ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4416-3579
Current Organisations
Raman Research Institute
,
NSW Department of Primary Industries
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Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 22-11-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2017.09.013
Abstract: In recent years, outbreaks of exotic as well as newly emerging infectious diseases have highlighted the importance of biosecurity for the Australian horse industry. As the first potentially fatal zoonosis transmissible from horses to humans in Australia, Hendra virus has emphasised the need to incorporate sound hygiene and general biosecurity practices into day-to-day horse management. Recommended measures are widely publicised, but implementation is at the discretion of the in idual owner. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine current levels of biosecurity of horse owners and to identify factors influencing the uptake of practices utilising data from an online survey. Level of biosecurity (low, medium, high), as determined by horse owners' responses to a set of questions on the frequency of various biosecurity practices performed around healthy (9 items) and sick horses (10 items), was used as a composite outcome variable in ordinal logistic regression analyses. The majority of horse owners surveyed were female (90%), from the states of Queensland (45%) or New South Wales (37%), and were involved in either mainly competitive/equestrian sports (37%) or recreational horse activities (35%). Seventy-five percent of owners indicated that they follow at least one-third of the recommended practices regularly when handling their horses, resulting in medium to high levels of biosecurity. Main factors associated with a higher level of biosecurity were high self-rated standard of biosecurity, access to personal protective equipment, absence of flying foxes in the local area, a good sense of control over Hendra virus risk, likelihood of discussing a sick horse with a veterinarian and likelihood of suspecting Hendra virus in a sick horse. Comparison of the outcome variable with the self-rated standard of biosecurity showed that over- as well as underestimation occurred. This highlights the need for continuous communication and education to enhance awareness and understanding of what biosecurity is and how it aligns with good horsemanship. Overall, strengthened biosecurity practices will help to improve animal as well as human health and increase preparedness for future disease outbreaks.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 15-11-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.13265
Abstract: To demonstrate that OsHV‐1 microvariant was limited to the known infected areas in New South Wales at the time of the survey in 2011. A 2‐stage survey to demonstrate probability of infection at 2% design prevalence within oyster growing regions and to detect at least one infected region (4% design prevalence) with 95% confidence. Magallana gigas in nominated oyster growing regions in New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania as approved by the Aquatic Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases and documented in a national surveillance plan. Field s ling for active surveillance and laboratory selection of appropriate tissues using methods to minimize potential for cross contamination. Published methods for qPCR and conventional PCR for OsHV‐1 microvariant. Stochastic analysis of survey results to demonstrate probability of detection in the areas tested. OsHV‐1 microvariant was not detected in a total 4121 s les according to the case definition developed for the survey. However, in NSW a screening qPCR for OsHV‐1 detected 13 s les that reacted. These s les were negative at 2 laboratories in the qPCR and conventional PCR assays used in the case definition for the survey. We concluded that oyster production areas of Australia outside the infected area in NSW met the criteria for self‐declaration of freedom at the time of the survey in 2011. This activity illustrated achievements in surveillance for an emerging emergency animal pathogen where epidemiological and test validation data were limited, but where data was required to inform the emergency disease response. It also illustrated the challenges faced by investigators in interpreting surveillance results using tests with limited validation. It was guided by and has informed improvements in surveillance and emergency disease preparedness.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.12810
Abstract: Between February and June 2011, more than 300 horses with unexplained neurological disease were observed in New South Wales, Australia. A virulent strain of West Nile virus (WNV We reviewed the clinical descriptions provided by veterinary practitioners and the associated laboratory results. Although there was a range of clinical signs described, ataxia was the only sign that was consistently described in laboratory-confirmed cases. WNV was detected in brain s les by real-time reverse transcription PCR assay and virus isolation. For serological confirmation of clinical cases, an equine IgM ELISA specific for WNV was shown to be the most effective tool. A state-wide serological survey undertaken after the outbreak indicated that, contrary to expectation, although infection had been widespread, the seroprevalence of antibodies to WNV was very low, suggesting that there could be a significant risk of future disease outbreaks.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 09-04-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-12-2013
