Occurrence of Listeria Species in an Abattoir for Cattle and Pigs in Bosnia and Hercegovina

Altogether 496 samples of meat, lymph nodes, process water and swabs from different places in the abattoir were examined for the presence of Listeria spp. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 31 (6%) and other Listeria spp. from 65 (13%) samples. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 2 of 10 beef meat samples, 4 of 50 pig meat samples and 1 of 21 lymph nodes of pigs. No Listeria bacteria were isolated from lymph nodes of cattle. The highest percentage of Listeria was recovered from the unclean sections (cattle 22% and pigs 27% ) and the highest frequency was observed during the winter months.     

Occurrence,Antibiotic Resistance and Molecular Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes in the Beef Chain in the Republic of Ireland

This study investigated the occurrence, concentration and key characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes in beef chain samples (n = 1100) over a 2‐year period (July 2007–June 2009). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from bovine hides (27%), pre‐chill carcasses (14%) and ground beef (29%), but not from ready‐to‐eat (RTE) beef. The concentration of the pathogen in the majority (95%) of contaminated samples was low and detected by enrichment only. The highest concentrations recovered (100–200 CFU/g) were in ground beef samples. The most commonly isolated serotype group was 1/2a (58%) followed by 4b (12%), 1/2b (10%) and 1/2c (6%). A small portion (<5%) isolates had demonstrated resistance to key anti‐microbials including ampicillin, vancomycin and gentamycin which are recommended treatment options for listeriosis. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis showed indistinguishable profiles for a number of isolates recovered from the hide and carcass (after slaughter and dressing) of the same animals, highlighting the role of hides as a source of contamination. Equally, indistinguishable pulsotypes for isolates recovered at different stages and time points (up to 6 months apart) in the beef chain demonstrated the persistence of specific clones in the factory, process and distribution environments. Overall, the study demonstrated a high prevalence of clinically significant L. monocytogenes entering and progressing along the beef chain and highlights the needs to control cross‐contamination during beef processing and distribution and the need for thorough cooking of raw beef products.     

The Occurrence of Pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes and Antibodies against Listeriolysin‐O in Buffaloes

The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in meat and milk samples, and antilisteriolysin O (ALLO) antibodies in sera of buffaloes were studied. Isolation of the pathogen was attempted from the samples by selective enrichment in University of Vermont Medium and plating onto Dominguez–Rodriguez isolation agar. The pathogenicity of the isolates was tested by Christie, Atkins, Munch Petersen test and mouse inoculation test. Of 167 meat samples 2.4 and 10.17% were positive for L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp., respectively. Of the 64 milk samples 6.25 and 26.13% were positive for L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp., respectively. A total of 284 serum samples were tested by listeriolysin O (LLO)‐based indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay of which 25.35% were found to be seropositive. The culture positivity for L. monocytogenes and detection of ALLO did not show any agreement (κ=0.035). The prevalence of pathogenic L.monocytogenes in milk and meat and the occurrence of anti‐LLO antibodies is of concern from the public health point of view.     

The effect of cobalt topdressing in preventing cobalt deficiency disease of lambs in southland

Environmental samples and samples of partially processed fish from a cold-smoked salmon processing and packing plant, and product samples purchased from retail outlets, were examined for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp., motile aeromonads and Yersinia enterocolitica. Listeria spp. were not isolated from rati fish but were a contaminant of processed and partially processed fish. Listeria spp. were also detected in 18.8% of surfaces in contact with fish. Unlike Listeria spp., motile aeromonads were isolated from the raw fish but not from the finished product. They were more frequently isolated from environmental sources than Listeria spp. Yersinia enterocolitica was not isolated from any of the samples tested. Little evidence was found to show a coincidence of motile aeromonads and Listeria spp., since only one subset of samples showed such a link. It is concluded that contamination by Listeria spp. was from environmental sources at the processing plant at, or beyond, the slicing stage. Reducing the number of wet areas and special cleaning and sanitation considerations for a contaminated site (the freezer seal) are suggested as ways of reducing contamination of the product.     

