CVERA Research Collection
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The Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (CVERA) is the national resource centre for veterinary epidemiology in Ireland, located within the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin.
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Browsing CVERA Research Collection by Subject "Animal welfare"
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- PublicationA mixed-method survey to understand the role of dog welfare organisations in Ireland, including reported challenges and potential solutions(Springer, 2023-09-30)
; ; ; ; ; ; Background: This novel study forms part of a larger research programme seeking an improved understanding of aspects of the owned dog population in Ireland. Dog welfare organisations (DWOs) in Ireland are recognised as an instrumental pillar of the animal welfare sector with some receiving substantial public funding. We conducted a survey of DWOs in Ireland (n = 39) to gain a better understanding of their role and function, including their policies and procedures and the rehoming of dogs to other regions. In addition, we wanted to get a better understanding of the challenges experienced by DWOs in fulfilling their role and their perspectives on potential solutions to these challenges. The survey questions consisted of closed and open-ended items. Closed items were analysed quantitively; open-ended items were analysed thematically. Results: Most DWOs (> 80%) had written protocols for important welfare actions including rehoming procedures, assessment of owner suitability and euthanasia. DWOs sent dogs to Northern Ireland (13%), Great Britain (38.5%) and to other countries outside the United Kingdom (36%, including Germany, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands and Czechia). Reported challenges included a general lack of funding, limited public awareness of the importance of dog welfare and insufficient capacity to handle dog numbers. To address these challenges, the DWOs highlighted the potential contribution of subsidised programmes and access to resources to educate potential owners. In a further qualitative evaluation to capture perceptions of appropriate solutions by DWOs, several themes emerged, relating to legislation, education, an overwhelmed workforce, and funding. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the roles and functions of DWOs and challenges they experience in Ireland. It is hoped that the findings from this research will inform future research investigating potential solutions to these challenges as well as the development of policy in Ireland.22 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Centre, The Badger Vaccine Project. Biennial Report, 2004-05(University College Dublin. Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, 2006-05)
419 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Centre, The Badger Vaccine Project. Biennial Report, 2006-07(University College Dublin. Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, 2008-05)
; 426 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Centre, The Badger Vaccine Project. Biennial Report, 2008-09(University College Dublin. Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, 2010-05)
; 193 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Centre, The Badger Vaccine Project. Biennial Report, 2014-15(University College Dublin. Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, 2016-04)
; The UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA) is the national resource centre for veterinary epidemiology in Ireland, located within the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. The Centre was initially established as the Tuberculosis Investigation Unit, but in recent years has broadened its remit to cover a wide range of international, national and local animal health matters, including: - Epidemiological support for the control and eradication of regulatory animal diseases, including the national eradication programme for bovine tuberculosis; - Work in support of Animal Health Ireland (www.animalhealthireland.ie), which is providing a proactive, coordinated and industry-led approach in Ireland to non-regulatory animal health concerns (such as mastitis, bovine viral diarrhoea and Johne’s disease); and - Epidemiological support for a broad range of other animal health and welfare issues relating to emergency animal disease preparedness and response (for example, Schmallenberg viral infection), on-farm investigations, welfare of farmed livestock and horses, health of companion animals and farmed fish, and international collaboration. UCD CVERA staff work closely with national policy-makers, both in government and industry. Staff also contribute to training in veterinary medicine, both to undergraduates and postgraduate. A broad range of expertise is represented within the Centre, including database development and management, geographic information systems, statistics, veterinary medicine and epidemiology. The Centre is staffed by employees of University College Dublin and of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The badger vaccine project is a programme of research with the objective to develop a vaccine to control tuberculosis in badgers and to break the link of infection to cattle. Over the course of nine studies with captive badgers, we have demonstrated as proof of principle that vaccination of badgers with BCG by a number of routes, including oral delivery, generates high levels of protective immunity against challenge with M. bovis. We are continuing to carry out studies with captive population of badgers to refine the vaccine and address issues relating to licensing of the vaccine as a veterinary medicine.1320 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Centre, The Badger Vaccine Project: Biennial Report, 2010-11(University College Dublin. Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, 2012)
