chondritis ,texel throat ,larynx ,lcsh:Veterinary medicine ,General Veterinary ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,biology ,business.industry ,texel ,0402 animal and dairy science ,Magnetic resonance imaging ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Anatomy ,medicine.disease ,bluefaced leicester ,040201 dairy & animal science ,respiratory disease ,Breed ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,lcsh:SF600-1100 ,Texel sheep ,Texel ,business ,Respiratory tract - Abstract
Laryngeal chondritis, or &ldquo, Texel throat&rdquo, is a disease affecting the upper respiratory tract of sheep with breeds like the Texel appearing to be predisposed. Previous work suggests the conformation of these breeds of sheep may be predisposing these animals to laryngeal disease. This study evaluated the anatomy of the Texel sheep larynx and describes incidental pathology. Forty-three larynges from rams of the Texel and Bluefaced Leicester breeds of sheep were measured and photographed. A larynx from each breed was submitted for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements, photography, CT, and MRI demonstrated a difference in the anatomy of the larynx between breeds and a higher proportion of Texel sheep had laryngeal lesions. This study supports the hypothesis that the anatomy of the Texel sheep could be pre-disposing the breed to laryngeal chondritis.
- Published
- 2019
33. Understanding farmers' naturalistic decision making around prophylactic antibiotic use in lambs using a grounded theory and natural language processing approach
- Author
-
Charlotte Doidge, Fiona Lovatt, Jasmeet Kaler, and Eamonn Ferguson
- Subjects
Online discussion ,040301 veterinary sciences ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Naturalistic decision-making ,Decision Making ,030231 tropical medicine ,computer.software_genre ,Grounded theory ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Food Animals ,Experiential avoidance ,Animals ,Animal Husbandry ,Sheep, Domestic ,media_common ,Farmers ,business.industry ,food and beverages ,Regret ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Antibiotic Prophylaxis ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Social judgment theory ,Feeling ,Analytical skill ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Artificial intelligence ,Psychology ,business ,computer ,Natural language processing - Abstract
The routine use of antibiotics for prevention of disease in neonatal lambs has been highlighted as inappropriate, yet research suggests that many farmers in the UK still carry out this practice. The aim of the study was to understand farmers' naturalistic decision-making around prophylactic antibiotic use in lambs. Data from 431 posts by 133 different users of an online discussion forum were analysed quantitatively using natural language processing and qualitatively using a grounded theory approach. Results from the qualitative analysis identified five categories that influenced farmers risk perceptions around prophylactic antibiotic use in lambs: anticipated regret, negative emotions and experiential avoidance; economic considerations; farmer identity; perception of capability; and perception of social judgement. Natural language processing analysis of the posts by the study group were compared to posts on topics unrelated to antibiotic use by control groups from the same forum to understand the underlying style and tone within the text. Analytical thinking and authenticity scores were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control groups (P < 0.01). Words relating to cognitive processes were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control groups (P < 0.01). Results of the qualitative and quantitative analysis were integrated to assess the fit of the data and enhance findings from either method alone. The key findings were the identification of reasons why farmers used antibiotics prophylactically in neonatal lambs. Farmers disassociated the use of oral antibiotics in neonatal lambs from other types of antibiotics within sheep farming. Farmers used the concept of luck and uniqueness to justify their prophylactic antibiotic use. This may explain farmers' low analytical thinking scores as this reflects a more personal style of thinking as farmers express their thoughts on antibiotic use on an individual basis. Farmers' felt that they did not have the capabilities to control neonatal disease without antibiotics during busy periods and this was exacerbated by external economic constraints. For farmers' who used antibiotics for therapeutic use, fear of social judgement was an important factor in their perceptions of risk around antibiotic use. The high frequency of negations and conjunctions suggested feelings of moral duty. As such, antibiotic use has developed into a symbol of their good farming identity which conflicted with the identity held by those who used antibiotics prophylactically. These results can be used to inform knowledge exchange around prophylactic antibiotic use in lambs to improve antibiotic stewardship in the sheep farming sector.
- Published
- 2021
34. Sheep farmers and vets working together. Why? What? How?
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
fungi ,food and beverages - Abstract
‘Vets are not interested and don't care about sheep.’ ‘Sheep farmers are grumpy and don't need vets.’ ‘The cost of a sheep is not worth the price of a vet…’ Comments, that you may have heard, but are thoroughly out of date in the current sheep industry where keen sheep veterinary surgeons are valued as pivotal members of the flock team. This presentation explored the relationships between veterinary surgeons and sheep farmers. It identified how veterinary surgeons can optimise their value with an emphasis on good preventative medicine and how sheep flocks can improve their performance to deliver mutual benefits and maximum job satisfaction.
