scholarly journals African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1692
Author(s):  
Jennah Green ◽  
Catherine Jakins ◽  
Eyob Asfaw ◽  
Nicholas Bruschi ◽  
Abbie Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
African Lions

African lions (Panthera leo) are bred in captivity on commercial farms across South Africa and often have close contact with farm staff, tourists, and other industry workers. As transmission of zoonotic diseases occurs through close proximity between wildlife and humans, these commercial captive breeding operations pose a potential risk to thousands of captive lions and to public health. An understanding of pathogens known to affect lions is needed to effectively assess the risk of disease emergence and transmission within the industry. Here, we conduct a systematic search of the academic literature, identifying 148 peer-reviewed studies, to summarize the range of pathogens and parasites known to affect African lions. A total of 63 pathogenic organisms were recorded, belonging to 35 genera across 30 taxonomic families. Over half were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). A number of novel pathogens representing unidentified and undescribed species were also reported. Among the pathogenic inventory are species that can be transmitted from lions to other species, including humans. In addition, 83 clinical symptoms and diseases associated with these pathogens were identified. Given the risks posed by infectious diseases, this research highlights the potential public health risks associated with the captive breeding industry. We recommend that relevant authorities take imminent action to help prevent and manage the risks posed by zoonotic pathogens on lion farms.

scholarly journals PENINGKATAN KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI PENGETAHUAN PENYAKIT ZOONOSIS DI KECAMATAN KEPOHBARU KABUPATEN BOJONEGORO

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Oky Setyo Widodo ◽  
Sunaryo Hadi Warsito ◽  
Shelly Wulandari
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Service ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
General Description ◽  
Service Program ◽  
The People ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Service Activity ◽  
Implementation Method

The main objective in this community service activity is to improve the insight of the people in Kepohbaru Bojonegoro sub-district about zoonotic diseases. The hope is that with the increasing knowledge of citizens, the level of public health in general can be better. The implementation method that will be used in this community service program is counseling and discussion. The purpose of counseling conducted to the community is to provide a general description of zoonotic diseases and then conduct an in-depth discussion about the clinical symptoms, handling, prevention and treatment of zoonotic diseases. After the activity is completed, monitoring will be carried out through the transfer of students of BBM KKN Universitas Airlangga.AbstrakTujuan utama dalam kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah dapat meningkatkan wawasan masyarakat di Kecamatan Kepohbaru Bojonegoro tentang penyakit zoonosis. Harapannya dengan bertambahnya pengetahuan warga, maka tingkat kesehatan masyarakat secara umum bias menjadi lebih baik. Metode pelaksanaan yang akan digunakan dalam program pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah penyuluhan dan diskusi. Tujuan dari penyuluhan yang dilakukan kepada warga masyarakat adalah memberikan gambaran umum tentang penyakit zoonosis dan selanjutnya dilakukan diskusi yang mendalam tentang gejala klinis, penanganan, pencegahan, dan pengobatan penyakit zoonosis. Setelah kegiatan selesai, akan dilakukan monitoring melalui penerjunan mahasiswa KKN BBM Universitas Airlangga.

scholarly journals The epidemic characteristics, guidelines and policies: A compared analysis of literature between COVID-19 and SARS

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Jiayi Yang ◽  
Kaili Wen ◽  
Rong Lu ◽  
Xiaoliang Du
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
National Health ◽  
Public Health System ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Hubei Province ◽  
World Health ◽  
Epidemic Outbreak ◽  
Wuhan City

