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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(22); doi: 10.3390/ani12223100

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Working Equid Lameness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: Lameness is an important concern in working equids of low- and middle-income communities (LMICs) with significant One Welfare implications. This study aims to determine the prevalence and influencing factors of lameness in working equids of LMICs. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate pooled outcome prevalence using a random intercept regression model. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed through meta-regression. A meta-analysis of study factors for lameness prevalence was performed. Sixty-four studies were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of lameness was 29.9% (n = 42, 95% CI 17-47%), while the pooled prevalence of gait abnormality was 62.9% (n = 12; 95% CI 31-87%). When considering both outcomes together, the pooled prevalence was 38.4% (n = 46; 95% CI 23-57%) with a significant (p = 0.02) difference between lameness (29.5%; 95% CI 16-48%) and gait abnormality (78.8%; 95% CI 40-95%). Species, country income level, gait assessed, and risk of bias did not significantly affect the pooled prevalence. Lower body condition scores, unresponsive attitudes, and old age were the most frequently reported factors positively associated with lameness-related outcomes. Working 7 days per week was positively associated with lameness. The standardization of outcome terminology, grading systems, and study factor categorization is recommended to enable more accurate interpretation and comparison between studies.
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Publication Date: 2022-11-10 PubMed ID: 36428328PubMed Central: PMC9686919DOI: 10.3390/ani12223100Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the prevalence and causes of lameness in working equids (horses, donkeys etc.) in low- and middle-income countries. The study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of 64 studies to understand the extent of this issue and its influencing factors.

Extensive Analysis Approach

  • The research team carried out an exhaustive systematic review and meta-analysis of various studies conducted on the prevalence and factors affecting the lameness of working equids in lower and middle-income countries.
  • The researchers used a random intercept regression model to scrutinise the pooled outcome prevalence. This method is known to statistically summarise the data from different studies and provide an overall estimate.
  • To further establish the accuracy of their findings, the team also carried out subgroup and sensitivity analysis through meta-regression, a process that quantifies the effect of study-level variables on study findings.

Findings and Conclusions

  • The pooled analysis showed that lameness was prevalent in about 29.9% of working equids, while the prevalence of gait abnormality was significantly higher at 62.9%.
  • The research found a significant difference between the instances of lameness and gait abnormality when considered together.
  • The study determined that species, country income level, gait assessed, and risk of bias did not significantly tweak the pooled prevalence. This implies that the issue transcends these factors and is inherently associated with the working conditions of the animals.
  • The researchers observed that lower body condition scores, unresponsive attitudes, and old age were the leading factors positively associated with lameness, although overwork (7 days per week) also showed a significant positive correlation with it.

Recommendations

  • The report suggests the standardisation of outcome terminology, grading systems and study factor categorisation to allow more precise interpretation and comparison between future studies. This will aid in making more strategic decisions to hinder the prevalence of lameness and gait abnormalities in working equids in low- and middle-income countries.

Cite This Article

APA
Merridale-Punter MS, Wiethoelter AK, El-Hage CM, Hitchens PL. (2022). Prevalence and Factors Associated with Working Equid Lameness in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel), 12(22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12223100

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 22

Researcher Affiliations

Merridale-Punter, Mathilde S
  • Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.
Wiethoelter, Anke K
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
El-Hage, Charles M
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Hitchens, Peta L
  • Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Hwy, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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