Search Results (130)

This study presents the scientific and methodological foundation of Spain’s first national framework for the ethical management of community cat populations: the Action Plan for the Management of Community Cat Colonies (PACF), launched in 2025 under the mandate of Law 7/2023. This pioneering legislation introduces a standardized, nationwide obligation for trap–neuter–return (TNR)-based management of free-roaming cats, defined as animals living freely, territorially attached, and with limited socialization toward humans. The PACF aims to support municipalities in implementing this mandate through evidence-based strategies that integrate animal welfare, biodiversity protection, and public health objectives. Using standardized data submitted by 1128 municipalities (13.9% of Spain’s total), we estimated a baseline population of 1.81 million community cats distributed across 125,000 colonies. These data were stratified by municipal population size and applied to national census figures to generate a model-ready demographic structure. We then implemented a stochastic simulation using Vortex software to project long-term population dynamics over a 25-year horizon. The model integrated eight demographic–environmental scenarios defined by a combination of urban–rural classification and ecological reproductive potential based on photoperiod and winter temperature. Parameters included reproductive output, mortality, sterilization coverage, abandonment and adoption rates, stochastic catastrophic events, and territorial carrying capacity. Under current sterilization rates (~20%), our projections indicate that Spain’s community cat population could surpass 5 million individuals by 2050, saturating ecological and social thresholds within a decade. In contrast, a differentiated sterilization strategy aligned with territorial reproductive intensity (50% in most areas, 60–70% in high-pressure zones) achieves population stabilization by 2030 at approximately 1.5 million cats, followed by a gradual long-term decline. This scenario prioritizes feasibility while substantially reducing reproductive output, particularly in rural and high-intensity contexts. The PACF combines stratified demographic modeling with spatial sensitivity, offering a flexible framework adaptable to local conditions. It incorporates One Health principles and introduces tools for adaptive management, including digital monitoring platforms and standardized welfare protocols. While ecological impacts were not directly assessed, the proposed demographic stabilization is designed to mitigate population-driven risks to biodiversity and public health without relying on lethal control. By integrating legal mandates, stratified modeling, and realistic intervention goals, this study outlines a replicable and scalable framework for coordinated action across administrative levels. It exemplifies how national policy can be operationalized through data-driven, territorially sensitive planning tools. The findings support the strategic deployment of TNR-based programs across diverse municipal contexts, providing a model for other countries seeking to align animal welfare policy with ecological planning under a multi-level governance perspective. Full article

The extensive use of conventional pesticides has been a fundamental strategy in modern agriculture for controlling pests and increasing crop productivity; however, their improper application poses significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability. This review compiles scientific evidence linking pesticide exposure to oxidative stress and genotoxic damage, particularly affecting rural populations and commonly consumed foods, even at levels exceeding the maximum permissible limits in fruits, vegetables, and animal products. Additionally, excessive pesticide use has been shown to alter soil microbiota, negatively compromising long-term agricultural fertility. In response to these challenges, recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising alternatives. This review highlights the development of nanopesticides designed for controlled release, improved stability, and targeted delivery of active ingredients, thereby reducing environmental contamination and increasing efficacy. Moreover, emerging nanobiosensor technologies, such as e-nose and e-tongue systems, have shown potential for real-time monitoring of pesticide residues and soil health. Although pesticides are still necessary, it is crucial to implement stricter laws and promote sustainable solutions that ensure safe and responsible agricultural practices. The need for evidence-based public policy is emphasized to regulate pesticide use and protect both human health and agricultural resources. Full article

European pig farmers are challenged by increasingly stringent EU regulations to protect the environment from pollution, to meet animal welfare standards and to make pig farming more sustainable. Economic sustainability is defined as the ability to achieve higher profits by respecting social and natural resources. This study is focused on the analysis of the economic resilience of intensive and extensive farming systems, based on data collected from 56 farms located in Denmark, Poland, Italy and Spain. Productive and economic performances of these farms are analyzed, and economic resilience is assessed through a survey including a selection of indicators, belonging to different themes: [i] resilience of resources, [ii] entrepreneurship, [iii] propensity to extensification. The qualitative data from the questionnaire allow for an exploration of how production systems relate to the three dimensions of resilience. Different levels of resilience were found and discussed for intensive and extensive farms. The findings suggest that intensive farms benefit from high standards and greater bargaining power within the supply chain. Extensive systems can achieve profitability through value-added strategies and generally display good resilience. Policies that support investment and risk reduction are essential for enhancing farm resilience and robustness, while strengthening farmer networks can improve adaptability. Full article

