Effects of Pesticides and of Nitrate and N-nitrosocompounds on Human and Animal Health in the Tropics: Epidemiological and Toxicological Aspects

Most developing countries in Africa and Asia are located in the tropics (23° north and south of the equator). The poor productivity of ruminants in these countries is mostly due to inadequate nutrition, infectious diseases, low rates of reproduction, poor genotype, high ambient temperatures and socioeconomic constraints. In addition to infectious diseases which have long since been eradicated or brought under control in developed countries, there are diseases unique to the tropical environment. In the past, the diagnosis of most diseases was based on serological tests. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a rapid method of identifying viral and bacterial infections, is contributing to the eradication or control of most epidemic diseases which inflict high mortality. Less attention has; however, been given to subclinical diseases which adversely affect reproduction, growrh rates and reduced performance (draught power, milk and meat). The interaction of veterinary epidemiology and agricultural economics has helped epidemiologists and veterinarians to focus on the economic importance of animal diseases. The emerging trends in animal health include new diagnostic methods using DNA probes, new vaccines, sustainable parasite control schemes and herd health monitoring. The study of infectious diseases of veterinary importance will continue to he supported by modern techniques of molecular biology. Veterinary curricula should emphasis both animal health and production in the context of current national development occurring in the livestock sector.

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Animal Health Organizations: Roles to Mitigate the Impact of Ecologic Change on Animal Health in the Tropics

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1196/annals.1307.004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 1026 (1) ◽

pp. 32-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

BOBBY R. ACORD ◽

THOMAS E. WALTON

Keyword(s):

Animal Health ◽

Health Organizations ◽

The Tropics ◽

The Impact

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Argemone mexicana (Mexican poppy).

10.1079/cpc.6878.20210099961 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jeanine Vélez-Gavilán

Keyword(s):

Health Hazard ◽

Animal Health ◽

Pacific Island ◽

Agricultural Crops ◽

Argemone Mexicana ◽

Island States ◽

The Caribbean ◽

Pacific Island States ◽

The Tropics ◽

Warm Temperate

Abstract A. mexicana is a widespread annual weed primarily associated with agricultural crops and wastelands. It is a major weed of a number of crops in the tropics and warm temperate regions and is persistent as it produces a seed bank. In India in particular, the species is a health hazard and because of its prickliness, is a nuisance to subsistence farmers. In South Africa the seeds of A. mexicana have been declared as 'noxious' as its seeds or bits of seeds may represent a hazard to human or animal health when consumed (NDA, 2001). It is reported as invasive in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, and Oceania (Australia and a number of Pacific island states).

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Global Disappearance of Tropical Mountain Glaciers: Observations, Causes, and Challenges

Geosciences ◽

10.3390/geosciences9050196 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 196 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Veettil ◽

Kamp

Keyword(s):

Animal Health ◽

Ice Age ◽

Current Status ◽

South American ◽

Mountain Glaciers ◽

Tropical Glaciers ◽

Tropical Mountain ◽

Ecological Implications ◽

The Tropics ◽

Regional Climates

This article reviews the current status of tropical glaciers in the South American Andes, East Africa, and Australasia by shedding light on past, present, and future glacier coverage in the tropics, the influence of global and regional climates on the tropical glaciers, the regional importance of these glaciers, and challenges of ongoing glacier recessions. While tropical glaciers have predominantly receded since the Little Ice Age, the rate of shrinkage has accelerated since the late 1970s as a result of climate changes. As a result, socio-ecological implications occur around ecosystem health, natural hazards, freshwater resources, agriculture, hydropower, mining, human and animal health, traditions and spirituality, and peace.

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Biosecurity: tools, behaviours and concepts

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences ◽

10.1042/etls20200343 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 449-452

Author(s):

Alan MacLeod ◽

Nicola Spence

Keyword(s):

Plant Protection ◽

Human Life ◽

Animal Health ◽

Early Warning Systems ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Surveillance Programs ◽

Harmful Organisms ◽

The One ◽

Biosecurity Practices

COVID 19 has raised the profile of biosecurity. However, biosecurity is not only about protecting human life. This issue brings together mini-reviews examining recent developments and thinking around some of the tools, behaviours and concepts around biosecurity. They illustrate the multi-disciplinary nature of the subject, demonstrating the interface between research and policy. Biosecurity practices aim to prevent the spread of harmful organisms; recognising that 2020 is the International Year of Plant Health, several focus on plant biosecurity although invasive species and animal health concerns are also captured. The reviews show progress in developing early warning systems and that plant protection organisations are increasingly using tools that compare multiple pest threats to prioritise responses. The bespoke modelling of threats can inform risk management responses and synergies between meteorology and biosecurity provide opportunities for increased collaboration. There is scope to develop more generic models, increasing their accessibility to policy makers. Recent research can improve pest surveillance programs accounting for real-world constraints. Social science examining individual farmer behaviours has informed biosecurity policy; taking a broader socio-cultural approach to better understand farming networks has the potential to change behaviours in a new way. When encouraging public recreationists to adopt positive biosecurity behaviours communications must align with their values. Bringing together the human, animal, plant and environmental health sectors to address biosecurity risks in a common and systematic manner within the One Biosecurity concept can be achieved through multi-disciplinary working involving the life, physical and social sciences with the support of legislative bodies and the public.

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