Search Results (69)

The role of Enterococcus spp. in food is debated since this group of lactic acid bacteria contains opportunistic pathogenic strains, some of which exhibit a multidrug-resistant profile. In livestock farms, the use of antibiotics is the most common practice to deal with mastitis-causing bacteria. However, the heavy usage and/or misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to genetically and phenotypically characterize Enterococcus strains isolated from raw sheep milk. Samples were collected over one year from the bulk tank of a dairy sheep farm and cultured on selective media. Isolates were purified and analyzed by whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The isolates were divided into clusters and the corresponding species were identified along with their genes related to virulence and antibiotic resistance. The pan-, core- and accessory-genomes of the strains were determined. Finally, the antibiotic-resistant profile of selected strains was examined and associated with their genomic characterization. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Enterococci epidemiology, providing comprehensive profiles of their virulence and resistance genes. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in raw sheep milk destined for the production of cheese should raise awareness. Full article

Decreasing crude protein (CP) in broiler diets can improve sustainability but may compromise growth performance. Feed additives like coated cysteamine hydrochloride (CSH) and exogenous alkaline protease (EAP) can enhance protein utilization and promote gut health. While CSH modulates metabolism, EAP improves digestibility, but their combined effects in low CP diets remain unclear. This study examines the synergistic impact of CSH and EAP on broiler growth, gut histology, carcass traits, immune response, and nutrient digestibility, aiming to optimize performance while reducing environmental impact. Six-hundred, 1-day-old broiler Ross-308 chicks (male) were allotted to four treatments, each consisting of six replicates of twenty-five birds, in a factorial arrangement using a completely randomized design. The treatments comprised two inclusion levels of coated CSH (0.2 and 0.4 g/kg with or without EAP (0 and 0.2 g/kg) in reduced CP diets. A ten percent reduction in CP from the standard requirements of Ross-308 (20.7% vs. 23% in the starter, 19.35% vs. 21.5% in the grower, and 17.55% vs. 19.5% in the finisher phase) was made in all the dietary treatments. A notable interaction (p ≤ 0.05) between CSH and EAP was detected in body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass characteristics, and gut morphology during the whole study duration. Similarly, nutrient digestibility and immune response were also influenced by the combined use of CSH and EAP. The synergistic use of coated CSH at 0.2 g/kg or 0.4 g/kg with EAP in reduced CP broiler diets can enhance performance, intestinal health, carcass characteristics, immune response, and nutrient digestibility. Implications of these findings in commercial feeding practices could substantially improve the efficiency and sustainability of broiler production systems. Full article

A lack of awareness among exotic bird owners regarding the quality of feed may contribute to adverse health outcomes, including toxicosis, systemic mycoses, and potentially neoplastic processes. Fungi of the Aspergillus genus are the most pathogenic to avian species, particularly due to their involvement in respiratory diseases such as aspergillosis, which affects the air sacs. This study aims to assess the presence of Aspergillus spp. in commercially available parrot feed (grain mixtures) available on the Polish pet market, considering different price categories. A total of 22 dry parrot food samples were analyzed using the PN-ISO 21527-2:2009 protocol. Aspergillus spp. colonies were isolated from 16 out of 22 samples (72.7%), indicating a high incidence of contamination. Although these results are preliminary, they highlight a microbiological risk associated with grain-based parrot feeds and underscore the need for stricter quality control and greater awareness among pet owners and manufacturers. Full article

