Journal Articles
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/7915
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Item Machine learning for predicting climate change impacts on Pseudopithomyces chartarum spore counts: a risk indicator of facial eczema(Taylor and Francis Group, 2025-11-09) Wada M; Sagarasaeranee O; Cogger N; Marshall J; Cuttance E; Macara G; Sood A; Vallee EAims To determine the importance of 11 climate variables on pasture spore count of Pseudopithomyces chartarum, a risk indicator of facial eczema (FE), and to forecast spore counts in New Zealand until 2100, using longitudinal P. chartarum pasture spore count data. Methods Between 2010 and 2017, spore counts (n = 6,975) were collected from 862 paddocks spread over 102 farms in the North Island of New Zealand. Historical and projected climate data were obtained from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. The spore count dataset was merged with climate data from corresponding locations, incorporating time lags of 1–53 weeks. Linear regression models were fitted for describing crude associations, while random forest models were fitted for determining variable importance and predicting future spore counts. Results Mixed-effect linear regression models explained up to 11% of the variance of log-transformed spore counts by a single lagged climate covariate. The best-fit random forest model had a testing accuracy of 80% in classifying low or high FE risk (> 20,000 spores) with an R2 value of 43%. The random forest models suggested time-dependent importance of soil temperature at 10 cm depth, solar radiation, potential evapotranspiration, vapour pressure, soil moisture and minimum temperature, while no or weak evidence of variable importance was found for maximum temperature, rainfall, mean sea level atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and wind speed. Over the next 80 years, our model predicted an increase in the seasonal mean spore counts in the study farms by a mean of 17% (min 6, max 30%) under the high-end greenhouse gas emission scenario (representative concentration pathways (RCP) 8.5). Every decade was associated with an increase in the probability of high-risk spore counts (> 20,000) by 14–22% for the moderate to high emission scenarios (RCP 4.5–8.5). The model indicated increased peak spore counts across most regions over the next 80 years. Specifically, the entire North Island and three districts in the South Island were projected to have high mean peak spore counts by 2100. Conclusions and clinical relevance These findings could be used to target high-risk areas to implement mitigation or adaptation measures for FE. In addition, the study highlights the value of ecological data for forecasting environmental disease risks to enhance preparedness for climate change.Item Psychological impacts and self-management by responders to emergency and disaster events involving animals: findings from a cross-sectional international survey(Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2025-10-01) De Grey SJ; Riley CB; Thompson KR; Squance HE; Cogger NAims: To examine the self-reported psychological impacts for professional and volunteer responders associated with attending animal-related emergencies and disasters, focusing on their experience and self-reported management. Methods: An online survey of professional and volunteer responders to animal-related emergencies was shared via social media and international response organisations. Questions addressed demographic, training and event-related factors, perceptions of effects on well-being and post-event management recovery techniques. A particular event was recalled in free-text, and respondents indicated how they had been affected using free-text reflection and Likert scale assessment. The revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) was used to identify evidence of possible post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factors associated with the self-assessed binary outcome of compromised mental well-being (yes or no) were evaluated using single-predictor and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 227 responses deemed sufficiently complete for analysis, participants’ rescue experience ranged from 1–60 years; 67% identified as female. Most respondents (57%; 129/227) reported that the incident described affected their mental well-being. A multivariable model found female responders more likely than males to report compromised well-being (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.25–4.57; p = 0.009). The presence of an animal injury (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.44–5.75; p = 0.003), injuries to a member of the public (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.68–8.99; p = 0.002), or a team member (OR = 8.65 95% CI 2.25–57.67; p = 0.006), increased the odds of self-reported adverse mental health outcomes. Six per cent (13/227) of respondents had an IES-R score for which partial PTSD may be a clinical concern, and 3% (7/227) had a score indicative of possible PTSD, including four with a score that has been associated with PTSD and long-term health consequences. Of those who tried well-being support techniques, 95% (187/197) ranked talking with friends, family or teammates as effective. Debriefing with the team or mentor was also effective (95%; 187/197). Socialising was effective for 88% (119/135), and mindfulness or meditation for 87% (91/105). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Responders to emergencies involving animals are at risk of psychological trauma associated with these events, potentially leading to the compromise of mental well-being. Psychosocial supports self-identified as helpful for recovery include talking with others, socialising, physical or recreational activity, debriefing, and mindfulness or meditation, but their effectiveness requires objective evaluation so that education on mitigation and recovery strategies is well-informed.Item Surveying cytotoxic chemotherapy use in small animal cancer treatment: insights into use and influencing factors in New Zealand(Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2025-07-20) Northover S; Hill K; Cogger N; Isaksen KAim: To determine how frequently cytotoxic chemotherapy is administered in small animal practice to treat cancer and the reasons why clinics and clinicians do or do not offer and administer chemotherapy in New Zealand. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving veterinarians working in small and mixed animal practice was performed using an online questionnaire distributed via social media and email. The survey included closed and open-ended questions on respondent demographics, frequency of chemotherapy administration, medications used, cancers treated, and factors influencing administration. Fisher's exact tests were used to assess associations between variables, and content analysis was applied to open-ended responses. Results: Completed questionnaires were returned by 164 veterinarians working in New Zealand during the study period. Of the 164 respondents, 131 (80%) stated that they would probably or definitely discuss cytotoxic chemotherapy with clients as a potential treatment option for small animals with cancer. Within the 12-months preceding July 2023, 56 (34%) respondents had personally administered chemotherapy and 96 (58.5%) worked at clinics where it was administered: 5 (3%) administered it weekly, 6 (4%) at least monthly, 21 (12.8%) every 1–6 months, and 22 (13.4%) every 6–12 months. The most common reason given for administering chemotherapy was to provide comprehensive care to the patient. Improving quality and quantity of life was frequently reported. The most common reason for not administering chemotherapy was referral of cases externally for treatment. Excluding referral, respondents stated they do not administer chemotherapy because of insufficient knowledge regarding chemotherapy and the medications used, or insufficient training in how to handle and administer cytotoxic medications. Of the veterinarians that do not currently perform chemotherapy, 40% and 42% would consider performing it if they had additional education in oncology and chemotherapy, and in the handling and administration of cytotoxic medications, respectively. Conclusion: Cytotoxic chemotherapy is frequently discussed as a treatment option by veterinarians in New Zealand but is currently administered by a smaller proportion. Decisions to use chemotherapy are guided by quality-of-life considerations and adherence to standards of care, while limited knowledge and training hinders its use by other clinicians. Clinical relevance: Chemotherapy is administered less frequently in New Zealand than in the UK. Continuing education and the development of resources that further clinicians' knowledge regarding oncology, chemotherapy, and safe drug handling and administration are needed to support wider adoption in clinical practice.Item The EpiCentre: redefining the future of animal health.(American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024-11-07) Cogger N; Vallee E; Subharat S; Wada M; Sujau M; Han J-H; Isaksen KE; Compton CWRItem Analysis of current methods and Welfare concerns in the transport of 118 horses by commercial air cargo companies(BioMed Central Ltd, 2024-04-26) Felici M; Cogger N; Nanni Costa L; Riley CB; Padalino BBACKGROUND: Studies on equine air transport practices and consequences are scarce. This prospective study aimed to describe horse and air journey details and practices, document how horse behavior and health changed during the air transport phases, quantify the occurrence of welfare issues, and identify possible associations between horse and journey details, air transport practices, and welfare issues. RESULTS: Data were collected from before departure to five days after arrival on 118/597 horses traveling on 32 commercial air journeys on different routes, varying in duration and conditions. Most horses were middle-aged warmblood females, 26% of which were pregnant, and being moved by air for sales. Before flying, most were quarantined (median: 18; IQR: 9-53 days), and their fitness for travel was certified by veterinarians. At the departure airports, external temperatures varied from - 6 °C to 33 °C, and horses were loaded by experienced flight grooms (median: 35; IQR: 15-40 years) into jet stalls (three-horse: 