Listeria monocytogenes Infection in a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) – New Mexico, 2011

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram‐positive, facultative anaerobic, rod‐shaped bacterium that can infect and cause disease in many species. In this case report, we describe a case of L. monocytogenes infection causing sepsis in a sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). The sugar glider consumed a varied diet consisting of human food items, including cantaloupe. A nationwide outbreak of L. monocytogenes foodborne illness associated with cantaloupes occurred simultaneously with this incident case. In this case, the bacterial strains from the outbreak and glider were genetically distinct. Although rare, veterinarians should be aware of the emergence of foodborne pathogens' ability to infect exotic animals residing in domestic environments.     

Cutaneous Listeriosis in a Veterinarian with the Evidence of Zoonotic Transmission – A Case Report

A case of Listeria monocytogenes skin infection in a man is presented. A 54‐year‐old male veterinary practitioner developed pustular changes on the skin of arms and hands after assisting with the delivery of a stillborn calf. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the skin lesions on the arms and from the bovine placenta. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were serotyped and genotyped with pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to confirm the suspected transmission of the pathogen from animal to human. All isolates were of serotype 4b with identical pulsotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of cutaneous listeriosis in which the evidence for zoonotic transmission of L. monocytogenes is supported by genotyping methods.     

Predominance and Persistence of a Single Clone of Listeria ivanovii in a Manchego Cheese Factory Over 6 Months

In an attempt to study the diversity and persistence of molecular subtypes of pathogenic Listeria spp. in a cheese factory at the La Mancha region of Spain, 43 samples were taken from incoming raw milk (cow’s, ewe’s, goat’s and mixed species) and from certain food‐contact and environmental surfaces before and/or after sanitation. Of these samples, 12 contained pathogenic Listeria. From the chromogenic agar plates corresponding to those, 46 phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C‐positive isolates were randomly taken for further analysis, including biochemical tests and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). They coincided in identifying all the 46 as Listeria ivanovii subsp. ivanovii, apparently a single PFGE type. Both ewe’s and goat’s raw milk batches from asymptomatic animals tested along the 6‐month period persistently carried the same strain, which was also obtained from inner surfaces of raw milk truck tanks and the milk dump tank at the cheese factory. Biofilm‐forming abilities of this L. ivanovii clone and interference against L. monocytogenes Scott A reference strain were tested, but failed to account for the clone’s apparent pervasive presence.     

Listeria monocytogenes septicemia in an immunocompromised dog

An 11‐year‐old, male castrated, Boston Terrier was presented to the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Emergency Service with a 2‐day history of progressive ataxia, left‐sided head tilt, and anorexia. The dog had previously been diagnosed with chronic lymphoid leukemia and suspected immune‐mediated destruction of his bone marrow precursor cells, possibly due to therapy with immunosuppressive dosages of prednisone and azathioprine. During the physical examination, abnormal findings included an increased body temperature and horizontal nystagmus. Diagnostic investigations included a computed tomography (CT) scan, which confirmed bilateral otitis media, and a blood culture, which was positive for Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b (epidemic clone 1). Upon treatment with ampicillin/sulbactam, enrofloxacin, and minocycline, the dog became normothermic and the neurologic signs improved. L monocytogenes serotype 4b (epidemic clone 1) has been associated with outbreaks of human listeriosis originating from food contamination. Although rare case reports of Listeria spp. infection in dogs exist, an actual infection with the epidemic clone 1 strain has never before been reported in a dog. It should be included in the differential diagnoses in immunocompromised dogs with clinical signs of septicemia.     