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with significant public health implications. Understanding the risks of consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk is critical for effective control measures. A quantitative risk assessment was conducted to estimate Brucella abortus contamination in milk from unregulated sources in Punjab, India, where 70% of milk is sold unpasteurized. Samples from lactating cattle and buffalo (N = 261) in ten villages were tested using the Rose Bengal plate test and indirect IgG ELISA. Modelled risk pathways estimated B. abortus shedding probabilities and colony-forming unit (CFU) concentrations in milk, with Sobol sensitivity analysis identifying influential parameters. Buffalo had a higher estimated shedding prevalence (0.04, 95% PI: 0.02–0.07) than cattle (6.3 × 10⁻³, 95% PI: 2.5 × 10⁻³–13.2 × 10⁻³). Mean contamination levels were 2843 CFU/100 mL (95% PI: 0–32,693 CFU/100 mL) for cattle, 17,963 CFU/100 mL (95% PI: 612–67,121 CFU/100 mL) for buffalo, and 7587 CFU/100 mL (95% PI: 82–39,038 CFU/100 mL) combined. High-shedding animals were the most influential factor (total effect sensitivity index of 0.86 [95% CI: 0.63–0.74]). Removing high-shedding animals reduced risk considerably for people who might drink raw milk once (absolute risk reduction of up to 54% in buffalo milk), but once-per-month consumption is still likely high risk. Effective risk mitigation requires a One Health approach, strengthening both public and animal health interventions, because animal health strategies alone will fail if milk from high-shedding animals reaches the unregulated milk market. Full article

The annual rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern. This Romanian questionnaire-based survey aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of routine antimicrobial use by veterinary practitioners in food-producing animals and to gauge their concerns about AMR. To gather data, an online questionnaire with 28 questions was developed and distributed nationwide to veterinarians via the Google Drive network and Google Forms. Despite this increased awareness, deviations in antimicrobial administration persist, often due to insufficient knowledge about AMR and the mechanisms of antimicrobial action. This study underscores the urgent need for prudent antimicrobial use in livestock production in Romania. Full article

Irrational use of antimicrobials in humans, livestock, and poultry is often cited as the key driver of the accelerated emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals. In Pakistan, the use of antimicrobials in livestock and poultry is not well-regulated, owing to limited and/or ineffective implementation of existing legislations and lack of coordination amongst the key stakeholders. To gather data and information pertinent to the supply chain mapping and the usage of antibiotics in the livestock and poultry sectors of Pakistan, a national workshop for selected influential stakeholders was held in Islamabad, Pakistan during March 2020 to map the supply chain and the usage of antibiotics in the country. Participants from all relevant organizations identified the supply chain and discussed the status, challenges, and the way forward to enhance data collection and monitoring of antimicrobial usage (AMU) in livestock and poultry sectors to contain the emergence of AMR. The pre-workshop questionnaire was designed to gather relevant information on AMU and its distribution among diverse markets and users from the workshop participants, utilizing open-ended questions. A chart depicting the relative magnitude of an antimicrobial use (AMU) supply chain was constructed to illustrate the flow of antimicrobials from import and production to end-use at the farm level. This chart was shared with participants to gather their professional opinions and potential corrections. It also presented a list of agencies and their roles in regulating AMU, along with the types of AMU data available at each level. Specific recommendations were made at the end of the workshop to review and update legislation to cover the entire AMU supply chain, enhance regulations to restrict the use of antimicrobial growth promoters, build an integrated national AMU database system, and raise awareness about the responsible use of antimicrobials in the livestock and poultry sectors. It was concluded that the AMU supply chain in the veterinary sector of Pakistan is fragmented and is co-regulated by various federal and provincial stakeholders. There are some drugs, such as antibiotic growth promoters, which are not regulated at all. The approach and findings from this study can serve as a model to validate the use and management of antibiotics in other, similar countries currently grappling with serious antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crises. Full article

