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Access to veterinary services can have positive impacts on animal health and welfare, and on human mental and physical health and well-being; however, many communities worldwide lack access to such services. At their request, the 5 communities of the Sahtu Settlement Area, Northwest Territories, Canada, have received annual access to preventive veterinary services through the University of Calgary’s Northern Community Health Rotation since 2008. To determine the reach of the program, we conducted a dog census in 2017. We then conducted a chart review of 11 years of dog medical records from 2008 to 2018 to evaluate how the reach of the program, the uptake of veterinary services, and dog population demographics, health and welfare measures changed over the duration of the program. In the chart review, we used either multi-level logistic regression or generalized linear models, to determine how seven variables, including age, sex, breed, body condition, deworming, vaccination, and sterilization status upon clinic entry, changed over the course of program delivery. Our results suggest that program reach, veterinary service uptake, and dog demographic, health and welfare measures improved over time. We observed high rabies vaccination coverage in some communities (48 %–83 % of the dog population) and moderate overall sterilization status (25 %–56 % of the dog population) with female dog sterilization more common than male (75 % of dogs leaving the 2017 clinics, compared to 43 %). Several dog demographic, health, and welfare measures, including age, body condition, and vaccination, deworming, and sterilization status, were significantly better in later years of the program (all p < 0.001). Differences among communities, both in dog population numbers from the 2017 census (40–89 dogs) and in the uptake of veterinary services in 2017 (48 %–83 % of the dog population), were notable. Vaccination uptake was directly related to clinic attendance, but sterilization was impacted by additional factors, including community members’ acceptance of the procedure. Some unintended consequences were noted, however, including the potential effect of sterilization on the availability of traditional dog breeds in the communities. Overall, our study findings demonstrate that subsidized veterinary services provided over a regular and extended period of time benefit animal population demographics, health and welfare, and could have positive impacts on human well-being. The framework of community collaboration and long-term commitment developed through this program serves as a model for achieving common health goals among communities in need and veterinary service providers.
Tessa Baker; Melanie Rock; Kristin Bondo; Frank van der Meer; Susan Kutz. 11 years of regular access to subsidized veterinary services is associated with improved dog health and welfare in remote northern communities. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2021, 105471 .
AMA StyleTessa Baker, Melanie Rock, Kristin Bondo, Frank van der Meer, Susan Kutz. 11 years of regular access to subsidized veterinary services is associated with improved dog health and welfare in remote northern communities. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2021; ():105471.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTessa Baker; Melanie Rock; Kristin Bondo; Frank van der Meer; Susan Kutz. 2021. "11 years of regular access to subsidized veterinary services is associated with improved dog health and welfare in remote northern communities." Preventive Veterinary Medicine , no. : 105471.
We developed a custom bovine leukemia virus (BLV) control program for the Alberta dairy industry, consisting of a risk assessment and a comprehensive list of best management practices (BMP) aimed at prevention of BLV transmission between cattle. This control program was implemented on 11 farms for approximately 1 yr. Blood samples were collected from all cattle ≥12 mo old, and serum was tested with a commercial ELISA. Risk assessments were performed on each farm, risk-connected on-farm management was identified, and management changes expected to prevent transmission of BLV between cattle were suggested by the first author and agreed upon with each farmer. Throughout the following year, all participating farmers were visited multiple times to identify and overcome barriers to implementation and to monitor progress. After approximately 1 yr of implementing BLV control, all cattle ≥12 mo old on farm with a negative or no previous test result were sampled, and the within-herd prevalence was determined. The median number of cattle on farm that were ≥12 mo was 195 (range 110-524). The initial prevalence averaged 39% (13-66%). On average, 5 BMP (3-7) were suggested to each farmer. On average, 4 BMP (1-7) were implemented. At the second sampling, the average within-herd prevalence of all animals that tested positive (including the previous sampling) was 36% (12-62%). Eight farms reduced their within-herd BLV prevalence, within-herd prevalence stayed constant on 1 farm, and it increased on 1 farm. The remaining farm terminated their participation before the second sampling. The number of seroconversions per farm ranged from 3 to 109, highlighting the success of some producers to minimize new infections. The risk assessment was proven to be a valuable tool to identify flaws in on-farm management, although risk assessment score was unrelated to the within-herd BLV prevalence. Finally, it appeared that implementation of BMP aimed at prevention of BLV transmission between cattle could reduce within-herd BLV prevalence when farmers committed to their implementation.
Alessa Kuczewski; Steve Mason; Karin Orsel; Frank van der Meer. Pilot implementation of a newly developed bovine leukemia virus control program on 11 Alberta dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science 2021, 104, 4549 -4560.
AMA StyleAlessa Kuczewski, Steve Mason, Karin Orsel, Frank van der Meer. Pilot implementation of a newly developed bovine leukemia virus control program on 11 Alberta dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science. 2021; 104 (4):4549-4560.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessa Kuczewski; Steve Mason; Karin Orsel; Frank van der Meer. 2021. "Pilot implementation of a newly developed bovine leukemia virus control program on 11 Alberta dairy farms." Journal of Dairy Science 104, no. 4: 4549-4560.
