Food safety concerns are important to consumers and a focus of the Thai government. Applying food safety standards is often challenging for poultry production especially in rural area. Previous studies indicated that poultry meat and meat products were highly contaminated with food-borne pathogens including Salmonella and Campylobacter with poultry slaughterhouses as a major source for bacterial contamination. There is a lack of studies targeting effective interventions to improve poultry meat production and hygiene, particularly on policy that regulates such interventions. Using an EcoHealth approach, this study, aimed to develop feasible and cost effective guidelines for improvement of small-scale poultry slaughterhouses in Northern Thailand. Policy makers were involved from the early stage. Current laws and regulations for poultry slaughterhouses were reviewed, in depth interviews and focus group discussions with district and provincial authorities provided information on the enforcement of those regulations. Forty-one small-scale poultry slaughterhouses located in Chiang Mai were visited during July 2011-February 2013. Data on the current management and the need for improvement to address the current regulations were collected from slaughterhouse owners using structured questionnaires and checklists. The study revealed that despite the enforcement of slaughterhouse regulation since 1992 and GMP since 2006, none of the small-scale slaughterhouses in this study are able to meet the regulations and obtain license. The slaughterhouse owners reflected that current regulations and GMP are not feasible for small-scale slaughterhouses. Improper hygienic management was commonly practiced. The guideline for improving the slaughterhouse is developed and currently being implemented and evaluated through outcome mapping in selected slaughterhouses. Results of this study were discussed in a policy meeting with policy-level officers and will be reflected in a policy brief. Feedback from those discussions will be presented.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first officially reported in Indonesia in 2004; the disease is now endemic, particularly in the Java, Sumatra, Bali and South Sulawesi Islands. During the early stages of the epidemic, emergency interventions were mainly implemented by the government with assistance from local and international partners. With the establishment of the disease, emergency control measures were replaced by routine interventions that require stronger involvement of all the actors, particularly in the poultry sector. The main challenge with this approach, however, is whether poultry value chain actors can comply with the requirements for effective implementation of HPAI control measures. To begin addressing this issue, the present study attempted to (i) characterize control measures in terms of expected degree of compliance by both actors in the poultry value chain and the agents responsible for their implementation, and in this manner (ii) identify actors that may be expected to act as compliance fail-points to successful implementation of control measures. The approach posits that actors' willingness to comply depends fundamentally on the alignment of control measures with the actors' capacity to comply, their current practices and incentives they face. ; Non-PR ; IFPRI2; GRP40 ; MTID
Poultry is an important source of income and protein for poor households in Indonesia. In a normal year, the production of poultry meat in Indonesia is approximately 1.285 million tons per annum, representing around 62% of total domestic meat production. In addition, egg production amounts to 1.2 billion tons, with domestic production fulfilling domestic consumer demand for eggs. However, the entry of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Indonesia beginning in 2003 has had large negative impacts on rural livelihoods, both in terms of the production losses caused by the disease and the fears of its potential spread in humans. At present, HPAI is endemic throughout Indonesia and has affected all parts of the poultry business. Its spread in Jakarta, where a number of people died from HPAI, prompted the local government of Jakarta to adopt strict movement controls in controlling and monitoring poultry rearing and marketing in the metro Jakarta region.
Poultry is an important source of income and protein for poor households in Indonesia. In a normal year, the production of poultry meat in Indonesia is approximately 1.285 million tons per annum, representing around 62% of total domestic meat production. In addition, egg production amounts to 1.2 billion tons, with domestic production fulfilling domestic consumer demand for eggs. However, the entry of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Indonesia beginning in 2003 has had large negative impacts on rural livelihoods, both in terms of the production losses caused by the disease and the fears of its potential spread in humans. At present, HPAI is endemic throughout Indonesia and has affected all parts of the poultry business. Its spread in Jakarta, where a number of people died from HPAI, prompted the local government of Jakarta to adopt strict movement controls in controlling and monitoring poultry rearing and marketing in the metro Jakarta region. ; Non-PR ; IFPRI2; GRP40 ; MTID
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first officially reported in Indonesia in 2004; the disease is now endemic, particularly in the Java, Sumatra, Bali and South Sulawesi Islands. During the early stages of the epidemic, emergency interventions were mainly implemented by the government with assistance from local and international partners. With the establishment of the disease, emergency control measures were replaced by routine interventions that require stronger involvement of all the actors, particularly in the poultry sector. The main challenge with this approach, however, is whether poultry value chain actors can comply with the requirements for effective implementation of HPAI control measures. To begin addressing this issue, the present study attempted to (i) characterize control measures in terms of expected degree of compliance by both actors in the poultry value chain and the agents responsible for their implementation, and in this manner (ii) identify actors that may be expected to act as compliance fail-points to successful implementation of control measures. The approach posits that actors' willingness to comply depends fundamentally on the alignment of control measures with the actors' capacity to comply, their current practices and incentives they face.