- Published
- 2020
35. A cross-sectional study of 329 farms in England to identify risk factors for ovine clinical mastitis
- Author
-
Laura E. Green, Selene J. Huntley, Fiona Lovatt, Ronald E. Crump, and Selin Cooper
- Subjects
Litter (animal) ,Veterinary medicine ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Cross-sectional study ,animal diseases ,Sheep Diseases ,Mastitis ,Biology ,Incidence rate ,Article ,Poisson regression ,0403 veterinary science ,symbols.namesake ,Animal science ,Food Animals ,Risk Factors ,medicine ,Animals ,SF ,Udder ,Management practices ,Retrospective Studies ,Sheep ,Incidence ,Ovine mastitis ,Domestic sheep reproduction ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,medicine.disease ,040201 dairy & animal science ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,England ,symbols ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Risk factor ,Flock - Abstract
The aims of this study were to estimate the incidence rate of clinical mastitis (IRCM) and identify risk factors for clinical mastitis in suckler ewes to generate hypotheses for future study. A postal questionnaire was sent to 999 randomly selected English sheep farmers in 2010 to gather data on farmer reported IRCM and flock management practices for the calendar year 2009, of which 329 provided usable information. The mean IRCM per flock was 1.2/100 ewes/year (CI:1.10:1.35). The IRCM was 2.0, 0.9 and 1.3/100 ewes/year for flocks that lambed indoors, outdoors and a combination of both, respectively.\ud \ud Farmers ran a variety of managements before, during and after lambing that were not comparable within one model, therefore six mixed effects over-dispersed Poisson regression models were developed.\ud \ud Factors significantly associated with increased IRCM were increasing percentage of the flock with poor udder conformation, increasing mean number of lambs reared/ewe and when some or all ewes lambed in barns compared with outdoors (Model 1).\ud \ud For ewes housed in barns before lambing (Model 2), concrete, earth and other materials were associated with an increase in IRCM compared with hardcore floors (an aggregate of broken bricks and stones). For ewes in barns during lambing (Model 3), an increase in IRCM was associated with concrete compared with hardcore flooring and where bedding was stored covered outdoors or in a building compared with bedding stored outdoors uncovered. For ewes in barns after lambing (Model 4), increased IRCM was associated with earth compared with hardcore floors, and when fresh bedding was added once per week compared with at a frequency of ≤2 days or twice/week.\ud \ud The IRCM was lower for flocks where some or all ewes remained in the same fields before, during and after lambing compared with flocks that did not (Model 5). Where ewes and lambs were turned outdoors after lambing (Model 6), the IRCM increased as the age of the oldest lambs at turnout increased.\ud \ud We conclude that the reported IRCM is low but highly variable and that the complexity of management of sheep around lambing limits the insight into generating hypotheses at flock level for risks for clinical mastitis across the whole industry. Whilst indoor production was generally associated with an increased IRCM, for ewes with large litter size indoor lambing was protective, we hypothesise that this is possibly because of better nutrition or reduced exposure to poor weather and factors associated with hygiene.