Pigs are susceptible to the deadly infectious disease known as African swine fever (ASF), which is brought on by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). As such, prompt and precise disease detection is essential. Deletion of the virulence-related genes MGF-505/360 and EP402R generated from the virulent genotype II virus significantly reduces its virulence, and animal tests using one of the recombinant viruses show great lethality and transmissibility in pigs. The isothermal technique known as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is perfect for rapid in-field detection. To accurately identify ASFV MGF-505R gene-deleted mutants and assess the complex infection situation of ASF, RPA assays in conjunction with real-time fluorescent detection (real-time RPA assay) and lateral flow dipstick (RPA-LFD assay) were created. These innovative methods allow for the direct detection of ASFV from pigs, offering in-field pathogen detection, timely disease management, and satisfying animal quarantine requirements. The specific primers and probes were designed against conserved regions of ASFV B646L and MGF-505R genes. Using recombinant plasmid DNA containing ASFV MGF-505R gene-deleted mutants as a template, the sensitivity of both ASF real-time RPA and ASF RPA-LFD assays were demonstrated to be 10 copies per reaction within 20 min at 37 °C. Neither assay had cross-reactions with CSFV, PRRSV, PPV, PRV, ot PCV2, common viruses seen in pigs, indicating that these methods were highly specific for ASFV. The evaluation of the performance of ASFV real-time RPA and ASFV RPA-LFD assays with clinical samples (n = 453) demonstrated their ability to specifically detect ASFV or MGF-505R gene-deleted mutants in samples of pig feces, ham, fresh pork, and blood. Both assays exhibited the same diagnostic rate as the WOAH-recommended real-time fluorescence PCR, highlighting their reliability and validity. These assays offer a simple, cost-effective, rapid, and sensitive method for on-site identification of ASFV MGF-505R gene-deleted mutants. As a promising alternative to real-time PCR, they have the potential to significantly enhance the prevention and control of ASF in field settings. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, partly driven by the overuse of antimicrobials in livestock production. Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions to influence behavioral drivers behind AMU practices. Behavior change techniques (BCTs) offer a structured approach to designing such interventions, yet their application in reducing AMU on farms remains underexplored. This scoping review systematically maps the current applications of the Behavior Change Techniques Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1) in interventions aimed at reducing AMU in livestock, while also identifying gaps in the literature and opportunities for future research. A comprehensive search across academic databases identified 23 relevant studies. Findings revealed the use of 37 BCTs, with commonly applied techniques including goal setting, instruction on behavior, credible sources, problem-solving, feedback on behavior, and self-monitoring. While some studies explicitly referenced BCTs, many applied them implicitly, without alignment with standardized frameworks. Intervention outcomes were influenced by contextual factors including financial, logistical, cultural, and technical challenges. This review underscores the importance of explicitly integrating and systematically reporting BCTs to enhance transparency, replicability, and scalability. Future interventions should adopt tailored, context-specific approaches to address regional and sectoral challenges, ultimately contributing to global efforts in combating AMR through improved antimicrobial stewardship. Full article

As global income levels and population increase, meat consumption and production are rising, raising concerns about climate change, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Offal offers a sustainable, nutrient-rich, and economical alternative to muscle meat, providing proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This study was triggered by the scarcity of information on the microbiological quality of edible bovine offal, which is often associated with poor hygienic conditions during handling and processing at slaughterhouse. This study assessed the superficial microbiota present on cattle liver and tongue in a vertical slaughterhouse across various stages of the procurement process and on days with different slaughter volumes, with three sampling points: immediately after post-mortem inspection (Point 1); after the arrival of the viscera in the preparation room (Point 2); and in the refrigeration chamber at 3 °C (Point 3). Samples were analysed according to ISO methods for enumeration of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, generic Escherichia coli, presumptive Escherichia coli O157, and Staphylococcus aureus and detection of presumptive Escherichia coli O157, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. Microbiological counts were within the acceptability values stipulated in the amendment of Regulation EC 1441/2007 to Regulation EC 2073/2005 for cattle carcasses. In general, both viscera showed higher microbial counts on days with higher slaughter volumes, with the exception of Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus counts on the tongue. There was also an increase in microorganism levels across the offal processing stages. Out of 144 samples, 20.83% were contaminated with presumptive Escherichia coli O157, 3.47% Salmonella spp., and 25% S. aureus. Therefore, although 20.83% of the samples tested were presumptive for E. coli O157, it is important to note that a considerable number of these presumptive positives may in fact have been negative after confirmation by molecular methods. However, the presence of presumptive E. coli O157 at high levels is one reason that the prevention of offal contamination requires more stringent measures. Preventing offal contamination requires stricter measures during slaughter procedures to ensure safety, reduce food losses, and enhance sustainability in meat production. Full article