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an infectious upper respiratory tract disease that impacts the poultry industry worldwide. ILT is caused by an alphaherpesvirus commonly referred to as infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). Vaccination with live attenuated vaccines is practiced regularly for the control of ILT. However, extensive and improper use of live attenuated vaccines is related to vaccine viruses reverting to virulence. An increase in mortality and pathogenicity has been attributed to these vaccine revertant viruses. Recent studies characterized Canadian ILTV strains originating from ILT outbreaks as related to live attenuated vaccine virus revertants. However, information is scarce on the pathogenicity and transmission potential of these Canadian isolates. Hence, in this study, the pathogenicity and transmission potential of two wildtype ILTVs and a chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccine revertant ILTV of Canadian origin were evaluated. To this end, 3-week-old specific pathogen-free chickens were experimentally infected with each of the ILTV isolates and compared to uninfected controls. Additionally, naïve chickens were exposed to the experimentally infected chickens to mimic naturally occurring infection. Pathogenicity of each of these ILTV isolates was evaluated by the severity of clinical signs, weight loss, mortality, and lesions observed at the necropsy. The transmission potential was evaluated by quantification of ILTV genome loads in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue samples of the experimentally infected and contact-exposed chickens, as well as in the capacity to produce ILT in contact-exposed chickens. We observed that the CEO vaccine revertant ILTV isolate induced severe disease in comparison to the two wildtype ILTV isolates used in this study. According to ILTV genome load data, CEO vaccine revertant ILTV isolate was successfully transmitted to naïve contact-exposed chickens in comparison to the tested wildtype ILTV isolates. Overall, the Canadian origin CEO vaccine revertant ILTV isolate possesses higher virulence, and dissemination potential, when compared to the wildtype ILTV isolates used in this study. These findings have serious implications in ILT control in chickens.
Ana Perez-Contreras; Catalina Barboza-Solis; Shahnas Najimudeen; Sylvia Checkley; Frank Meer; Tomy Joseph; Robin King; Madhu Ravi; Delores Peters; Kevin Fonseca; Carl Gagnon; Davor Ojkic; Mohamed Abdul-Careem. Pathogenic and Transmission Potential of Wildtype and Chicken Embryo Origin (CEO) Vaccine Revertant Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus. Viruses 2021, 13, 541 .
AMA StyleAna Perez-Contreras, Catalina Barboza-Solis, Shahnas Najimudeen, Sylvia Checkley, Frank Meer, Tomy Joseph, Robin King, Madhu Ravi, Delores Peters, Kevin Fonseca, Carl Gagnon, Davor Ojkic, Mohamed Abdul-Careem. Pathogenic and Transmission Potential of Wildtype and Chicken Embryo Origin (CEO) Vaccine Revertant Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus. Viruses. 2021; 13 (4):541.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Perez-Contreras; Catalina Barboza-Solis; Shahnas Najimudeen; Sylvia Checkley; Frank Meer; Tomy Joseph; Robin King; Madhu Ravi; Delores Peters; Kevin Fonseca; Carl Gagnon; Davor Ojkic; Mohamed Abdul-Careem. 2021. "Pathogenic and Transmission Potential of Wildtype and Chicken Embryo Origin (CEO) Vaccine Revertant Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus." Viruses 13, no. 4: 541.
Alessa Kuczewski; Karin Orsel; Herman W Barkema; Steve Mason; Ron Erskine; Frank van der Meer. Invited review: Bovine leukemia virus-Transmission, control, and eradication. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleAlessa Kuczewski, Karin Orsel, Herman W Barkema, Steve Mason, Ron Erskine, Frank van der Meer. Invited review: Bovine leukemia virus-Transmission, control, and eradication. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessa Kuczewski; Karin Orsel; Herman W Barkema; Steve Mason; Ron Erskine; Frank van der Meer. 2021. "Invited review: Bovine leukemia virus-Transmission, control, and eradication." , no. : 1.
Background Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a neglected tropical disease, thriving in environments of poverty and disadvantage. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and intensity of four soil transmitted helminths (STH) among primary school children in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed between May 15th and June 2nd, 2014. Six of 20 primary schools were chosen, based on elevation, designated low elevation ecozone (LEE) or high elevation ecozone (HEE). A total of 340 children from standards one to four were recruited. Height and weight of each child was determined and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz, Wisconsin, and Baermann techniques to detect STH eggs and larvae. An interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic variables was used to capture information from the school’s headmaster and a checklist was used to assess sanitation facilities. Results STHs identified included Ascaris (presumably lumbricoides), Trichuris (presumably trichiura), hookworms (presumably Ancylostoma duodenale and/or Necator americanus), and Strongyloides (presumably stercoralis). The overall prevalence of STH infection was 29.0% in LEE and 34.0% in HEE. Prevalence was 34.3% and 28.2% in males versus females, respectively. Ascaris sp. were only identified in HEE, prevalence of Trichuris sp. and hookworms were significantly higher in HEE compared to LEE, and Strongyloides spp. prevalence was lower in HEE. Intensity of Trichuris sp. was significantly higher in HEE and lower for hookworms. We did not detect a significant relationship between BMI and helminth intensity; however, BMI was lower in lower elevations and in males vs. females. Sanitation practices are taught at the schools, but challenges were identified when implementing. Latrine facilities were available and latrine-cleaning routines were practiced; however, hand washing practices were challenging due to restricted water availability. Conclusions Significant differences in prevalence in HEE and LEE exist, and STH infections are still very common among school children suggesting that anthelminthic intervention and education may be necessary in this region. Based on this outcome, the study area in the NCA would be classified as a medium risk area, where periodic treatment recommendations should be based on prevalence estimations in the different ecozones. Trial registration Ethics approval was obtained from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS; Lake Zone Institutional Review Board MR/53/100/307)); the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) at the University of Calgary in Canada (Study ID REB14-0127); the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) of Tanzania; and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC).