Comparative Analysis on Antibiotic Resistance Characteristics of Listeria spp. and Enterococcus spp. Isolated From Laying Hens and Eggs in Conventional and Organic Keeping Systems in Bavaria,Germany

By investigating the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Gram‐positive bacteria from organic and conventional keeping systems of laying hens, it was to be determined to what extent these properties are influenced by the different systems. For this purpose, a total of 799 cloacal swabs and 800 egg samples were examined. Prevalences for all selected bacteria from cloacal swabs were much the same for both organic and caged birds: Listeria spp. 1.3%_[org] versus 1.6%_[con]; Enterococcus spp. 95.5%_[org] versus 97.5%_[con]. Egg contents and eggshells were generally contaminated to a lesser extent, primarily with Enterococcus spp. Listeria isolates were susceptible to almost all tested antibiotics, only three Listeria innocua from conventional keepings were resistant to clindamycin; one isolate additionally to imipenem. High percentages of Enterococcus faecalis were resistant to doxycycline and macrolides. Enterococcus faecium proved to have high resistance rates to clindamycin, fosfomycin and erythromycin; 9.1% were even resistant to the reserve antibiotic synercid. Further, Enterococcus spp. showed higher resistance rates to doxycycline, erythromycin, fosfomycin and rifampicin. No glycopeptide resistant enterococci were detected. A correlation between keeping system and resistance/susceptibility rates could be demonstrated. In detail, E. faecalis from organic laying hen husbandries showed significant lower resistance prevalences to tylosin, streptomycin and doxycycline; susceptibility rates were higher for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Rifampicin and imipenem were more effective in isolates from conventional keepings (P < 0.05). The amounts of resistant isolates of the Enterococcus raffinosus from organic farms were significantly lower, the amounts of sensitive isolates were significantly higher than from conventional farms concerning eight antibiotics (P < 0.05). When comparing the susceptibility/resistance rates, as well as the mean minimum inhibitory concentrations values, the consistent tendency is that bacteria from organic layer flocks are more susceptible to antimicrobials. These results show that organic livestock farming plays a part in contributing to reduced antibiotic resistance.     

The occurrence of Salmonella,extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producing Escherichia coli and carbapenem resistant non‐fermenting Gram‐negative bacteria in a backyard poultry flock environment

Increase in the number of small‐scale backyard poultry flocks in the USA has substantially increased human‐to‐live poultry contact, leading to increased public health risks of the transmission of multi‐drug resistant (MDR) zoonotic and food‐borne bacteria. The objective of this study was to detect the occurrence of Salmonella and MDR Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) in the backyard poultry flock environment. A total of 34 backyard poultry flocks in Washington State (WA) were sampled. From each flock, one composite coop sample and three drag swabs from nest floor, waterer‐feeder, and a random site with visible faecal smearing, respectively, were collected. The samples were processed for isolation of Salmonella and other fermenting and non‐fermenting GNB under ceftiofur selection. Each isolate was identified to species level using MALDI‐TOFF and tested for resistance against 16 antibiotics belonging to eight antibiotic classes. Salmonella serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:‐ was isolated from one (3%) out of 34 flocks. Additionally, a total of 133 ceftiofur resistant (Cef^R) GNB including Escherichia coli (53), Acinetobacter spp. (45), Pseudomonas spp. (22), Achromobacter spp. (8), Bordetella trematum (1), Hafnia alvei (1), Ochrobactrum intermedium (1), Raoultella ornithinolytica (1), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1) were isolated. Of these, 110 (82%) isolates displayed MDR. Each flock was found positive for the presence of one or more Cef^R GNB. Several MDR E. coli (n = 15) were identified as extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) positive. Carbapenem resistance was detected in non‐fermenting GNB including Acinetobacter spp. (n = 20), Pseudomonas spp. (n = 11) and Stenotrophomonas maltophila (n = 1). ESBL positive E. coli and carbapenem resistant non‐fermenting GNB are widespread in the backyard poultry flock environment in WA State. These GNB are known to cause opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Better understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of these GNB in the backyard poultry flock settings is needed to identify potential risks of transmission to people in proximity.     