- Published
- 2016
36. Use of bootstrapped, regularised regression to identify factors associated with lamb-derived revenue on commercial sheep farms
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt, Jasmeet Kaler, Peers Davies, Martin J. Green, Lis King, and Eliana Lima
- Subjects
Farms ,040301 veterinary sciences ,animal diseases ,030231 tropical medicine ,Separation (statistics) ,Population ,Northern Ireland ,Culling ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Food Animals ,Covariate ,Statistics ,Animals ,Revenue ,Animal Husbandry ,education ,Sheep, Domestic ,Mathematics ,education.field_of_study ,Wales ,Domestic sheep reproduction ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,England ,Scotland ,Multicollinearity ,Regression Analysis ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Flock - Abstract
The profitability of UK sheep farms is variable with many farms making a net loss. For economic sustainability, farms have to be profitable, therefore it is important to maximise income whilst controlling costs. The most important source of income in sheep flocks is from lamb production but there is little information on factors that explain variability between farms in revenue from lamb sales. The aim of this research was to identify farm, farmer and management factors likely to have the largest, most reliable associations with lamb-derived revenue. From a population of 830 sheep farms, 408 farmers completed an online questionnaire comprising over 300 variables. Total lamb-derived revenue was calculated for each farm using abattoir information including carcass classification. The median flock size was 560 ewes , median land size 265 acres, median revenue per acre from lambs sold was £197 (IQR = 120–296) and median revenue per ewe £95 (IQR = 72–123). A robust analytic approach using regularised (elastic net) regression with bootstrapping was implemented to account for multicollinearity in the data and to reduce the likelihood of model over-fitting. To provide model inference and allow ranking of variables in terms of relevance, covariate stability and coefficient distributions were evaluated. Factors with high stability and relatively large positive associations with revenue per acre were (median effect size (£); 95 % bootstrap probability interval); an increased stocking rate of 0.2 ewe/acre (13; 6–17), fertilizer being used on most of the grazing land (18; 0.1–37), the use of rotational grazing (13; 0.3–34), decreased proportion of ewes with prolapses (4; 0.3–9), separation of lame sheep from the rest of the flock (16; 0.9–37), selecting ewes for culling based on prolapses (20; 0.2–55) and infertility (20; 2–46), conducting body condition scoring of ewes at lambing (28; 3–58), early lactation (21; 1–54) or weaning (25; 2–70), increased farmer education (20; 2–54) and farmers with a positive business attitude (15; 0.2–38). Additional factors with a high stability and relatively large associations with increased revenue per ewe were; never trimming diseased feet of lame ewes (9; 0.8–22) and making use of farm records (5; 0.3–12). This is the first study in animal health epidemiology to use bootstrapped regularised regression to evaluate a wide dataset to provide a ranking of the importance of explanatory covariates. We conclude that the relatively small set of variables identified, with a potentially large influence on lamb-derived revenue, should be considered prime candidates for future intervention studies.
- Published
- 2020
37. Sustainable lamb production: Evaluation of factors affecting lamb growth using hierarchical, cross classified and multiple memberships models
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt, Jasmeet Kaler, Janet Roden, Eliana Lima, Peers Davies, and Martin J. Green
- Subjects
Male ,Pregnancy ,animal diseases ,respiratory system ,Biology ,medicine.disease ,Models, Biological ,Feed conversion ratio ,Cross classified ,Mastitis ,Animal science ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Standard error ,Food Animals ,Lameness ,Lactation ,parasitic diseases ,medicine ,Red meat ,Animals ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,Animal Husbandry ,Sheep, Domestic - Abstract
© 2019 Elsevier B.V. In light of current concerns about the sustainability of red meat production in a world with increasing global demand for food from animal origin there is a need for a better understanding of factors that influence the growth rate and feed conversion efficiency of animals on commercial farms. The primary objective of this observational study was to use longitudinal data to quantify the simultaneous effects of multiple ewe and lamb factors on lamb growth rate. A secondary aim was to evaluate model structures that specifically account for lamb grouping effects during the growth period and compare these to classical hierarchical growth rate models. A total of 4172 weight recordings from 805 lambs and data on disease events were collected over a 6-month period from a commercial pedigree sheep flock. Three mixed model structures were compared, hierarchical, cross classified and multiple membership, and final estimates determined within a Bayesian framework. The multiple membership structure provided the best model fit and was used for final inference; taking account of the effect of lamb grouping over time provided the best estimates of lamb growth rate. Ewe lameness and mastitis cases had a deleterious impact on lamb growth. Lambs from ewes identified with mastitis during lactation were on average 3.0 (standard error (SE) 1.6) kg lighter during the four month growth period than lambs from unaffected ewes. Lambs from ewes that were not lame during pregnancy were 3.0 (SE 1.2) kg heavier at eight weeks of age than lambs from ewes with a least one lameness case during the same period. Lambs from ewes lame either during the first 4 weeks or between 4–8 weeks of a lamb's life (but not lame during pregnancy) were also significantly heavier at 56 days of age, than lambs reared by ewes that were lame during pregnancy (2.8 (SE 1.2) and 3.4 (SE 1.2) kg respectively). Cases of pneumonia and bacterial arthritis in lambs had a significant negative impact on lamb growth with affected lambs being on average 5.5 (SE 1.1) kg and 2.2 (SE 1.2) kg less than non-affected lambs respectively after the disease event. Prior to a case of lameness or pneumonia, lambs were significantly heavier than unaffected lambs suggesting a possible trade-off between growth and immune function. Overall, the study provides evidence that that a combination of ewe and lamb characteristics and disease events play an important role in determining lamb growth rate and that heavier lambs may be more susceptible to disease.
