Search Results (71)

Ramaria flavobrunnescens is an ectomycorrhizal coral mushroom that is often found growing in eucalyptus forests. The mushroom has been linked to accidental ingestion-associated livestock poisonings in South America, though the toxicological agent has not yet been described. Mushroom samples identified as R. flavobrunnescens were analyzed by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to determine the potential source of the toxicity, and to provide a metabolomic profile of the species. Previously reported Ramaria secondary metabolites were detected, including ramarins, ramariolides, pistillarin and arsenic-containing compounds. A number of bacterial species were isolated from R. flavobrunnescens that produced iron-chelating cyclic peptides, which were detected in the mushroom samples. Interestingly, we detected a series of eucalyptus tree secondary metabolites in abundance from R. flavobrunnescens fruiting bodies, some of which have reported toxicities and bioactivities. To our knowledge, this is the first report of eucalyptus secondary metabolites in a mushroom. The diversity of secondary metabolites identified in the mushroom extracts provides insight into the potential complex ecological interactions between R. flavobrunnescens, its associated microbiota, and its mycorrhizal interaction with eucalyptus trees. Full article

To identify and evaluate the failure issues in the livestock manure-to-biomethane supply chain, this study employs a Bayesian network approach with three inference analysis methods: diagnostic analysis, sensitivity analysis, and maximum causal chain inference. First, the main hazard categories affecting the failure of the supply chain are identified, establishing risk indicators for feedstock collection, pretreatment, anaerobic digestion, purification and upgrading, transportation, and biomethane end-use. Then, the half-interval method and possibility superiority comparison are used to calculate and rank the severity of related accidents, obtaining the severity ranking of secondary indicators as well as the severity ranking of work items and risk items. Finally, Bayesian forward inference is applied to investigate the failure probability of the supply chain, combined with backward inference to identify the risk factors most likely to cause supply chain failures and trace the formation of failure hazards. The Bayesian sensitivity analysis method is ultimately applied to determine the key hazards affecting supply chain failures and the correlations between accident hazards, followed by validation. The results show that the failure probability of the supply chain through causal inference is approximately 54.76%, indicating relatively high failure risk. The three factors with the highest posterior probabilities are mechanical stirring failure C₃ (88.11%), corrosion-induced ammonia leakage poisoning D6, and equipment explosion caused by excessive pressure due to overheating during dehumidification heating D₉, which are the hazards most likely to cause failures in the supply chain. Improper operations and the toxicity of related chemicals are key hazards leading to supply chain failures, with the correlation between accident hazards presented as a hazard chain by integrating severity and accident probability, and the key risk points in the supply chain are identified. Full article

Conflicts between farmers and herders are a persistent challenge in Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean zones of Benin, largely driven by competition over access to pastoral resources. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, causes, and typology of such conflicts and to assess their implications for the sedentarization of cattle farming systems. Data were collected from 480 livestock farms across four municipalities (Materi and Gogounou in the Sudanian zone; Tchaourou and Djougou in the Sudano-Guinean zone) through surveys, mapping, and herd productivity assessments. Multiple Correspondence Factorial Analysis was used to classify the conflict types. The results revealed that 52.29% of herders had experienced conflicts, with a higher incidence in the Sudano-Guinean zone (36.88%). Four main categories of conflict were identified: (i) blows and injuries to people and animals (38.64%), (ii) displacement of herders and their farms (34.26%), (iii) property damage and animal slaughter (15.13%), and (iv) violent verbal altercations and animal poisoning (11.97%). These findings indicate that recurrent conflicts are accelerating the shift from transhumance towards sedentarization, underscoring the need for tailored conflict management strategies and sustainable livestock policies. Full article

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are highly effective, but can be of environmental concern due to primary and secondary non-target exposure, with the latter possible being relevant to domestic cats. Therefore, liver residues of ARs and an alternative rodenticide, α-chloralose, were systematically monitored in domestic cats for the first time in the current study. In 2021 and 2022, the carcasses of 99 cats were collected in Slovenia and liver residues were measured by using solid supported liquid–liquid extraction and LC-MS/MS. The results show that 65% of cats carried at least one rodenticide. The second-generation ARs brodifacoum and bromadiolone were most prevalent and found in 53.5 and 25.3% of the samples, respectively. Of first-generation ARs, coumatetralyl was the most prevalent (21.2% of cats). More compounds were detected at high human population density, low farm density and in rural versus intermediate landscapes, but no effect was found for livestock density. Similar trends were found for the presence of brodifacoum, bromadiolone and all rodenticides combined. Farm density was negatively correlated with brodifacoum liver concentration. Individual factors (cat age, sex, outdoor activity) did not matter. The results indicate that a reasonably populated rural landscape, and not the rural or intermediate environment as such, is the main driver of cat exposure to ARs. The risk quotient (RQ) of worst-case acute brodifacoum poisoning was 1506. In summary, a potential environmental problem is globally highlighted for cats that is probably related to secondary exposure to ARs, with a pattern different to that seen in wild predators. Cats are an appropriate sentinel species for assessing rodenticide exposure and endangerment in the environment. Full article

Pimelea is one of the highly toxic plants in Australia, particularly affecting cattle. It contains simplexin, a potent toxin that can cause Pimelea poisoning (St. George Disease) in livestock. A survey was conducted to assess the current impact of Pimelea on livestock production, pasture systems, and financial losses among agricultural producers. In addition, information was also sought about the environmental conditions that facilitate its growth and the effectiveness of existing management strategies. The survey responses were obtained from producers affected by Pimelea across nine different Local Government Areas, through three States, viz., Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia. Pimelea was reported to significantly affect animal production, with 97% of producers surveyed acknowledging its detrimental effects. Among livestock, cattle were the most severely affected (94%), when compared to sheep (13%), goats (3%), and horses (3%). The presence of Pimelea was mostly observed in spring (65%) and winter (48%), although 29% of respondents indicated that it could be present all year-round under favorable rainfall conditions. Germination was associated with light to moderate rainfall (52%), while only 24% linked it to heavy rainfall. Pimelea simplex F. Muell. was the most frequently encountered species (71%), followed by Pimelea trichostachya Lindl. (26%). Infestations were reported to occur annually by 47% of producers, with 41% noting occurrences every 2 to 5 years. Financially, producers estimated average annual losses of AUD 67,000, with 50% reporting an average of 26 cattle deaths per year, reaching up to 105 deaths in severe years. Some producers were spending up to AUD 2100 per annum to manage Pimelea. While chemical and physical controls were commonly employed, integrating competitive pastures and alternative livestock, such as sheep and goats, was considered as a potential management strategy. This study reiterates the need for further research on sustainable pasture management practices to reduce Pimelea-related risks to livestock and agricultural production systems. Full article

Yellow stunt and root rot causes premature degradation of Astragalus adsurgens grasslands in China. However, the etiological factors underlying livestock poisoning following the ingestion of diseased plants remain elusive. The present study aimed to comprehensively characterize the alterations in toxic substances such as swainsonine and trace element profiles in A. adsurgens after infection with Alternaria gansuense, thereby elucidating the underlying mechanisms of livestock toxicity. Using ELISA and regression analyses, we found that diseased plants had higher selenium levels than the healthy ones, with varietal differences. Selenium in the Zahua variety was higher in healthy plants, while diseased plants of the Henan variety had the highest levels. Moreover, the diseased plants demonstrated decreased levels of iron, zinc, sodium, and magnesium, while manganese and calcium concentrations remained unchanged. Swainsonine was detected in both the healthy and infected specimens of Zhongsha No.1 and Henan varieties, with a marked post-infection increase. In conclusion, swainsonine is the primary toxin causing livestock poisoning, and it is unlikely that soil-accumulated selenium poisons animals. However, potential correlations might exist among the contents of selenium, sodium, and swainsonine. We recommend the cautious use of diseased A. adsurgens as livestock feed. Full article

Oxalis pes-caprae is one of the most widespread invasive plants in the Mediterranean areas, especially in central and southern Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia. It is an herbaceous species of South African origin, very common in uncultivated areas, in meadows, and at the edges of roads but also in vegetable gardens and fields, where it can become a weed. Its negative impact on the economic sector is significant due to the presence of large quantities of oxalates, which are toxic and dangerous for grazing livestock; the ingestion of high amounts of oxalates causes the accumulation of oxalate crystals, which can lead to kidney failure and anuria. This work represents a descriptive, field-based case report of epidemiological relevance, describing two cases of acute and chronic poisoning by Oxalis pes-caprae found in two different sheep farms in southern Sardinia. In February 2024, the sudden death of about 40 animals was reported in a sheep farm. On another farm, seven animals died (between March and July 2024), while others showed poisoning symptoms such as weight loss, submandibular edema, and a barrel-shaped abdomen. This manuscript aims to highlight the damage caused by poor attention in pasture management and the importance of seasonal risk management; it is necessary to pay attention to the herbaceous species present in pastures, especially in our region, where climatic temperatures no longer respect seasonality and herbaceous species that normally grow in spring are easily found also in the winter months. Full article

Some species belonging to the genus Palicourea (Rubiaceae) are known to cause poisoning in production animals on Brazilian rural properties, being responsible for negatively affecting the livestock sector of the country. In this context, the present study aimed to review reports of spontaneous and experimental poisoning in ruminants caused by Palicourea species in different regions of Brazil. The documents were retrieved from various databases, covering the period from the first report published in 1986 to April 2025. Palicourea aeneofusca, Palicourea colorata (Syn. Psychotria colorata), Palicourea grandiflora, Palicourea hoffmannseggiana (Syn. Psychotria hoffmannseggiana), Palicourea marcgravii, and Palicourea violacea (Syn. Psychotria capitata) have been identified as causes of spontaneous poisoning in the following Brazilian states: Pernambuco, Sergipe, Paraíba, Goiás, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Tocantins, Rondônia, and Distrito Federal. In general, Palicourea species cause sudden death in poisoned animals, especially P. marcgravii. Although cattle are more susceptible to poisoning by these plants, there are reports of cases in sheep, goats, and buffalo. Sodium monofluoroacetate occurs in Palicourea species and has been well reported as the main compound responsible for cases of poisoning in these animals. Despite epidemiological evidence of spontaneous poisoning cases in Brazil, the species P. colorata, P. grandiflora, P. hoffmannseggiana, and P. violacea have not yet been experimentally tested for their toxic potential, and studies of this nature are necessary. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is one of the most common causative agents of food poisoning in Vietnam, and contaminated livestock meat poses a major risk to human health. The present study aims to provide the genetic characteristics of NTS with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance and determine phylogenetic relationships between isolates from different sources in Southern Vietnam based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. Methods: A total of 49 NTS isolates from pork/broiler meat, pigs, chickens, and humans were collected in Ho Chi Minh City and four provinces of Southern Vietnam. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) and WGS for all isolates were performed. Results: As a result, 14 different serotypes were identified, among which S. Typhimurium and its monophasic variant were the dominant serotypes for human and pig sources. All chicken samples belonged to S. Indiana, whereas S. Infantis predominated in broiler meat. AST results revealed that 98% of isolates were multidrug resistant. NTS strains isolated from poultry and pigs exhibited resistance to the highest priority antimicrobials—quinolones and polymyxin, as well as to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, and sulfonamide, which are considered to be critical for the treatment of severe diseases. Conclusions: The results highlight the utmost importance of issues related to the selection, spreading, and transmission of multi-resistant strains from animals to humans. Full article

Background: In farm animals, the main poisonings are due to the ingestion of toxic plants present in pastures, but their incidence is underestimated, even though they are responsible for serious damage to animal health and livestock production. Atractylis gummifera L. is a plant widespread in Mediterranean countries and in southern Italy that is responsible for serious and often fatal poisonings in both humans and animals. This investigation reports grazing cattle poisoning due to the ingestion of Atractylis gummifera L. roots present in a recently plowed pasture of a Sicilian farm. Methods: The investigation describes the clinical symptoms of poisoned cattle, especially the gastro-intestinal type, the alterations in liver and renal function, the course of poisoning (hyperacute–acute), and the necropsy examination of dead animals. In the surviving cattle, symptomatic drug therapy was administered, and hematological and biochemical analyses (blood, liver, and kidney profiles) were carried out during treatment. Results: The pharmacological therapy, although symptomatic, contributed to the recovery of the intoxicated cattle with a return to normal values of liver and kidney parameters and electrolyte profile 30–40 days after treatment. Conclusions: This investigation could be useful to veterinarians for the diagnosis of Astractylus gummifera L. root poisoning in cattle, which is also responsible for the death of some intoxicated animals, with a negative impact on livestock. Full article

Background: Mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by fungi, are prevalent in animal feed and pose a serious risk to the healthy growth of livestock and poultry. Methods: This review aims to conclude current knowledge on the detrimental effects of mycotoxins on animal health and to demonstrate the potential of plant extracts as a means to counteract mycotoxin toxicity in feed. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify studies on the impact of mycotoxins on livestock and poultry health, as well as research into the use of plant extracts as feed additives to mitigate mycotoxin effects. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, and data were extracted regarding the mechanisms of action and the efficacy of plant extracts. Results: Excessive mycotoxins in feed can lead to reduced appetite, impaired digestion, and general health issues in animals, resulting in decreased food intake, slowed weight gain, and instances of acute poisoning. Plant extracts with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-mutagenic properties have shown the potential to improve production efficiency and reduce the toxic effects of mycotoxins. Conclusion: This comprehensive review not only consolidates the well-documented adverse effects of mycotoxins on animal health but also introduces a novel perspective by highlighting the potential of plant extracts as a promising and natural solution to counteract mycotoxin toxicity. Full article

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) affects the global livestock production economy mainly through the contamination of feed raw materials and secondary contamination in feed processing, and it also poses a serious threat to food safety and human health. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like pyrin-domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key regulatory element of pyroptosis, which is engaged in kidney injury. Meanwhile, autophagy is also involved in renal inflammation. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in pyroptosis and autophagy, but its function in Cd-induced kidney injury remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of mTOR-mediated autophagy and pyroptosis in kidney injury caused by Cd exposure and elucidated its underlying mechanism. Our data showed that Cd exposure reduced the integrity of kidney cell membranes, increased the expression of pyroptosis-associated proteins, and promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines. Subsequently, a notable attenuation in Cd-induced pyroptosis was observed following the administration of CY-09, an NLRP3 inhibitor. In addition, Cd exposure promoted autophagy in kidney cells. Importantly, in both in vivo and in vitro experiments, rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, downregulated the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, thereby significantly improving Cd-induced kidney injury. In summary, our results indicate that mTOR-mediated autophagy has a significant protective effect on NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent kidney injury induced by Cd exposure, thus providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of Cd poisoning. Full article

One major environmental concern is the lead (Pb) pollution from automobile traffic, especially in highway-side grazing areas. Sheep grazing in Pb-contaminated areas are particularly vulnerable because Pb exposure from soil, water, and feed can have harmful effects that impair their general health, reproductive capability, and immune systems. Long-term hazards to cattle from persistent Pb exposure include neurotoxicity, hematological abnormalities, reproductive health problems, and immunosuppression. These can have serious consequences, such as reduced productivity and even mortality. Additionally, through the food chain, Pb bioaccumulation in lamb tissues directly endangers human health. Pb poisoning is caused by a variety of intricate mechanisms, including disturbances in calcium-dependent processes, oxidative stress, and enzyme inhibition. To mitigate these risks, an interdisciplinary approach is essential, combining expertise in environmental science, toxicology, animal husbandry, and public health. Effective strategies include rotational grazing, alternative foraging options, mineral supplementation, and soil remediation techniques like phytoremediation. Additionally, the implementation of stringent regulatory measures, continuous monitoring, and community-based initiatives are vital. This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary methodologies to address the ecological, agricultural, and public health impacts of Pb pollution. By integrating scientific expertise and policy measures, it is possible to ensure the long-term sustainability of grazing systems, protect livestock and human health, and maintain ecosystem integrity. Full article

Mitigating human–wolf conflict is crucial, yet conventional approaches often overlook the broader socioeconomic challenges faced by farming communities. Wolves frequently become scapegoats for deeper rooted issues such as economic disadvantages, policy deficiencies, and rural depopulation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 118 livestock farmers to examine (a) farmer profiles and wolf-related interactions, (b) professional challenges and proposed solutions, (c) reasons for perceiving wolves as a major problem, and (d) the impact of wolf presence on job dissatisfaction. Farmers reported low specialized education and job satisfaction, particularly regarding income. Many struggled to afford or find shepherds, especially sheep/goat farmers. Guardian dog poisoning incidents and dissatisfaction with the damage compensation system were prevalent. Key challenges included economic marginalization, wolf presence, climatic factors, inadequate grazing policies, infrastructure deficits, distrust in policy, rural depopulation, and a lack of services. Farmers who perceived wolves as a major problem implemented weaker preventive measures and moved herds seasonally over longer distances. Job dissatisfaction was linked to wolf presence, livestock type, and economic marginalization. Our findings emphasize that while wolves impact farmers, economic and policy-related factors play a greater role. Educational initiatives, supportive policies, effective depredation mitigation, and fair compensation systems are essential for sustainable livestock farming and coexistence with wolves. By tackling socioeconomic challenges, enhancing policies, and supporting farmers to adapt to evolving circumstances, the livestock farming sector can thrive while minimizing conflicts associated with wolves. Full article

Poisonous plants affect livestock and wildlife and in addition to animal disease, they often inhibit the productive use of feeds and natural resources. For some plants, intermittent or cyclic grazing may allow the use of contaminated forages or infested pastures or ranges while avoiding permanent effects of poisoning. The objective of this review is to present several toxic plants for which intermittent poisoning might be an effective management tool. Additionally, as intermittent exposures present risks, those risks will be discussed, and signs of impending problems identified. Additional plants that mechanistically have potential for becoming less problematic via intermittent exposure will also be discussed. Lastly, toxic plants to which any exposure causes permanent or fatal damage or those that might result in cumulative damage with repeated exposures will also be discussed. Full article