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Scoping review on farmer information sources for animal health
Full text linkLivestock farmers are the central decision makers for control of most endemic diseases, which makes them a vital stakeholder for the effective communication of information created from disease surveillance. We conducted a scoping review of the relevant scientific literature following PRISMA standards to identify the most common information channels or networks through which farmers receive information about animal health or disease. We found 50 articles that met our inclusion criteria (see methods section) by searching the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science from 1960 – Feb 2025. Most of the articles (n = 34) came from the UK. Most of the studies targeted cattle farmers (n = 31), followed by sheep farmers (n = 19) and pig farmers (n = 10). Farmers were reported to receive information from a wide variety of sources. Veterinarians were reported to be the most important information source (n = 36). Other sources reported to be important were nutritionists and foot trimers (n = 1), other farmers (n = 1), farmer associations and schemes (n = 1) and the farm press (n = 1). Five studies reported that a combination of different sources was the most effective for communicating to farmers. From this study, we can conclude that veterinarians are the primary animal health/disease information source for farmers and should always be included when designing strategies to communicate health/disease related information to farmer. Other information sources are less important but should be included when communication is intended to reach as many farmers as possible
Genetic Mapping of Resistance: ddRADseq ‐Based QTL and Associated Polymorphism Conferring Resistance to Alpha‐Cypermethrin in Anopheles funestus
Full text linkThe heavy reliance on pyrethroid‐based interventions has largely driven insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, accelerating the spread of resistant strains, including resistant Anopheles funestus strains. The efficacy of insecticide‐based interventions, especially insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs), the cornerstone of malaria control and management, is threatened by the widespread occurrence of resistance, jeopardising malaria control efforts. Alpha‐cypermethrin, a type II pyrethroid, is increasingly utilised in various ITN formulations, including those combined with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and chlorfenapyr‐based Interceptor G2 (IG2) nets, to enhance effectiveness against resistant mosquito populations. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of resistance is essential to monitor and track resistance trends for an effective malaria control program. In this study, we identified a 1.4 Mb QTL on the telomeric end of the left arm of chromosome 2, conferring resistance to α‐cypermethrin (rap1 QTL). Different crossing schemes and sequencing approaches were explored to determine the most effective strategy. Individual‐based QTL mapping performed on segregating individuals from an isofemale family identified a QTL at the F7 generation. Higher recombination density relative to the physical genome in the F7 isofemale family, with a recombination every 240 kb, facilitated the detection of a QTL compared to the F2 family (335 kb/cM). Additionally, we exploited bulk segregant analysis (BSA) between susceptible and resistant phenotypes from the F7 isofemale family and an F7 mixed cross‐family to perform cost‐effective and rapid QTL‐mapping discovery. The strongest signal in both independent BSA analyses overlaps with the rap1 QTL, further supporting its role in α‐cypermethrin resistance. The known resistant alleles of the cytochrome P450 CYP6P9a and 6.5‐kb structural variant within the rap1 QTL strongly correlate with survival to α‐cypermethrin. In this study, we validated that previously developed DNA‐based assays, originally designed to monitor permethrin resistance, are effective for tracking resistance to α‐cypermethrin as well. Additionally, we identified candidate variants that can serve as reliable markers for monitoring α‐cypermethrin resistance
Portion-size anchors as behavioural nudges of healthy eating: Testing their usefulness and limits in home settings
Full text linkPurpose – Perceptions of appropriate portion sizes are socially and culturally constructed. Meals consumed at home are often linked to greater self-regulation, as individuals typically have more control over ingredients, preparation and serving sizes. However, increasing exposure to larger portions in out-of-home food environment such as restaurants and fast food outlets risk recalibrating portion norms. The purpose of this study is to test whether portion-size anchors promote healthier home eating and to identify limits to their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – This study examined how low, medium and high portion-size anchors are associated with consumption intentions at home across five common foods, using a between-subjects survey experiment with 508 adult Taiwanese participants. They reported whether they would exceed the anchor and provided intended consumption amounts. Chi-square tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests and ANCOVA were used to assess anchor effects. Findings – The direction of the anchoring effect aligns with expectations derived from the anchor-and-adjustment framework. For most food items, individuals who received the low anchor reported higher intended consumption, suggesting upward adjustment from the initial numerical cue. Conversely, those in the high anchor condition reported lower intended consumption relative to the anchor value, indicative of downward adjustment. This bidirectional movement implies that the anchor operates less as a target and more as a cognitive starting point, from which participants adjust in a context-dependent manner. Practical implications – Portion-size anchors offer potential for low-intensity interventions to reduce over-consumption. However, their effectiveness appears contingent on perceived plausibility. Anchors that diverge markedly from prevailing portion norms may elicit counterproductive responses. Originality/value – The novelty of this study lies in its examination of how portion-size anchoring effects operate within home-eating contexts in a non-Western setting.</p
Alginate encapsulation enhanced the gastrointestinal stability and bactericidal efficacy of an optimized Salmonella phage cocktail for oral delivery in poultry feed