- Published
- 2020
38. Survey to determine the farm-level impact of Schmallenberg virus during the 2016-2017 United Kingdom lambing season
- Author
-
Jessica Eleanor Stokes, Jennifer Duncan, Matthew Baylis, Rachael E. Tarlinton, Fiona Lovatt, and Amanda Carson
- Subjects
Veterinary medicine ,Farms ,Orthobunyavirus ,040301 veterinary sciences ,animal diseases ,media_common.quotation_subject ,030231 tropical medicine ,Sheep Diseases ,Biology ,Bunyaviridae Infections ,Disease Outbreaks ,0403 veterinary science ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Farm level ,Pregnancy ,Animal welfare ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Animals ,media_common ,2. Zero hunger ,Lamb mortality ,Sheep ,General Veterinary ,Domestic sheep reproduction ,Outbreak ,Schmallenberg virus ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,biology.organism_classification ,United Kingdom ,Female ,Flock ,Welfare - Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) causes abortions, stillbirths and fetal malformations in naive ruminants. The impact of the initial outbreak (2011/2012) on British sheep farms has been previously investigated, with higher farmer perceived impacts and increased lamb and ewe mortality reported on SBV-affected farms. After several years of low, or no, circulation the UK sheep flock once again became vulnerable to SBV infection. Re-emergence was confirmed in autumn 2016. This study reports the analysis of a questionnaire designed to determine the farm-level impact of SBV on the 2016/2017 UK lambing period. Higher neonatal lamb mortality, dystocia and associated ewe deaths, and higher perceived impacts on sheep welfare, flock financial performance and farmer emotional wellness were reported on SBV confirmed (n=59) and SBV suspected (n=82), than SBV not suspected (n=74) farms. Additionally, although few farmers (20.4 per cent) reported previously vaccinating against SBV, the majority (78.3 per cent) stated they would vaccinate if purchasing at less than £1 per dose. These results are largely comparable to the findings reported for the 2011/2012 outbreak, highlighting the ongoing impact of SBV on sheep farms. If SBV continues to re-emerge cyclically, the economic and animal welfare costs to the UK sheep farming industry will continue.
- Published
- 2018
39. Drivers for precision livestock technology adoption: A study of factors associated with adoption of electronic identification technology by commercial sheep farmers in England and Wales
- Author
-
Peers Davies, Jasmeet Kaler, Orla Shortall, Fiona Lovatt, George Williamson, Emma Gurney, Eliana Lima, and Thomas Hopkins
- Subjects
Questionnaires ,lcsh:Medicine ,Literacy ,0403 veterinary science ,Mathematical and Statistical Techniques ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Marketing ,lcsh:Science ,Anecdotal evidence ,media_common ,Mammals ,2. Zero hunger ,Response rate (survey) ,Multidisciplinary ,Eukaryota ,Agriculture ,Ruminants ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Exploratory factor analysis ,Professions ,England ,Research Design ,Vertebrates ,Physical Sciences ,Agricultural Workers ,Engineering and Technology ,Profitability index ,Factor Analysis ,Statistics (Mathematics) ,Research Article ,Livestock ,Farms ,040301 veterinary sciences ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Equipment ,Research and Analysis Methods ,Animals ,Statistical Methods ,Communication Equipment ,Government ,Wales ,Sheep ,Survey Research ,business.industry ,lcsh:R ,Organisms ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Information technology ,Multivariate Analysis ,People and Places ,Amniotes ,040103 agronomy & agriculture ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,Population Groupings ,lcsh:Q ,Electronics ,Cell Phones ,business ,Mathematics - Abstract
The UK is the largest lamb meat producer in Europe. However, the low profitability of sheep farming sector suggests production efficiency could be improved. Although the use of technologies such as Electronic Identification (EID) tools could allow a better use of flock resources, anecdotal evidence suggests they are not widely used. The aim of this study was to assess uptake of EID technology, and explore drivers and barriers of adoption of related tools among English and Welsh farmers. Farm beliefs and management practices associated with adoption of this technology were investigated. A total of 2000 questionnaires were sent, with a response rate of 22%. Among the respondents, 87 had adopted EID tools for recording flock information, 97 intended to adopt it in the future, and 222 neither had adopted it, neither intended to adopt it. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multivariable logistic regression modelling were used to identify farmer beliefs and management practices significantly associated with adoption of EID technology. EFA identified three factors expressing farmer’s beliefs–external pressure and negative feelings, usefulness and practicality. Our results suggest farmer’s beliefs play a significant role in technology uptake. Non-adopters were more likely than adopters to believe that ‘government pressurise farmers to adopt technology’. In contrast, adopters were significantly more likely than non-adopters to see EID as practical and useful (p≤0.05). Farmers with higher information technologies literacy and intending to intensify production in the future were significantly more likely to adopt EID technology (p≤0.05). Importantly, flocks managed with EID tools had significantly lower farmer- reported flock lameness levels (p≤0.05). These findings bring insights on the dynamics of adoption of EID tools. Communicating evidence of the positive effects EID tools on flock performance and strengthening farmer’s capability in use of technology are likely to enhance the uptake of this technology in sheep farms.