Abstract Background In Asian countries, small-scale rural poultry meat production can face challenges due to food safety policies that limit economic growth and hinder improvement of sanitation and disease prevention. In this study, an integrative, participatory research approach was used to elucidate the sanitation and disease prevention practices in small-scale poultry slaughterhouses in rural northern Thailand. Methods Initial steps included the identification of key stakeholders associated with the meat production chain, development of a research framework, and design of a methodology based on stakeholder consultations. The framework and methodology combine issues in five major areas: (1) public health, (2) socioeconomics, (3) policy, (4) veterinary medicine, and (5) communities and the environment. Methods used include questionnaires, direct observation, focus groups, and in-depth interviews. In addition, a microbiological risk assessment approach was employed to detect Salmonella contamination in meat processing facilities. The microbial risk assessment was combined with stakeholder perceptions to provide an overview of the existing situation, as well as to identify opportunities for upgrading slaughterhouses in order to more effectively address matters of food safety, processing, and government licensing. Results The conceptual framework developed elucidated the complex factors limiting small-scale slaughterhouse improvement including a lack of appropriate enabling policies and an apparent absence of feasible interventions for improvement. Unhygienic slaughterhouse management was reflected in the incidence of Salmonella contamination in both the meat and the surrounding environment. Conclusion There is potential for the use of an integrative approach to address critical problems at the interface of rural development and public health. The findings of this study could serve as a model for transdisciplinary studies and interventions related to other similar complex challenges.
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research ; Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation ; Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany ; United Kingdom government ; International Development Research Centre ; Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency ; United States Agency for International Development
Pork is the most popular meat consumed in Vietnam and studies have shown high (28.6-44%) Salmonella contamination rates at the point of purchase, resulting in a high incidence rate of Salmonella related food borne disease. The high microbial contamination rate is attributed to poor hygiene practice in the pork value chain and the market-based approaches to improving the safety of pork in Vietnam, or SafePORK project has designed a set of interventions to improve the standard of practice which are due to be trialled in 2019. Behavioural economics and 'nudges' are defined as interventions with a low level of intrusiveness on personal choice which can be used to alter behaviour. While they have not yet been used for food safety in the pork value chain, some of the proposed interventions aim to alter actor's behaviour and thus could be amenable to 'nudging'. A previous research project to assess the potential of nudges to improve pork safety in Vietnam highlighted three main themes which could be used to influence actors within the value chain; 1) actors were most influenced by people they respected, which within the study groups were found to be veterinarians and actor's peers, 2) actor's reputation was regarded as an important incentive, and 3) salient visual methods of displaying information were found to be a commonly used method of delivering information in existing food safety interventions. A stakeholder workshop supported by the SafePORK project, the International Livestock Research Institute and the Royal Veterinary College was held in Hanoi to gain a better understanding of the slaughterhouse and retail processes to ascertain which nudges could be used to support the proposed interventions, and to discuss the practical aspects of implementing nudges. Participants included actors (n=32) from various parts of the pork value chain, including slaughterhouse workers, retailers, veterinarians, government officials, and researchers. During the workshop participants were separated into small groups and took part in group discussions to explore the slaughterhouse and retail processes and discuss the feasibility of using nudges to change actors' behaviours. Participants were shown several potential nudges (posters, arrows and footprints) and asked to evaluate these through discussion and a scoring exercise. After each activity a plenary session took place to allow dissemination of feedback to the entire group. The workshop found that the slaughterhouse workers and retailers appeared to be aware of the major issues surrounding foodborne disease in their industry, highlighting, during the discussions, many of the key points in the pork production chain where meat contamination with microorganisms can occur. The concept of using posters to display information was well received by the workshop participants. Both positive and negative framing of information were thought to be effective, the choice of which dependent on the target audience. However, when scored by participants, the negatively framed posters scored significantly higher than the positively framed posters, indicating a greater anticipated impact on actor's behaviour. All participants discussed the need to have site specific photos to reflect the real context of the setting to increase engagement with the media. When considering the effect of colour on salience; red was considered dirtiest, yellow, orange, and purple considered neutral colours, and green and blue considered the cleanest colours. The participants thought that the prospect of upscaling nudges to a broader audience of retailers and consumers could be implemented but would need to be supported by competent food safety authorities. Using the findings from this workshop, site specific nudges should be created to support specific SafePORK interventions, which at this stage are likely to be in the form of informational posters. Ideally, in addition to testing the interventions in a randomly