Water systems serve as multifaceted environmental pools for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and resistance genes (ARGs), influencing human, animal, and ecosystem health. This review synthesizes current understanding of how antibiotics, ARB, and ARGs enter surface, ground, and drinking waters via wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, hospital effluents, and urban stormwater. We highlight key mechanisms of biofilm formation, horizontal gene transfer, and co-selection by chemical stressors that facilitate persistence and spread. Case studies illustrate widespread detection of clinically meaningful ARB (e.g., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and mobile ARGs (e.g., sul1/2, tet, bla variants) in treated effluents, recycled water, and irrigation return flows. The interplay between treatment inefficiencies and environmental processes underscores the need for advanced treatment technologies, integrated monitoring, and policy interventions. Addressing these challenges is critical to curbing the environmental dissemination of resistance and protecting human and ecosystem health. Full article

The growing recognition of animal sentience has led to notable progress in European Union animal welfare legislation. However, a significant inconsistency remains: while mammals, birds, and cephalopods are legally protected as sentient beings, honeybees (Apis mellifera)—despite robust scientific evidence of their cognitive, emotional, and sensory complexity—are excluded from such protections. This manuscript examines, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the divergence between emerging evidence on invertebrate sentience and current EU legal frameworks. Honeybees and cephalopods serve as comparative case studies to assess inconsistencies in the criteria for legal recognition of sentience. Findings increasingly confirm that honeybees exhibit advanced cognitive functions, emotional states, and behavioral flexibility comparable to those of legally protected vertebrates. Their omission from welfare legislation lacks scientific justification and raises ethical and ecological concerns, especially given their central role in pollination and ecosystem stability. In general, we advocate for the inclusion of Apis mellifera in EU animal welfare policy. However, we are aware that there are also critical views on their introduction, which we address in a dedicated paragraph of the manuscript. For this reason, we advocate a gradual and evidence-based approach, guided by a permanent observatory, which could ensure that legislation evolves in parallel with scientific understanding, promoting ethical consistency, sustainable agriculture, and integrated health under the One Health framework. This approach would meet the concerns of consumers who consider well-being and respect for the environment as essential principles of breeding, and who carefully choose products from animals raised with systems that respect welfare, with indisputable economic advantages for the beekeeper. Full article

Aquatic resistomes are important reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and their precursors, which can proliferate and dissipate in pathogenic microorganisms that affect humans and animals, especially due to anthropogenic pressures such as the intensive use of antibiotics in aquaculture, often without effective regulation. This review addresses the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in the dissemination of ARGs through mobile genetic elements (MGEs). In freshwater, genera such as Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Microcystis stand out as vectors of ARGs. In the context of One Health, it is essential to implement sound public policies and strict regulations on the use of antibiotics in aquaculture, and the use of monitoring tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and metagenomics allows for the early detection of ARGs, contributing to the protection of human, animal and environmental health. Full article

Forest shelterbelts and windbreaks play a vital role in protecting ecosystems, mitigating climate change effects, and enhancing agricultural productivity. These vegetative barriers serve as effective tools for soil conservation, reducing wind and water erosion while improving soil fertility. Additionally, they contribute to biodiversity preservation by providing habitat corridors for various plant and animal species. Their role in microclimate regulation, such as temperature moderation and increased humidity retention, further enhances agricultural yields and ecosystem stability. This study examines the historical evolution, design principles, and contemporary applications of forest shelterbelts and windbreaks, drawing insights from scientific research and case studies worldwide. It highlights the economic and environmental benefits, including improved air quality, carbon sequestration, and water management, making them crucial components of sustainable land use strategies. However, challenges such as land use competition, maintenance costs, and policy constraints are also analyzed, underscoring the need for integrated approaches to their management. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the existing literature and field studies, this paper emphasizes the necessity of strategic planning, community involvement, and adaptive policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of forest shelterbelts and windbreaks. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of their role in combating environmental degradation and promoting ecological resilience in the face of ongoing climate challenges. Full article

