CAHSS Podcast Series - Animal Health Insights

Gérer nos microbes en commun: l’approche une seule santé, la résistance aux antimicrobiens et les animaux de ferme. avec Dr Mohamed Rhouma. Perspectives en santé animale, Ep. 23b, 14 Jun 2023

Les antibiotiques (un type de médicament antimicrobien) sont utilisés autant en médecine vétérinaire qu’en médecine humaine pour traiter et prévenir les infections bactériennes. Les médicaments antimicrobiens sont classés en fonction du type d'agent pathogène qu'ils combattent - par exemple, les antibiotiques sont utilisés contre les bactéries, les antiviraux contre les virus, les antifongiques contre les infections fongiques, etc. Le développement de la résistance aux antibiotiques ou aux antimicrobiens a mis en évidence l'utilisation des antimicrobiens dans le monde de la médecine humaine et dans le monde vétérinaire, conduisant à une surveillance accrue de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens (UMA) et des pratiques de dispensation, ainsi qu'à la surveillance de la résistance à ces médicaments. Au cours des dernières années, les vétérinaires et les producteurs du monde entier ont connu de nombreux changements concernant la manière dont les antimicrobiens, en particulier les antibiotiques, peuvent être prescrits, délivrés et utilisés pour la gestion des maladies des animaux d'élevage.
Le Dr Mohamed Rhouma, vétérinaire, microbiologiste et professeur adjoint à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, a voulu comprendre comment ces changements ont affecté la surveillance de l’utilisation des antimicrobiens et le développement de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les animaux d'élevage - et faire le point sur les connaissances actuelles en lien avec le rôle des animaux de production dans la propagation de la résistance aux antimicrobiens aux humains dans une perspective One Health. Dans ce but, Dr Rhouma et ses collègues de l'Université de Montréal et de l'Université de Gand (Belgique) ont effectué une revue de l'état actuel des connaissances sur ce sujet sous la forme d’un article qui a été publié dans la revue Veterinary sciences en septembre 2022.
Liens d’intérêt:
Rhouma M, Soufi L, Cenatus S, Archambault M, Butaye P. Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):480. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090480
Rhouma, M.; Archambault, M.; Butaye, P. Antimicrobial Use andResistance in Animals from a One Health Perspective. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050319
SCSSA Aperçu de la surveillance canadienne: une vue d'ensemble des principales initiatives de l'usage et de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les animaux.
Fiche d'information sur les mesures et indicateurs de l'UAM chez les animaux: Décrit quelles mesures sont utilisées pour la quantification et le signalement de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens chez les animaux
SCSSA Rapports sur l'utilisation des antimicrobiens: Outil pour choisir les mesures et indicateurs

Managing Mutual Microbes: One Health, farm animals, and AMR. with Dr. Mohamed Rhouma. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 23a, June 14, 2023

Antibiotics (one type of antimicrobial medication) are used in both veterinary and human medicine to treat and to prevent bacterial infections. Antimicrobial medications are classified based on the kind of pathogen they fight – for example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, antivirals against viruses, antifungals against fungal infections, etc. The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlighted the use of antimicrobials in the human and veterinary worlds, leading to increased monitoring of antimicrobial use (AMU) and dispensing practices, as well as surveillance of resistance to these medications. In recent years veterinarians and producers around the world experienced many changes regarding how antimicrobials, specifically antibiotics, can be prescribed, dispensed and used for management of farmed animal diseases.
Dr. Mohamed Rhouma, a veterinarian, microbiologist and assistant professor at the Faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Montreal, wanted to get a sense of how these changes have affected AMU and AMR in farm animals – and to provide an update on what we know right now regarding the role of farm animals in the spread of AMR to humans from a One Health perspective. To this end, he and his colleagues from University of Montreal and Ghent University (Belgium) performed a review of the current state of knowledge on this topic and the resulting paper was published in the journal Veterinary sciences  in September 2022. 
Links of Interest:
Rhouma M, Soufi L, Cenatus S, Archambault M, Butaye P. Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):480. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090480
Rhouma, M.; Archambault, M.; Butaye, P. Antimicrobial Use andResistance in Animals from a One Health Perspective. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050319
CAHSS Cross Canada Snapshot: Key Surveillance Initiatives for Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Farm Animals
CAHSS Metrics and Indicators for reporting antimicrobial use in animals
CAHSS Tool to develop an antimicrobial use plan and how to report antimicrobial use

Une surveillance accrue pour protéger le secteur porcin: CanaVeillePPA avec Dre Karine Talbot. Perspectives en santé animale, Ep. 22b, 22 Apr 2023