Full text linkSalmonella is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, and it is transmitted via contaminated water and food sources, especially poultry products. Many serovars are resistant to frontline antibiotics, necessitating the need for alternative treatment strategies. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotics for Salmonella infection control in poultry, however, oral delivery is limited by the highly acidic gastric environment. Thus, this study aimed to optimize a cocktail of encapsulated phages to preserve and enhance their shelf-life, viability, target release and activity in the digestive tract of chickens. The phage cocktail, consisting of three strictly lytic Salmonella phages (ST-W23, SE-W112, and ST-W139) isolated from wastewater, exhibited a broad host range, lysing ∼83% (107/129) of 25 important Salmonella serovars identified from chicken farms. To enhance stability in acidic conditions, the phage cocktail was encapsulated in alginate–CaCO3 jelly beads. Under simulated gastric conditions, a single application of the encapsulated cocktail reduced S. Typhimurium growth below detectable limits within 3 h post-treatment and inhibited further regrowth for 24 h. Furthermore, the encapsulated phages maintained high viability for at least a month at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold storage logistics. This study demonstrates an effective phage encapsulation technique for optimal phage storage, oral administration and therapeutic efficacy to control intestinal Salmonella in poultry and protect public health. Further work will focus on upscaling phage production and testing in poultry farms
A novel framework to study the evolution of crop rotation diversity reveals changes towards regional crop type specialisation in Sweden
Full text linkDiversification of cropping systems can help decrease the negative environmental impacts of agriculture while increasing ecosystem service benefits to crop production. The crop diversification measure introduced by the 2013 CAP reform aimed to trigger the diversification of cropping systems. There is currently no framework to show how policies that aim to trigger diversification of cropping systems, affect crop rotation diversity at the field scale. In this study, we propose a framework to study the evolution of cropping system diversity, which comprises (1) building crop sequences for two periods using the Geo-spatial Application (GSA) database of the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), (2) calculating two indicators of diversity of crop sequences, (3) creating a typology of crop sequences, and (4) determining the significance of change and highlighting drivers of change by using mixed models. Our framework was tested on 1100,760 ha in Sweden, focusing on the periods 2005–2010 and 2011–2016, with four ways of categorizing crops (i.e., crop species, crop types, winter crops vs spring crops, botanical family) in five homogeneous production regions. Using different crop categorization is a way of expressing the robustness of the trends in diversity which account for various relationships among crops. We showed that the value of all diversity indicators in all regions decreased significantly between the two periods, except for the estimated agronomic quality of the crop sequence in the most productive regions where it increased. This general decrease could be explained by longer duration of rotational perennial leys and reduced cultivation of minor cereals, such as rye and oats in the later period. Overall, there was an 8 % increase in ley area, which was particularly evident in regions with less productive land, where the high proportion of ley often became permanent grassland. We found that the trend towards longer duration leys was strong in livestock farms, while regions with productive land favoured the inclusion of more annual cash crops in the rotation, especially oilseed rape, which contributed to the agronomic quality of the sequences. The framework could be widely adopted across Europe using the GSA database of the IACS to track diversification changes at a country and regional level and design appropriate policies to increase the diversity of crop rotations using the potential local drivers highlighted
Assessing smallholder fish farmers’ awareness, motivation and attitude towards the environmental impact of aquaculture
Full text linkThis study examines how smallholder fish farmers perceive and respond to the environmental impacts of aquaculture, since their awareness, motivations and attitudes shape adoption of sustainable practices. Surveying 125 Nigerian fish farmers as a case example, the results show high environmental consciousness, with 93.7% recognizing the importance of sustainability. Water pollution, excessive chemical use and resource overexploitation are viewed as the main risks of unsustainable farming. Most farmers (78.6%) adopt one or more practices, particularly wastewater treatment and improved feed management. Adoption intensity varied substantially among regular adopters, with nearly half implementing three environmental practices and approximately one quarter adopting four or more practices. Adoption is motivated by sustainability beliefs, cost savings and market demand. Three farmer types emerge: sustainability-oriented, economically motivated and reputation-conscious. Farmers with broader environmental risk awareness adopt significantly more sustainable practices than those with limited perception (p < 0.001). The number of motivational factors does not influence adoption intensity (F(5, 119) = 0.70, p = 0.629). To promote sustainable fish farming, multi-dimensional support programs that integrate economic incentives with environmental values are most effective.</p
Bridging the gap between human behaviour and animal welfare: A study on human behaviour change and body condition scoring of suckler cows
Full text linkThere are several examples of best animal husbandry practices that are not adopted, leading to animal welfare compromises. Bridging this gap between advice and human behaviour is crucial in helping drive improvements in animal welfare. Inappropriate feeding of pregnant cows is common and associated with compromised health and welfare. Obesity and leanness can cause calving difficulty and reduce the vigour of newborn calves. One way to offset the problems associated with body condition extremes is to adopt body condition scoring (BCS) by hand. Knowing each animal’s condition helps the farmer identify ‘at risk’ cows leading to better feeding decisions and improved health and welfare. Despite the significant benefits of BCS, very few farmers routinely adopt this practice, relying more upon a visual assessment of condition. Some farmers also report that they do not BCS by hand, or by eye. The current study identified the key barriers and drivers of BCS by hand to develop an evidence-based intervention designed to encourage more adoption. We propose that human behaviour change frameworks, such as the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), present the opportunity to address other animal welfare issues where best management practices are rarely adopted. We also recommend that an interdisciplinary team of animal welfare and social scientists are best positioned to develop human behaviour change interventions that will more likely lead to tangible, persistent and positive change
FEC Check: Development of a decision support tool to aid interpretation of gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg counts in sheep.