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.12018
Abstract: To provide an overview and descriptive analysis of the 2011 arboviral disease epidemic in horses that involved three important Australian mosquito-borne viruses: Murray Valley encephalitis virus, West Nile virus (Kunjin strain) and Ross River virus. Data from states affected between January and June 2011 were collated and comprised reports of horses showing signs of neuromuscular disease and the associated laboratory findings. A summary of the data is presented, together with a spatiotemporal analysis of cases and preliminary assessment of rainfall patterns and case distribution. A total of 982 cases of equine arboviral disease were reported across Australia between January and June 2011. The majority of cases were reported from south-east Australia and included horses that developed neurological signs consistent with encephalitis. It was the largest epidemic of equine arboviral disease in Australia's history. Two likely causes for this unprecedented epidemic were the unusual weather events that preceded the epidemic and the emergence of a new strain of Kunjin virus. The epidemic highlights to horse owners and policy makers the potential for future outbreaks of arboviral diseases and the need for vigilance. It also highlights the complex interactions among hosts, vectors and climatic conditions that are required for such an outbreak to occur.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2017.03.003
Abstract: Hendra virus causes sporadic zoonotic disease in Australia following spill over from flying foxes to horses and from horses to people. Prevention and risk mitigation strategies such as vaccination of horses or biosecurity and property management measures are widely publicised, but hinge on initiative and action taken by horse owners as they mediate management, care and treatment of their animals. Hence, underlying beliefs, values and attitudes of horse owners influence their uptake of recommended risk mitigation measures. We used a qualitative approach to investigate attitudes, perceptions and self-reported practices of horse owners in response to Hendra virus to gain a deeper understanding of their decision-making around prevention measures. Data presented here derive from a series of in-depth interviews with 27 horse owners from Hendra virus 'hot spot' areas in New South Wales and Queensland. Interviews explored previous experience, perceptions and resulting behaviour as well as communication around Hendra virus. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed in NVivo using thematic analysis. Analysis revealed four major themes: perception of Hendra virus as a risk and factors influencing this perception, Hendra virus risk mitigation strategies implemented by horse owners, perceived motivators and barriers of these strategies, and interaction of perceived risk, motivators and barriers in the decision-making process. Although Hendra virus disease was perceived as a serious threat to the health of horses and humans, in idual risk perception erged among horse owners. Perceived severity, likelihood and unpredictability as well as awareness and knowledge of Hendra virus, trust in information obtained and information pathways, demographic characteristics and personal experience were the main factors influencing Hendra virus risk perceptions. Other key determinants of horse owners' decision-making process were attitudes towards Hendra virus risk mitigation measures as well as perceived motivators and barriers thereof. Horse owners' awareness of the necessity to consider in idual Hendra virus risk and adequate risk management strategies was described as a learning process, which changed over time. However, different perceptions of risk, barriers and motivators in combination with a weighing up of advantages and disadvantages resulted in different behaviours. These findings demonstrate the multifactorial determinants of cognitive mediating processes and facilitate a better understanding of horse owners' perspectives on preventive horse health measures. Furthermore, they provide valuable feedback to industry and government stakeholders on how to improve effective risk communication and encourage uptake of recommended risk mitigation measures.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-09-2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2019.02.002
Abstract: As of 2018, Australia has experienced seven outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry since 1976, all of which involved chickens. There is concern that increases in free-range farming could heighten HPAI outbreak risk due to the potential for greater contact between chickens and wild birds that are known to carry low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI). We use mathematical models to assess the effect of a shift to free-range farming on the risk of HPAI outbreaks of H5 or H7 in the Australian commercial chicken industry, and the potential for intervention strategies to reduce this risk. We find that a shift of 25% of conventional indoor farms to free-range farming practices would result in a 6-7% increase in the risk of a HPAI outbreak. Current practices to treat water are highly effective, reducing the risk of outbreaks by 25-28% compared to no water treatment. Halving wild bird presence in feed storage areas could reduce risk by 16-19% while halving wild bird access of potential bridge-species to sheds could reduce outbreak risk by 23-25%, and relatively small improvements in biosecurity measures could entirely compensate for increased risks due to the increasing proportion of free-range farms in the industry. The short production cycle and cleaning practices for chicken meat sheds considerably reduce the risk that an introduced low pathogenic avian influenza virus is maintained in the flock until it is detected as HPAI through increased mortality of chickens. These findings help explain HPAI outbreak history in Australia and suggest practical changes in biosecurity practices that could reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.PREVETMED.2010.02.007