- Published
- 2018
40. Bacterial species and their associations with acute and chronic mastitis in suckler ewes
- Author
-
Edward M. Smith, Matthew Blakeley, Kevin J. Purdy, Zoë N. Willis, Fiona Lovatt, and Laura E. Green
- Subjects
Staphylococcus aureus ,Systemic disease ,Sheep Diseases ,Mastitis ,Anorexia ,Staphylococcal infections ,medicine.disease_cause ,Microbiology ,Mammary Glands, Animal ,stomatognathic system ,Genetics ,medicine ,Animals ,Chronic mastitis ,Sheep, Domestic ,Sheep ,Bacteria ,biology ,business.industry ,Staphylococcal Infections ,medicine.disease ,biology.organism_classification ,Animals, Suckling ,Milk ,Lameness ,Acute Disease ,Chronic Disease ,Immunology ,Female ,Animal Science and Zoology ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Food Science - Abstract
Acute mastitis in suckler ewes is often detected because of systemic signs such as anorexia or lameness, whereas chronic mastitis, characterized by intramammary abscesses with no systemic disease, is typically detected when ewes are inspected before mating. The aims of the current study were to identify the species and strains of culturable bacteria associated with acutely diseased, chronically diseased, and unaffected mammary glands to investigate whether species and strains vary by state. To investigate acute mastitis, 28 milk samples were obtained from both glands of 14 ewes with acute mastitis in one gland only. To investigate chronic mastitis, 16 ovine udders were obtained from 2 abattoirs; milk was aspirated from the 32 glands where possible, and the udders were sectioned to expose intramammary abscesses, which were swab sampled. All milk and swab samples were cultured aerobically. In total, 37 bacterial species were identified, 4 from acute mastitis, 26 from chronic mastitis, and 8 from apparently healthy glands. In chronic mastitis, the overall coincidence index of overlap of species detected in intramammary abscesses and milk was 0.60, reducing to 0.36 within individual glands, indicating a high degree of species overlap in milk and abscesses overall, but less overlap within specific glands. Staphylococcus aureus was detected frequently in all sample types; it was isolated from 10/14 glands with acute mastitis. In 5 ewes, closely related strains were present in both affected and unaffected glands. In chronic mastitis, closely related Staphylococcus aureus strains were detected in milk and abscesses from the same gland.
- Published
- 2015
41. Lamb growth rates and optimising production
- Author
-
Emily Gascoigne and Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
General Veterinary ,animal diseases ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Economic return ,Fertility ,Sheep flock ,Agricultural science ,Market price ,Economics ,Production (economics) ,Profitability index ,Flock ,Productivity ,media_common - Abstract
Low profitability and poor economic returns are common complaints from a number of commercial sheep farmers, yet many do not measure their production costs or monitor lamb performance. Disappointing growth rates have significant implications for the productivity of lamb-production enterprises, resulting in finishing flocks missing peaks in market prices, reduced uniformity in finished groups, fewer lambs finished preweaning, an increased ratio of lambs kept or sold as stores compared to those sold fat, and decreases in ewe lamb fertility performance. An understanding of expected growth rates and the monitoring of weight gains in the commercial sheep flock can have benefits for productivity and be used to inform flock health decisions. This article describes the importance of maximising growth rates in lambs and how this can be achieved.