Prevalence and genetic characterization of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs in Iqaluit,Nunavut, Canada

There are few epidemiologic studies on the role of dogs in zoonotic parasitic transmission in the Circumpolar North. The objectives of this study were to: (a) estimate the faecal prevalence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs; (b) investigate potential associations between the type of dog population and the faecal presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.; and (c) describe the molecular characteristics of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs in Iqaluit, Nunavut. We conducted two cross‐sectional studies in July and September 2016. In July, the team collected daily faecal samples for 3 days from each of 20 sled dogs. In September, the team collected three faecal samples from each of 59 sled dogs, 111 samples from shelter dogs and 104 from community dogs. We analysed faecal samples for the presence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using rapid immunoassay and flotation techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of target genes were performed on positive faecal samples. Overall, the faecal prevalence of at least one of the target parasites, when one faecal sample was chosen at random for all dogs, was 8.16% (CI: 5.52–11.92), and for Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp., prevalence was 4.42% (CI: 2.58–7.49) and 6.12% (CI: 3.88–9.53), respectively. The odds of faecal Giardia spp. in sled dogs were significantly higher than those in shelter and community dogs (OR 10.19 [CI: 1.16–89.35]). Sequence analysis revealed that 6 faecal samples were Giardia intestinalis, zoonotic assemblage B (n = 2) and species‐specific assemblages D (n = 3) and E (n = 1), and five faecal samples were Cryptosporidium canis. Giardia intestinalis is zoonotic; however, Cryptosporidium canis is rare in humans and, when present, usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals. Dogs may be a potential source of zoonotic Giardia intestinalis assemblage B infections in residents in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada; however, the direction of transmission is unclear.     

Dissemination of Clostridium difficile spores between environment and households: Dog paws and shoes

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore‐forming bacterium that causes intestinal infections. Although C. difficile is still predominantly considered as a nosocomial pathogen, there has been an increase in the number of community‐associated infections. Since C. difficile is ubiquitous and can be isolated from nearly any environment, one of the possibilities for community acquisition could be exposure to spores in the domestic environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of C. difficile spores on shoes, slippers and on dog paws and to explore the importance of these surfaces as vectors for the dissemination of C. difficile in a domestic environment. Overall, C. difficile was present in 14 (70%) of 20 households and in 31 of 90 (34%) collected samples. Shoes and slippers had the highest positivity rates, 19 of 44 (43%) and 6 of 21 (28%), respectively, followed by dog paws 6 of 25 (24%). Thirteen C. difficilePCR ribotypes were identified with half of the isolates belonging to ribotype 014/020, which is the predominant type circulating in human population and is also commonly found in the environment (e.g. soil and water) in Slovenia. In three households, identical PCR ribotypes were found on dog paws, shoes and slippers. To understand the fine‐scale genetic relatedness of these isolates, we sequenced the genomes. Low level of single nucleotide variant (SNV) differences between isolates from the same households, consistent with a recent transmission from a common source, were seen for isolates of PCR ribotype 014/020 but not for PCR ribotype 010. Our results suggest that shoe soles and dog paws could serve for the dissemination of C. difficile spores between households and environment and could contribute to community‐relevant sources for C. difficile infection in humans.     

Evaluation of microbial contamination and effects of storage in raw meat-based dog foods purchased online

Feeding raw-meat-based diets to companion animals has become a widespread practice, and many owners are now accustomed to buying frozen ingredients online. The goals of this study were to assess the microbiological quality of raw-meat dog foods obtained from specialized websites and to evaluate the effects of storage at different temperatures for a few days. Twenty-nine raw dog food products were processed for quantitative bacteriology (i.e. total viable count, TVC; Escherichia coli; faecal coliforms, FC) and sulphite-reducing clostridia, and analysed for the presence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Clostridium difficile. Every sample was examined right after the delivery (T0), after 24 to 48 hr and after 72 hr, both at 2°C and 7°C. At T0, the mean score for the TVC was 5.9 × 10⁶ cfu/g (SD = 4.8 × 10⁷ cfu/g), while those for E. coli and FC were 1.1 × 10⁴ cfu/g (SD = 2.5 × 10⁵ cfu/g) and 3.3 × 10³ cfu/g (SD = 6.5 × 10⁴ cfu/g) respectively. The samples stored at 2°C had a significant increase of all parameters (TVC: p < .01; E. coli: p = .03; FC: p = .04) through time. Noteworthy differences between the analyses performed at 2°C and 7°C were found for TVC (p < .01), being the samples considerably more contaminated at higher temperatures. No sample tested positive for Salmonella spp., while L. monocytogenes was isolated from 19 products, Y. enterocolitica from three products and Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile from four and six products respectively. The microbiological quality of raw-meat dog foods sold online appears to be poor, carrying considerable amounts of potentially zoonotic bacteria and reaching greater levels of bacterial contaminations if not kept at proper refrigeration temperatures and fed soon after defrosting.     