controlled trial, the nudges would be similarly tested to allow assessment of their effectiveness. Further investigation, such as trialling the use of footprints and arrows in slaughterhouse environments, is needed to ascertain the practicality of using these nudge concepts to designate clean and dirty zones. ; Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Background The One Health concept promotes the enhancement of human, animal and ecosystem health through multi-sectorial governance support and policies to combat health security threats. In Vietnam, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal and human health settings poses a significant threat, but one that could be minimised by adopting a One Health approach to AMR surveillance. To advance understanding of the willingness and abilities of the human and animal health sectors to undertake investigations of AMR with a One Health approach, we explored the perceptions and experiences of those tasked with investigating AMR in Vietnam, and the benefits a multi-sectorial approach offers. Methods This study used qualitative methodology to provide key informants' perspectives from the animal and human health sectors. Two scenarios of food-borne AMR bacteria found within the pork value chain were used as case studies to investigate challenges and opportunities for improving collaboration across different stakeholders and to understand benefits offered by a One Health approach surveillance system. Fifteen semi-structured interviews with 11 participants from the animal and six from the human health sectors at the central level in Hanoi and the provincial level in Thai Nguyen were conducted. Results Eight themes emerged from the transcripts of the interviews. From the participants perspectives on the benefits of a One Health approach: (1) Communication and multi-sectorial collaboration; (2) Building comprehensive knowledge; (3) Improving likelihood of success. Five themes emerged from participants views of the challenges to investigate AMR: (4) Diagnostic capacity; (5) Availability and access to antibiotics (6) Tracing ability within the Vietnamese food chain; (7) Personal benefits and (8) Managing the system. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that there is potential to strengthen multi-sectorial collaboration between the animal and human health sectors by building upon existing informal networks. Based on these results, we recommend an inclusive approach to multi-sectorial communication supported by government network activities to facilitate partnerships and create cross-disciplinary awareness and participation. The themes relating to diagnostic capacity show that both sectors are facing challenges to undertake investigations in AMR. Our results indicate that the need to strengthen the animal health sector is more pronounced.
Most emerging diseases of humans originate in animals, and zoonotic emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) threaten human, animal, and environment health. We report on a scoping study to assess actors, linkages, priorities, and needs related to management of these diseases from the perspective of key stakeholders in three countries in Southeast Asia. A comprehensive interview guide was developed and in-depth interviews completed with 21 key stakeholders in Vietnam, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Cambodia. We found numerous relevant actors with a predominance of public sector and medical disciplines. More capacity weaknesses than strengths were reported, with risk analysis and research skills most lacking. Social network analysis of information flows showed policy-makers were regarded as mainly information recipients, research institutes as more information providers, and universities as both. Veterinary and livestock disciplines emerged as an important "boundary-spanning" organization with linkages to both human health and rural development. Avian influenza was regarded as the most important zoonotic EID, perhaps reflecting the priority-setting influence of actors outside the region. Stakeholders reported a high awareness of the ecological and socioeconomic drivers of disease emergence and a demand for disease prioritization, epidemiological skills, and economic and qualitative studies. Evaluated from an ecohealth perspective, human health is weakly integrated with socioeconomics, linkages to policy are stronger than to communities, participation occurs mainly at lower levels, and equity considerations are not fully considered. However, stakeholders have awareness of ecological and social determinants of health, and a basis exists on which transdisciplinarity, equity, and participation can be strengthened.
This study aims to identify perception, awareness and knowledge on food safety and quality assurance related to poultry slaughterhouses and slaughter poultry market places in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data collected from March to April 2013, from selected poultry slaughterhouses (n=9) and slaughter poultry market (n=1) located in 4 districts of Yogyakarta including Sleman, Bantul, Gunung Kidul and Kulon Progo. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews and checklists were applied to different stakeholders such as authorized veterinarians, owners or managers at slaughterhouses and slaughter poultry market. Results showed that knowledge on food safety and quality assurance is averagely good anyhow varying by slaughterhouses' owner or government. The current implemented standard for slaughterhouses for domestic consumption is well recognized, the understanding and knowledge are only well defined by officers. All stakeholders are aware of food safety, particularly related to meat quality and consumer health concerns. The standard for poultry slaughterhouses in Yogyakarta is current being developed. The understanding of hygienic practice and the demand of consumers for quality products may play an important role for standard perception, behavior change and increased food safety awareness in the community. The challenges towards standard implementation and its enforcement are the slaughtering practice and behavior, required slaughterhouse reformation, owners and workers knowledge, economic benefit of needed investment, and infrastructure with proper equipment.