Full text linkBackground: Gastrointestinal nematode infections are ubiquitous in grazing livestock worldwide impacting animal health and production. Faecal egg count (FEC) is an accessible diagnostic test that can guide the need for treatment. However, interpretation of FECs can be challenging. Methods: A prototype decision support tool (DST) was developed using a ‘traffic light’-style gradient of potential clinical impact on sheep FEC results. Focus groups were conducted with farmers, livestock advisors and veterinary clinicians to examine the barriers to FEC uptake and provide feedback on the prototype tool. Results: Barriers to uptake for FEC testing included timeliness of reporting, lack of perceived need and knowledge gaps. The DST was well received at all focus groups, with simplicity and ease of use identified as key principles to drive uptake. At the 12 months post-launch, the DST had 1916 users. Limitations: Engagement with stakeholders with less familiarity with FECs may improve usability for a wider audience. Conclusion: The final DST developed here represents a practical resource to improve the interpretation of FEC results reported by farmers and other stakeholders. The initial uptake observed within the first year since launch is promising for the wider adoption of evidence-based parasite management.</p
PoolSeq Genome-Wide Association Studies and Microbial Signature Analyses Identify Novel Candidates Associated With Pyrethroid Resistance Evolution in Anopheles funestus in Cameroon
Full text linkIntensification of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is undermining efforts to sustain control strategies. The evolutionary features underlying such exacerbation in major vector such as Anopheles funestus are only partially understood. PoolSeq whole genome analysis of Anopheles funestus from Mibellon (Cameroon), (alive and dead at 1×, 5× and 10× concentrations), failed to identify hits associated with resistance escalation. However, stronger signals emerge at the rp1 and CYP9 loci when comparing these phenotypes to the susceptible reference strain FANG, with genomic analysis using F3 crosses implicating these regions in resistance evolution. Temporal genomic between 2014 and control unexposed 2021 populations confirmed substantial genomic changes largely confined to these two regions with evidence of selective sweeps linked to the presence of multiple novel replacement polymorphisms and signatures of complex genomic evolution emerging from major cytochrome P450 genes within the CYP9 and rp1 regions at increasing allelic frequencies in field individuals and alive genetic crosses, indicating that those variants are potentially driving resistance evolution. Combined genotyping of the rp1-based 4.3 kb SV and CYP9K1 (G454A) in alive and dead genetic crosses underscores their significant contribution to super-resistant phenotype in Anopheles funestus population in Mibellon. On the other hand, microbial composition changes, notably Elizabethkingia anophelis was associated with resistance evolution, suggesting their potential role in shaping the resistance phenotype while Serratia marcescens and Asaia bongorensis correlate with susceptibility. Genetic events and microbial symbionts associated with resistance evolution offer promising avenues for developing molecular markers to manage insecticide resistance.</p
Behavioural drivers of on-farm biosecurity implementation in livestock: A literature overview with insights for research
Full text linkGlobal livestock intensification heightens disease risks, making effective biosecurity crucial. However, the inconsistent adoption of biosecurity measures and the behavioural drivers behind this variability are not fully understood. This review assessed the current state of knowledge and identified evidence gaps regarding drivers influencing stakeholders’ decision-making and the implementation of biosecurity practices, to clarify why well-established measures are not consistently applied and to guide research addressing the factors shaping biosecurity implementation.Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search up to October 2023 was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Using a literature overview methodology, we retrieved relevant review articles on biosecurity decision-making (first phase), from which we identified relevant original research cited within them (second phase). Thematic analysis used the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model, with the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guiding the coding procedure.Of 811 reviews initially retrieved, 37 were included. From these, 205 original research articles were identified, of which 78 were included. Most original studies originated from Europe and Central Asia (n=38), highlighting geographical biases. Research mainly targeted farmers (n=78), with few studies targeting veterinarians (n=6). While 45 articles addressed all three COM-B components, beyond half (n=46) reported four or fewer TDF domains, suggesting important knowledge gaps in the literature.Future studies should target understudied regions, TDF domains (e.g. Skills, Goals and Reinforcement) and stakeholders (e.g. farmers) to effectively implement biosecurity measures. This will help the livestock sector adopt evidence-based biosecurity and adhering to it, improving animal health and resilience worldwide.<br/