Search Results (626)

(1) Background: Dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), characterized by high toxicity and strong lipophilicity, which promote their bioaccumulation in human tissues. Their detection in breast milk raises concerns about early-life exposure during lactation. Although dietary intake is the primary route of maternal exposure, environmental pathways—including inhalation, dermal absorption, and residential proximity to contaminated sites—may also significantly contribute to the maternal body burden. (2) Methods: This narrative review examined peer-reviewed studies investigating maternal and environmental determinants of dioxin and dl-PCB concentrations in human breast milk. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000–2024), identifying a total of 325 records. Following eligibility screening and full-text assessment, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: The included studies consistently identified key exposure determinants, such as high consumption of animal-based foods (e.g., meat, fish, dairy), living near industrial facilities or waste sites, and maternal characteristics including age, parity, and body mass index (BMI). Substantial geographic variability was observed, with higher concentrations reported in regions affected by industrial activity, military pollution, or inadequate waste management. One longitudinal study from Japan demonstrated a declining trend in dioxin levels in breast milk, suggesting the potential effectiveness of regulatory interventions. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight that maternal exposure to dioxins is influenced by identifiable environmental and behavioral factors, which can be mitigated through public health policies, targeted dietary guidance, and environmental remediation. Breast milk remains a critical bioindicator of human exposure. Harmonized, long-term research is needed to clarify health implications and minimize contaminant transfer to infants, particularly among vulnerable populations. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) needs to be controlled, and prevention of the spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) is dependent on enhanced surveillance and early disease detection. Commercial swine operations, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia, are characterized by comparatively large numbers of pigs, and sampling individual pigs, which represents the main strategy for current ASF surveillance, can be both costly and labor intensive. A study performed in Ghana was designed to estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of pen-based aggregate oral fluid testing for ASFV in infected pigs in a pen of 30 animals and to evaluate its utility as a tool to support surveillance of ASF in the US. This study was performed in three phases: (i) virus (Ghana ASFV24) amplification in a target host species to generate the challenge inoculum; (ii) titration of the inoculum (10% spleen homogenate) in target host species to determine the minimum dose inducing acute ASF in pigs with survival up to 5–6 days post-inoculation (dpi); and (iii) the main study, involving 186 pigs, consisting of 6 replicates of 30 pigs per pen and one seeder pig inoculated with wildtype ASFV (highly virulent genotype II) per pen. Daily sampling of aggregate oral fluids, uncoagulated blood, oropharyngeal swabs, fecal and water nipple swabs, and recording of rectal temperatures and clinical observations was carried out. The seeder pigs were each inoculated intramuscularly with 0.5 mL of the 10% spleen homogenate, which induced the desired clinical course of ASF in the pigs, with survival of up to 6 dpi. ASFV DNA was detected in the seeder pigs as early as 1 dpi and 2 dpi in the blood and oropharyngeal swabs, respectively. Transmission of ASFV from the seeder pigs to the contact pig population was detected via positive amplification of ASFV DNA in aggregate oral fluid samples at 3 days post-contact (dpc) in 4 out of 6 pens, and in all 6 pens, at 4 dpc. Testing of oropharyngeal swabs and blood samples from individual pigs revealed a variable number of ASFV-positive pigs between 3 and 5 dpc, with detection of 100% positivity between 6 and 18 dpc, the study endpoint. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of aggregate oral fluid sampling for sensitive and early detection of ASFV incursion into naïve swine herds. It also demonstrates that testing of environmental samples from the premises could further enhance overall ASF early detection and surveillance strategies. Full article