; The UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA) is the national resource centre for veterinary epidemiology in Ireland, located within the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. The Centre was initially established as the Tuberculosis Investigation Unit, but in recent years has broadened its remit to cover a wide range of international, national and local animal health matters, including: - Epidemiological support for the control and eradication of regulatory animal diseases, including the national eradication programme for bovine tuberculosis; - Work in support of Animal Health Ireland (www.animalhealthireland.ie), which is providing a proactive, coordinated and industry-led approach in Ireland to non-regulatory animal health concerns (such as mastitis, bovine viral diarrhoea and Johne’s disease); and - Epidemiological support for a broad range of other animal health and welfare issues relating to emergency animal disease preparedness and response (for example, avian influenza, bluetongue and equine infectious anaemia), on-farm investigations, welfare of farmed livestock and horses, health of companion animals and farmed fish, and international collaboration. UCD CVERA staff work closely with national policy-makers, both in government and industry. Staff also contribute to training in veterinary medicine, both to undergraduates and postgraduate. A broad range of expertise is represented within the Centre, including database development and management, geographic information systems, statistics, veterinary medicine and epidemiology. The Centre is staffed by employees of University College Dublin and of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The badger vaccine project is a programme of research with the objective to develop a vaccine to control tuberculosis in badgers and to break the link of infection to cattle. In studies with captive badgers, we have demonstrated that vaccination of badgers with BCG by a number of routes, including oral delivery, generates high levels of protective immunity against challenge with M. bovis. We are continuing to carry out studies with captive population of badgers to refine the vaccine and address issues relating to the eventual licensing of the vaccine as a veterinary medicine. In our most recent captive badger study, the preliminary analysis of data indicates that lower doses of oral BCG vaccine (10^5 colony forming units) are just as effective at protecting badgers against experimental challenge, compared with the standard dose (10^7 colony forming units). This may have important implications for cost of manufacture of an oral vaccine. The vaccine field trial, which commenced in 2009 to test the efficacy of the oral BCG vaccine in free-living badgers over a wide geographic area in Co. Kilkenny, is nearing completion. The vaccination phase of the field trial finished in 2012, and 273 badgers have since been removed from the site for detailed post-mortem analysis. The analysis of the data has commenced and it is hoped to present preliminary results early in 2014.414 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Centre, The Badger Vaccine Project: Biennial Report, 2012-13(University College Dublin. Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, 2014)
; The UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA) is the national resource centre for veterinary epidemiology in Ireland, located within the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. The Centre was initially established as the Tuberculosis Investigation Unit, but in recent years has broadened its remit to cover a wide range of international, national and local animal health matters, including: - Epidemiological support for the control and eradication of regulatory animal diseases, including the national eradication programme for bovine tuberculosis; - Work in support of Animal Health Ireland (www.animalhealthireland.ie), which is providing a proactive, coordinated and industry-led approach in Ireland to non-regulatory animal health concerns (such as mastitis, bovine viral diarrhoea and Johne’s disease); and - Epidemiological support for a broad range of other animal health and welfare issues relating to emergency animal disease preparedness and response (for example, avian influenza, bluetongue and equine infectious anaemia), on-farm investigations, welfare of farmed livestock and horses, health of companion animals and farmed fish, and international collaboration. UCD CVERA staff work closely with national policy-makers, both in government and industry. Staff also contribute to training in veterinary medicine, both to undergraduates and postgraduate. A broad range of expertise is represented within the Centre, including database development and management, geographic information systems, statistics, veterinary medicine and epidemiology. The Centre is staffed by employees of University College Dublin and of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The badger vaccine project is a programme of research with the objective to develop a vaccine to control tuberculosis in badgers and to break the link of infection to cattle. In studies with captive badgers, we have demonstrated that vaccination of badgers with BCG by a number of routes, including oral delivery, generates high levels of protective immunity against challenge with M. bovis. We are continuing to carry out studies with captive population of badgers to refine the vaccine and address issues relating to the eventual licensing of the vaccine as a veterinary medicine. In our most recent captive badger study, the preliminary analysis of data indicates that lower doses of oral BCG vaccine (10^5 colony forming units) are just as effective at protecting badgers against experimental challenge, compared with the standard dose (10^7 colony forming units). This may have important implications for cost of manufacture of an oral vaccine. The vaccine field trial, which commenced in 2009 to test the efficacy of the oral BCG vaccine in free-living badgers over a wide geographic area in Co. Kilkenny, is nearing completion. The vaccination phase of the field trial finished in 2012, and 273 badgers have since been removed from the site for detailed post-mortem analysis. The analysis of the data has commenced and it is hoped to present preliminary results early in 2014.371 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Laboratory, Biennial Report, 2018-19The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) provides ongoing financial support to two research units within the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin: - The UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA); and - The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Laboratory. These units each work to support DAFM policy, inspectorate and laboratory staff in the area of animal health. The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Laboratory focuses on bovine tuberculosis research. UCD CVERA is a national resource centre, providing policy advice and conducting epidemiological research on a wide range of animal health issues. In addition, UCD CVERA provides general support to government, industry and the veterinary profession (pre- and post-graduation). This report documents work conducted by, or in association with, these UCD-based research units during 2018 and 2019.