Abstract: In August 2007, Australia which had previously been free of equine influenza, experienced a large outbreak that lasted approximately 4 months before it was eradicated. The outbreak required a significant national response by government and the horse industries. The main components of the response were movement controls, biosecurity measures, risk-based zoning and, subsequently, vaccination to contain the outbreak. Although not initially used, vaccination became a key element in the eradication program, with approximately 140000 horses vaccinated. Vaccination is recognised as a valuable tool for managing EI in endemically infected countries but there is little experience using it in situations where the objective is disease eradication. Vaccination was undoubtedly an important factor in 2007 as it enabled movements of some horses and associated industry activities to recommence. However, its contribution to containment and eradication is less clear. A premises-level equine influenza model, based on an epidemiological analysis of the 2007 outbreak, was developed to evaluate effectiveness of the mitigation strategies used and to investigate whether vaccination, if applied earlier, would have had an effect on the course of the outbreak. The results indicate that early use of strategic vaccination could have significantly reduced the size of the outbreak. The four vaccination strategies evaluated had, by 1 month into the control program, reduced the number of new infections on average by 60% and the size of the infected area by 8-9%. If resources are limited, a 1 km suppressive ring vaccination around infected premises gave the best results, but with greater vaccination capacity, a 3 km ring vaccination was the most effective strategy. The findings suggest that as well as reducing clinical and economic impacts, vaccination when used with biosecurity measures and movement controls could play an important role in the containment and eradication of equine influenza.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-04-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.TPB.2019.02.004
Abstract: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks are devastating to poultry industries and pose a risk to human health. There is concern that demand for free-range poultry products could increase the number of HPAI outbreaks by increasing the potential for low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) introduction to commercial flocks. We formulate stochastic mathematical models to understand how poultry-housing (barn, free-range and caged) within the meat and layer sectors interacts with a continuous low-level risk of introduction from wild birds, heterogeneity in virus transmission rates and virus mutation probabilities, to affect the risk of HPAI emergence - at both the shed and industry scales. For H5 and H7 viruses, restricted mixing in caged systems, free-range outdoor access and, particularly, production cycle length significantly influence HPAI risk between sectors of the chicken production industry. Results demonstrate how delay between virus mutation and detection, ensuing from the short production cycle, large shed sizes and industry reporting requirements, could mean that HPAI emerges in meat-production sheds but is undetected with few birds affected. We also find that the Australian HPAI outbreak history appears to be better explained by low LPAI introduction rates and low mutation probabilities, rather than extremely rare introduction and relatively high mutation probabilities.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.12561
Abstract: To determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in beef breeding herds across New South Wales (NSW) and to determine if there are any differences associated with geographic location and other herd-level factors. Cross-sectional survey of beef breeding cows (n = 3298) from 63 properties (approximately 55 cows per herd) s led randomly from six regions in NSW using a multistage survey design. S les were tested by ELISA for N. caninum. Seroprevalence was determined at animal and herd levels, using an analysis approach to account for stratification, s le weighting and within-herd clustering. Animal-level seroprevalence ranged from 1.8% to 11.3% across regions and the overall animal seroprevalence for NSW was 5.9%. The mean within-herd seroprevalence was 5.2%. The herd seroprevalence ranged from 50% to 92%, with an overall point estimate for NSW of 63.8% (using ≥ 1 animal positive = herd positive). The within-herd seroprevalence ranged from 1.6% to 32.7% Prevalence and associated confidence limits were adjusted for the design of the survey. Overall, about two-thirds of all herds in NSW showed evidence of infection, but the seroprevalence of N. caninum in in idual beef cattle in NSW was low to moderate (1.8-11.3%). Significant differences occurred between regions. The risk for herds being positive for N. caninum was associated with geographic factors, particularly in the Mid-North Coast Region.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.12563