Listeria keratitis in a horse

Listeria monocytogenes is ubiquitous in the environment but is rarely reported as a cause of keratitis in animals. In this case, a mare was presented with epiphora and evidence of pain in the right eye. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from a corneal lesion, and bacteria were also seen in the cytologic evaluation. This is the first reported case of ulcerative keratitis associated with L. monocytogenes in a horse.     

Listeria monocytogenes in Products of Animal Origin in Turkey

A study was carried out on 430 samples of different foodstuffs (soft cheese, raw chicken, minced beef, sausage, fish) and 400 carcase samples (sheep, young and adult cattle) for screening of Listeria monocytogenes. It was found that only one of the samples containedL. monocytogenes at >10³ cfu/ml in the initial examination, but another 42 samples containedL. monocytogenes following an enrichment process. L. monocytogenes was isolated most frequently from raw chicken samples (18%), but was not isolated from sausage samples. Forty-three isolates were defined as serotypes by using Bacto-Listeria- O-antisera Type 1 (Difco 2300-50-2) and Type 4 (Difco 2301-50-1) except that Type poly was not used. For these reasons, all isolates were classified as type 1 or type 4 and the other was termed untypeable. Twenty-one samples were type 1, 17 were untypeable, and 5 were both serotype 4 and untypeable. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Serological Survey of Veterinarians to Assess the Zoonotic Potential of Three Emerging Swine Diseases in Mexico

We conducted an immunological assay of blood samples taken from 85 swine‐specialist veterinarians attending the Congress of the Mexican Association of Swine Specialist Veterinarians in Mexico in 2011. Serum samples were assayed for Porcine rubulavirus (PorPV), Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) and Leptospira spp. antibodies. Using a hemagglutination inhibition test, we registered 2.3% and 27% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. Using viral neutralization tests, we registered 5.8% and 47% seropositivity for PorPV and EMCV, respectively. For Leptospira spp., we registered a seropositivity of 38.8%. The variables (sex, age, years of exposure, number of visited farms, biosecurity level and region) showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the seropositivity for EMCV, PorPV and Leptospira spp. except for number of visited farms on HI seropositivity for EMCV (P < 0.05; odds ratio: 1.38). The data obtained provide information on the epidemiology of emerging diseases with zoonotic potential in occupational risk groups.     

Occurrence of Listeria Species in Broilers Pre- and Post-Chilling in Chlorinated Water at Two Slaughterhouses

Loncarevic, S., W. Tham and M.-L. Danielsson-Tham: Occurrence of Listeria species in broilers pre- and post-chilling in chlorinated water at two slaughterhouses. Acta vet. scand. 1994, 35, 149-154.–Altogether 323 pooled samples of neck skins from 1615 broilers from 2 processing plants (A and B) were examined for the presence of Listeria species. The broilers were sampled pre-chilling–after leaving the final rinser but before entering the chiller with chlorinated water–and post-chilling–immediately upon leaving the chiller. Free available chlorine in the chilling water varied from 2 to 15 ppm in plant A and was about 10 ppm in plant B. Listeria monocytogenes was only isolated from broilers in plant A sampled post-chilling (58% of 62 samples). L. innocua was isolated from 19% and 39% of broilers sampled pre-chilling in plants A and B, respectively. Post-chilling, L. innocua was isolated from 3% and 6% of samples from plants A and B, respectively.     

Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from Goat Cheese Associated with a Case of Listeriosis in Goat

Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the brain of a goat, which was euthanized due to listeriosis. A few weeks later a similar subtype of L. monocytogenes was isolated from an on-farm manufactured fresh cheese which did not contain any milk from the goat which had suffered from listeriosis. A similar subtype was also found on 1 of the shelves in the refrigerator where cheeses were stored. Prior to the onset of listeriosis, 1 fresh cheese had been made of milk from the actual goat, which may have excreted L. monocytogenes in her milk. Thus, the cheese made of this milk may have contaminated the shelves in the refrigerator which then has served as a Listeria reservoir for new cheeses during several weeks.     

Meat Juice Serology and Improved Food Chain Information as Control Tools for Pork‐Related Public Health Hazards

The seroprevalence of Salmonella spp., pathogenic Yersinia spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. was studied in 1353 finishing pigs from 259 farms that were allocated according to farm types: large fattening farms (≥1000 pig places), small fattening farms (< 1000 pig places) and farrow‐to‐finish farms. The antibodies were analysed with commercial ELISA kits in meat juice samples that were collected at Finnish slaughterhouses. Salmonella antibodies were rare (3% of pigs, 14% of farms) when the cut‐off optical density (OD) value 0.2 was used. Antibodies to pathogenic Yersinia spp. and T. gondii were detected in 57% of pigs and 85% of farms (OD ≥0.3) and in 3% of pigs and 9% of farms (OD ≥0.15), respectively. No antibodies to Trichinella spp. were detected (OD ≥0.3). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, T. gondii and Trichinella spp. as the most relevant biological hazards in the context of meat inspection of pigs. The seroprevalence of these important zoonotic pathogens was low in Finland, except that of Yersinia. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma was significantly higher in pigs originating from small‐scale fattening farms (P < 0.05). Strong positive correlation was observed at the animal level between Salmonella and Yersinia seropositivity and between Salmonella and Toxoplasma seropositivity (P < 0.05). We suggest that these results reflect the level and importance of biosecurity measures applied on the farms. Meat juice serology at slaughter is a useful tool for targeting measures to control these pathogens. The information obtained from analyses should be used as part of the food chain information (FCI).     

Wedge and Eggbar Shoes Change the Pressure Distribution Under the Hoof of the Forelimb in the Square Standing Horse

The shoe types most commonly applied to horses with navicular disease or other forms of palmar heel pain are shoes with heel wedges and eggbar shoes, although their efficacy has been a matter of debate among veterinarians and farriers for centuries. To quantify the effect of these different types of “navicular” shoeing on static hoof pressure distribution, 6 warmblood horses were shod with 6° wedge, eggbar, and plain shoes. While standing square with weight evenly distributed across both forelimbs, the center of pressure and pressures at selected areas of interest (AOI: toe, medial and lateral toe, medial and lateral heel) were measured using a Footscan (RsScan International, Belgium) pressure plate in a Latin square design using the plain shoe as a reference.Wedge shoes did not provide a significant shift in the center of pressure. The application of eggbar shoes did not alter the relative position of the center of pressure under the hoof. However, the absolute distance from the toe to the center of pressure was significantly larger with eggbar shoes (77 + 12 mm) compared with plain and wedged shoes (70 ± 8 mm, P < .05) resulting in an absolute, caudal shift of the center of pressure. When pressure (N/cm²) values at the five AOIs were averaged for each shoe type, the wedge and eggbar shoe recordings showed a significantly lower mean pressure than plain shoes (P < .05).In conclusion, mean AOI pressures decreased with wedge and eggbar shoes, and eggbar shoes provided a caudal shift in the center of pressure. These effects are believed to decrease the moment of the coffin joint and reduce the pressure on the navicular bone. Thus, the findings of this study might contribute to the scientific evidence of efficacy of the use of wedge and eggbar shoes in “navicular” lame horses.