Ces dernières années, le monde porcin a connu une vague d'activités visant à gérer et à prévenir la propagation de la peste porcine africaine à travers le monde. Cette maladie (qui n'infecte que les porcs) a eu de graves répercussions sur la santé et la production porcine mondialement, causant souvent la mort de près de 100 % des porcs infectés. Au Canada, jusqu'à présent, nous avons eu la chance de maintenir le statut de pays indemne pour la peste porcine africaine, ce qui signifie que la maladie est absente du territoire. Tous les groupes de surveillance des maladies porcines, les vétérinaires porcins nationaux, provinciaux et praticiens ainsi les producteurs se concentrent sur la surveillance et la prévention de cette maladie au Canada.
Dans le cadre de nombreuses initiatives de prévention de la peste porcine africaine, ici au Canada, un programme de surveillance et de dépistage a été créé pour aider à réduire le risque pour le cheptel porcin canadien. CanSpotASF est un programme de dépistage collaboratif qui fonctionne au niveau de laboratoires de diagnostic animal accrédités et spécifiques et dans les abattoirs provinciaux et fédéraux pour aider à détecter la PPA tôt si et quand elle apparaît, afin de minimiser l'impact de la PPA sur les porcs canadiens et les producteurs, et tous ceux qui travaillent dans l'industrie porcine canadienne.
La Dre Karine Talbot, vétérinaire porcine et directrice de la santé animale chez HyLife Inc. et membre de l'un des nombreux groupes de travail CanSpotASF, s'entretient avec moi aujourd'hui pour passer en revue les avantages de ce programme de dépistage et le rôle des vétérinaires et producteurs porcins. dans la surveillance de la PPA.
Liens d’intérêt:
 Résumé en une page de CanaVeillePPA (Santé animale Canada (SAC))
Surveillance de la PPA: CanaVeillePPA (SAC)
CanaVeillePPA : laboratoires agréés - Description à l’intention des médecins vétérinaires (SAC) 
CanaVeillePPA : laboratoires agréés - Description à l'intention des producteurs (SAC)
CanaVeillePPA : analyses du matériel condamné dans les abattoirs
Document technique de CanaVeillePPA sur les analyses dans les laboratoires agréés
CanSpotASF approved diagnostic testing laboratories (as of Apr. 20, 2023):
​​​Laboratoire de santé animale (LSA)
le Ontario Animal Health Laboratory
le Prairie Diagnostic Services
l'Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Food Laboratories
le B.C. Animal Health Centre
Note: The CanSpotASF risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories pilot is open to all Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratories. CAHSN laboratories that are not approved for ASF testing can submit samples to a network laboratory that is approved. 

Animal Health Surveillance in Action: CanSpotASF with Dr. Karine Talbot. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 22a, Apr. 22, 2023

The past few years in the swine world have seen a flurry of activity to manage and prevent the movement of African Swine Fever around the globe. This disease (which only infects pigs) has had severe impacts on swine health and production worldwide, often causing death of almost 100% of infected pigs. In Canada thus far we have been lucky to maintain ASF disease-free status, which means this disease is not present here. All swine disease surveillance groups, national, provincial and front-line swine veterinarians and producers are focused on vigilant monitoring and prevention of this disease in Canada.
As part of many ASF prevention initiatives, here in Canada a surveillance and testing program was created to help reduce the risk for Canadian swine herd. CanSpotASF is a collaborative diagnostic screening program that works at the level of specific, approved animal diagnostic laboratories and at provincial and federal abattoirs to help detect ASF early if and when it appears, in order to minimize the impact of ASF on Canadian pigs and producers, and all those who work in the Canadian swine industry.
Dr. Karine Talbot, a swine veterinarian, and the Director of Animal Health with HyLife Inc. and a member of several CanSpotASF working groups, reviews the benefits of this screening program and the role for swine vets and producers in ASF surveillance.
Links of Interest: 
Overview of CanSpotASF program from Animal Health Canada (AHC)
Details on CanSpotASF program, testing and diagnostic laboratories from AHC
Information for Veterinarians  from AHC
Information for Producers on CanSpotASF from AHC
Information for Abattoirs on CanSpotASF from AHC
CanSpotASF Approved Laboratory Testing
CanSpotASF approved diagnostic testing laboratories (as of Apr. 20, 2023):
the MAPAQ laboratory in Quebec
the Ontario Animal Health Laboratory
Prairie Diagnostic Services
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Food Laboratories
B.C. Animal Health Centre
Note: The CanSpotASF risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories pilot is open to all Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratories. CAHSN laboratories that are not approved for ASF testing can submit samples to a network laboratory that is approved. 