The pressing ecological challenges of the twenty-first century underscore the need for biodiversity protection. The “One Health” approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, has become increasingly vital. This study investigates the relationship between bird species richness, an important indicator of biodiversity, and both all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates in China. This nationwide county-level ecological study combined citizen science bird data from the China Bird Report Center, all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates of 2021 from the National Mortality Surveillance System, and county-level statistics of population characteristics, socio-economics, education, and healthcare services. We employed univariate and multivariate linear regressions to explore the association between bird diversity and mortality rates. Overall, data from 421 counties revealed a negative association between bird species richness and all-cause mortality rates, with a regression coefficient (95% confidence interval) of −0.197 (−0.376, −0.017). This study also found significant negative associations between bird species richness and cause-specific mortality rates for several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (including cerebrovascular and ischemic heart diseases) and cancers (including lung cancer). The effects of associations were similar between both genders. Our findings underscore the significance of biodiversity conservation for public health and highlight the importance of integrated environmental and health policies. Full article

Dogs harbour a wide range of endoparasites, many of which pose a significant risk to public health globally due to their zoonotic potential. Addressing the dynamics of zoonotic parasites comprehensively requires epidemiological studies under the One Health paradigm, incorporating multidisciplinary methodologies to explore the complex interactions among humans, animals and the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of canine parasites in public green places (PGPs) in Tandil, Argentina, using epidemiological and geographical tools to enhance efforts towards the prevention and control of canine parasitic diseases impacting public health. Between August 2024 and January 2025, 893 canine faecal samples were collected through a randomised two-stage sampling process from 92 public green places. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 29.9% and the identified parasites were Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma caninum, Eucoleus spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, and Cystoisospora sp. Risk factors identified included the presence of playgrounds and a higher dog density, while protective factors comprised sampling during spring vs. winter and presence of areas of bare soil on the public green places. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of high prevalence in areas with lower socioeconomic status, and clusters of low prevalence in higher socioeconomic areas. These findings emphasise the need for targeted preventive measures, including responsible pet ownership policies. Moreover, the methodological approach adopted could be replicated in other regions to enhance public health protection and mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic parasitic diseases. Full article

Food safety is a fundamental component of public health, economic stability, and consumer confidence. In Portugal, the National Integrated Multiannual Control Plan (NIMCP) serves as a strategic framework for ensuring food safety and compliance with European Union food regulations. However, challenges persist in policy implementation and enforcement, as well as in stakeholder engagement, which impact the effectiveness of food safety governance. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess stakeholder perceptions of the NIMCP, focusing on levels of compliance, barriers to its implementation, and potential improvement measures. A structured online survey was conducted with 217 stakeholders, including representatives of public institutions, private entities, associations, and consumer groups. The survey assessed the perceived importance of the NIMCP objectives and levels of compliance and identified barriers, such as a lack of communication between public entities, the dispersion of responsible agencies, and insufficient dissemination of information. The results indicate that stakeholders perceive a satisfactory level of compliance with the NIMCP objectives, especially in areas such as animal health and risk control. However, challenges persist in ensuring plant health and implementing official controls. Furthermore, stakeholders highlight systemic inefficiencies and resource constraints. The main barriers include fragmented governance structures, limited inter-agency collaboration, and insufficient professional training. Stakeholders proposed various improvement measures, emphasizing the need for better coordination, planning, and communication, including awareness campaigns for operators, the creation of an integrated IT network, and the development of training programs. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) revealed that risk control and consumer protection are top priorities for all stakeholder groups, while plant and animal health receive lower priority. The study concludes that while the NIMCP is generally perceived as effective, addressing systemic issues such as coordination, communication, and resource allocation is essential to improving food safety governance. Policymakers are encouraged to adopt a more structured and integrated approach to improve implementation of the NIMCP, ultimately strengthening public health protection and consumer confidence in the food supply chain. Full article