87%, two-horse: 13%). During the flights, horses were regularly watered (water intake median: 14 L) and fed ad libitum (feed consumption median: 8 kg). At the arrival airport, horses were unloaded from the jet stalls, and external temperatures ranged from - 5 °C to 32 °C. Then, all horses were transported to arrival quarantine by road. Air transport phases affected horses' health status and behavior; increased heart and respiratory rates and behaviors, such as pawing, head tossing, and vocalization, were mainly identified at departure and arrival. Horse interaction, nasal discharge, increased capillary refill time (CRT), and abnormal demeanor were observed more often one hour before landing while resting and normal capillary refill time were more often displayed five days after arrival (all P < 0.01). One hour before landing, horses with bad temperament and horses of unknown temperament were more likely to develop nasal discharge when transported in winter and autumn (P < 0.001). The likelihood of an increased CRT was associated with shorter flights in horses of unknown travel experience (P < 0.001). Ten horses were injured, and 11 developed pleuropneumonias (i.e., shipping fever). CONCLUSIONS: Air transport is a complex procedure with several different phases affecting horse health and behavior. Therefore, experienced staff should carefully manage each horse before, during, and after air journeys to minimize welfare hazards.Item A pilot study to detect the effects of a green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) nutraceutical on working farm dogs with musculoskeletal abnormalities using accelerometry.(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-08-07) Cave N; Bolton S; Cogger NAIMS: To obtain preliminary data on changes in gait from the use of a green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract product in working farm dogs with musculoskeletal abnormalities using accelerometry. METHODS: New Zealand working farm dogs (n = 32) with signs of musculoskeletal abnormalities were enrolled in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Each dog was allocated to one of six groups to receive three trial substances (180 mg full fat green-lipped mussel extract (GLME180); 220 mg full fat green-lipped mussel extract (GLME220); placebo) in one of the six possible different orders. Each trial substance was administered orally once a day for an 8-week period, with a 4-week washout in between each. Dogs wore a collar-mounted triaxial accelerometer for the study duration. Diet and activity were not controlled. Accelerations were recorded continuously and analysed (n = 27) in 10-second activity epochs partitioned into daytime and night-time periods. Analysis of activity during the daytime period was limited to epochs when dogs were gaiting faster than a walk. The median and IQR of activity were determined for the daytime and night-time. Additionally, the 75th and 90th percentiles of daytime activity for each 24-hour period were determined. Mixed effects linear regression models were constructed to determine if each trial substance altered the response variables. RESULTS: During the daytime, the 90th percentile was higher when dogs were given GLME220 compared with the placebo (β coefficient 2.6; 95% CI = 0.25-4.94; p = 0.03). Dogs that started the trial with the GLME products had a higher 90th percentile activity compared with dogs that began with the placebo (β coefficient 26.26; 95% CI = 0.45-52.06; p = 0.046). The 75th percentile for activity was not affected by the GLME product. The daytime IQR was larger when dogs were given the GLME180 product compared with the placebo (β coefficient 1.25; 95% CI = 0.12-2.37; p = 0.03). Night-time median activity and the IQR was greater in dogs that started the trial with the GLME products than in dogs that began with the placebo. The night-time IQR for activity was greater for GLME180 than for the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a low dose of the GLME-containing product increased peak activity in working farm dogs with signs of musculoskeletal abnormalities and may improve their performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Even mildly affected working farm dogs might benefit from support of their musculoskeletal abnormalities, and this particular GLME-based product shows promise as an adjunct to other management strategies.Item Owner-Reported Health Events in Australian Farm Working Dogs.(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-06-27) Pattison NA; Isaksen KE; Cogger N; Dorman DCWorking farm dogs are an integral part of livestock farming in Australia but, currently, no studies have investigated their overall health. This study aimed to identify the prevalent diseases and injuries among these dogs, offering a baseline dataset. A total of 125 farm dog owners were recruited at a public working dog event and interviewed about the health of their dogs in the preceding 12 months. Information was provided about 526 dogs. Most dogs were Kelpies, and not neutered. Nine percent of the dogs had been sold, 6% had died, and 1% had been retired. Of the 444 remaining dogs, 24% had a health event in the past 12 months, while 13% had a health event that affected their work. The injuries (11%) mostly involved the musculoskeletal system or skin, while the non-traumatic illnesses (13%) commonly included arthritis. Forty-five percent of the injured dogs and 26% of the ill ones received veterinary treatment. The results indicate similarities to previous studies into working farm dogs. Given their unique challenges, further research is needed to ensure optimal care for farm dogs in AustraliaItem Emerging advances in biosecurity to underpin human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health.