Manar Eltantawy; Karin Orsel; Ashley Schroeder; Domenica Morona; Humphrey D. Mazigo; Susan Kutz; Jennifer Hatfield; Mange Manyama; Frank van der Meer. Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Tropical Medicine and Health 2021, 49, 1 -12.
AMA StyleManar Eltantawy, Karin Orsel, Ashley Schroeder, Domenica Morona, Humphrey D. Mazigo, Susan Kutz, Jennifer Hatfield, Mange Manyama, Frank van der Meer. Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Tropical Medicine and Health. 2021; 49 (1):1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManar Eltantawy; Karin Orsel; Ashley Schroeder; Domenica Morona; Humphrey D. Mazigo; Susan Kutz; Jennifer Hatfield; Mange Manyama; Frank van der Meer. 2021. "Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania." Tropical Medicine and Health 49, no. 1: 1-12.
Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is a herpes virus that causes an acute respiratory disease of poultry known as infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). Chicken embryo origin (CEO) and tissue culture origin (TCO) live attenuated vaccines are routinely used for the control of ILT. However, vaccine virus is known to revert to virulence, and it has been recently shown that ILT field viral strains can undergo recombination with vaccinal ILTV and such recombinant ILT viruses possess greater transmission and pathogenicity potential. Based on complete or partial genes of the ILTV genome, few studies genotyped ILTV strains circulating in Canada, and so far, information is scarce on whole-genome sequencing or the presence of recombination in Canadian ILTV isolates. The objective of this study was to genetically characterize the 14 ILTV isolates that originated from three provinces in Canada (Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec). To this end, a phylogenetic analysis of 50 ILTV complete genome sequences, including 14 sequences of Canadian origin, was carried out. Additional phylogenetic analysis of the unique long, unique short and inverted repeat regions of the ILTV genome was also performed. We observed that 71%, 21% and 7% of the ILTV isolates were categorized as CEO revertant, wild-type and TCO vaccine-related, respectively. The sequences were also analyzed for potential recombination events, which included evidence in the British Columbia ILTV isolate. This event involved two ILTV vaccine (CEO) strains as parental strains. Recombination analysis also identified that one ILTV isolate from Alberta as a potential parental strain for a United States origin ILTV isolate. The positions of the possible recombination breakpoints were identified. These results indicate that the ILTV wild-type strains can recombine with vaccinal strains complicating vaccine-mediated control of ILT. Further studies on the pathogenicity of these ILTV strains, including the recombinant ILTV isolate are currently ongoing.
Ana Perez Contreras; Frank Van Der Meer; Sylvia Checkley; Tomy Joseph; Robin King; Madhu Ravi; Delores Peters; Kevin Fonseca; Carl A. Gagnon; Chantale Provost; Davor Ojkic; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequences of Infectious laryngotracheitis Virus Isolates from Poultry Flocks in Canada: Evidence of Recombination. Viruses 2020, 12, 1302 .
AMA StyleAna Perez Contreras, Frank Van Der Meer, Sylvia Checkley, Tomy Joseph, Robin King, Madhu Ravi, Delores Peters, Kevin Fonseca, Carl A. Gagnon, Chantale Provost, Davor Ojkic, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequences of Infectious laryngotracheitis Virus Isolates from Poultry Flocks in Canada: Evidence of Recombination. Viruses. 2020; 12 (11):1302.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Perez Contreras; Frank Van Der Meer; Sylvia Checkley; Tomy Joseph; Robin King; Madhu Ravi; Delores Peters; Kevin Fonseca; Carl A. Gagnon; Chantale Provost; Davor Ojkic; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2020. "Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequences of Infectious laryngotracheitis Virus Isolates from Poultry Flocks in Canada: Evidence of Recombination." Viruses 12, no. 11: 1302.
In this study, we aimed to molecularly characterize 14 whole genome sequences of chicken astrovirus (CAstV) isolated from samples obtained from white chick syndrome (WCS) outbreaks in Western Canada during the period of 2014–2019. Genome sequence comparisons showed all these sequences correspond to the novel Biv group from which no confirmed representatives were published in GenBank. Molecular recombination analyses using recombination detection software (i.e., RDP5 and SimPlot) and phylogenetic analyses suggest multiple past recombination events in open reading frame (ORF)1a, ORF1b, and ORF2. Our findings suggest that recombination events and the accumulation of point mutations may have contributed to the substantial genetic variation observed in CAstV and evidenced by the current seven antigenic sub-clusters hitherto described. This is the first paper that describes recombination events in CAstV following analysis of complete CAstV sequences originated in Canada.
Victor Palomino-Tapia; Darko Mitevski; Tom Inglis; Frank Van Der Meer; Emily Martin; Marina Brash; Chantale Provost; Carl A. Gagnon; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Chicken Astrovirus (CAstV) Molecular Studies Reveal Evidence of Multiple Past Recombination Events in Sequences Originated from Clinical Samples of White Chick Syndrome (WCS) in Western Canada. Viruses 2020, 12, 1096 .
AMA StyleVictor Palomino-Tapia, Darko Mitevski, Tom Inglis, Frank Van Der Meer, Emily Martin, Marina Brash, Chantale Provost, Carl A. Gagnon, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Chicken Astrovirus (CAstV) Molecular Studies Reveal Evidence of Multiple Past Recombination Events in Sequences Originated from Clinical Samples of White Chick Syndrome (WCS) in Western Canada. Viruses. 2020; 12 (10):1096.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVictor Palomino-Tapia; Darko Mitevski; Tom Inglis; Frank Van Der Meer; Emily Martin; Marina Brash; Chantale Provost; Carl A. Gagnon; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2020. "Chicken Astrovirus (CAstV) Molecular Studies Reveal Evidence of Multiple Past Recombination Events in Sequences Originated from Clinical Samples of White Chick Syndrome (WCS) in Western Canada." Viruses 12, no. 10: 1096.
Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) causes an acute upper respiratory disease in chickens called infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT). Live attenuated vaccines are effective in disease control; however, they have residual virulence, which makes them able to replicate, cause disease and revert to the original virulent form. Information is scarce on the molecular nature of ILTV that is linked to ILT in Canada. This study aims to determine whether isolates originating from ILT cases in Western Canada are a wild type or vaccine origin. Samples submitted for the diagnosis of ILT between 2009–2018 were obtained from Alberta (AB, n = 46) and British Columbia (BC, n = 9). For genotyping, a Sanger sequencing of open reading frame (ORF) a and b was used. A total of 27 from AB, and 5 from BC samples yielded a fragment of 1751 base pairs (bp). Three of the BC samples classified as group IV (CEO vaccine strains) and 2 as group V (CEO revertant). Of the AB samples, 22 samples clustered with group V, 3 with group VI (wild type), and 2 with group VII, VIII, and IX (wild type). Overall, 17 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Further studies are underway to ascertain the virulence and transmission potential of these isolates.
Catalina Barboza-Solis; Ana Perez Contreras; Victor A. Palomino-Tapia; Tommy Joseph; Robin King; Madhu Ravi; Delores Peters; Kevin Fonseca; Carl A. Gagnon; Frank Van Der Meer; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Genotyping of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Isolates from Western Canadian Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia Based on Partial Open Reading Frame (ORF) a and b. Animals 2020, 10, 1634 .
AMA StyleCatalina Barboza-Solis, Ana Perez Contreras, Victor A. Palomino-Tapia, Tommy Joseph, Robin King, Madhu Ravi, Delores Peters, Kevin Fonseca, Carl A. Gagnon, Frank Van Der Meer, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Genotyping of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Isolates from Western Canadian Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia Based on Partial Open Reading Frame (ORF) a and b. Animals. 2020; 10 (9):1634.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCatalina Barboza-Solis; Ana Perez Contreras; Victor A. Palomino-Tapia; Tommy Joseph; Robin King; Madhu Ravi; Delores Peters; Kevin Fonseca; Carl A. Gagnon; Frank Van Der Meer; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2020. "Genotyping of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV) Isolates from Western Canadian Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia Based on Partial Open Reading Frame (ORF) a and b." Animals 10, no. 9: 1634.
Hemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV) is an immunosuppressive adenovirus that causes an acute clinical disease characterized by hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in 4-week-old turkeys and older. Recurrent incidence of secondary infections (e.g., systemic bacterial infections, cellulitis, and elevated mortality), may be associated with the presence of field-type HEV in Canadian turkey farms. We speculate that field-type HEV and vaccine/vaccine-like strains can be differentiated through analysis of the viral genomes, hexon genes, and the specific virulence factors (e.g., ORF1, E3, and fib knob domain). Nine out of sixteen spleens obtained from cases suspected of immunosuppression by HEV were analyzed. The limited data obtained showed that: (1) field-type HEV circulates in many non-vaccinated western Canadian flocks; (2) field-type HEV circulates in vaccinated flocks with increased recurrent bacterial infections; and (3) the existence of novel point mutations in hexon, ORF1, E3, and specially fib knob domains. This is the first publication showing the circulation of wild-type HEV in HEV-vaccinated flocks in Western Canada, and the usefulness of a novel procedure that allows whole genome sequencing of HEV directly from spleens, without passaging in cell culture or passaging in vivo. Further studies focusing more samples are required to confirm our observations and investigate possible vaccination failure.
Victor Palomino-Tapia; Darko Mitevski; Tom Inglis; Frank Van Der Meer; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Molecular Characterization of Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus (HEV) Obtained from Clinical Samples in Western Canada 2017–2018. Viruses 2020, 12, 941 .
AMA StyleVictor Palomino-Tapia, Darko Mitevski, Tom Inglis, Frank Van Der Meer, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Molecular Characterization of Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus (HEV) Obtained from Clinical Samples in Western Canada 2017–2018. Viruses. 2020; 12 (9):941.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVictor Palomino-Tapia; Darko Mitevski; Tom Inglis; Frank Van Der Meer; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2020. "Molecular Characterization of Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus (HEV) Obtained from Clinical Samples in Western Canada 2017–2018." Viruses 12, no. 9: 941.
Access to veterinary services in marginalized communities has important implications for people and animals around the world. Subsidized veterinary services are occasionally provided, however, they are seldom evaluated for their value to stakeholders and overall animal health. In 2017, we evaluated a decade-long veterinary program in four remote communities in the Sahtu Settlement Area of the Northwest Territories, Canada to understand if there were changes in dog husbandry and community perceptions of, and experiences with, dogs since an initial assessment at the beginning of the program in 2008. Using questionnaires and a dog census, we found a significant increase over time in dog health indicators, including the proportion of dogs that had received preventive veterinary care and had been sterilized. We documented significant changes in the described purpose of dogs, husbandry practices, experiences with dogs, and attitudes towards dogs and veterinary services. In 2017, respondents commonly described their dog(s) as companions and as part of their family. However, communities differed in the way dogs were housed and fed and in their attitudes towards dogs and dog-related issues. These inter-community differences are noteworthy as they impact service provision, uptake, and evaluation and must be taken into consideration in order to develop effective programs. Regular program evaluations are critical to check in with stakeholders, to ensure the program is meeting community needs, and to optimize effective use of resources.