This review explores the biofilm architecture and drug resistance of Enterococcus faecalis in clinical and environmental settings. The biofilm in E. faecalis is a heterogeneous, three-dimensional, mushroom-like or multilayered structure, characteristically forming diplococci or short chains interspersed with water channels for nutrient exchange and waste removal. Exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and extracellular DNA create a protective matrix. Persister cells within the biofilm contribute to antibiotic resistance and survival. The heterogeneous architecture of the E. faecalis biofilm contains both dense clusters and loosely packed regions that vary in thickness, ranging from 10 to 100 µm, depending on the environmental conditions. The pathogenicity of the E. faecalis biofilm is mediated through complex interactions between genes and virulence factors such as DNA release, cytolysin, pili, secreted antigen A, and microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules, often involving a key protein called enterococcal surface protein (Esp). Clinically, it is implicated in a range of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections, endocarditis, and surgical wound infections. The biofilm serves as a nidus for bacterial dissemination and as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance. The effectiveness of first-line antibiotics (ampicillin, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides) is diminished due to reduced penetration, altered metabolism, increased tolerance, and intrinsic and acquired resistance. Alternative strategies for biofilm disruption, such as combination therapy (ampicillin with aminoglycosides), as well as newer approaches, including antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and biofilm-disrupting agents (DNase or dispersin B), are also being explored to improve treatment outcomes. Environmentally, E. faecalis biofilms contribute to contamination in water systems, food production facilities, and healthcare environments. They persist in harsh conditions, facilitating the spread of multidrug-resistant strains and increasing the risk of transmission to humans and animals. Therefore, understanding the biofilm architecture and drug resistance is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate their clinical and environmental impact. Full article

Forecasting the energy consumption of different consumers became an important procedure with the creation of the European Electricity Market. This study presents a methodology for 24-hour ahead prediction of the energy consumption, which is suitable for application in animal husbandry facilities, such as pig farms. To achieve this, 24 individual models are trained using artificial neural networks that forecast the energy production 1 to 24 h ahead. The selected features include power consumption over the last 72 h, time-based data, average, minimum, and maximum daily temperatures, relative humidities, and wind speeds. The models’ Normalized mean absolute error (NMAE), Normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) vary between 16.59% and 19.00%, 22.19% and 24.73%, and 9.49% and 11.49%, respectively. Furthermore, the case studies showed that in most situations, the forecasting error does not exceed 10% with several cases up to 25%. The proposed methodology can be useful for energy managers of animal farm facilities, and help them provide a better prognosis of their energy consumption for the Energy Market. The proposed methodology could be improved by selecting additional features, such as the variation of the controlled meteorological parameters over the last couple of days and the schedule of technological processes. Full article

Leptospirosis is a (re-)emerging and global zoonotic disease. Given the complex host-pathogen interaction and the numerous environmental risk factors related to the transmission, a One Health approach to both disease prevention and control is needed. Occurring at the human–cattle–environment interfaces, bovine leptospirosis represents a zoonotic risk for the professionals in the field, besides being a potential cause of significant economic losses due to the bovine reproductive disorders. Although climatic change is a potential factor in exacerbating the risk of leptospirosis in Europe, this disease remains largely neglected, with several knowledge gaps in research, investigations, and diagnosis of bovine genital leptospirosis syndrome across the continent. The present report describes the results of the diagnostic investigations on a case of chronic bovine leptospirosis in a breeding bull. Following the seroconversion to Leptospira Sejroe var Hardjo after the arrival of the animal in a quarantine facility, a monitoring plan including both serological/molecular analyses and a therapeutic protocol was undertaken. The bull exhibited a persistent seroconversion and a repeated positivity for Leptospira to real-time PCR in urine samples, indicative of a chronic shedder pattern. This report emphasizes the diagnostic and management challenges in the context of such a complex but frequently overlooked disease. Full article