Abstract Background: COVID-19 broke out in Wuhan, and rapidly spread to other province of China and other countries. To understand epidemic characteristics, guidelines and policiesof COVID-19 compared to SARS, and further explore the gap of health system facing with major outbreaks for improvement in China. Methods: A systematic review was performed using China academic literature (CNKI), Wan Fang, PubMed, medRxiv, bioRxiv,offical website of World Health Organization, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, the Hubei Province Health Commission, and Wuhan City Health Commission for literature of epidemiological and clinical characteristics, guidelines an policies of COVID-19 and SARS from 2003 to 2020. Two dataset were obtained from the National Health Commission's open data information, and daily SARS epidemic section authorized by the State Council`s Information Office.Results: The 113 related studies finally entered final analysis, among which 63 were Chinese articles. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) caused outbreak in 2002 and 2019 in China called SARS and 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Both belong to Beta Coronavirus (β-CoV). Their original cluster confirmed cases had contact history to wild animals, and clinical symptoms are similar. However, COVID-19 has a high human-to-human transmission capability, and more rapidly spread from Hubei province (97.9% cases) across China and over the world. R0 was estimated around 2.2 (1.4-3.8), and incubation period of COVID-19 is 1-14 days. Transmission routes predominantly have respiratory droplets, close contact and even air transmission by aerosols. A fatality rate was 2.70% (2004/74185) with the highest of 14.8% at over 80 years old, and cases mainly were males in the middle and elder ages. For prevention and control, strategies and policies consecutively were issued. Compared to those of SARS, responsiveness for COVID-19 is more prompt. Policy priorities tend to multi-sectors of cooperation, strong action to cut off source of infection (sealed Wuhan city),strengthening community prevention and mental health. Conclusions: The major gap facing with epidemic outbreak exists in the weak health system especially public health system, although we already made a great progress and improvement in our preventive awareness. Therefore, we forcefully appeal to a strong public health system by government for continuous investment and improvement. An advanced public health system stands by us in times of peace, and while fights for us during epidemic outbreak period.

Sludge Disposal to Sea in South Africa

1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 93-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
D C Macleod
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Industrial Waste ◽  
Domestic Sewage ◽  
Monitoring Programme ◽  
Environment And Public Health ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Sludge Disposal ◽  
Sea Outfalls

The performance of two sea outfalls that have been in operation off the coast of Durban for over 10 years has been monitored for effects on the marine environment and public health. The discharge has been a mixture of domestic sewage and industrial waste from which a large proportion of the sludge has been removed but a 2-year research project, in which the balance of the sludge is also being discharged, has commenced. Performance of the outfalls and details of the monitoring programme are reviewed.

scholarly journals Effect of captivity on morphology: negligible changes in external morphology mask significant changes in internal morphology

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 172470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie K. Courtney Jones ◽  
Adam J. Munn ◽  
Phillip G. Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
External Morphology ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Internal Morphology ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Two Generations ◽  
Breeding Programmes ◽  
Source Populations

Captive breeding programmes are increasingly relied upon for threatened species management. Changes in morphology can occur in captivity, often with unknown consequences for reintroductions. Few studies have examined the morphological changes that occur in captive animals compared with wild animals. Further, the effect of multiple generations being maintained in captivity, and the potential effects of captivity on sexual dimorphism remain poorly understood. We compared external and internal morphology of captive and wild animals using house mouse ( Mus musculus ) as a model species. In addition, we looked at morphology across two captive generations, and compared morphology between sexes. We found no statistically significant differences in external morphology, but after one generation in captivity there was evidence for a shift in the internal morphology of captive-reared mice; captive-reared mice (two generations bred) had lighter combined kidney and spleen masses compared with wild-caught mice. Sexual dimorphism was maintained in captivity. Our findings demonstrate that captive breeding can alter internal morphology. Given that these morphological changes may impact organismal functioning and viability following release, further investigation is warranted. If the morphological change is shown to be maladaptive, these changes would have significant implications for captive-source populations that are used for reintroduction, including reduced survivorship.

scholarly journals Identifying and bridging the knowledge-to-practice gaps in rehabilitation professionals working with at-risk infants in the public health sector of South Africa: a multimethod study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e039242
Author(s):  
Pragashnie Govender
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Sector