Tessa Baker; Melanie Rock; Ryan Brook; Frank van der Meer; Susan Kutz. Indigenous community perspectives on dogs in Northern Canada after 10 years of veterinary services indicates improved animal and human welfare. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2020, 181, 105061 .
AMA StyleTessa Baker, Melanie Rock, Ryan Brook, Frank van der Meer, Susan Kutz. Indigenous community perspectives on dogs in Northern Canada after 10 years of veterinary services indicates improved animal and human welfare. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2020; 181 ():105061.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTessa Baker; Melanie Rock; Ryan Brook; Frank van der Meer; Susan Kutz. 2020. "Indigenous community perspectives on dogs in Northern Canada after 10 years of veterinary services indicates improved animal and human welfare." Preventive Veterinary Medicine 181, no. : 105061.
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection in chickens can lead to an economically important disease, namely, infectious bronchitis (IB). New IBV variants are continuously emerging, which complicates vaccination-based IB control. In this study, five IBVs were isolated from clinical samples submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Ontario, Canada, and subjected to detailed molecular characterization. Analysis of the spike (S)1 gene showed that these five IBVs were highly related to the Delmarva (DMV/1639) strain (~97.0% nucleotide sequence similarity) that was firstly isolated from an IB outbreak in the Delmarva peninsula, United States of America (USA), in 2011. However, the complete genomic sequence analysis showed a 93.5–93.7% similarity with the Connecticut (Conn) vaccine strain, suggesting that Conn-like viruses contributed to the evolution of the five Canadian IBV/DMV isolates. A SimPlot analysis of the complete genomic sequence showed evidence of recombination for at least three different IBV strains, including a Conn vaccine-like strain, a 4/91 vaccine-like strain, and one strain that is yet-unidentified. The unidentified strain may have contributed the genomic regions of the S, 3, and membrane (M) genes of the five Canadian IBV/DMV isolates. The study outcomes add to the existing knowledge about involvement of recombination in IBV evolution.
Mohamed S. H. Hassan; Davor Ojkic; Carla S. Coffin; Susan C. Cork; Frank Van Der Meer; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Delmarva (DMV/1639) Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Variants Isolated in Eastern Canada Show Evidence of Recombination. Viruses 2019, 11, 1054 .
AMA StyleMohamed S. H. Hassan, Davor Ojkic, Carla S. Coffin, Susan C. Cork, Frank Van Der Meer, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Delmarva (DMV/1639) Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Variants Isolated in Eastern Canada Show Evidence of Recombination. Viruses. 2019; 11 (11):1054.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohamed S. H. Hassan; Davor Ojkic; Carla S. Coffin; Susan C. Cork; Frank Van Der Meer; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2019. "Delmarva (DMV/1639) Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Variants Isolated in Eastern Canada Show Evidence of Recombination." Viruses 11, no. 11: 1054.
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a production-limiting disease common in North American dairy herds. To make evidence-based recommendations to Canadian dairy producers and their consultants regarding cost and financial benefits of BLV on-farm control, an economic model that takes the supply-managed milk quota system into account is necessary. Alberta-specific input variables were used for the presented analysis. A decision tree model program was used to evaluate economic aspects of decreasing a 40% BLV within-herd prevalence on dairy farms by implementing various control strategies over 10 yr. Investigated strategies were (1) all management strategies, including 3 options for colostrum management; (2) some management strategies; (3) test and cull; and (4) test and segregate. Each of these strategies was compared with a no control on-farm approach. The prevalence for this no-control approach was assumed to stay constant over time. Each control strategy incurred specific yearly cost and yielded yearly decreases in prevalence, thereby affecting yearly partial net revenue. Infection with BLV was assumed to decrease milk production, decrease cow longevity, and increase condemnation of carcasses at slaughter from cattle with enzootic bovine leukosis, thereby decreasing net revenue. Cows infected with BLV generated a yearly mean partial net revenue of Can$7,641, whereas noninfected cows generated Can$8,276. Mean cost for the control strategies ranged from Can$193 to 847 per animal over 10 yr in a 146-animal herd. Net benefits of controlling BLV on farm, as compared with not controlling BLV, per cow in a 146-animal herd over a 10-yr period for each strategy was: Can$1,315 for all management strategies (freezer); Can$1,243 for all management strategies (pasteurizer); Can$785 for all management strategies (powdered colostrum); Can$1,028 for some management strategies; Can$1,592 for test and cull; and Can$1,594 for test and segregate. Consequently, on-farm BLV control was financially beneficial. Even though negative net benefits were possible and expected for some iterations, our sensitivity analysis highlighted the overall robustness of our model. In summary, this model provided evidence that Canadian dairy farmers should be encouraged to control BLV on their farm.
Alessa Kuczewski; Henk Hogeveen; Karin Orsel; Robert Wolf; Jada Thompson; Eldon Spackman; Frank Van Der Meer. Economic evaluation of 4 bovine leukemia virus control strategies for Alberta dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science 2019, 102, 2578 -2592.