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a highly adaptable opportunistic pathogen with significant clinical relevance in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite its well-documented role in hospital-acquired infections in human healthcare settings, its persistence and transmission within veterinary clinics remain underexplored. This review highlights the overlooked status of veterinary facilities as environmental reservoirs and amplification points for multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, emphasizing their relevance to One Health surveillance. We examine the bacterium’s environmental survival strategies, including biofilm formation, resistance to disinfectants, and tolerance to nutrient-poor conditions that facilitate the long-term colonization of moist surfaces, drains, medical equipment, and plumbing systems. Common transmission vectors are identified, including asymptomatic animal carriers, contaminated instruments, and the hands of veterinary staff. The review synthesizes current data on antimicrobial resistance in environmental isolates, revealing frequent expression of efflux pumps and mobile resistance genes, and documents the potential for zoonotic transmission to staff and pet owners. Key gaps in environmental monitoring, infection control protocols, and genomic surveillance are identified, with a call for standardized approaches tailored to the veterinary context. Control strategies, including mechanical biofilm disruption, disinfectant cycling, effluent monitoring, and staff hygiene training, are evaluated for feasibility and impact. The article concludes with a One Health framework outlining cross-species and environmental transmission pathways. It advocates for harmonized surveillance, infrastructure improvements, and intersectoral collaboration to reduce the risk posed by MDR P. aeruginosa within veterinary clinical environments and beyond. By addressing these blind spots, veterinary facilities can become proactive partners in antimicrobial stewardship and global resistance mitigation. Full article

Agriculture and animal feeding operations are responsible for 87% of ammonia emissions in the UK. Controlling NH₃ concentrations below 20 ppm is crucial to preserve workers’ and livestock’s well-being. Therefore, ammonia control systems are required for maintaining adequate air quality in livestock facilities. This study assessed the ammonia reduction efficiency of a novel air pollution abatement (APA) system used in a pig farm building. The monitoring duration was 11 weeks. The results were compared with the baseline from a previous pig cycle during the same time of year in 2023. A ventilation-controlled room was monitored during a two-phase campaign, and the actual ammonia concentrations were measured at different locations within the site and at the inlet/outlet of the APA system. A 98% ammonia reduction was achieved at the APA outlet through NH₃ absorption in tap water. Ion chromatography analyses of farm water samples revealed NH₃ concentrations of up to 530 ppm within 83 days of APA operation. Further scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray inspections revealed the presence of salts and organic/inorganic matter in the solid residues. This research can contribute to meeting current ammonia regulations (NECRs), also by reusing the process water as a potential nitrogen fertiliser in agriculture. Full article

Heat stress has been identified as one of the main challenges for dairy production systems, particularly in the context of global warming. This one-year study aimed to evaluate the impact of heat stress on milk yield and composition in a dairy farm located in the Elvas region of Portugal. A pack of electronic sensors was installed in the lactating animal facilities, allowing continuous recording of environmental data (temperature, humidity, ammonia and carbon dioxide). Based on these data, the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) was automatically calculated on a daily basis, with the values subsequently aggregated into 7-day moving averages and integrated with milk production records, somatic cell count, and milk fat and protein content. The results indicate a significant influence of THI on both milk yield and composition, particularly on protein and fat content. The relationships between the variables were found to be non-linear, which contrasts with some results described in the literature. These discrepancies may be related to genetic differences between animals, variations in diets, production levels, management conditions, or the statistical models used in previous studies. Dry matter intake proved to be an important predictive variable. These findings reinforce the importance of ensuring animal welfare through continuous environmental monitoring and the implementation of effective heat stress mitigation strategies in the dairy sector. Full article

Diptera-borne diseases pose a major threat to global health, and their distribution is constantly changing due to climate change, globalization, and environmental changes. To improve the knowledge of dipteran species and their distribution in equine facilities, CDC-UV and oviposition traps were placed, and the dipping technique was performed in 16 equestrian centers of Northwest (NW) Spain (Galicia and Castilla y León Autonomous Communities) between July and November 2023. A questionnaire was distributed among the horse owners to obtain additional information. Four genera of culicids, Culex (51.8%), Culiseta (38.6%), Anopheles (8.4%), and Aedes/Ochlerotatus (1.2%) were identified in the equestrian centers. Culex pipiens s.l. was the most prevalent and well-distributed species (93.8% of the centers), whereas Anopheles maculipennis s.l. and An. claviger/petragnani, the anopheline species, were the most frequent (37.5% and 31.2%, respectively). The Culiseta genus was found in approximately 81.2% of the equine facilities. All genera were collected at medium and high altitudes and in Csb (warm-summer Mediterranean climate) areas. Equestrian centers from NW Spain albeit a variety of culicids with high vectorial capacity, together with an ideal environment for their breeding, the presence of vectors and hosts (humans and animals). This potential problem for global health enhances the need for entomological surveillance. Full article