IntroductionEarly childhood is a critical time when the benefits of early interventions are intensified, and the adverse effects of risk can be reduced. For the optimal provision of early intervention, professionals in the field are required to have specialised knowledge and skills in implementing these programmes. In the context of South Africa, there is evidence to suggest that therapists are ill-prepared to handle the unique challenges posed in neonatal intensive care units and wards with at-risk infants in the first few weeks of life. This is attributed to several reasons; however, irrespective of the causative factors, the need to bridge this knowledge-to-practice gap remains essential.Methods and analysisThis study is a multimethod stakeholder-driven study using a scoping review followed by an appreciative inquiry and Delphi process that will aid in the development, implementation and evaluation of a knowledge translation intervention to bridge knowledge-gaps in occupational and physiotherapists working in the field. Therapists currently working in the public health sector will be recruited for participation in the various stages of the study. The analysis will occur via thematic analysis for qualitative data and percentages and frequencies for descriptive quantitative data. Issues around trustworthiness and rigour, and reliability and validity, will be ensured within each of the phases, by use of a content validity index and inter-rater reliability for the Delphi survey; thick descriptions, peer debriefing, member checking and an audit trail for the qualitative data.Ethics and disseminationThe study has received full ethical approval from the Health Research and Knowledge Management Directorate of the Department of Health and a Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated to the relevant stakeholders within this study.

scholarly journals Climate Change and Health Preparedness in Africa: Analysing Trends in Six African Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4672
Author(s):  
Samuel Kwasi Opoku ◽  
Walter Leal Filho ◽  
Fudjumdjum Hubert ◽  
Oluwabunmi Adejumo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
African Countries

Climate change is a global problem, which affects the various geographical regions at different levels. It is also associated with a wide range of human health problems, which pose a burden to health systems, especially in regions such as Africa. Indeed, across the African continent public health systems are under severe pressure, partly due to their fragile socioeconomic conditions. This paper reports on a cross-sectional study in six African countries (Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Kenya) aimed at assessing their vulnerabilities to climate change, focusing on its impacts on human health. The study evaluated the levels of information, knowledge, and perceptions of public health professionals. It also examined the health systems’ preparedness to cope with these health hazards, the available resources, and those needed to build resilience to the country’s vulnerable population, as perceived by health professionals. The results revealed that 63.1% of the total respondents reported that climate change had been extensively experienced in the past years, while 32% claimed that the sampled countries had experienced them to some extent. Nigerian respondents recorded the highest levels (67.7%), followed by Kenya with 66.6%. South Africa had the lowest level of impact as perceived by the respondents (50.0%) when compared with the other sampled countries. All respondents from Ghana and Namibia reported that health problems caused by climate change are common in the two countries. As perceived by the health professionals, the inadequate resources reiterate the need for infrastructural resources, medical equipment, emergency response resources, and technical support. The study’s recommendations include the need to improve current policies at all levels (i.e., national, regional, and local) on climate change and public health and to strengthen health professionals’ skills. Improving the basic knowledge of health institutions to better respond to a changing climate is also recommended. The study provides valuable insights which may be helpful to other nations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Prioritization of zoonotic diseases of public health significance in Nigeria using the one-health approach

One Health ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 100257
Author(s):  
Chikwe Ihekweazu ◽  
Charles Akataobi Michael ◽  
Patrick M. Nguku ◽  
Ndadilnasiya Endie Waziri ◽  
Abdulrazaq Garba Habib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
One Health ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
The One

scholarly journals Host Diversity and Potential Transmission Pathways of SARS-CoV-2 at the Human-Animal Interface

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayden D. Hedman ◽  
Eric Krawczyk ◽  
Yosra A. Helmy ◽  
Lixin Zhang ◽  
Csaba Varga
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Host Susceptibility ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Host Diversity ◽  
Transmission Pathways

Emerging infectious diseases present great risks to public health. The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has become an urgent public health issue of global concern. It is speculated that the virus first emerged through a zoonotic spillover. Basic research studies have suggested that bats are likely the ancestral reservoir host. Nonetheless, the evolutionary history and host susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear as a multitude of animals has been proposed as potential intermediate or dead-end hosts. SARS-CoV-2 has been isolated from domestic animals, both companion and livestock, as well as in captive wildlife that were in close contact with human COVID-19 cases. Currently, domestic mink is the only known animal that is susceptible to a natural infection, develop severe illness, and can also transmit SARS-CoV-2 to other minks and humans. To improve foundational knowledge of SARS-CoV-2, we are conducting a synthesis review of its host diversity and transmission pathways. To mitigate this COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly advocate for a systems-oriented scientific approach that comprehensively evaluates the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at the human and animal interface.

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