Antibiotic Use by Small-Scale Farmers for Freshwater Aquaculture in the Upper Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

This study describes antibiotic use by small-scale freshwater aquaculture farmers in the upper Mekong Delta in southwestern Vietnam and the knowledge and practices surrounding the cause and prevention of aquaculture disease in that region. Forty five farmers were included in the study, of which 19 (42%) cultivated tilapia Oreochromis spp., 13 (29%) Striped Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and 13 (29%) giant river prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii.

Assessment of malaria real-time PCR methods and application with focus on low-level parasitaemia.

In epidemiological surveys and surveillance the application of molecular tools is essential in detecting submicroscopic malaria. A genus-specific conventional cytochrome b (cytb) PCR has shown high sensitivity in field studies, detecting 70% submicroscopic malaria. The main objective of this study was to assess the conversion from conventional to real-time PCR testing both SYBR and probe protocols, and including quantitative (q) PCR.

Antimicrobials in small-scale urban pig farming in a lower middle-income country - arbitrary use and high resistance levels.

Background: Administration of antimicrobials to food-producing animals is regarded as a major contributor to the overall emergence of resistance in bacteria worldwide. However, few data are available on global antimicrobial use and resistance (AMR) in livestock, especially from low- and middle-income countries.

Methods: We conducted a structured survey of 91 small-scale pig farms in the urban and peri-urban areas of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to assess the farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antimicrobial use in their pig production.

Manure management and public health: Sanitary and socio-economic aspects among urban livestock-keepers in Cambodia.

Livestock manure is a valuable source of nutrients for crop production, but can also pose a public health hazard and have negative environmental impacts. This study investigated manure management practices among urban and peri-urban livestock keepers in Cambodia, to identify risk behaviours and socio-economic aspects associated with the handling of manure. A survey including 204 households was conducted, using a structured questionnaire with questions on demographics, socio-economic characteristics and household practices related to manure management.

Urban and peri-urban family-based pig-keeping in Cambodia: Characteristics, management and perceived benefits and constraints.

Keeping pigs in urban and peri-urban areas may not only provide many benefits for the urban households, but may also be challenging and a potential health hazard. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe household characteristics and to evaluate perceived benefits and constraints among pig-keepers in the urban and peri-urban areas of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The study included 204 households and a structured questionnaire was used to interview the household member responsible for taking care of the pigs.