Abstract: To determine the influence of farm-level and animal-level factors on the seroprevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and associations between seropositivity and reproductive outcomes. A questionnaire for a cross-sectional survey was posted to the 63 properties with a herd size ≥50 beef breeding cows that had participated in a previous seroprevalence study. Correspondence analysis, which does not appear to have been used previously in any Australian studies of livestock diseases, was used in conjunction with logistic regression to analyse the data. Geographic factors that increased the risk of seropositivity included higher rainfall North Coast location. Herd management factors that increased the risk of seropositivity included the use of Bos indicus genetics, cross-breeding and running several breeds in the one herd. Using fox control measures was found to be protective against infection with N. caninum. The risk of abortion was 12-fold greater in in idual animals that were seropositive for N. caninum. Within a herd, the calving rate was 10.4% lower in herds with one or more N. caninum-positive animals (P = 0.03), but the difference in abortion rate was not significant between seropositive and seronegative herds (0.3% higher, P > 0.3). This study confirmed previous observations of increased risks for N. caninum seropositivity with being located in the coastal subtropics, some styles of herd management and canid exposure. In addition, it suggested that cross-breeding and proximity to an urban area may increase the risk, and that having pet dogs may reduce the risk of seropositivity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-09-2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 09-06-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2011.00761.X
Abstract: Simulation models were developed to quantify the likelihood of equine influenza virus infection entering pre-movement isolation, persisting through pre- and post-movement isolation periods without being detected by scheduled laboratory testing, and escaping to infect susceptible horses at a destination. The mean probability of escape ranged from 1 in 1,200,000 to 1 in 600,000 depending on lot size. For 95% of iterations the probability of escape was less than 1 in 200,000, regardless of lot size. For a large group of 600 horses processed as multiple separate lots, the mean probability of escape ranged from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 56,000 depending on lot size. As a result of this analysis, a modified protocol, with two tests during pre-movement isolation and an additional test during post-movement isolation at the Chief Veterinary Officer's discretion, was implemented.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 20-04-2012
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 26-04-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-06-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.12203
Abstract: To determine the presence and estimate the prevalence of Brucella suis, Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona (hereafter L. pomona) and Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo (hereafter L. hardjo) in feral pigs culled in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. During 2012 and 2013, 239 serum s les were collected from feral pigs killed as pests or game in NSW. All sera were subjected to the rose-bengal test for B. suis, with positives subjected to the complement fixation test (CFT). Attempts were made to detect B. suis by culture and PCR on CFT-positive s les. All sera were tested separately for the presence of L. pomona and L. hardjo antibodies using the microscopic agglutination test. Of 238 s les tested, 7 were positive (4 with CFT titres ≥ 32) for B. suis antibodies (3% seroprevalence). However, B. suis was not cultured or detected by PCR. Of 239 sera tested for L. pomona antibodies, 126 s les were positive (53%) and 9 (4%) were positive for L. hardjo. The findings are the first tangible evidence that feral pigs in northern NSW harbour B. suis, providing a plausible explanation for recent human and canine cases of brucellosis related to pig hunting. The increased seroprevalence of L. pomona occurred in years preceded by flooding and rodent plagues, suggesting a potential for zoonotic infection much greater than previously realised. Advice to the community should focus on encouraging the adoption of improved hygiene practices during pig hunting and consideration of vaccinating livestock against leptospirosis.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2011.00749.X
Abstract: Equine influenza (EI) was first diagnosed in the Australian horse population on 24 August 2007 at Centennial Park Equestrian Centre (CPEC) in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. By then, the virus had already spread to many properties in NSW and southern Queensland. The outbreak in NSW affected approximately 6000 premises populated by approximately 47,000 horses. Analyses undertaken by the epidemiology section, a distinct unit within the planning section of the State Disease Control Headquarters, included the attack risk on affected properties, the level of under-reporting of affected properties and a risk assessment of the movement of horses out of the Special Restricted Area. We describe the epidemiological features and the lessons learned from the outbreak in NSW.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2011.00748.X
Abstract: This overview of the equine influenza (EI) epidemic as it occurred in two Australian states, New South Wales and Queensland, in 2007 describes the functions and activities of the epidemiology teams that were engaged during the outbreak and also identifies key features of the epidemiology of EI during the outbreak.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2011.00769.X
