Search Results (257)

Understanding how different pre-slaughter and slaughter procedures modulate physiological and neurochemical pathways in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) remains essential for welfare-oriented aquaculture. This study comparatively evaluated six procedures: clove oil and 2-phenoxyethanol anaesthesia, percussive stunning, asphyxiation in ice slurry or on solid ice, and clove oil anaesthesia followed by ice slurry, using plasma glucose and whole-brain monoaminergic indices as integrative physiological response indicators. Ninety-six fish were analysed. Ice-based asphyxiation and 2-phenoxyethanol exposure were associated with the highest plasma glucose concentrations, whereas clove oil and percussive stunning showed comparatively lower values. Dopaminergic and serotonergic turnover ratios (DOPAC/DA; 5-HIAA/5-HT) increased sharply under ice and 2-phenoxyethanol treatments, indicating increased monoaminergic activity under these procedures. Multivariate analyses (MANOVA, PCA) distinguished anaesthetic-based treatments from ice-based methods according to their combined neurochemical profiles. Although correlations between glucose and monoaminergic indices were modest, they were statistically significant and consistent with coordinated metabolic–neurochemical adjustments. Overall, DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios emerged as sensitive and mechanistic biomarkers capable of differentiating slaughter procedures according to their relative physiological impact. These findings support the integration of metabolic and neurochemical indicators in welfare assessment and may contribute to evidence-based refinement of humane slaughter protocols in Mediterranean aquaculture systems. Full article

This article considers traditional Inuit beliefs and practices as expressed through human–animal relationality, examining the physical and spiritual significance of qimmiit (sled dogs), and how qimmiit functioned as co-travellers with humans across physical and spiritual realms of existence. Drawing on ethnographic and missionary narrative sources, it explores Inuit–Qimmiit relationality as central to survival in the pre-modern period. Consulted sources include the writings of explorer–ethnographer Knud Rasmussen, Church of England missionary Edmund James Peck, anthropologist Franz Boas, explorer–author Peter Freuchen, and Oblate missionary Pierre Henry (Kajualuk). These accounts, despite Euro-centric and Christian biases, provide distinct yet overlapping experiences with sled dogs and understandings of Inuit traditions and worldviews. Read comparatively, these ethnographic texts reveal how qimmiit were essential to mobility and spiritual–social order. The article draws on the Qikiqtani Truth Commission to contextualize the harm and suffering caused by the loss of qimmiit during the dog killings of the 1950s to 1970s. The song “Travel Without Me,” from the Animal Kinship Project and written to commemorate qimmiit in the aftermath of the sled dog slaughter, provides a narrative framework structured around kinship and travel, foregrounding Inuit understandings of shared journeys across human and canine existence and framing Inuit–Qimmiit relations as enduring bonds that traverse both physical life and afterlife. Within Inuit religious cosmologies, relationships between humans and qimmiit extend beyond practical cooperation to encompass shared spiritual existence, relational obligation, and continuity of soul across physical and metaphysical worlds. Ethnographic accounts recorded by Rasmussen, Peck, Boas, Freuchen and Henry describe dogs not merely as working animals but as ensouled beings who participate in travel, naming practices, shamanic mediation, cosmogonic and afterlife narratives. Read through a religious studies lens, these sources reveal a cosmological framework in which mobility and survival are embedded within sacred relational structures linking human and animal life. This article examines Inuit–Qimmiit kinship as a form of physical–spiritual relationality, arguing that dogs function as co-travellers whose relational position across embodied and cosmological domains illuminates Inuit understandings of personhood, cosmological balance, and the continuity of life beyond death. Full article

Type II collagen (CII), the major structural protein in the cartilage extracellular matrix, is a promising biomaterial for scaffold design in cartilage tissue engineering. In this study, high-purity CII was successfully extracted from bovine cartilage, an abundant by-product of cattle slaughter, and its amino acid composition, triple-helical conformation, and thermal stability were verified. CII was subsequently combined with silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds via freeze-drying. The pore structure, porosity, swelling behavior, mechanical properties and in vitro degradation characteristics were systematically evaluated. Scaffolds with favorable structural integrity, mechanical performance, and degradation rates were further evaluated biologically using human primary chondrocytes. All CII-based composite scaffolds supported chondrocyte growth and promoted early extracellular matrix deposition. Notably, the scaffold with a CII:SF:CS ratio of 7:3:1 showed the highest GAG/DNA content, accompanied by upregulated gene expression related to the cartilage phenotype (COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9) and reduced expression of the dedifferentiation marker COL1A1, indicating improved phenotype maintenance. Overall, within the tested range, CII70 (CII:SF:CS = 7:3:1) represents a practical compromise between scaffold stability and in vitro chondrocyte-related outcomes, providing a basis for selecting CII/SF/CS formulations for cartilage tissue engineering. Full article

Zoonotic tuberculosis (zTB), predominantly caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains an underrecognized public health threat in many low- and middle-income countries. Although global estimates suggest that zTB accounts for approximately 1–1.5% of all human tuberculosis cases, limited molecular diagnostic capacity and underreporting likely obscure its true burden. In Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, increasing detection of bovine tuberculosis in dairy and beef production systems—combined with high rates of raw milk consumption, informal slaughtering practices, and weak intersectoral surveillance—may amplify the risk of human exposure. Co-infections in livestock, including mastitis and respiratory pathogens, further complicate clinical detection and may enhance bacterial shedding. This review synthesises global and national epidemiological patterns of zTB, describes major transmission pathways at the human–animal interface, and examines interactions between M. bovis infection and other livestock diseases. Critical gaps in diagnostics, surveillance integration, and food-safety regulation are identified. Strengthening One Health approaches through improved laboratory capacity, coordinated public–animal health systems, and enhanced risk mitigation along dairy and beef value chains is essential to reduce the burden of zTB in Indonesia. Full article

Sarcocystis species are apicomplexan protozoa infecting a wide range of domestic and wild animals, including cattle, in which several species are of zoonotic relevance. This study reports, for the first time, the detection and molecular identification of pathogenic and zoonotic Sarcocystis hominis in slaughtered cattle from Central Chile. A total of 200 muscle samples (100 = myocardium, 100 = diaphragm) were examined by macroscopic inspection and tissue homogenization. Selected samples were additionally analyzed by histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and multiplex real-time PCR targeting the 18S rDNA. No macroscopic sarcocysts were observed, nonetheless microscopic sarcocysts were detected in 56% of assessed samples, with higher infection rates in the heart (91%) than in the diaphragm (21%). SEM and TEM analyses revealed thin-walled sarcocysts with finger-like protrusions in the diaphragm, as well as flattened hair-like projections in the myocardium. Molecular analysis identified Sarcocystis cruzi in all positive samples and detected additional DNA of Sarcocystis bovifelis/Sarcocystis rommeli and for the first time the zoonotic species S. hominis. These findings confirm the coexistence of canine-, feline-, and human-transmitted Sarcocystis species in Chilean cattle and highlight potential public health implications associated with consumption of raw or undercooked S. hominis-carrying beef meat. This constitutes the first molecular evidence of S. hominis in Chile, emphasizing the need for further surveillance and control measures in the meat production chain. These novel data on human S. hominis infections in Chile confirm the importance of initiating investigations on human sarcocystosis as this enteric parasitic disease is still sparsely considered by local public health authorities. Full article

Rift Valley fever (RVF) transmission has intensified in southwestern Uganda since 2016. To quantify human and livestock exposure and associated risks, we conducted a cross-sectional serosurvey in Isingiro, Kabale and Rubanda districts between October and November 2023. A total of 766 humans and 2383 livestock were sampled and tested for RVF antibodies using ELISA, with structured questionnaires capturing demographic, behavioral and environmental data. Human seroprevalence was 11.5% (88/766), varying by district (13.8% Isingiro, 11.8% Rubanda, 6.8% Kabale; p = 0.04). Independent predictors from the multivariate model included raw-meat consumption (aOR 6.11; 95% CI 1.16–27.80), cattle ownership (aOR 2.33; 95% CI 1.27–4.36), male sex (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.02–2.66) and younger age compared with ≥50 years (31–49 years: aOR 2.02; 95% CI 1.20–3.48; 18–30 years: aOR 2.37; 95% CI 1.04–5.14). Herd-level seroprevalence was 42.5% (204/480), associated with cattle presence (aOR 6.48; 95% CI 4.10–10.40), lack of carcass burial (aOR 15.70; 95% CI 4.23–63.60), on-farm slaughter (aOR 2.14; 95% CI 1.21–3.89) and increased mosquito activity (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.13–2.73). Animal-level seroprevalence was 14.6% (347/2383), highest in cattle (33.8%), with cattle having markedly higher odds than goats (aOR 6.73; 95% CI 4.96–9.14). These findings demonstrate substantial transmission and highlight cattle-centered interfaces as primary targets for control to humans. Full article

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, remains a significant zoonotic disease across the globe disproportionately affecting rural populations reliant on livestock farming. Despite the availability of vaccines for humans and animals, and preventive measures, anthrax outbreaks continue to occur due to convergence of inadequate animal husbandry practices, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and cultural traditions. This study aimed to identify and quantitatively synthesize the key exposure-related behavioral risk factors for human anthrax infection while contextualizing socio-demographic and cultural determinants through narrative review. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Using a random-effects model, risk estimates were pooled exclusively for exposure-related behavioral pathways that are mechanistically linked to anthrax transmission, while socio-demographic and cultural variables were summarized narratively due to heterogeneity in study design, variable definition, and limited cross-study comparability. A total of 20 studies were included, primarily from Africa, Asia, and Europe. The meta-analysis identified a consistent set of high-risk exposure pathways, including contact with raw meat from infected animals (OR = 5.79, 95% CI: 4.04–8.31), skinning (OR = 5.64, 95% CI: 3.73–8.52), butchering (OR = 6.54, 95% CI: 3.26–13.09), slaughtering or presence during slaughter (OR = 5.16, 95% CI: 2.54–10.49), and handling of carcasses or animal by-products (OR = 4.13, 95% CI: 2.88–5.92). Socio-demographic and cultural factors, including religious norms and demographic characteristics, were consistently identified as contextual modifiers of anthrax risk across studies but were not quantitatively pooled because of methodological and definitional heterogeneity. While heterogeneity varied by risk factor, it remained generally low to moderate, supporting the consistency of findings across diverse settings. Our findings emphasize that direct exposure-related behaviors represent the dominant and consistent transmission pathways for human anthrax across endemic settings. Effective prevention strategies should prioritize improved livestock management, enhanced biosecurity systems, community education on safe animal handling practices, particularly the handling of moribund livestock or dead animals of unknown origin, and strengthened veterinary services. Future research should prioritize region-specific interventions and conduct longitudinal studies to assess the effectiveness of anthrax risk reduction efforts. Full article

Cultivated meat emerges as a promising alternative to conventional meat, the production of which causes significant environmental pressure, including greenhouse gas emissions, water demand, and pasture expansion, alongside ethical concerns related to animal slaughter. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) often highlight reductions in these impacts for cultivated meat, but they typically adopt a technocentric perspective, omitting flows of renewable natural resources and human labor. In this context, emergy (with an “m”) environmental accounting offers a valuable methodological complement to LCA, incorporating biophysical and systemic perspectives for a more holistic analysis. The objective of this study is to apply emergy accounting to a cultivated meat production system. The results indicate that cultivated meat exhibits a Unit Emergy Value (UEV) of 0.43 × 10¹³ sej/kg-meat, which is up to 13 times lower than that of conventional meat, thereby indicating a higher emergy efficiency. However, it still depends heavily on economic resources (71.1% of the total emergy). As a result, it presents low emergy yield (EYR of 1.41), high environmental load (ELR of 6.97), low renewability (12.5%), and an emergy sustainability index (ESI) of 0.20 (ESI < 1 denotes unsustainability), thus indicating that the system is unsustainable at its current technological stage. Compared to conventional livestock systems, particularly extensive systems with greater integration of natural resources, cultivated meat presents one of the poorest emergy performances due to its highly artificial energy and material basis, which is dependent on non-renewable resource inputs. These findings contrast with the optimistic conclusions from LCA studies, emphasizing the inferiority of cultivated meat in emergy terms and the need for complementary approaches to generate broader diagnostics. The analysis also identifies optimization opportunities, such as resource input substitution and the integration of renewables, aiming for greater sustainability in protein production. Full article

Chlamydia suis, a close relative of the human pathogen C. trachomatis, can be detected in the porcine gut, yet its prevalence and viability across intestinal segments remain poorly defined. This study aimed to assess the segment-specific prevalence, isolation success, and tetracycline susceptibility of C. suis in grower-finisher pigs. Jejunal, ileal, and colonic samples (n = 200 per intestinal segment) were collected from 600 pigs at slaughter and analyzed using C. suis-specific real-time PCR and culture. PCR revealed significantly higher detection rates in the colon (40%) than in the jejunum or ileum (both 4.5%), accompanied by significantly higher calculated bacterial loads in colonic samples. In contrast, viable C. suis was most frequently isolated from ileal material, indicating that the ileum may provide a more favorable condition for active bacterial replication. Among 24 culture-confirmed isolates, 75% were susceptible to tetracycline (MIC/MBC < 2 µg/mL), 12.5% exhibited an intermediate phenotype (2 µg/mL < MIC/MBC < 4 µg/mL) and another 12.5% were resistant (MIC/MBC > 4 µg/mL). Intermediate phenotypes were recovered from the jejunum and ileum, whereas resistant isolates were found in the ileum and colon. These findings suggest that the porcine colon may serve as an intestinal reservoir for C. suis, while the ileum supports more robust bacterial replication. Overall, these data contribute to our understanding of the intestinal ecology of C. suis under field conditions and its tetracycline susceptible patterns. Full article

Intestinal emphysema is a rare pathological condition observed in humans and animals, characterized by the presence of multiple gas-filled cysts within the intestinal wall. In pigs, it is occasionally observed at slaughter, without affecting carcass suitability for human consumption or impairing farm profitability. Despite investigations, the etiology and pathogenesis of intestinal emphysema remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to provide further morphological insights into porcine intestinal emphysema through histopathological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. A total of ten slaughtered heavy pigs were examined, showing gross lesions consistent with intestinal emphysema. Gaseous cysts were predominantly located in the submucosal and mesenteric layers, at least partially lined by lymphatic endothelial cells. The cysts were separated by fibrous connective septa and were almost invariably associated with granulomas, consisting of epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. Overall, the immunohistochemical patterns of porcine intestinal emphysema overlap with those described in humans and support the hypothesis that lesions likely originate within the lymphatic vessels. Full article

Campylobacter is a leading foodborne bacterial pathogen, and poultry production is a major reservoir contributing to human exposure. Reducing Campylobacter at farm level is therefore critical to limit downstream contamination. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and quantitively summarise the current interventions and control measures applied in poultry farms to control the contamination and bird colonisation by Campylobacter. The Scopus electronic database was accessed to collect primary research articles that focused on observational studies and in vivo experiments, reporting results on Campylobacter concentrations or prevalence in both non-intervened and intervened groups. A total of 4080 studies were reviewed, from which 112 were selected and included in the meta-analysis according to predefined criteria, yielding 1467 observations. Meta-regression models were adjusted to the full data set and by intervention strategy based on the type of outcome measure (i.e., concentration and prevalence). In general terms, the results reveal that the effectiveness to reduce Campylobacter colonisation vary among interventions. A highly significant effect (p < 0.001) was observed in interventions such as organic acids, bacteriophages, plant extracts, probiotics, and organic iron complexes added to feed or drinking water; although drinking water was proven to be a more effective means of administration than feed for extracts and organic acids. In contrast, interventions such as chemical treatments, routine cleaning and disinfection, and vaccination showed both lower and more heterogeneous effects on Campylobacter loads. Vaccination effects were demonstrated to be driven by route and schedule, with intramuscular administration, longer vaccination periods and sufficient time before slaughter linked to greater reduction in Campylobacter colonisation. Probiotics, plant extracts and routine cleaning and disinfection were associated with lower Campylobacter prevalence in flocks. Meta-regression models consistently showed that the interventions were proven more effective when the sample analysed was caecal contents in comparison to faeces (p < 0.001). Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis study emphasise the application of a multi-barrier approach that combines targeted interventions with robust biosecurity and hygiene measures in order to reduce Campylobacter levels in poultry farms. Full article

Background: Rabies is among the oldest known zoonotic viral diseases and is caused by members of the Lyssavirus genus. The prototype species, Lyssavirus rabies, effectively evades the host immune response, allowing the infection to progress unnoticed until the onset of clinical signs. At this stage, the disease is irreversible and invariably fatal, with definitive diagnosis possible only post-mortem. Given the advances in modern proteomics, this study aimed to identify potential protein biomarkers for antemortem diagnosis of rabies in dogs, which are the principal reservoir hosts of the rabies virus. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one samples (brain tissues (BT), cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), and serum (SR) samples) were collected from apparently healthy dogs brought for slaughter for human consumption in South-East and North-Central Nigeria. All the BT were subjected to a direct fluorescent antibody test to confirm the presence of lyssavirus antigen, and 8.7% (n = 20) were positive. Protein extraction, quantification, reduction, and alkylation were followed by on-bead (HILIC) cleanup and tryptic digestion. The resulting peptides from each sample were injected into the Evosep One LC system, coupled to the timsTOF HT MS, using the standard dia-PASEF short gradient data acquisition method. Data was processed using Spectronaut^TM (v19). An unpaired t-test was performed to compare identified protein groups (proteins and their isoforms) between the rabies-infected and uninfected BT, CSF, and SR samples. Results: The study yielded 54 significantly differentially abundant proteins for the BT group, 299 for the CSF group, and 280 for the SR group. Forty-five overlapping differentially abundant proteins were identified between CSF and SR, one between BT and CSF, and two between BT and SR; none were found that overlapped all three groups. Within the BT group, 33 proteins showed increased abundance, while 21 showed decreased abundance in the rabies-positive samples. In the CSF group, 159 proteins had increased abundance and 140 had decreased abundance in the rabies-positive samples. For the SR group, 215 proteins showed increased abundance, and 65 showed decreased abundance in the rabies-positive samples. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that pathways associated with CSF, spinocerebellar ataxia, and neurodegeneration were among the significant findings. Conclusion: This study identified canonical proteins in CSF and SR that serve as candidate biomarkers for rabies infection, offering insights into neuronal dysfunction and potential tools for early diagnosis. Full article

Wild boars, widely distributed across natural, agricultural, and urban landscapes, represent an ideal sentinel species for monitoring the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the human–wildlife–livestock interface within the One Health framework. This review summarizes current knowledge on the prevalence, diversity, AMR, and epidemiological significance of major enteric pathogens isolated from wild boars in the European Union, with particular attention to their potential role in AMR dissemination. Numerous studies have reported variable prevalence rates for Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and Campylobacter spp. High prevalence rates has been observed in fecal samples—35% for Salmonella, 27% for Y. enterocolitica and STEC, and 66% for Campylobacter—highlighting the role of wild boars as carriers and the associated risk of carcass contamination during slaughter. Tonsils represent a key niche for Y. enterocolitica, with prevalence reaching 35%. Several studies have identified resistance to antimicrobials classified by the World Health Organization as critically important or high priority for human medicine, including fluoroquinolone-resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Y. enterocolitica, raising notable public health concerns. Despite increasing interest, most available studies remain descriptive and geographically limited, providing limited insight into AMR acquisition and transmission pathways in wild boars. New approaches—such as resistome analyses and epidemiological cut-off values—offer added value to distinguish wild-type from acquired-resistant strains and to better understand AMR dissemination dynamics. Integrating wildlife into One Health surveillance systems is essential to capture the full complexity of AMR spread. Full article

Sustainable aquaculture is increasingly vital to meet global protein demands while ensuring fish product safety and environmental stewardship from a One Health perspective. This review addresses fish hygiene as a comprehensive, multi-stage challenge encompassing water quality management, pathogen control, antimicrobial stewardship, feeding practices, humane slaughter, post-harvest handling, and monitoring systems. We examined current practices and technologies that promote hygienic standards and reduce contamination risks across production cycles. The integration of biosecurity measures and alternative health-promoting agents contributes to disease prevention and reduces reliance on antimicrobials. Responsible drug administration aligned with regulatory frameworks minimizes residues and antimicrobial resistance. Feeding strategies incorporating sustainable and safe ingredients further support fish health and product quality. Critical control points during slaughter and post-harvest processing ensure microbial safety and prolong shelf life. Advanced monitoring and traceability systems enable real-time oversight and enhance food safety assurance. Finally, certification programs and robust regulatory policies are essential to standardize practices and facilitate access to international markets. Collectively, these strategies foster sustainable aquaculture that safeguards public health, maintains ecological integrity, and supports economic viability. This holistic approach positions fish hygiene not as a final quality check, but as an integral, continuously managed component of responsible aquaculture production. Full article

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product of winemaking, is rich in polyphenols and fiber, making it a promising and sustainable feed supplement for ruminants. This study evaluated the safety and productive impact of a 5% GP-supplemented diet (GP5) including non-lactating end-cycle (EC) ewes regularly destined for slaughter and human consumption, and lactating (LAC) ewes, over a 30-day period. Control (CTRL) animals received a standard pellet diet with no GP inclusion. Sampling was performed at four time points (T0, T10, T20, and T30), corresponding to days 0, 10, 20, and 30 of the experimental period. The study assessed clinical status, hematology/biochemistry (T0 and T30), milk composition (T0, T10, T20, and T30), meat quality traits and oxidative stability in EC ewes (T30). Since no significant differences were observed in the CTRL animals, the effects were evaluated within the GP5 group by comparing T0 vs. T30. Meat quality was assessed by comparing EC-GP5 to CTRL at T30. The GP extract showed a high total phenolic content (254.02 ± 20.39 mg GAE/g DW). No clinical or hematological alterations were observed, and most values remained within physiological ranges. Biochemical analysis revealed significant increases in albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, and triglycerides (p < 0.05), with significant decreases in plasma urea and glucose (p < 0.05). In LAC-GP5 ewes, milk urea and lactose concentrations decreased (p < 0.05), while pH increased (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in fat or casein content. These findings are consistent with reduced ruminal propionate availability, leading to decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis and lactose synthesis, with secondary effects on nitrogen metabolism and the acid–base profile of milk. In EC-GP5 ewes, meat quality traits were unaffected, and DPPH scavenging activity did not differ from CTRL (p > 0.05). GP5 was metabolically safe, induced adaptive changes in milk composition, and had no negative effects on meat quality, supporting the valorization of grape pomace as a sustainable feed resource. This trial was designed as a metabolic safety assessment, representing a preliminary step toward future mechanistic and molecular investigations. Full article