AMA StyleAlessa Kuczewski, Henk Hogeveen, Karin Orsel, Robert Wolf, Jada Thompson, Eldon Spackman, Frank Van Der Meer. Economic evaluation of 4 bovine leukemia virus control strategies for Alberta dairy farms. Journal of Dairy Science. 2019; 102 (3):2578-2592.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessa Kuczewski; Henk Hogeveen; Karin Orsel; Robert Wolf; Jada Thompson; Eldon Spackman; Frank Van Der Meer. 2019. "Economic evaluation of 4 bovine leukemia virus control strategies for Alberta dairy farms." Journal of Dairy Science 102, no. 3: 2578-2592.
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in chickens. There are numerous serotypes and variants, which do not confer cross protection resulting in failure of currently used IBV vaccines. Although variant IBV isolates with major genetic differences have been subjected to comparative studies, it is unknown whether minor genetic differences in IBV variants within a serotype are different in terms of pathogenesis and eliciting host responses. Two Massachusetts (Mass) variant IBV isolates recovered from commercial layer flocks in the Western Canadian provinces of Alberta (AB) and Saskatchewan (SK) were compared genetically and evaluated for their pathogenicity, tissue distribution and ability to recruit and replicate in macrophages. Although whole genome sequencing of these two Mass IBV isolates showed low similarity with the M41 vaccinal strain, they had an identical nucleotide sequence at open reading frames (ORFs) 3a, 3b, envelop (E), matrix (M), 5a and 5b. The rest of the ORFs of these 2 IBV isolates showed 99.9% nucleotide similarity. However, upon experimental infection, we found that the IBV isolate originating from AB was different to the one that originated in SK due to higher tracheal lesion scores and lower lung viral replication and lower genome loads in cecal tonsils. Nevertheless, both IBV isolates elicited host responses characterized by significant macrophage recruitment to the respiratory tract and there was evidence that both IBV isolates replicated within tracheal and lung macrophages. Overall, this study shows that Mass variant IBV isolates, although possessing minor genetic variations, can lead to significant differences in pathogenicity in young chickens. Further studies are required to investigate the pathogenicity of these two Mass variant IBV isolates in laying hens.
Aruna Amarasinghe; Upasama De Silva Senapathi; Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader; Shelly Popowich; Frank Marshall; Susan C. Cork; Frank Van Der Meer; Susantha Gomis; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Comparative features of infections of two Massachusetts (Mass) infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) variants isolated from Western Canadian layer flocks. BMC Veterinary Research 2018, 14, 1 -12.
AMA StyleAruna Amarasinghe, Upasama De Silva Senapathi, Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader, Shelly Popowich, Frank Marshall, Susan C. Cork, Frank Van Der Meer, Susantha Gomis, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Comparative features of infections of two Massachusetts (Mass) infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) variants isolated from Western Canadian layer flocks. BMC Veterinary Research. 2018; 14 (1):1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAruna Amarasinghe; Upasama De Silva Senapathi; Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader; Shelly Popowich; Frank Marshall; Susan C. Cork; Frank Van Der Meer; Susantha Gomis; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2018. "Comparative features of infections of two Massachusetts (Mass) infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) variants isolated from Western Canadian layer flocks." BMC Veterinary Research 14, no. 1: 1-12.
A disease with a sudden drop in egg production and shell-less eggs called, shell-less egg syndrome (SES) has been observed in Western Canada egg layer flocks since 2010. The etiology of this disease is not known. We hypothesize that SES is caused by an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain since it is known that IBV replicates in the shell gland causing various eggshell abnormalities. In this study, we screened egg layer flocks, in the provinces of Alberta (AB) and Saskatchewan (SK), with and without a history of SES for the presence of IBV infection. During 2015–2016, a total of 27 egg layer flocks were screened in AB (n = 7) and SK (n = 20). Eighty-one percent of the screened flocks (n = 22) were positive for IBV infection. Thirty of these isolates were successfully characterized using molecular tools targeting the most variable spike (S) 1 gene. IBV isolates from this study clustered into three genotypes based on partial S1 gene variability. The majority of the IBV isolates (70%) were Massachusetts (Mass) type, and the rest were either Connecticut (Conn) type or an uncharacterized genotype with genetic characteristics of Mass and Conn types. Since the majority of the IBV isolates included within the Mass type, we used a Mass type IBV isolate to reproduce SES in specific pathogen free (SPF) white leghorn chickens in lay. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether other IBV isolates can cause SES, to clarify the pathogenesis of SES and to develop a vaccine in order to prevent SES as observed in Western Canadian layer flocks.
Aruna Amarasinghe; Shelly Popowich; Upasama De Silva Senapathi; Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader; Frank Marshall; Frank Van Der Meer; Susan C. Cork; Susantha Gomis; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Shell-Less Egg Syndrome (SES) Widespread in Western Canadian Layer Operations Is Linked to a Massachusetts (Mass) Type Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Isolate. Viruses 2018, 10, 437 .
AMA StyleAruna Amarasinghe, Shelly Popowich, Upasama De Silva Senapathi, Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader, Frank Marshall, Frank Van Der Meer, Susan C. Cork, Susantha Gomis, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Shell-Less Egg Syndrome (SES) Widespread in Western Canadian Layer Operations Is Linked to a Massachusetts (Mass) Type Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Isolate. Viruses. 2018; 10 (8):437.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAruna Amarasinghe; Shelly Popowich; Upasama De Silva Senapathi; Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader; Frank Marshall; Frank Van Der Meer; Susan C. Cork; Susantha Gomis; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2018. "Shell-Less Egg Syndrome (SES) Widespread in Western Canadian Layer Operations Is Linked to a Massachusetts (Mass) Type Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Isolate." Viruses 10, no. 8: 437.