232 - PublicationThe Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, The TB Diagnostics and Immunology Research Laboratory. Biennial Report, 2016-17The UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA) is the national resource centre for veterinary epidemiology in Ireland, located within the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine at University College Dublin. The Centre was initially established as the Tuberculosis Investigation Unit, but has since broadened its remit to cover a wide range of international, national and local animal health matters, including: Epidemiological support for the control and eradication of regulatory animal diseases, including the national eradication programme for bovine tuberculosis, and for emergency animal disease preparedness and response; Work in support of Animal Health Ireland (www.animalhealthireland.ie), which is providing a proactive, coordinated and industry-led approach in Ireland to non-regulatory animal health concerns (such as mastitis, bovine viral diarrhoea and Johne’s disease); and Epidemiological support for a broad range of other animal health and welfare issues relating to animal health surveillance, on-farm investigations, welfare of farmed livestock and horses, health of companion animals and farmed fish, and international collaboration. UCD CVERA staff work closely with national policy-makers, both in government and industry. Staff also contribute to training in veterinary medicine, both to undergraduates and postgraduates. A broad range of expertise is represented within the Centre, including database development and management, geographic information systems, statistics, veterinary medicine and epidemiology. The Centre is staffed by employees of University College Dublin and of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). During 2017, a strategic review of CVERA took place in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health Ireland and other stakeholders. As a result of the review, CVERA has developed clearly defined strategic goals, objectives and expected outcomes for the medium term. These are presented in the CVERA Statement of Strategy 2017-20. Three priority areas have been identified for immediate action, including the establishment of an independent management board, the introduction of systems to improve task management within CVERA, and a communications plan.
1007 - PublicationDilemmas experienced by government veterinarians when responding professionally to farm animal welfare incidents in Ireland(BMJ Publishing Group, 2014-02-06)
; ; ; ; Objectives: This paper identifies the dilemmas experienced by government veterinarians during their investigations of farm animal welfare incidents that involve herd owner social, health, and/or psychological difficulties. The paper builds on exploratory qualitative research into the impact of these difficulties on farm animal welfare.Design: The study used a qualitative research approach. Focus groups were conducted.Setting: In Ireland, an Early Warning System (EWS), which brings together relevant agencies, is in place to identify and prevent farm animal welfare problems before they become critical. This study is concerned with the experiences of government veterinarians who respond to farm animal welfare incidents. Specific focus is on incidents that involve herd owner social/ psychological/health-related difficulties.Participants: In total, n=18 government veterinarians (representing 15 per cent of the population sample), all with a keen interest in farm animal welfare, participated. These were selected on the basis of their interest, experience, and involvement in farm animal welfare. One government veterinarian declined to participate. Four focus groups were conducted with government veterinarians. These took place in the south (S), south-west (SW), midlands (M), and north-west region of Ireland (NW). All 16 District Veterinary Offices (DVOs) were represented in the focus groups.Results: The results reveal three professional dilemmas that exist for government veterinarians: (1) defining professional parameters; (2) determining the appropriate response; (3) involvement versus detachment. Participants reported not wanting any additional training. Instead, it was agreed that a formal bridge to social service providers who have the professional capability to respond appropriately and with confidence, was required.Conclusions: Clearly defined guidelines are required for government veterinarians in their encounters with farm animal welfare incidents where there is a complex human component. A coordinated multiagency approach that is flexible enough to meet the needs of individual farm animal welfare cases is required.350 - PublicationFarmers' self-reported perceptions and behavioural impacts of a welfare scheme for suckler beef cattle in IrelandBackground: To date, there have been a limited number of studies on the impact of government-incentivised farm animal welfare programmes or ‘schemes’, and on farmers’ attitudes regarding such schemes. In this study, focus groups were used to gain insight into Irish farmers’ perceptions of such a scheme for suckler cattle and its behavioural impacts on farmers. Results: The findings were categorised into 46 codes and ultimately yielded two Global themes: 1) Beliefs and Evidence and 2) Logic and Logistics. The former theme covered farmers’ attitudes and observations regarding the Scheme. The latter dealt with factors such as workload and costs. The Global themes allowed for comprehensive reporting of the strongest messages from focus groups. There was consensus that Scheme measures for the minimum calving age and for weaning had a positive impact on welfare. Two aspects criticized by participants were firstly disbudding, due to the logistics for anaesthetic application, and secondly the administrative workload associated with data capture and utilisation. The majority anticipated that data being collected via the Scheme would help to inform farm management decisions in future. Conclusions: Farm animal welfare schemes, which incentivise participants to implement certain practices, aspire to long-term behavioural change after scheme conclusion. Our research showed that this Scheme increased farmer awareness of the benefits of certain practices. It also demonstrated the importance of stakeholder participation in the design stages of welfare initiatives to ensure scheme measures are practical and relevant, to address any perceived controversial measures, and to plan for training and adding value to schemes.