Background/Objectives: More than 33 billion chickens are industrially raised for meat and egg production globally and vaccinated against Marek’s disease virus (MDV). The antigenically related herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) is used as a live-attenuated vaccine, commonly provided as a recombinant vector to protect chickens against additional unrelated pathogens. Because HVT replicates in a strictly cell-associated fashion to low levels of infectious units, adherent primary chicken or duck embryo fibroblasts are infected, dislodged from the cultivation surface and distributed as cryocultures in liquid nitrogen to the site of application. Although viable cells are complex products, application of infected cells in ovo confers protection even in presence of maternal antibodies. Methods/Results: The aim of our study was to determine whether a continuous cell line in a scalable cultivation format can be used for production of HVT-based vaccines. The AGE1.CR cell line (from Muscovy duck) was found to be highly permissive in adherent cultures. Propagation in suspension, however, initially gave very low yields. The induction of cell-to-cell contacts in carrier-independent suspensions and a metabolic shock improved titers to levels suitable for vaccine production (>10⁵ infectious units/mL after infection with multiplicity of 0.001). Conclusions: Production of HVT is challenging to scale to large volumes and the reliance on embryonated eggs from biosecure facilities is complex. We demonstrate that a cell-associated HVT vector can be propagated in a carrier-independent suspension culture of AGE1.CR cells in chemically defined medium. The fed-batch production is independent of primary cells and animal-derived material and can be scaled to large volumes. Full article

Flight is part of the natural behaviours of most bird species, and as a consequence, flight restraint in zoos, even for those species that are primarily ground-dwelling, encounters increasing animal welfare concerns. While previous studies on greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) have found no significant effects of flight restraint on welfare, scientific data on other species remains limited. This study investigated the welfare implications of flight restraint in white storks (Ciconia ciconia) by assessing feather corticosterone concentrations (CORTf) alongside behavioural observations. We compared CORTf values of deflighted zoo birds (n = 53) and hand-reared abandoned nestlings (n = 11) from eleven different zoos in Germany and storks in rehabilitation. These birds were wild individuals, found injured, and therefore provided an opportunity to collect feather samples (n = 70). In line with the 3R principle proposed by Russell and Burch, we employed a recently validated, less invasive feather sampling method that involves cutting feathers close to the skin. We hypothesised that CORTf would differ significantly between the wild, airworthy storks and the deflighted individuals under human care. However, we found no significant difference in CORTf regarding the ability to fly, nor did the method of flight restraint show a significant influence on CORTf. Housing facilities with significant site-specific variations emerged as the predominant factor influencing feather corticosterone concentrations. These results suggest that flight restraint does not have a noticeable direct impact on the corticosterone levels of white storks, and the behavioural observations support the reliability of these findings. This study enhances our understanding of the effects of deflighting procedures on the welfare of white storks in zoos. Full article

All agricultural sectors are under the influence of environmental factors, which act alongside the flow of activities. In the context of efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change, the purpose of this work is to evaluate the level of endowment of cattle farms with equipment and facilities involved in ensuring an adequate microclimate, in the efficient management and administration of feed and water for animals. This research is based on the processing of data from 83 cattle farms in Romania, of different sizes and located in different landforms, collected through a quantitative survey, through a questionnaire. This paper indicates that the existing level of these types of facilities is insufficient and highlights the importance of investments in equipment necessary to adapt to the effects of climate change, especially for smaller farms, but also for large farms. These types of investment refer to technologies for air cooling, microclimate control, feed management, and automation. This paper highlights the need to increase the technological level in Romanian cattle farms, to adapt to climate change challenges. The promotion of appropriate technologies must be included in an integrated strategy for the equipping and modernization of cattle farms, for an effective diminution of climate risks. This means adopting a systemic approach that includes investments in infrastructure, innovation, and support for farmers. Full article