Feeding is an elementary human need from which we obtain the energy and nutrients necessary for development and survival. Health heavily depends on food, which can be a means of different microbial hazards when contaminated at any stage of the food chain, compromising food safety and consumer health. Fish are considered widely produced foods (fishing or aquaculture) and are marketed worldwide; they are also a basic element of the human diet because they are a source of proteins and lipids. On the other hand, owing to their chemical properties (neutral pH and water activity), fish are highly susceptible to contamination by saprophytic and pathogenic microorganisms related to spoilage and risk to human health. Among the contaminating microorganisms in fish are bacteria of the genus Klebsiella, which are considered important in human and animal health worldwide due to their opportunistic pathogenicity, resistance to various antimicrobials, and association with numerous infections at the community and hospital levels, where foods such as fish and other products can serve as important sources of transmission. Therefore, this document presents a bibliographic review focused on describing, in a general way, the genus Klebsiella and its relationship with human health, aquatic animal health, and the safety of fish and products, as well as laboratory analysis procedures and identification of control and prevention measures of this biological hazard in fish and products to safeguard public health. Full article

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that spreads through contaminated soil and water or directly from infected animals through urine. Although animal-to-human transmission is low, humans are most susceptible to contracting leptospirosis from these contaminated sources. This makes leptospirosis a public health concern, and therefore it is important to control these bacteria from spreading into the environment. A survey targeting Los Angeles County communities, in which a 2021 leptospirosis outbreak occurred, was sent out via groups on the online platforms Instagram and Facebook to gather dog and owner demographics. With 92 (90.2%) respondents having a primary veterinarian, it could not be determined what caused certain owners to have a greater vaccination rate than those who did not (n = 10; 9.8%). Overall, 69 respondents (68%), regardless of whether they had a primary veterinarian or not, reported not knowing of canine leptospirosis and 79 (77%) not knowing the signs to look for or that it is zoonotic. These data help provide a basis in terms of the status of dog owners’ knowledge of leptospirosis and how to begin to inform dog owners better about preventatives for this disease. Full article

This study aimed to provide insights into the main causes of postmortem carcass and organ condemnations in a pig slaughterhouse and evaluate the resulting financial impact of the rejection of edible parts of animals. A population of 307,866 pigs, admitted for slaughter between January 2021 and December 2022 in a Bavarian abattoir, was studied. Regarding the examined carcasses, 2.09% (n = 6422) presented pathological conditions. Of these, 8.12% (n = 522) and 91.88% (n = 5900) were totally and partially confiscated, respectively. The main reason for the complete rejection of carcasses was the occurrence of generalized diseases (62.6%), while the presence of abscesses and traumatic and/or tail lesions was the most frequently implicated (70.7%) in partial condemnations. In the case of the organs, 17.59% (n = 54,145) presented abnormalities, with distributions of 14.71% (n = 45,290), 1.94% (n = 5968), 0.72% (n = 2213), and 0.22% (n = 674) within the examined liver, lung, kidney, and heart specimens, respectively. The principal reasons for liver, lung, kidney, and heart condemnations were the occurrence of parasitic diseases (53.4%), bacterial/viral infections (63.5%), dystrophies/anomalies (98.4%), and bacterial/viral infections (98.5%), respectively. The total financial loss attributable to carcass and organ condemnations was estimated at EUR 392,744.2, which represents 0.40% of the total achievable net revenue without rejections. Of this, EUR 197,120 (0.20%) and EUR 195,624.2 (6.95%) were related to carcass and offal seizures, respectively. The study results offer useful information for veterinarians, stockowners, and epidemiologists to make and set up policies to increase the efficiency and benefits of the swine production system and protect public health. Full article