Developed countries with animal husbandry are confronted with the pressing issues of ensuring stable livestock product supplies while maintaining ecological sustainability. Additional research is required to ascertain whether environmental regulation can effectively facilitate the green transformation of animal husbandry and establish a harmonious equilibrium between environmental protection and economic growth. It is essential for the empirical development of environmental policies in animal husbandry, as it evaluates the impact of regulatory measures on this sector’s ecological efficiency and precisely investigates the underlying mechanisms of these effects. This paper evaluates the nonlinear impact of environmental regulation policies on the ecological efficiency of animal husbandry using the super-efficiency EBM model, spatial Durbin model, and panel threshold model, which are based on panel data from 31 Chinese provinces (2010–2022). The findings indicated that: (1) The ecological efficiency and environmental regulation intensity of animal husbandry in China exhibited a fluctuating upward trend. The environmental regulation is ranked from high to low in the following order: Northeast, West, Central, and Eastern regions. Conversely, the regions with high ecological efficiency are concentrated in the Northeast and Western regions. (2) The impacts of environmental regulation on the ecological efficiency of animal husbandry were N-type nonlinear, with the extreme points being 6.322 and 9.456. Environmental regulation also produced an “inverted N” type spatial spillover effect on the ecological efficiency of animal husbandry in adjacent areas, with extreme values of 5.330 and 7.670. (3) Environmental regulation considerably enhanced the ecological efficiency of animal husbandry in the Eastern and Central regions in terms of location characteristics. The influence on the Western and Northeastern regions exhibited N-type nonlinear characteristics. (4) From 2017 to 2022, ER had an N-type nonlinear effect on animal husbandry ecological efficiency in terms of temporal heterogeneity. However, the effect was not significant from 2010 to 2016. Full article

Biosecurity is essential in livestock farming to prevent the spread of diseases, ensure animal welfare, and maintain farm sustainability. In Portugal, small ruminant farms are predominantly extensive and small-scale, and most of them are familiar, especially in the northern and inland regions. Thus, biosecurity implementation on these farms is low due to factors such as an aging livestock farmer population, poor training, limited veterinary support, and economic constraints. This study, the first to assess biosecurity on Portuguese small ruminant farms, evaluated compliance levels and the influence of sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and April 2024, through structured interviews with 276 farmers. A 32-question checklist covering nine biosecurity categories was used to assess compliance. The results revealed poor implementation of key biosecurity measures, particularly cleaning and disinfection, quarantine protocols, and visitor control. Inadequate premises infrastructure, including the absence of quarantine areas, isolation facilities for sick animals, and farrowing rooms, further hampered disease prevention. Compliance was influenced by farmers’ age, education level, herd size, and production. Larger farms, particularly dairy farms, demonstrated better biosecurity practices, likely due to better management and infrastructure. This study highlights the challenges of implementing biosecurity measures on small-scale, extensive farms and argues that standardized plans are ineffective. Instead, region- and farm-specific strategies are needed, considering the socioeconomic realities of farmers. Improving farmers’ education and access to veterinary services is crucial. Furthermore, public policies should provide financial incentives and educational programs to improve biosecurity without compromising farm viability. Strengthening biosecurity on small ruminant farms is vital to protecting animal and public health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of rural communities in Portugal. Full article