Abstract: To use modelling and epidemiological analyses to assess the effectiveness of control strategies employed during the equine influenza outbreak and determine if early vaccination might have had a beneficial effect. Transmission of infection was modelled using stochastic, spatial simulation, based on data from 16 regions in New South Wales and Queensland over the first month of the outbreak. The model accurately represented the spread of infection in both space and time and showed that vaccination strategies would have reduced new infections by ∼60% and reduced the size of the infected area by 8-9%, compared to the non-vaccination baseline. When used in conjunction with biosecurity measures and movement controls, early vaccination could play an important role in the containment and eradication of equine influenza.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-02-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-10-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2011.00844.X
Abstract: A 300-sow farrow-to-finish herd in New South Wales was infected with influenza pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (H1N1/09) virus in July 2009 and became the first recorded case of influenza in pigs in Australia. The outbreak resulted from human-to-pig transmission. Clinical signs in affected pigs were mild compared with overseas reports of 'classical' swine influenza virus and included coughing and decreased appetite in a small proportion of non-lactating breeding stock, weaners, growers and finishers. A diagnosis of H1N1/09 influenza virus infection was confirmed using a combination of serology (haemagglutination inhibition, blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Attempts at virus isolation were unsuccessful. Results of a longitudinal study of pigs on this farm suggested that the virus continued to circulate for 9 weeks after the onset of infection, but was not present 6 months later. This report highlights the difficulties in preventing transmission of H1N1/09 influenza virus from infected humans to pigs during a human pandemic.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-03-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2008.00272.X
Abstract: To determine the prevalence of infection of cattle with the sheep strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis at least two years after exposure at < 6 months old. Prospective survey One thousand seven hundred and seventy-four cattle from 12 properties (Farms A to L) were s led by ELISA and faecal culture to detect evidence of infection with M a paratuberculosis. All properties had a known history of Johne's disease (JD) in sheep, and s led cattle were likely to be susceptible to JD at the time they were first exposed, being at an age of 6 months or less. In addition, opportunistic investigations were undertaken of ELISA reactor cattle discovered during testing for the Australian Johne's Disease Market Assurance Program for Cattle (Farms M and N). All animals in the survey gave negative results on serology while one animal from a herd of 349 gave a positive faecal culture result. Follow-up faecal culture, post-mortem and histopathology on the latter animal were negative, suggesting that it was a passive faecal shedder or carrier. Two occurrences of OJD transmission to cattle were detected during the opportunistic investigations. These observations confirm existing beliefs about the risk of transmission of OJD to cattle, that the risk of transmission is low. However transmission occurs sporadically. An estimated upper limit of prevalence of S strain M a paratuberculosis infection in susceptible exposed cattle in the OJD high prevalence area of New South Wales is 0.8%, assuming a common prevalence within herds.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 05-03-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/AVJ.13191
Abstract: The authors report an unusual case of Clostridium chauvoei causing severe panophthalmitis in Merino lambs. More than half of the lambs affected survived, which is unusual for clostridial disease however, there have been reports in humans that the mortality risk for ocular gas gangrene is lower than when other body parts are affected. A combination of factors in this case included environmental contamination (specific to a particular paddock), genetics predisposing to entropion (lambs born of maiden 2‐year‐old ewes with some inbreeding), the practice of manually everting eyelids for the entropion and vaccination strategies. C. chauvoei was cultured in pure growth from the eye of a lamb affected by severe panophthalmitis. Histopathology was consistent with severe acute infection, and microscopic sections showed Gram‐positive organisms associated with the inflammatory response in the eye. In the acutely affected animal examined there were no signs that the lesions were long‐standing. Animals that recovered had one or both eyes destroyed. This report describes that malignant oedema in sheep due to C. chauvoei can manifest as acute and severe panophthalmitis. The case fatality rate of lambs with panophthalmitis was less than 50%, lower than normally occurs for clostridial diseases. Clostridial vaccination of the ewes may have provided a low level of protection in reducing the case fatality rate in the affected lambs as well localisation of the infection from the blood–ocular barrier.
No related grants have been discovered for Barbara Jean Moloney.