- Published
- 2015
42. Safeguarding the role of the vet in sheep farming
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
Veterinary Medicine ,Veterinary medicine ,Sheep ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,Agriculture ,General Medicine ,Public administration ,Safeguarding ,United Kingdom ,Veterinarians ,Sheep farming ,Professional Role ,Animals ,Humans ,Industry ,Medicine ,business ,Forecasting - Abstract
Continuing Veterinary Record9s series of articles discussing the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession, Fiona Lovatt reviews the role of vets in sheep farming in the UK, arguing that they need to deliver high-quality, cost-effective advice to secure their position in the industry.
- Published
- 2015
43. Blowfly strike: biology, epidemiology and control
- Author
-
Richard Wall and Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
Veterinary medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,General Veterinary ,Public economics ,Scope (project management) ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Epidemiology ,Control (management) ,medicine ,Welfare ,media_common - Abstract
Blowfly strike is one of the most unpleasant yet familiar annual problems that sheep farmers need to deal with. Strike causes significant welfare problems for sheep and costs for farmers in terms of both time and money. The development of good prevention strategies is an important opportunity for sheep veterinarians to engage with their clients; this requires a clear understanding of the scope of the problem and the challenge it presents. This article explains the biology of the blowfly, the risk factors and how to control strike. It also considers the costs involved in managing this problem.
- Published
- 2015
44. The essential features of a literature programme
- Author
-
Davis, Fiona Lovatt
- Published
- 1994
45. Benchmarking antimicrobial use
- Author
-
Christian Blake-Dyke, Mark D. White, Ronnie Soutar, Daniel Parker, Fiona Lovatt, and Elizabeth Berry
- Subjects
Veterinary Medicine ,Farms ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Population ,Unit (housing) ,0403 veterinary science ,Agricultural science ,Antimicrobial Stewardship ,Anti-Infective Agents ,Antimicrobial stewardship ,Animals ,Humans ,Antibiotic use ,education ,education.field_of_study ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,0402 animal and dairy science ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,General Medicine ,Benchmarking ,040201 dairy & animal science ,United Kingdom ,Data Accuracy ,Antimicrobial use ,Agriculture ,Scale (social sciences) ,Business - Abstract
The mass used for each population corrected unit (mg/PCU) as a measure of antimicrobial use has its limitations. As suggested by James More ( VR , October 14, 2017, vol 181, p 405) there is no doubt its use is more appropriate when considering national sales data and benchmarking antibiotic use on a national scale rather than at the level of individual farms. The remit of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) …
- Published
- 2017
46. Sudden death in sheep
- Author
-
Heather Stevenson, Ian Davies, and Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
Veterinary medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,General Veterinary ,business.industry ,medicine ,Disease ,Animal husbandry ,Intensive care medicine ,business ,Sudden death - Abstract
Several factors conspire to make the definition of ‘sudden death’ in sheep problematic. The most commonly accepted definition is death that occurs since the last inspection (ie, within 12 to 24 hours). However, it can be challenging for the shepherd to detect early clinical signs of disease in sheep due to extensive husbandry, limited supplementary feeding and sometimes, despite the legal requirements, infrequent inspection. In addition, group sizes tend to be large, making recognition of individual animals difficult. Consequently, veterinary investigation into any case where sheep have been found dead may not always reveal an acute cause. This article aims to consider such situations as well as those of truly ‘sudden death’.
- Published
- 2014
47. Investigation and management of sheep abortion
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt, Kate Hovers, Jim Hopkins, Paul Roger, and Rebecca Mearns
- Subjects
Gynecology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Obstetrics ,business.industry ,Campylobacter ,Outbreak ,Enzootic abortion ,Abortion ,medicine.disease ,medicine.disease_cause ,Toxoplasmosis ,embryonic structures ,medicine ,Flock ,business ,reproductive and urinary physiology - Abstract
Abortion and stillbirth account for approximately 30% of UK annual lamb losses so have significant financial implications. Enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) and toxoplasmosis are the commonest infectious causes, followed by Campylobacter spp, unfortunately in less than 50% of submissions a diagnosis is not made. This article reviews investigation and diagnosis of common causes of ovine abortion plus flock management of both the initial outbreak and for long-term control and prevention of abortion.