The global epidemic of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) has caused enormous economic losses. The characterisation and genetic composition of endemic strains in Southwest China remain elusive. This study aimed to fill this gap by isolating three BCoV strains from this region and sequencing their whole genomes. To elucidate the genetic evolution and characterisation of the prevalent strains, the results of BCoV sequences were compared in GenBank, with a focus on genetic evolution, mutation, and recombination patterns. The results showed close homology between strains NN190313 and NN230328, while strain NN221214 showed less similarity to these two strains but clustered with the French strain of the European branch. Intriguingly, NN190313 and NN230328 were grouped with goat-derived BCoV strains from Jiangsu Province in Eastern China in the Asian–American branch. In addition, recombination analyses revealed significant signals between NN230328 and either a Chinese goat-derived strain (XJCJ2301G) or a Shandong strain (ShX310). This study highlights the importance of monitoring cross-species transmission between cattle and goats, especially in the mountainous areas of Southwest China where mixed farming occurs, and thus, the monitoring of cross-species transmission between cattle and goats is important for preventing new public health challenges, providing important insights for research on cross-species transmission, early prevention, and control measures, with potential applications in vaccine development. Full article

Despite the significant growth in Sonali chicken production across Bangladesh, inadequate disease surveillance and control measures along with indiscriminate antimicrobial use remain major challenges to the sector. In this study, we evaluated the disease burden and antimicrobial prescription patterns of Sonali chickens in Bangladesh using a web-based data recording system from 2020 to 2021 and analyzed 1690 cases. The diagnoses recorded in the system were presumptive, as they were based on clinico-epidemiological history, clinical signs, and gross necropsy findings noted by registered veterinarians. We conducted this study in Bogura, a district renowned for its high concentration of Sonali chicken farms. We estimated a higher prevalence of infection among grower chickens (69.0%) compared to starter chickens (31.0%). Small- to medium-sized flocks (63%) were more frequently infected than larger flocks (37.0%). Most disease cases occurred during the summer season (43.0%), followed by winter (27%), the rainy season (15%), and autumn (14%). Overall, climatic factors contributed to 51% of disease occurrence at temperatures below 25°C, 55% at high humidity (≥75%), and 57% during heavy rainfall (≥29 mm). The most prevalent disease was Newcastle disease (ND) (19.5%), followed by Marek’s disease (9.8%), coccidiosis (7.4%), necrotic enteritis (4.7%), infectious bursal disease (3.2%), and infectious laryngotracheitis (3.2%). The odds of ND were 1.4 (grower chickens vs. starter chickens), 11.4 (summer vs. winter), 4.1 (autumn vs. winter), 3.9 (rainy vs. winter), 3.5 (≥25 °C vs. <25 °C), and 2.6 (≥75% vs. <75%). Tylvalosin (38.0%) was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic, followed by fluoroquinolones (9.0%), aminoglycosides (8.0%), and colistin sulphate (4.0%). These findings suggest that a web-based disease record could be an important tool for a centralized poultry disease surveillance system in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Full article

This study evaluated the concentrations of tetracycline, erythromycin, and sulfonamide in beef, eggs, and honey products sold at grocery stores and whether standard cooking to 160 °F (71 °C) reduced the concentrations of antimicrobials spiked into the evaluated food products. In June 2021, the concentrations of selected antimicrobials in 65 samples (8 beef, 48 eggs, 9 honey samples) purchased from grocery stores within Knoxville, Tennessee, were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to assess the differences in the median tetracycline concentrations across food types, while the Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the erythromycin residue concentrations between beef and honey. Linear regression was used to analyze whether standard cooking at 160 °F (71 °C) reduced antimicrobial concentrations. Detectable tetracycline concentrations were found in all beef (8/8, 100%), eggs (46/48, 96%), and honey (9/9, 100%) samples, with median concentrations of 7.73, 5.62, and 13.13 µg/kg, respectively. Honey had significantly higher tetracycline concentrations than eggs (p = 0.002). Detectable erythromycin concentrations were found in beef (5/8, 63%) and honey (9/9, 100%), with median concentrations of 0.14 µg/kg for beef and 0.48 µg/kg for honey. None of the antimicrobial concentrations found in the beef and egg products exceeded the U.S. FDA’s maximum residue limits (MRL). Sulfonamide concentrations were undetectable in the beef and egg products. The concentrations of tetracycline, erythromycin, and sulfonamide spiked into the food products did not change significantly in response to cooking to 160 °F (71 °C). The antimicrobial concentrations found in the selected commercial food products were below the MRL, and cooking appeared to not reduce the spiked antimicrobial concentrations in the evaluated food products. Full article