The vulnerability of Social–Ecological Systems (SES) is a frontier research topic in the field of geography. Research on drought vulnerability has emerged as a key area of focus in the study of SES vulnerability, and it has increasingly been recognized as a critical step in formulating policies for drought prevention and mitigation. In this study, the indicator system for drought vulnerability evaluation of SES in the Three-River Headwaters Region (TRHR) was established. This paper revealed the drought vulnerability evolution process and characteristics, and key driving indicators of SES at county-town-village spatial scales in six time periods of 1990, 2000, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2023, and predicted the drought vulnerability of SES in 2050 under two scenarios. Results indicate that the average drought vulnerability in the TRHR decreased from 0.526 in 1990 to 0.444 in 2023. Compared to 1990, among the 82 selected towns, 85.37% experienced a decline in 2023, and among the 152 selected villages, 95.39% showed a reduction in 2023. Hot spots of drought vulnerability were concentrated in the southeast of the TRHR, while cold spots were in the northwest. From 1990 to 2000, the drought vulnerability of counties and towns in the TRHR increased, but it decreased between 2000 and 2023. In 1990, Henan County exhibited the highest drought vulnerability at the county level. Waeryi Town in Jiuzhi County had the highest vulnerability among towns, while Suojia Town in Zhidoi County had the lowest. Of the 152 selected villages, 41.45% exhibited relatively high or high levels of drought vulnerability, while 23.68% showed relatively low levels. In 2023, Jiuzhi County became the most vulnerable county, with Baiyu Town in Jiuzhi County ranking highest among towns and Suojia Town in Zhidoi County remaining the least vulnerable. At the village level, 22.37% exhibited relatively high or high vulnerability, whereas 42.11% showed relatively low or low levels. Drought disaster records, the proportion of agricultural and animal husbandry output value, the proportion of grassland, the proportion of large livestock, and the per capita disposable income surface are the key factors influencing drought vulnerability in the TRHR. By 2050, under the first scenario, the average drought vulnerability of the TRHR is projected to be 0.428, indicating a medium level, while the second scenario predicts a further reduction to 0.350, representing a relatively low level. The adaptive governance strategies to mitigate drought vulnerability in the TRHR include developing an integrated drought management system; establishing an ecological management, protection, and financial support model; and so on. Overall, this paper can provide scientific references and policy recommendations for policymakers and researchers on the aspects of drought vulnerability and sustainable development of SES. Full article

Assessing the value of ecosystem products over time can reflect the effectiveness of ecosystem protection and serve as a measurable indicator in national park management. This study focuses on the Three-River-Source National Park (TRSNP), located in the Tibetan Plateau, the “Water Tower of China”. We developed an accounting system for ecosystem products in the TRSNP and assessed their value for 2015 and 2020. Key findings include the following. (1) The validation of the system’s scientific basis with a comprehensive indicator framework covering material products, regulating services, and cultural services. (2) The total value of ecosystem products in TRSNP increased by 31.19% from 2015 to 2020. Driven by policies such as grazing bans and the restoration of grasslands, the value of material products saw a decrease during the same period, while the value of regulating services experienced an increase. Notably, among the regulating services, the value associated with soil conservation emerged as the highest. (3) The value of regulating services varies across different regions due to the influences of land use types and soil erosion types. Among these, the value of regulating services per unit area is highest in the Lancang River source region, followed by the Yellow River source region, and the value was the lowest in the Yangtze River source region. (4) Recommendations include enhancing the value of agricultural and animal husbandry products to increase the overall agro-pastoral income, focusing on soil protection and restoration in the Yangtze and Yellow River source regions, and exploring strategies for the trading of ecological resource rights for soil retention in the Lancang River source region. This research offers a pertinent case study for ecosystem product value assessment, contributes a scientific ecological protection effect evaluation system for TRSNP, and provides a relevant scientific basis for the management of TRSNP. Full article

Imported, non-native honey bees and bumble bees threaten native pollinators by spreading pathogens (disease and parasites) and outcompeting native pollinators for nectar and pollen. We reviewed Canadian federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal legislation to find governance requirements that potentially reduce these threats. We classified the requirements as follows: tracking the number and location of honey bee hives (registry); controlling the spread of pathogens (registry with inspections, quarantines, and cleaning regimes); controlling the competition with native pollinators (limiting shared use of space); and making regulations applicable to all domesticated bees in addition to honey bees. Policies and regulations to control the competition from honey bees are generally lacking. So, we propose the concept of “foraging leases” to manage the location and duration of honey bee apiaries on public lands. Based on the identified requirements, we recommend amendments to the legislation in Yukon Territory, a jurisdiction that still has healthy native pollinator communities that pollinate various human food and medicine crops. Recommendations include tracking hives and their pathogen status with beekeeping regulations enabled by the Animal Health Act, controlling the use of imported bumble bees with changes to the Animal Protection and Control Act and/or the Wildlife Act, and restricting use of public lands for apiaries with the Public Lands Act. Full article