Bay Harbour: August 30, 2023

Bay Harbour News Wednesday August 30 2023
10
NEWS
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Tool to monitor disease in wastewater
A TEAM OF researchers,
including Canterbury
University’s Dr Leighton Watson
and Professor Michael Plank,
have combined wastewater data
with reported case numbers to
create a statistical model that
could be used to inform public
health responses to infectious
diseases worldwide.
Their study is based on
data from the Institute of
Environmental Science and
Research wastewater Covid
surveillance programme and
Covid data collected across the
country.
The disease surveillance
tool analyses data in a way
no other study has previously
done – combining wastewater
data and reported case
numbers to estimate how
the case ascertainment rate,
or proportion of infections
reported, has changed over time.
The model also estimates the
effective reproduction number.
Watson’s model provides a
clearer picture of the state of
an epidemic, disease dynamics
and infections in the community.
“While the results are not
the only piece to the puzzle,
the model could be used as an
additional source of information
to inform public health policy
decisions and hospital capacity
planning,” said Watson, who is a
lecturer at the university’s school
of mathematics and
statistics.
He said the model
could be used by any
country where most
people are connected to
the wastewater system.
The model could be
applied nationally or
regionally and help
inform planning of
public health responses
Leighton
Watson
to multiple infectious diseases.
Watson said over time
Government restrictions
and testing guidelines
have been eased.
“At first, people
would test every time
they got a sore throat.
Anecdotally, now it
seems like many people
are assuming they are
just under the weather
because, for example,
PHOTO: GETTY
their kids bring every single bug
possible home from school.”
Watson said fewer cases could
mean fewer infections or fewer
people reporting.
Reported cases during the
second wave in July 2022 were
significantly lower than in the
first wave in February and
March 2022.
However, the model suggests
there was a substantial drop in
case ascertainment between
the waves and true numbers of
infections were actually similar.
Wastewater surveillance has
proven to provide valuable
data on Covid trends in the
community in New Zealand and
overseas. This led the research
team to investigate how clinical
and wastewater data could be
combined to provide a better
overall picture of the pandemic.
“Everyone who lives
somewhere that’s linked up to
the town wastewater system is
going to shed the virus into the
wastewater if they have Covid.
If they are plumbed into the
wastewater system and we are
sampling it, we can pick that
up independent of whether
people are testing or not,” said
Watson.
According to the researchers
the model provides the most
accurate source of data on
case ascertainment rate and
effective reproduction numbers
currently available, the
researchers said.
Watson and Plank worked
alongside research colleagues
from ESR and the University of
Oxford’s department of statistics
in England.
Their research was funded
by the Ministry of Health, the
Public Health Agency and the
Department of Prime Minister
and Cabinet.
Kowhai Vet Brings a Fresh Approach to Pet Care
new haven for the well-being of companion animals has
A recently opened its doors in Opawa. Nestled in the heart
of the community with convenient access from surrounding
areas, this unique veterinary clinic has created a warm,
welcoming environment where clients and their furry
companions will immediately feel at ease. The thoughtfully
designed layout comprises separate entrances for cats and
dogs leading into spacious waiting areas where friendly
staff will greet your pet with a selection of treats. The added
touch of soothing aromatherapy scents and background
music create an oasis of calm, ensuring a positive experience
for everyone involved.
Kowhai Vet stands out not only for its relaxed feel, but also
for its commitment to delivering a personal approach to
each client and their furry friends. Recognising that many
animals and their owners experience anxiety around vet
visits, the friendly team of vets and nurses maintain an
ethos of fear-free patient care. Longer appointment slots
ensure that there’s ample time to thoroughly discuss a pet’s
individual needs, and allows the clinic’s veterinarians to
perform examinations with a slow and gentle approach,
appreciating that building a foundation of trust is essential
to diagnosing and treating any ailment.
From left: Sarah Gifford, Jane Jones, Stephanie McLafferty,
Billie Malyon, Millie Greig.
Clinic owner, Stephanie, explains: “We understand that
a trip to the vet clinic can be an emotional and stressful
experience for the client and their pet. Whilst we cannot
always expect to remove that stress entirely, we can do our
best to minimise it and work with the owners to make their
experience as positive as possible. We believe in taking time
to listen and build relationships with our clients so that,
together, we can tailor our treatment to
provide the optimum healthcare for their
cherished pets.”
Experienced veterinarians,
Stephanie McLafferty and Jane Jones
provide a comprehensive range of
services from routine health checks
and vaccinations to more advanced
treatments, surgical procedures,
dental treatments, and much more.
The skilled and knowledgeable
nurses, Billie, Sarah and Millie, are also
available to provide advice on a range of
topics, from flea and worm products, diet and dental care to
training tips and environmental enrichment for your pets,
with an array of healthcare products, toys and tools in stock,
catering to their intellectual and physical well-being.
Kowhai Vet’s commitment to care extends beyond its walls.
They maintain an emphasis on supporting local enterprises
with their range of New Zealand-made treats, food, and
grooming products. A focus on sustainability forms part of
their core values, influencing product choices and systems.
Plus, for every new patient welcomed, a native tree takes
root in the region. With over 500 trees already funded, this
initiative speaks volumes about the clinic’s dedication to
environmental stewardship, mirroring the care they provide
to their four-legged clients.
Support a locally-owned and operated business
by visiting Kowhai Vet today and experience
another level of veterinary care. With its welcoming
atmosphere, fear-free philosophy, and unwavering
commitment to sustainability and local partnerships,
they set a new benchmark for pet care. Your pets
will thank you, and you’ll leave knowing that your
companions are in the best of hands.
Consultations • Surgery & Diagnostics • Locally Owned & Operated
122 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch. Ph: 03 337 5445
Visit our website: www.kowhaivet.co.nz
WE ARE OPEN:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 6:30pm,
Saturday, 9:00am - 12:00pm