Buprenorphine has gained widespread popularity for use in rabbits, while much less is known about methadone. Our aim was to compare sedative, analgesic, and respiratory effects of methadone and buprenorphine as part of balanced anaesthesia. Forty-eight female New Zealand white rabbits undergoing calvaria defects were randomly equally assigned to receive either 0.03 mg kg⁻¹ of buprenorphine (group B) or 0.3 mg kg⁻¹ of methadone (group M) in combination with 15 mg kg⁻¹ of ketamine and 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ of dexmedetomidine SC. Fifteen minutes later, sedation was scored. A laryngeal mask was placed, and inhalational anaesthesia started. Rescue intraoperative analgesia was administered based on autonomic variations. Arterial blood gases were analysed intra- and postoperatively. Postoperative analgesia was administered if the Rabbit Grimace Scale (RbtGS) score was ≥4. The Mann–Whitney test, t-test, and relative risk followed by chi-square test were used to compare the treatment groups. Deeper sedation was observed in rabbits of group M than in those of group B. Rescue analgesia was administered intraoperatively to seven animals in group B and five in group M (p = 0.739) and postoperatively to three in group B and twelve in group M (p = 0.013). Rabbits of both groups showed short-term respiratory acidosis. RbtGS scores indicated better and longer analgesia in group B compared to group M. Full article

The awareness of global warming has boosted research on methods to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Livestock buildings, although essential for food production, represent a sustainability challenge due to their high maintenance energy costs, GHG emissions, and impact on the environment and rural landscapes. Since the environment, cultural heritage, and community identity deserve protection, research trends and current knowledge on livestock buildings, building sustainability, energy efficiency strategies, and landscape management were investigated using the Web of Science and Scopus search tools (2005–2025). Research on these topics was found to be uneven, with limited focus on livestock buildings compared to food production and animal welfare, and significant interest in eco-sustainable building materials. A total of 96 articles were selected after evaluating over 5400 records. The analysis revealed a lack of universally accepted definitions for building design strategies and their rare application to livestock facilities, where passive solutions and insulation prevailed. The application of renewable energy was rare and limited to rural buildings, as was the application of sustainable building materials to livestock, agriculture, and vernacular buildings. Conversely, increased attention was paid to the definition and classification of vernacular architecture features aimed at enhancing existing buildings and mitigating or facilitating the landscape integration of those that diverge most from them. Although not exhaustive, this review identified some knowledge gaps. More efforts are needed to reduce environmental impacts and meet the milestones set by international agreements. Research on building materials could benefit from collaboration with experts in cultural heritage conservation because of their command of traditional materials, durability-enhancing methods, and biodeterioration. Full article

Knowledge of how wind turbines interact with vertebrate animals is growing rapidly; however, less is known about plants and insects. Turbines produce infrasound (≤20 Hz), and these vibrations decrease with distance from turbines. We measured seed set and pollinators at six sites 0 to 28 km from turbines. We measured the number and mass of seeds produced by self-pollination, insect pollination, and when pollen was not limiting for nine native plants. We assessed pollinators by target netting bees and butterflies during transects, and by using blue vane traps (bees only). Most plants produced fewer or lighter developed seeds through self-pollination. Seed set did not vary between the open- and hand-pollinated treatments, indicating that the pollen was not limiting. The number and mass of seeds in the self-pollination treatment decreased with distance from the turbines. Bees and butterflies were more abundant near the wind facility, based on transects. The vane traps collected the fewest insects within the wind facility, likely due to bees being attracted to the turbine bases. The pollinator assemblage at the wind facility was distinct compared to other sites. Infrasound produced by the turbines appeared to enhance self-pollination, and the turbine bases attracted pollinators. We provide data on a seldom studied yet critical topic to inform land management and agricultural decisions, and to promote new strategies as wind energy development grows. Full article