(Elsevier B.V., 2023-09-15) Hulme PE; Beggs JR; Binny RN; Bray JP; Cogger N; Dhami MK; Finlay-Smits SC; French NP; Grant A; Hewitt CL; Jones EE; Lester PJ; Lockhart PJOne Biosecurity is an interdisciplinary approach to policy and research that builds on the interconnections between human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health to effectively prevent and mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species. To support this approach requires that key cross-sectoral research innovations be identified and prioritized. Following an interdisciplinary horizon scan for emerging research that underpins One Biosecurity, four major interlinked advances were identified: implementation of new surveillance technologies adopting state-of-the-art sensors connected to the Internet of Things, deployable handheld molecular and genomic tracing tools, the incorporation of wellbeing and diverse human values into biosecurity decision-making, and sophisticated socio-environmental models and data capture. The relevance and applicability of these innovations to address threats from pathogens, pests, and weeds in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems emphasize the opportunity to build critical mass around interdisciplinary teams at a global scale that can rapidly advance science solutions targeting biosecurity threats.Item Evidence for the Continued Occurrence of Chorioretinopathy in Working Sheep Dogs in New Zealand in 2010(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-07-29) O'Connell AB; Irving AC; Hughes PL; Cogger N; Jones BR; Hill KEA study in conducted 1987 by Hughes et al., found that 39% of working sheep dogs had multifocal retinitis. One of the identified causes was ocular larval migrans, which were a result of migrating ascarid larvae. Since that paper was published, anthelmintic use in farm dogs has been highly recommended. There has been no follow-up study to determine if fundic lesions are still present. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chorioretinopathy in working sheep dogs in the South-West, Waikato, New Zealand. This was a cross-sectional study of 184 working sheep dogs and 51 owners, undertaken in 2010 with owners sampled from New Zealand's South-West Waikato and Tux North Island Dog Trial Championship. Two-way tables were used to explore the relationship between variables. Significance of association was assessed using a Chi-squared or Fisher exact test as appropriate, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Overall prevalence of chorioretinopathy in the working sheep dogs was 44/184 (24%). A significantly higher prevalence of chorioretinopathy was shown in dogs with increasing age, from 2 years to >8 years (p = 0.0007) and in males (p < 0.0001). This study concluded that lesions of chorioretinopathy are still present in working sheep dogs in New Zealand.Item Use of a Collar-Mounted Triaxial Accelerometer to Predict Speed and Gait in Dogs(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-05) Bolton S; Cave N; Cogger N; Colborne GR; Gaunet FAccelerometry has been used to measure treatment efficacy in dogs with osteoarthritis, although interpretation is difficult. Simplification of the output into speed or gait categories could simplify interpretation. We aimed to determine whether collar-mounted accelerometry could estimate the speed and categorise dogs' gait on a treadmill. Eight Huntaway dogs were fitted with a triaxial accelerometer and then recorded using high-speed video on a treadmill at a slow and fast walk, trot, and canter. The accelerometer data (delta-G) was aligned with the video data and records of the treadmill speed and gait. Mixed linear and logistic regression models that included delta-G and a term accounting for the dogs' skeletal sizes were used to predict speed and gait, respectively, from the accelerometer signal. Gait could be categorised (pseudo-R2 = 0.87) into binary categories of walking and faster (trot or canter), but not into the separate faster gaits. The estimation of speed above 3 m/s was inaccurate, though it is not clear whether that inaccuracy was due to the sampling frequency of the particular device, or whether that is an inherent limitation of collar-mounted accelerometers in dogs. Thus, collar-mounted accelerometry can reliably categorise dogs' gaits into two categories, but finer gait descriptions or speed estimates require individual dog modelling and validation. Nonetheless, this accelerometry method could improve the use of accelerometry to detect treatment effects in osteoarthritis by allowing the selection of periods of activity that are most affected by treatment.