While evaluations play a critical role in accounting for and learning from context, it is unclear how evaluations can take account of climate change. Our objective was to explore how climate change and its interaction with other contextual factors influenced One Health food safety programs. To do so, we integrated questions about climate change into a qualitative evaluation study of an ongoing, multi-sectoral program aiming to improve pork safety in Vietnam called SafePORK. We conducted remote interviews with program researchers ( n = 7) and program participants ( n = 23). Based on our analysis, researchers believed climate change had potential impacts on the program but noted evidence was lacking, while program participants (slaughterhouse workers and retailers) shared how they were experiencing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Climate change also interacted with other contextual factors to introduce additional complexities. Our study underscored the importance of assessing climate factors in evaluation and building adaptive capacity in programming.
To understand the overall of current veterinary hygiene situation concerning microbiological contamination of food, we have conducted a survey, interview, collecting and analyzing samples derived from poultry (alive and carcasses), slaughter environment of 36 small slaughter houses in the rural area of Hanoi. Almost all small slaughter houses (98% indoor and 100% at the bazaars/day-market) in the lowest veterinary ranking according to the government criteria. The rate of Salmonella contamination was 29.2% for the cloacal swab, 40.6% for carcasses, 2.9% for rinse water, 80.6% for waste water, 30.6% for slaughter floor and 63.9% for tools. Among the isolates from the most noticeable contamination carcasses, it was important to note that there were present of 2 serotype (S.enteritidis and S.typhimurium) that belong to the high risk group of food poisoning, originated from poultry during slaughtering processes. The Salmonella isolates had the antimicrobial resistance properties to most common antimicrobials, readily spreading along with the poultry meat chain. Water source and waste were both the highest risk factors leading to the Salmonella contamination for carcasses. There were two main recommendations to improve the hygiene condition at the time being, which were (i) to make awareness of high risk of bacterial contamination to the owners and butchers, (ii) improve the quality of water source as well as the waste treatment.
Food borne diseases (FBD) are an increasing global public health concern with estimated 1 in 10 people falling ill every year from eating contaminated food causing 420,000 deaths. Diarrheal diseases accounted for more than half of the global burden with children at especial risk (WHO 2015). Evidence on FBD in low and middle income countries, including Vietnam, is still limited but the risk is considered to be higher than in high income countries due to poor hygiene, inadequate food production and storage, risky consumption habits, and weak legislation and enforcement. For Vietnam, pork is an important component of the diet and accounts for more than 70% of meat consumed: most (84%) is supplied by small and medium scale farmers. Recent ILRI studies have demonstrated strong preferences of Vietnamese consumers for fresh, un-chilled pork sold at conventional wet markets but also increasing concerns over food safety have been expressed by urban consumers. Existing food safety studies along the pig sector have focused on assessment of hazards (mainly Salmonella) at a specific actor of the pork chain while farm to fork approaches or studies measuring the impact of hazards to human are limited. Since 2012 ILRI has implemented specific studies assessing food safety issues including zoonoses along pig value chains in selected regions of Vietnam. This included risk assessments of food safety hazards in pork such as Salmonella along a more peri-urban value chain with mainly exotic pigs or their crosses (Hung Yen province). In addition, we assessed the presence of two major zoonoses (trichinellosis and cysticercosis) in a rural indigenous pig value chain in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Results for Hung Yen show a high presence of biological hazards (e.g. 43% pork cuts at market are Salmonella contaminated). Key challenges include poor slaughter and meat handling hygiene (eg. floor slaughter) aligned with low awareness on related health risks among interviewed actors. Another challenge is to identify feasible incentives to motivate change of behavior and practice of actors. For the native pig system (Central Highlands) sporadic infections with trichinellosis and cysticercosis were found. Key challenges include here predominant risky farm management practices (free roaming of pigs) but also very low awareness and knowledge on zoonoses of native pig producers who are often members of poor ethnic minorities. ; Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
Parasites foodborne diseases (PFBD) are expected to be widely distributed in Laos and can have a significant impact on health but also on economy and livelihood. Detailed information on their distribution is lacking and risky food consumption habits exist (e.g. consumption of raw or rare meat/fish). The objectives of this ongoing study are to assess PFBD distribution and risk-related practices in 3 provinces of southern Laos (Savannakhet, Khammuane and Champasak), and establish a cross-sectorial collaboration platform which aims to develop and promote feasible control options addressing needs of affected communities and stakeholders. To facilitate and monitor community involvement and cross-sectoral collaboration among stakeholders integrated approaches such as companion modelling (ComMod) and One-Health are used synergistically. A multidisciplinary research team consisting of vets, public health, environmental, social and participatory modelling scientists has been established and jointly implemented activities using quantitative (e.g. serological sampling) and qualitative methods such as PRA and Participatory Epidemiology. Villagers had lowest PFBD knowledge while para-meds and teachers had highest. Flood or lack of irrigation were ranked highest by villagers while PFBD were never considered as important issues. Serological data on Trichinelloses and Cysticercoses in pigs are currently analysed. Policy engagement and feedback is facilitated through quarterly meetings. ; European Union
