Information regarding herd management was acquired at the time of blood sampling by local veterinary officers using a questionnaire prepared in advance [Additional file 1].
Secondary outcome variables were a locomotion visual analog scale (VAS), a Quality of life VAS, a comparative questionnaire, a veterinary assessment, owners' final assessment of outcome and guessing the product given.
The six secondary outcome variables were owners' locomotion visual analog scale (VAS), quality of life (QOL-) VAS, comparative questionnaires, the veterinary assessment score, final assessment of outcome and guessing of group.
Indication-based data on the use of antimicrobials in animals were collected using a prospective cross-sectional survey, similarly as for surveys carried out in human medicine, but adapting the questionnaire to include veterinary-specific issues.
We developed 2 password-protected online questionnaires, 1 for national veterinary authorities and 1 for laboratory staff.
The questionnaire was also circulated in several veterinary societies' mailing lists and published in veterinary periodicals, newsletters and on social media sites.
Twenty veterinary clinics were enlisted to administer the questionnaire to their clientele.
The questionnaire was modified to include veterinary-specific issues (Table 1).
National veterinary authorities were asked to forward the laboratory questionnaire to all government, university, and private laboratories that might be involved in cattle virus diagnostics, research, or vaccines within their countries.
We also acknowledge the veterinary practices and pet stores which helped distribute questionnaires to dog owners, and sincerely thank all the owners themselves who gave up their time to complete questionnaires.
