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New #openaccess paper out: backyard poultry in UK!
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.71
A key finding: 30% of chickens attending a vet are euthanised!
This research was a delight, fun to be part of a great x-disciplinary collaborative team @savsnet @LivUni_IVES @APHAgovuk
1/n
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.71
A key finding: 30% of chickens attending a vet are euthanised!
This research was a delight, fun to be part of a great x-disciplinary collaborative team @savsnet @LivUni_IVES @APHAgovuk
1/n
Background:
Backyard poultry ownership in the UK appears to be increasing
Potentially around 3million birds are kept in people's gardens
Little is known about veterinary care engagement, and the outcomes of their visits to the vet.
Aim: to find out!
2/n
Backyard poultry ownership in the UK appears to be increasing
Potentially around 3million birds are kept in people's gardens
Little is known about veterinary care engagement, and the outcomes of their visits to the vet.
Aim: to find out!
2/n
Methods:
Using SAVSNET we identified poultry consults at UK vets between April 2014 and March 2019. We read them to find out what happened!
SAVSNET is an amazing research tool, if you donât know about it, check out their website!
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/savsnet/
3/n
Using SAVSNET we identified poultry consults at UK vets between April 2014 and March 2019. We read them to find out what happened!
SAVSNET is an amazing research tool, if you donât know about it, check out their website!
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/savsnet/
3/n
Results:
Top 3 species
Chickens 85% - focused on them for rest of analysis
Ducks 10%
Pigeons 3%
Chickens were present in 7 per 10k consults per year
Mainly seen in summer
2.5x more chickens in rural v urban areas
More chickens found in least deprived parts of England
4/n
Top 3 species
Chickens 85% - focused on them for rest of analysis
Ducks 10%
Pigeons 3%
Chickens were present in 7 per 10k consults per year
Mainly seen in summer
2.5x more chickens in rural v urban areas
More chickens found in least deprived parts of England
4/n
Results: Clinical Signs
Top 5:
18% unspecified unwell
17% wasting
14% respiratory signs
13% skin signs
13% reduced appetite
5/n
Top 5:
18% unspecified unwell
17% wasting
14% respiratory signs
13% skin signs
13% reduced appetite
5/n
Results: Treatment and outcomes
30% of chickens were euthanised in the consult
33% were prescribed antibiotics
(44% of these were Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials)
9% prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
6/n
30% of chickens were euthanised in the consult
33% were prescribed antibiotics
(44% of these were Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials)
9% prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
6/n
Results: Associations
Respiratory, dermatological and skin disease assoc with higher a/b use
Musculoskeletal, dermatological conditions, and trauma assoc with higher anti-inflam use
Recumbency, abdominal mass, neuro signs and wasting assoc with higher euthanasia rates
7/n
Respiratory, dermatological and skin disease assoc with higher a/b use
Musculoskeletal, dermatological conditions, and trauma assoc with higher anti-inflam use
Recumbency, abdominal mass, neuro signs and wasting assoc with higher euthanasia rates
7/n
Conclusions
Tailored prescribing approach needed (hard as many a/bs are off-label)
Late presentation of disease, high euthanasia, & vague clinical signs suggest disease id, disease management, & knowledge of poultry health and welfare can be improved in both vets & owners
8/n
Tailored prescribing approach needed (hard as many a/bs are off-label)
Late presentation of disease, high euthanasia, & vague clinical signs suggest disease id, disease management, & knowledge of poultry health and welfare can be improved in both vets & owners
8/n
You made it to the end! Everyone wants to read about chickens on a Friday evening 
If you want to know more, have a read of the whole paper
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.71
Fin
If you want to know more, have a read of the whole paper
https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.71
Fin