Although Canadian dairy herds have been infected with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) for years, recent research has put new emphasis on the potential negative effects of this infection. Consequently, BLV control is becoming more favorable; however, BLV control cannot be successful without identifying infected animals. Bovicheck BLV (Biovet, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) is currently the only assay licensed by the Canadian Centre for Veterinary Biologics. The first goal of this study was, therefore, to determine the reproducibility of the Bovicheck BLV assay for serum samples derived from Canadian cattle. The second goal was to evaluate and compare 5 different ELISA and determine their test characteristics using serum samples from Canadian herds. The considered ELISA were Bovicheck BLV, ID Screen BLV Competition (IDvet, Grabels, France), Idexx Leukosis Serum X2 Ab Test (Idexx Europe B.V., Hoofddorp, the Netherlands), Svanovir BLV gp51-Ab (Svanova, Uppsala, Sweden), and the Serelisa BLV Ab Mono Indirect (Synbiotics, Lyon, France). Eighty serum samples from Canadian cattle provided by Prairie Diagnostic Services (PDS; Saskatoon, SK, Canada) and an additional 80 serum samples from Canadian dairy and beef herds were used for the study. The Bovicheck BLV assay yielded the same results for all PDS-derived samples, implying a high level of reproducibility and robustness of this assay. Additionally, the comparison of the assays' results showed high agreement between assays, with Cohen's kappa values between κ = 0.91 and κ = 1. Furthermore, using original test results of the field samples as true status, relative diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Relative diagnostic sensitivity of all tests was 100%. False-positive results were probable; therefore, the following relative diagnostic specificities were determined: 100% for Bovicheck BLV, Idexx Leukosis Serum X2, and Svanovir BLV; 95% for ID Screen BLV; and 97% for Serelisa BLV. When considering other test characteristics, ID Screen BLV is exceptional due to considerable practical advantages.
Alessa Kuczewski; Karin Orsel; Herman Barkema; David F. Kelton; Wendy A. Hutchins; Frank van der Meer. Short communication: Evaluation of 5 different ELISA for the detection of bovine leukemia virus antibodies. Journal of Dairy Science 2018, 101, 2433 -2437.
AMA StyleAlessa Kuczewski, Karin Orsel, Herman Barkema, David F. Kelton, Wendy A. Hutchins, Frank van der Meer. Short communication: Evaluation of 5 different ELISA for the detection of bovine leukemia virus antibodies. Journal of Dairy Science. 2018; 101 (3):2433-2437.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessa Kuczewski; Karin Orsel; Herman Barkema; David F. Kelton; Wendy A. Hutchins; Frank van der Meer. 2018. "Short communication: Evaluation of 5 different ELISA for the detection of bovine leukemia virus antibodies." Journal of Dairy Science 101, no. 3: 2433-2437.
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a single stranded RNA virus in the family Flaviviridae that causes a form of persistent infection. If a fetus is infected in utero during the first 120 days of gestation the resulting calf will be immunotolerant to the infecting strain and maintain the virus for life. These animals are epidemiologically important in maintaining BVDV on farms, but also present a unique opportunity to study quasispecies in vivo in the absence of significant selection by the host adaptive immune response. We used deep sequencing and novel analytical methods to characterize the viral populations within the mesenteric lymph nodes of 10 persistently infected animals. Our results indicate that the pattern of variability across the viral genome from animal to animal is very consistent within BVDV subgenotypes. However, the individual mutations that constitute this variation are not necessarily the same in each animal. Even in the absence of significant immune selection the structural genes of BVDV vary more extensively than the non-structural genes. These findings could be useful for future vaccine design against BVDV as well as for measuring and understanding patterns of variation in other ssRNA viruses, especially those that belong to the family Flaviviridae.
A. Chernick; A. Ambagala; Karin Orsel; James Wasmuth; G. Van Marle; Frank van der Meer. Bovine viral diarrhea virus genomic variation within persistently infected cattle. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2018, 58, 218 -223.
AMA StyleA. Chernick, A. Ambagala, Karin Orsel, James Wasmuth, G. Van Marle, Frank van der Meer. Bovine viral diarrhea virus genomic variation within persistently infected cattle. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2018; 58 ():218-223.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Chernick; A. Ambagala; Karin Orsel; James Wasmuth; G. Van Marle; Frank van der Meer. 2018. "Bovine viral diarrhea virus genomic variation within persistently infected cattle." Infection, Genetics and Evolution 58, no. : 218-223.
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection is a major cause of economic losses to the poultry industry. Due to limitations in current control measures, alternative approaches, based on thorough understanding of the host responses are required. As one of the key component of the avian immune system, the innate immune system has a crucial role in limiting virus replication at the initial stage of the infection. As parts of the innate host response, macrophages and cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, are critical components as shown in other host-virus infection models. Since information on the importance of macrophages and IL-1β in IBV infection in chickens is limited, our objective was to determine the association of IL-1β, originating from avian macrophages and IBV infection in the trachea and lung. Following experimental IBV infection in 6 days old chickens, we found increased production of IL-1β and increased recruitment of macrophages in the respiratory tract. Towards the end of the study (5 and 7 days following the IBV infection), the recruited macrophages appear to be a significant source IL-1β. However, only the recruitment of macrophages in the lung correlated with IBV genome loads in this tissue. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that recruitment of macrophages and the production of IL-1β originating from macrophages, as well as other sources, occur following IBV infection in the respiratory tract suggesting potential roles of these mediators in the host responses to IBV infection. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate whether macrophages and IL-1β are the causes of reduced IBV genome loads in the respiratory tract and also to investigate whether immune mediators that were not measured in the current study were involved in reducing IBV genome load in the respiratory tract towards the end of the study.