Scopus© Citations 8 475 - PublicationGood animal welfare makes economic sense: potential of pig abattoir meat inspection as a welfare surveillance toolDuring abattoir meat inspection pig carcasses are partially or fully condemned upon detection of disease that poses a risk to public health or welfare conditions that cause animal suffering e.g. fractures. This incurs direct financial losses to producers and processors. Other health and welfare-related conditions may not result in condemnation but can necessitate ‘trimming’ of the carcass e.g. bruising, and result in financial losses to the processor. Since animal health is a component of animal welfare these represent a clear link between suboptimal pig welfare and financial losses to the pig industry. Meat inspection data can be used to inform herd health programmes, thereby reducing the risk of injury and disease and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, meat inspection has the potential to contribute to surveillance of animal welfare. Such data could contribute to reduced losses to producers and processors through lower rates of carcass condemnations, trimming and downgrading in conjunction with higher pig welfare standards on farm. Currently meat inspection data are under-utilised in the EU, even as a means of informing herd health programmes. This includes the island of Ireland but particularly the Republic. This review describes the current situation with regard to meat inspection regulation, method, data capture and utilisation across the EU, with special reference to the island of Ireland. It also describes the financial losses arising from poor animal welfare (and health) on farms. This review seeks to contribute to efforts to evaluate the role of meat inspection as a surveillance tool for animal welfare on-farm, using pigs as a case example.
Scopus© Citations 85 411 - PublicationPerspectives From the Science-Policy Interface in Animal Health and WelfareThe aim of this paper is to present scientific perspectives from the science-policy interface in animal health and welfare, with an emphasis on factors critical to scientific effectiveness. While there is broad acceptance of the value of scientific information to inform policy-making, interactions at the science-policy interface are not without difficulties. The literature highlights the need for scientists to build policy relevance to the research focus from the outset, to engage with policy-makers and other stakeholders throughout, to use platforms to facilitate science-policy dialogue, and to disseminate research findings appropriately. In the author's experience, there are a range of factors linked with effectiveness at the science-policy interface in animal health and welfare including a passion for public interest research, scientific independence, a commitment to scientific quality and openness, the opportunities afforded from partnership and collaboration, and an interest in strategic thinking and systems change. In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, an objective evidence base for policy decision-making is more important than ever. There is a need for particular attention to the value of collaboration between the natural and social sciences, a recognition among scientists and policy-makers that science is not value-free, the importance of effective communications, and the need to assess and communicate uncertainty. Further, there are particular challenges with science conducted in support of policy development for industry. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate and contribute to discussion and debate, both among scientists and between scientists and policy-makers, to increase scientific effectiveness at the science-policy interface in animal health and welfare.
Scopus© Citations 8 362 - PublicationA Qualitative Exploration of Challenges and Opportunities for Dog Welfare in Ireland Post COVID-19, as Perceived by Dog Welfare Organisations(MDPI, 2022-11-25)
; ; ; ; ; ; This novel qualitative study identifies challenges and opportunities to improve dog welfare in Ireland, as perceived by dog welfare organisations (DWOs), a previously underutilised stakeholder. This study sought the views of this predominantly voluntary sector of the next steps for policy and action in dog welfare, in light of the effects of the “puppy pandemic”, increased costs and COVID-19 restrictions. An integrated online focus group and interview design involving DWOs was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Thematic analysis identified 2 key themes: (1) Key challenges and solutions in general dog welfare and (2) Challenges and opportunities in the welfare organisation sector. DWOs perceived poor public awareness of appropriate dog-husbandry, inadequate legislation enforcement, negative impact of puppy farms, and increased financial and volunteer burden. DWOs helped construct a best practice rehoming pathway, identified how overall standards could be improved and recommendations to enhance dog welfare. The DWOs perceived an increased numbers of households acquiring dogs, difficulties in rehoming, and financial challenges as threatening their viability as organisations and Irish dog welfare. Greater enforcement of legislation, greater communication between organisations and the government, and more media awareness were seen as helpful by the DWOs to improve dog welfare standards and their organisations.Scopus© Citations 2 27