Optimizing Foal Immunity with Dr. Ashley Whitehead. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 21. Mar. 7, 2023

With foaling season upon us, it is the perfect time to take stock of our infection prevention and control practices - we want to ensure our mares have easy foalings and produce the healthiest offspring possible. The first few months of a foal’s life can be challenging as their immune system develops – even in ideal situations they may face bacterial, viral or parasitic infections that can make or break their future health. Dr. Ashley Whitehead, a veterinary internal medicine specialist and associate professor in equine clinical sciences at the University of Calgary, has a passion for all things related to foal health, and reviews how we can optimize foal immunity in this critical first few months of life.
Links of Interest:
Evaluation and Care of Newborn Foals, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
Foaling Mare & Newborn: Preparing for a Safe & Successful Foal Delivery, AAEP
Neonatal care, AAEP
Foal Care from Birth to 30 days (AAEP 2003), TheHorse.com

Problem-solving for PRRS 144-1c with Dr. Doug MacDougald. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 20. Jan. 25, 2023

There are a number of health challenges that are prevalent in pig production – and we know that biosecurity is the name of the game when it comes to disease prevention. Some diseases seem to evade even the strongest biosecurity plans and this can be frustrating for producers and their veterinarians as they try to achieve optimum care for their herds.
Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome is a disease that has circulated in the swine world for years – however a recent highly pathogenic strain of this virus is challenging pig herds. Dr. Doug MacDougald, a swine veterinarian working out of Southwest Ontario Veterinary Services has worked with producers in North America who have experienced outbreaks of this highly pathogenic PRRS strain – 144 Lineage 1C – and shares some case studies and practical tips for disease prevention.
Links of Interest:
Resources for PRRS strain 144-1c outbreaks from Swine Health Information Centre
Highly pathogenic PRRSV 1-4-4 L1C variant: emergence, sources, and implications to the global industry. by Daniel Linhares, Giovani Trevisan, and Gustavo Silva at Pig333.com
Emergence of a New Lineage 1C Variant of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 in the United States.  Kikuti Mariana, Paploski Igor A. D., Pamornchainavakul Nakarin, Picasso-Risso Catalina, Schwartz Mark, Yeske Paul, Leuwerke Brad, Bruner Laura, Murray Deborah, Roggow Brian D., Thomas Pete, Feldmann Lori, Allerson Matt, Hensch Melissa, Bauman Tyler, Sexton Brent, Rovira Albert, VanderWaal Kimberly, Corzo Cesar A. Emergence of a New Lineage 1C Variant of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 in the United States. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 8, 2021. 
Swine Health Information Center, AASV and Iowa State University Seminar on Emerging PRRS Strains and Rosalia Feb. 21, 2023

Antimicrobial Stewardship and Surveillance in Canadian Dairies with Drs. Javier Sanchez and Luke Heider. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 19. Nov. 27, 2022

Medical doctors and veterinarians both include antimicrobials (antibiotics) in their medical tool-kits to treat bacterial infections. In this age of antimicrobial resistance, both types of medical professionals are keenly aware of the necessity for judicious use of antimicrobials for their patients. Zoonotic bacteria are of particular interest to both human and vet medicine as they can infect a variety of species. To practice excellent antimicrobial stewardship, veterinary and public health specialists work together to monitor and assess the prevalence of zoonotic bacteria and resistance patterns of these bacteria to different antimicrobials. The Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance was created with input from experts, producers and veterinarians across Canada, and will provide valuable information to improve herd health and public health in the years to come. Drs. Javier Sanchez and Luke Heider spearheaded this collaborative project to develop a scaffold for monitoring zoonotic bacteria of public health significance and the use of antimicrobials on Canadian dairy farms.
Links of Interest:
Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance (CaDNetASR): An On-Farm Surveillance System Fonseca Mariana, Heider Luke C., Léger David, Mcclure J. Trenton, Rizzo Daniella, Dufour Simon, Kelton David F., Renaud David, Barkema Herman W., Sanchez Javier. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 8, 2022. DOI=10.3389/fvets.2021.799622 ISSN=2297-1769   
Surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance to improve stewardship practices and animal health on dairy farms
Surveillance in Action: Can. Dairy Network of Antimicrobial Stewardship & Resistance, Dairy Research Seminar. Oct 12, 2022
CadNetDASR information from University of Calgary, One Health Consortium

The Rules on Rabies with Dr. Martin Appelt. Animal Health Insights, Ep. 18. Sept. 26, 2022

Most people are at least vaguely familiar with Rabies - a fatal zoonotic disease that affects thousands of people and animals around the world. In North America, we are lucky to think about rabies rarely – usually in the context of an animal bite, or maybe faint memories of “Old Yeller” the movie, or when and if a bat gets into the house. Canadian veterinarians may see a case or two of rabies every few years in horses, cattle, dogs or cats, and occasionally in other mammalian species.
With the surge of dogs imported into Canada through the pandemic the possibility of people being exposed to rabies from a pet dog has become more of a risk. Dr. Martin Appelt, the Senior Director of the Animal Health Programs Division at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, reviews the recent changes to import requirements for dogs, and the reasons for their implementation to protect Canadians.
Links of Interest: 
CFIA Notice to industry: New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies
Countries at High Risk for dog rabies
Questions to ask before you purchase or adopt an imported dog
CVMA Information on Canine Importation into Canada
CVMA Dog importation checklist
Preventing Rabies in Imported Dogs - Dr. Scott Weese