Aruna Amarasinghe; Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader; Zahraa Almatrouk; Frank van der Meer; Susan C. Cork; Susantha Gomis; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Induction of innate host responses characterized by production of interleukin (IL)-1β and recruitment of macrophages to the respiratory tract of chickens following infection with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Veterinary Microbiology 2018, 215, 1 -10.
AMA StyleAruna Amarasinghe, Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader, Zahraa Almatrouk, Frank van der Meer, Susan C. Cork, Susantha Gomis, Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. Induction of innate host responses characterized by production of interleukin (IL)-1β and recruitment of macrophages to the respiratory tract of chickens following infection with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Veterinary Microbiology. 2018; 215 ():1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAruna Amarasinghe; Mohamed Sarjoon Abdul-Cader; Zahraa Almatrouk; Frank van der Meer; Susan C. Cork; Susantha Gomis; Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem. 2018. "Induction of innate host responses characterized by production of interleukin (IL)-1β and recruitment of macrophages to the respiratory tract of chickens following infection with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV)." Veterinary Microbiology 215, no. : 1-10.
Impressive advances have been made in the treatment and management of HIV-1 infected individuals. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has turned HIV-1 infection from an almost invariable deadly infectious disease, to a lifelong manageable infectious disease. However, a cure or vaccine has not been forthcoming. A major problem in HIV-1 infection is the persistent and latently infected cellular and tissue reservoirs. One of these reservoirs is the Gut Associated Lymphoid tissue (GALT), which has been the research focus of our group. Our group and others have shown that HIV-1 evolves differently in different parts of the gastro intestinal tract, which also appears to affect the development of antiretroviral drug resistance. The GALT is not the only reservoir. HIV-1 continues to persist and evolve in various other cell and tissue reservoirs despite intense and apparent successful antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, drug resistance mutations remain prevalent under therapy and successful viral suppression. In addition to finding a vaccine, the research on combating and eradicating the HIV-1 viral reservoirs has also been an important focus of HIV-1 cure strategies. We will discuss some of the research findings on reservoirs in the context of some of the HIV-1 cure approaches.
Guido Van Marle; Deirdre L. Church; Frank Van Der Meer; M. John Gill. Combating the HIV reservoirs. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews 2018, 34, 76 -89.
AMA StyleGuido Van Marle, Deirdre L. Church, Frank Van Der Meer, M. John Gill. Combating the HIV reservoirs. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews. 2018; 34 (1):76-89.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGuido Van Marle; Deirdre L. Church; Frank Van Der Meer; M. John Gill. 2018. "Combating the HIV reservoirs." Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews 34, no. 1: 76-89.
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a rapidly evolving, single-stranded RNA virus and a production limiting pathogen of cattle worldwide. 79 viral isolates collected between 1997 and 2013 in Canada were subjected to next-generation sequencing. Bayesian phylogenetics was used to assess the evolution of this virus. A mean substitution rate of 1.4×10(-3) substitutions/site/year was found across both BVDV1 and BVDV2. Evolutionary rates in the E2 gene were slightly faster than other regions. We also identified population structures below the sub-genotype level that likely have phenotypic implications. Two distinct clusters within BVDV2a are present and can be differentiated, in part, by a tyrosine to isoleucine mutation at position 963 in the E2 protein, a position implicated in the antigenicity of BVDV1 isolates. Distinct clustering within all sub-genotypes, particularly BVDV2a, is apparent and could lead to new levels of genotypic classification. Continuous monitoring of emerging variants is therefore necessary.
Adam Chernick; Frank van der Meer. Evolution of Bovine viral diarrhea virus in Canada from 1997 to 2013. Virology 2017, 509, 232 -238.
AMA StyleAdam Chernick, Frank van der Meer. Evolution of Bovine viral diarrhea virus in Canada from 1997 to 2013. Virology. 2017; 509 ():232-238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdam Chernick; Frank van der Meer. 2017. "Evolution of Bovine viral diarrhea virus in Canada from 1997 to 2013." Virology 509, no. : 232-238.
Continuous HBV replication occurs in liver and PBMC and shows compartmentalized evolution under selective pressure of potent NA therapy.
Shan Gao; Zhong-Ping Duan; Yu Chen; Frank van der Meer; Samuel S. Lee; Carla Osiowy; Guido van Marle; Carla S. Coffin. Compartmental HBV evolution and replication in liver and extrahepatic sites after nucleos/tide analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B carriers. Journal of Clinical Virology 2017, 94, 8 -14.
AMA StyleShan Gao, Zhong-Ping Duan, Yu Chen, Frank van der Meer, Samuel S. Lee, Carla Osiowy, Guido van Marle, Carla S. Coffin. Compartmental HBV evolution and replication in liver and extrahepatic sites after nucleos/tide analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B carriers. Journal of Clinical Virology. 2017; 94 ():8-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleShan Gao; Zhong-Ping Duan; Yu Chen; Frank van der Meer; Samuel S. Lee; Carla Osiowy; Guido van Marle; Carla S. Coffin. 2017. "Compartmental HBV evolution and replication in liver and extrahepatic sites after nucleos/tide analogue therapy in chronic hepatitis B carriers." Journal of Clinical Virology 94, no. : 8-14.