- Published
- 2014
48. To prescribe or not to prescribe? A factorial survey to explore veterinarians’ decision making when prescribing antimicrobials to sheep and beef farmers in the UK
- Author
-
Chris Hudson, Jasmeet Kaler, Fiona Lovatt, Charlotte Doidge, and Clegg, Simon Russell
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Agreeableness ,medicine.medical_specialty ,040301 veterinary sciences ,Science ,Clinical Decision-Making ,Psychological intervention ,MEDLINE ,Cattle Diseases ,Sheep Diseases ,Social Theory ,Drug Prescriptions ,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ,Veterinarians ,0403 veterinary science ,Antimicrobial Stewardship ,03 medical and health sciences ,Willingness to pay ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Drug Resistance, Bacterial ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Antimicrobial stewardship ,0303 health sciences ,Sheep ,Multidisciplinary ,030306 microbiology ,Public health ,Correction ,food and beverages ,General Medicine ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,United Kingdom ,Anti-Bacterial Agents ,Vignette ,Family medicine ,Respondent ,Medicine ,Cattle ,Female ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Psychology - Abstract
Resistance to antimicrobials is one of the biggest challenges worldwide for public health. A key strategy for tackling this is ensuring judicious use of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. Whilst there are many studies in human medicine investigating prescribing behaviour of doctors, there is limited work to understand what factors influence veterinarian prescribing behaviour. Veterinarians often prescribe antimicrobials to sheep and beef farmers in contexts other than at a clinical consultation, and decision-making behind this has not been explored. The aim of this study was to measure, for the first time, the influence of factors from social theories on veterinarians' decision to prescribe antimicrobials to sheep and beef farmers without a clinical consultation, using a factorial survey approach. Respondents were presented with eight vignette scenarios, where a farmer asks for antimicrobials at the veterinary practice. Seven factors, identified from constructs of social theories, were included in the vignettes. Random intercept and random slope models were built to estimate the effects of the vignette factors and vet characteristics on the respondents' willingness to prescribe ratings. A total of 306 surveys were completed. The vignette factors: case type, farmer relationship, other veterinarians in practice, time pressure, habit, willingness to pay, and confidence in the farmer, were significant in the decision to prescribe. Confidence in the farmer was the most influential vignette variable, and was included as a random slope effect. Respondent variables with significant influence on the decision to prescribe were agreeableness personality score, region of veterinary practice, and presence of a small animal department. These influential factors could be considered to target interventions in beef and sheep farm animal veterinary practice for improved antimicrobial stewardship.
- Published
- 2019
49. Impact on Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) Genetic Diversity from Two Parallel Population Bottlenecks Founded from a Common Source
- Author
-
A. Rus Hoelzel and Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
education.field_of_study ,Genetic diversity ,Ecology ,Population ,food and beverages ,Context (language use) ,Small population size ,Biology ,Identity by descent ,Bottleneck ,Population bottleneck ,Evolutionary biology ,Genetic structure ,education ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics - Abstract
Population bottlenecks and founder events reduce genetic diversity through stochastic processes associated with the sampling of alleles at the time of the bottleneck, and the recombination of alleles that are identical by descent. At the same time bottlenecks and founder events can structure populations through the stochastic distortion of allele frequencies. Here we undertake an empirical assessment of the impact of two independent bottlenecks of known size from a known source, and consider inference about evolutionary process in the context of simulations and theoretical expectations. We find a similar level of reduced variation in the parallel bottleneck events, with the greater impact on the population that began with the smaller number of females. The level of diversity remaining was consistent with model predictions, but only if re-growth of the population was essentially exponential and polygeny was minimal at the early stages. There was a high level of differentiation seen compared to the source population and between the two bottlenecked populations, reflecting the stochastic distortion of allele frequencies. We provide empirical support for the theoretical expectations that considerable diversity can remain following a severe bottleneck event, given rapid demographic recovery, and that populations founded from the same source can become quickly differentiated. These processes may be important during the evolution of population genetic structure for species affected by rapid changes in available habitat.
- Published
- 2013
50. The increasing threat of liver fluke to sheep
- Author
-
Fiona Lovatt
- Subjects
biology ,parasitic diseases ,Immunology ,Physiology ,Fasciola hepatica ,Disease ,Liver fluke ,biology.organism_classification - Abstract
Liver fluke is a parasite that presents real challenges to sheep farmers and their veterinary surgeons. The complicated life cycle of Fasciola hepatica is strongly influenced by environmental factors and climate data suggest that the risks are increasing across virtually all areas of the UK. This fact, combined with the increasing number of reports of treatment failures, emphasises the vital importance of good management advice in the control of this disease.
- Published
- 2013
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