Publications by authors named "Joao Sucena Afonso"

Article Synopsis
  • * It introduces a conceptual framework based on the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) to assess and quantify the burden of antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR in livestock, using the Animal Health Loss Envelope (AHLE) as a monetary measure for overall health-related losses.
  • * The work calls for better data collection regarding health expenditures, mortality, and morbidity due to AMR in livestock to enhance understanding and produce more accurate estimates of the burden of AMU and AMR, which will aid in decision-making and
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to both humans and livestock. Despite this, there is limited global consensus on data-informed, priority areas for intervention in both sectors. We compare current livestock AMR data collection efforts with other variables pertinent to human and livestock AMR to identify critical data gaps and mutual priorities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Dairy production in the UK has undergone substantial restructuring over the last few decades. Farming intensification has led to a reduction in the total numbers of farms and animals, while the average herd size per holding has increased. These ever-changing circumstances have important implications for the health and welfare of dairy cows, as well as the overall business performance of farms.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Antimicrobial resistance is a pandemic problem, causing substantial health and economic burdens. Antimicrobials are extensively used in livestock and aquaculture, exacerbating this global threat. Fostering the prudent use of antimicrobials will safeguard animal and human health.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the leading global health challenges of the century. Animals and their products are known contributors to the human AMR burden, but the extent of this contribution is not clear. This systematic literature review aimed to identify studies investigating the direct impact of animal sources, defined as livestock, aquaculture, pets, and animal-based food, on human AMR.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Bovine ischaemic teat necrosis (ITN) is a serious, emerging disease affecting dairy cattle teats, leading to economic and animal welfare challenges, including culling of affected animals.
  • A study involving over 1,800 dairy farmers in Great Britain found that more than half reported experiencing ITN between 1985 and 2018, with a notable increase in recent cases.
  • The research identified risk factors for ITN, notably a strong association with udder cleft dermatitis and chapped teats, and estimated significant economic losses due to production issues and treatment costs, averaging £1,121 per farm annually.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The precision by which animal diseases are diagnosed affects our ability to make informed decisions with regards to animal health management, from a clinical and economic perspective. Lameness is a major health condition in dairy cattle. The underlying causes of lameness include bovine digital dermatitis (BDD), which is reported as one of the main causes of infectious lameness in dairy cattle.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Lameness is a serious concern in the dairy sector, reflecting its high incidence and impact on animal welfare and productivity. Research has provided figures on its frequency using different methodologies, making it difficult to compare results and hindering farm-level decision-making. The study's objectives were to determine the frequency levels of lameness in British dairy cattle through a meta-analysis approach, and to understand the chronological patterns of how lameness cases are detected and classified in scientific research.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF