A Case–Control Study of Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in Danish Cattle Herds

Bovine cysticercosis (BC) is a zoonotic, parasitic infection in cattle. Under the current EU meat inspection regulation, every single carcass from all bovines above 6 weeks of age is examined for BC. This method is costly and makes more sense in countries with higher number of BC‐infected animals than in countries with few lightly infected cases per year. The aim of the present case–control study was to quantify associations between potential herd‐level risk factors and BC in Danish cattle herds. Risk factors can be used in the design of a risk‐based meat inspection system targeted towards the animals with the highest risk of BC. Cases (n = 77) included herds that hosted at least one animal diagnosed with BC at meat inspection, from 2006 to 2010. Control herds (n = 231) consisted of randomly selected herds that had not hosted any animals diagnosed with BC between 2004 and 2010. The answers from a questionnaire and register data from the Danish Cattle Database were grouped into meaningful variables and used to investigate the risk factors for BC using a multivariable logistic regression model. Case herds were almost three times more likely than control herds to let all or most animals out grazing. Case herds were more than five times more likely than control herds to allow their animals access to risky water sources with sewage treatment plant effluent in proximity. Case herds were also more likely to share machinery or hire contractors than control herds. The risk decreased with increasing herd size probably because the larger herds generally tend to keep cattle indoors in Denmark. The results are useful to guide future data recording that can be supplied by the farmer as food chain information and then be used for differentiated meat inspection in low‐ and high‐risk groups, enabling development of risk‐based meat inspection systems.     

A Comparison of the Prevalence and Burdens of Helminth Infections in Growers and Adult Free-Range Chickens

Matched samples of 100 chickens of each of growers and adult rural free-range chickens in Morogoro, Tanzania, were purchased from the beginning to the end of the long rainy season. At necropsy, the trachea, the gastrointestinal tract and the oviduct were examined for helminth infections. The helminth species isolated comprised 18 nematodes and 8 cestodes but no trematodes. Tetrameres fissispina is a new record in Tanzania. All the chickens harboured at least three different helminth species. Growers contained 4–14 and adults 3–12 helminth species. The number of species isolated per chicken increased as the rainy season advanced. The prevalence of the following species were significantly higher in growers than in adults (p<0.05); Ascaridia galli (69% of growers, 29% of adults); Syngamus trachea (14%, 3%); Tetrameres americana (94%, 82%); Trichostrongylus tenuis (43%, 7%); Choanotaenia infundibulum (15%, 6%); Davainea proglottina (9%, 2%); and Raillietina tetragona (36%, 21%). Allodapa suctoria (3%, 20%) and Capillaria annulata (1%, 10%) had a significantly lower prevalence in growers than in adults (p<0.05). There were significantly higher worm burdens (p<0.05) in growers than in adults for A. galli, Capillaria caudinflata, R. tetragona, S. trachea, T. americana, T. fissispina and T. tenuis. Conversely, A. suctoria and C. annulata showed significantly higher worm burdens in adults (p<0.05). The sex of the chickens influenced the burdens of Heterakis brevispiculum (p<0.05). There was an interaction effect such that growing males and adult females had statistically higher (p<0.05) burdens of T. tenuis and A. suctoria, respectively.     

Risk factors for the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Tanzania

To estimate prevalence of and risk factors for the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Tanzania, 770 live pigs were examined by lingual examination in 21 villages. Structured observations and questionnaire interviews were used to assess pig rearing practices and household use of latrines. Associations between factors were analyzed using a Bayesian hierarchical model to obtain prevalence odds ratio (OR) and 95% Bayesian Credible Intervals (95% BCI). Prevalence was 17.4% (village-specific range 3.2–46.7%). Prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was considerably higher in pigs reared in households lacking latrines than in those reared in households that were using latrines (OR=2.04; 95% BCI=1.25, 3.45). About 96% of the pigs were kept under free-range conditions. This study suggests the need for further studies in order to design and implement effective prevention and control measures for porcine cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Tanzania.     

The capacity of inspection on farm and at the abattoir to predict post-mortem outcomes in slaughter pigs: A study at animal level

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between ear, tail, and skin lesions, hernias, bursitis, and rectal prolapses at the abattoir and meat inspection outcomes in slaughter pigs, including carcass condemnations and trimmings, carcass weight, and carcass quality. This was an observational study whereby pigs were managed according to routine practices in a single abattoir. Data were collected from 1816 pigs. The relationship between animal-based welfare and post-mortem outcomes was analyzed using generalized mixed models (Proc Glimmix). Our findings showed that tail lesions were associated with entire carcass condemnations and trimmings (P < 0.001), a reduction in carcass weight (P < 0.05), and a potential to impair carcass quality by reducing muscle pH (P < 0.05), especially in carcasses from male pigs (P < 0.05). Additionally, hernias were associated with viscera condemnation (P < 0.05) and a reduction in carcass weight (P  < 0.05). Therefore, our findings confirm that ante-mortem inspection could be useful to predict post-mortem outcomes in the same pigs, especially in cases of tail lesions and hernia, which might trigger attention of the veterinary inspector in charge of the post-mortem inspection.     

Prevalence,Antimicrobial Resistance and Risk Factors for Thermophilic Campylobacter Infections in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Humans in Tanzania

The genus Campylobacter comprises members known to be a leading cause of foodborne gastrointestinal illness worldwide. A study was conducted to determine the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter in humans in Morogoro, Eastern Tanzania. Isolation of Campylobacter from stool specimens adopted the Cape Town protocol. Campylobacter isolates were preliminarily identified by conventional phenotypic tests and subsequently confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry and polymerase chain reaction. Antimicrobial resistance testing employed the disc diffusion method. A small proportion of the test isolates was also subjected to agar dilution method. Risk factors for human illness were determined in an unmatched case–control study. Thermophilic Campylobacter were isolated from 11.4% of the screened individuals (n = 1195). The agreement between PCR and MALDI‐TOF was perfect (κ = 1.0). Symptomatics and young individuals were infected with higher numbers than asymptomatic and adults, respectively. The majority (84.6%) of the isolates were C. jejuni and the remaining were C. coli. Isolates had highest resistance (95.6%) for colistin sulphate and lowest for ciprofloxacin (22.1%). The rates of resistance for other antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, cephalothin, gentamycin, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, amoxycillin, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol) ranged from 44.1% to 89%. Comparison between disc diffusion and agar dilution methods indicated a good correlation, and the tests were in agreement to each other (κ ≥ 0.75). Human illness was found to be associated with young age and consumption of chicken meat and pre‐prepared salad. Our data indicate the presence of antibiotic‐resistant thermophilic Campylobacter in humans in the study area. There is a need for routine investigation of the presence of the organisms in gastroenteritis aetiology, including determination of their antibiotic susceptibilities.     

Prevalence of the Proventricular Nematode Tetrameres americana Cram (1927) in Different Age Groups of Chickens in the Morogoro Region,Tanzania

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Effect of Slaughter Weight on Carcass Traits,Meat Quality,Amino Acids and Fatty Acids in Muscle of Jiangkou Luobo Pigs

In order to study the effect of slaughter weight on carcass traits,meat quality,amino acids and fatty acids in muscle of Jiangkou Luobo pigs,36 Jiangkou Luobo pigs (6 pigs of 60,70,80,90,100 and 110 kg body weight,respectively) were selected to determine carcass quality,meat quality characteristics and nutritious component and analyze their changes with weight.The results showed that before the body weight reaching to 80 kg,the slaughter rate and loineye area were increased fast,the contents of various amino acids were increased obviously.And when the body weight was 80 kg,the fatty acids were rich,including oleic acid and linoleic acid.When the body weight was more than 90 kg,there were excessive fat deposition in porcine somatic and the content of lysine,valine,threonine and other essential amino acids were extremely significant or significant differences (P<0.05;P<0.01).Generally Jiangkou Luobo pigs with the 80 kg body weight had the better carcass traits and meat quality,rich and ideal amino acid and fatty acid composition in muscle,especially had the high content of essential amino acids and flavor amino acid,and suitable proportion of unsaturated fatty acid and saturated fatty acid.Therefore,the reasonable slaughter weight of Jiangkou Luobo pigs was about 80 kg.     

不同屠宰体重对江口萝卜猪胴体性状、肉品质、氨基酸和脂肪酸的影响

为研究不同屠宰体重对江口萝卜猪胴体性状、肉品质、氨基酸及脂肪酸的影响,本研究选取60、70、80、90、100、110 kg各6头江口萝卜猪测定了其不同体重阶段的胴体品质和肉质特性,以分析其胴体性状、肉品质及肌肉营养成分随体重的变化规律。结果显示,江口萝卜猪在体重达80 kg之前,其屠宰率、眼肌面积随体重的增加增长较快,氨基酸的含量增加明显,80 kg时肌肉中含有丰富的脂肪酸种类,其中油酸、亚油酸等不饱和脂肪酸含量较高。江口萝卜猪在体重达90 kg之后脂肪过多沉积,各体重组赖氨酸、缬氨酸、苏氨酸等必需氨基酸的含量呈显著或极显著差异（P<0.05;P<0.01）。总体上看,江口萝卜猪在体重达80 kg左右时其胴体性状及肉质性能较好,肌肉中氨基酸和脂肪酸含量丰富,且具有理想的氨基酸和脂肪酸构成,尤其是必需氨基酸及鲜味氨基酸含量高,不饱和脂肪酸及饱和脂肪酸构成比例适宜。因此,综合各项测定指标江口萝卜猪在体重达80 kg左右屠宰较优。     

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Bacterial Food‐Borne Zoonotic Hazards in Slaughter Pigs: A Review

The Hygiene Package and Regulation EC‐2160/2003 require information flow from farm to slaughterhouse to enhance European consumers protection in a ‘farm to fork’ approach. This obligation especially concerns food‐borne zoonotic hazards transmitted to humans through pork consumption, such as thermophilic Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and Yersinia enterocolitica. Prevalence estimates of these four hazards are affected by the sampling strategy and diagnostic procedure. Individual prevalence estimates for pig carriage (from digestive contents or lymph nodes collected at slaughterhouse) were higher than individual prevalence estimates for pig shedding (from faeces). Among risk factors described in the literature, poor pen cleaning and disinfection after pig departure to slaughterhouse and poor bio‐security measures are of major significance. Moreover, whereas wet feed increases the risk of pig infection by L. monocytogenes, dry feed is a risk factor for Salm. enterica. Mixing batches of pigs, notably in fattening herds, represents a risk for the transmission of Salm. enterica and Y. enterocolitica. Whereas small herds are more infected by thermophilic campylobacters and Y. enterocolitica, higher prevalence of Salmonella is observed in large herds due to a more frequent mixing of batches. Antibiotic treatment during the finishing period increases the risk of transmission of Salm. enterica. The forenamed elements should be taken into account to characterize farms in a risk assessment approach and to improve zoonotic hazard management in the pork food chain.     

我国畜禽饲料资源中微量元素铁含量分布的调查研究

本调查旨在研究我国不同地区间各种饲料原料中铁含量分布情况,以及我国畜禽基础饲粮中铁含量,从而为饲粮中合理添补铁提供科学依据。采集全国31个省、直辖市和自治区的37种共3 719个主要畜禽饲料原料,经微波消解后,用IRIS IntrepidⅡ等离子体发射光谱仪测定其中铁含量。结果表明:这37种饲料原料的平均铁含量为21.3~2 472.0 mg/kg,而各类饲料原料铁含量平均值分布规律为:矿物质饲料(1 178 mg/kg)>动物性蛋白质饲料(1 030 mg/kg)>牧草饲料(433 mg/kg)>秸秆饲料(404 mg/kg)>谷物籽实加工副产品(260 mg/kg)>植物性蛋白质饲料(181 mg/kg)>谷物籽实饲料(71.2 mg/kg)。通过比较不同省(自治区)的玉米、小麦和豆粕的铁含量发现,不同省(自治区)同一种饲料原料的铁含量均存在显著差异(P<0.05)。根据全国各地猪、鸡常用的142个饲料配方所计算出的基础饲粮中铁含量为70.6~86.1 mg/kg,如按我国猪、鸡饲养标准(2004)或NRC(1994)畜禽铁营养需要量的要求,基础饲粮中总铁含量可提供猪、鸡生长前期约4/5的铁营养需要量,可提供猪、鸡生长后期的铁营养需要量,但上述估算尚未考虑不同饲料原料中铁的利用率。由此可见,不同种类和不同地区饲料原料中铁含量差异较大;全国各地猪、鸡常用的基础饲料配方中总铁含量可提供猪、鸡整个生长期大部分的铁营养需要量。因此,在实际生产中,应充分考虑不同地区基础饲粮中的总铁含量及其利用率,精准配制饲粮,以满足畜禽高效生产的需要,同时减少铁的添加及其排放对环境的污染。     

One Health in Practice: A Pilot Project for Integrated Care of Zoonotic Infections in Immunocompromised Children and Their Pets in Chile

Although pets provide physiological and psychological benefits to their owners, they are a potential source of zoonotic infections, especially for vulnerable individuals such as immunocompromised patients. During 1 year, we therefore performed a pilot project, which included 32 immunocompromised Chilean children and their family pets (35 dogs and 9 cats) with the aim of detecting, treating and preventing zoonotic infections. Children were examined by Infectious Diseases paediatricians and demographical and clinical information related to zoonotic infections were recorded. Pets were examined and sampled by veterinarians, who also administered missing routine vaccines and anti‐parasitics. During family visits, all members were informed and educated about zoonoses and a satisfaction survey was performed. Visits also included vector control and indoor residual spraying with pyrethroids. Children were re‐examined and re‐tested according to the findings of their pets, and all detected zoonotic infections were treated both in children and pets. Physical examination revealed abnormalities in 18 dogs (51.4%) and three cats (33.3%). Twenty‐eight (63.6%) of the pets were diagnosed with a zoonotic pathogen, and seven (15.9%) with a facultative pathogen. Most zoonotic agents were isolated from the pet's external ear and intestine. Bacteria with the highest pathogenic potential were Campylobacter jejuni and Brucella canis. In two children and their respective pets, the same zoonotic diseases were diagnosed (toxocariasis and giardiasis). Arthropods serving as potential vectors of zoonotic infections were found in 49% of dogs and 44% of cats. The pilot project was positively evaluated by the participating families. Our pilot project confirmed that pets are reservoir for various zoonotic agents in Chile and that the implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary programme was a valuable tool to prevent, diagnose and treat such zoonotic infections in vulnerable patients such as immunocompromised children.     

A retrospective study of the aetiology and temporal distribution of bovine clinical mastitis in smallholder dairy herds in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania

A 31-year record-based retrospective study was carried out to determine the aetiology and temporal distribution of bovine clinical mastitis in smallholder dairy herds in the Dar es Salaam region of Tanzania over the period November 1971-December 2002. Laboratory information on 1964 quarter samples from 1365 cows in 281 smallholder dairy herds were retrieved, compiled and studied. Eighty-eight percent of the quarter samples were culture-positive and the predominant mastitis pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (25.7%), Streptococcus agalactiae (15.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.3%) and Escherichia coli (14.1%). Other isolates included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.5%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (5.2%) and Streptococcus uberis (4.2%). Contagious mastitis pathogens were isolated from 45.6% of the culture-positive samples, whereas environmental and miscellaneous pathogens were isolated from 48.2% and 5.7%, respectively. Thirty percent of the miscellaneous mastitis pathogens were Candida species. The results demonstrate a steady increase in clinical Candida albicans mastitis. The prevalence of Candida albicans has increased from 1% in 1971 to 17.0% in November 2002. Conversely, despite some fluctuations, the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, E. coli and K. pneumoniae remain above 10%. The possible risk factors for these observations are discussed.     

Seroprevalence Estimation and Risk Factors for <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. marginale</Emphasis> on Smallholder Dairy Farms in Tanzania

A cross-sectional serological survey of A. marginale was conducted on 200 randomly selected smallholder farms in each of the Tanga and Iringa Regions of Tanzania between January and April 1999. Sera, from dairy cattle of all ages, sexes and breeds were tested for antibodies against A. marginale using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibodies to A. marginale were present in cattle throughout the study areas and the overall prevalence was 20% for Tanga and 37% for Iringa. The forces of infection based on the age seroprevalence profile were estimated at 8 for Tanga and 15 for Iringa per 100 cattle years-risk, respectively. In both regions, seroprevalence increased with age (β = 0.01 and 0.017 per year of age, p < 0.005, in Tanga and Iringa, respectively). Older animals in Iringa were significantly and negatively associated with decreased seropositivity (β = −0.002, p = 0.0029). Further results of logistic regression models reveal that geographic location of animals in Tanga was associated with seropositivity (odds ratio (OR) = 2.94, p = 0.005, for Tanga Rural and OR = 2.38, p = 0.066, for Muheza). Animals acquired as a gift in Iringa had higher odds for seropositivity than brought-in cattle (OR = 2.44, p = 0.005). Our study has identified and quantified some key risk factors that can guide planners devising disease control strategies.     

广西野猪猪瘟病毒感染情况的调查报告

作者报道采用RT-PCR和ELISA方法检测猪瘟病毒在野猪身上的感染情况。采集广西5个地市28份野猪脾淋组织作病毒检测，设计针对猪瘟(classical swine fever, CSF)病毒的特异性引物CSFVE2,进行RT-PCR检测，所检样品结果全呈猪瘟阴性；同时，运用酶联免疫吸附测定（ELISA）试剂盒检测以上样品，结果也都呈阴性。这一结果初步表明所检测的广西5个地区的野猪没有感染猪瘟病毒。     

云南北亚热带夏秋牧草混播组合试验研究

总结了在云南北亚热带昆明小哨开展两年的夏秋饲草豆禾混播试验,提出在云南北亚热带气候条件下适宜的刈割型豆禾混播组合为非洲狗尾草＋三得利紫花苜蓿。