Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals: a review

The objectives of this paper are to review published data on the prevalence and epidemiology of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and colonization in animals and to provide suggestions for preventing and controlling the problem in veterinary practice. MRSA first emerged as a serious pathogen in human medicine during the late 1970s and has been increasingly reported in animals during the past 10 years. The prevalence of MRSA in human infections varies markedly between geographical areas, being as high as 60% in parts of the USA, 40% in southern Europe but <1% in northern Europe. Epidemiological evidence, including phenotypic and molecular typing data, suggests that MRSA isolates from dogs and cats are indistinguishable from human healthcare isolates, whereas strains of MRSA isolated from horses and associated personnel are different. There is evidence that transfer of MRSA strains can occur between animals and humans and vice versa. Guidelines for the control of MRSA in animals have been drawn up by individual institutions based on those available for human MRSA infection. Risk factors for MRSA infection in animals are currently under investigation and such data are essential for the preparation of specific guidelines for control of MRSA in veterinary practice.     

The preliminary studies on protein profile in retained and not retained foetal membranes in heavy draft mares

Protein profile of the placenta expresses its function and maintenance. Any alterations can be reflected in qualitative and quantitative changes in this profile. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of protein profile in the placenta of mares suffering from the retention of foetal membranes (FMR) by two separation methods and the comparison with physiologically released tissues. Placentas from 14 healthy, heavy draft mares were collected immediately after the expulsion of newborn. Tissues after homogenization and staining with fluorescent dyes were subjected to electrophoretic as well as chromatographic separation. Electrophoretic gels were statistically analysed for the presence and abundance of examined proteins, while some proteins were identified in chromatographic fractions. Out of 248 spots detected in endometrium, 38 differed significantly between FMR and control animals, while in allantochorion, respective values reached 241 and 27 spots (p < .05). Among identified proteins that expressed higher abundance in endometrium of FMR mares than control animals were prostaglandin reductase, dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family, and placental growth factor. These proteins are involved in regulation of parturition. Additionally, the following proteins responsible for physiological activity of a cell—guanine methyl transferase, aspartyl/asparaginyl beta‐hydroxylase and GTP‐binding protein, were identified. These proteins expressed higher abundance in allantochorion of FMR mares than in controls. This preliminary study confirmed the disturbances in protein pattern between foetal membranes in FMR and healthy mares. Further qualitative and quantitative experiments are necessary to deepen our knowledge on the mechanisms of the retention of foetal membranes in mares.     

Human case of bubonic plague resulting from the bite of a wild Gunnison's prairie dog during translocation from a plague‐endemic area

Plague is a zoonotic disease (transmitted mainly by fleas and maintained in nature by rodents) that causes severe acute illness in humans. We present a human plague case who became infected by the bite of a wild Gunnison's prairie dog, and a good practical example of the One Health approach that resulted in a rapid public health response. The exposure occurred while the animal was being transported for relocation to a wildlife refuge after being trapped in a plague enzootic area. This is the first report of a human plague case resulting from the bite of a Gunnison's prairie dog. Additionally, we present an observation of a longer incubation period for plague in captive prairie dogs, leading to a recommendation for a longer quarantine period for prairie dogs during translocation efforts.     

Forest property rights in the frame of public policies and societal change

Property rights over natural resources became a distinct area of inquiry in environmental economics and policy in the last decades, but their role has not yet been investigated thoroughly. Transition countries represent an excellent material of analysis of various policies and institutional developments concerning the regime of use and management of natural resources. The processes of societal transformation had deep impacts on the forestry sector, entailing land reforms and subsequent changes to its institutional and organisational framework. This paper presents an analysis of the reciprocal relationship between the evolving forest property rights and the conduct of policy and economic actors, in connection with their outcomes. The theoretical framework consists of institutional economics, whose core concept is that patterns of interaction between institutions and actors produce physical outcomes, assessable by criteria such as equity and efficiency. The study concentrated on three distinct periods and the applicable property regimes. Within this framework, the impacts of the characteristics of property regimes and the general framework of socio-economic conditions on the exercise of property rights were analysed. The analysis of the conduct of forest owners in relation to the institutional design was completed by the analysis of the other actors influential for land reforms. Romanian forestry sector, in evolution from the period shortly before World War II to present, represents the case of the study. Research data were collected by interviewing/questioning, participant observation and literature review. They were analysed through an integrated method of content analysis and a matrix analysis. An important conclusion is that not only the regime of forest property is determinant for the outcomes of resource use and management, but also the general settings in which they are embedded. Another essential point is that land reforms driven by either efficiency or equity rationales are not mere diversions of the benefit stream, but complex processes with serious implications for the status of the resource at stake.     

Self-Established Black Wattle Populations in Rwanda: Implications for Nature Conservation

Based on empirical evidence from a vegetation survey, this paper investigates the occurrence of self-established populations of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) in various environmental contexts and identifies areas where this species could be allowed to grow as a useful plant. The frequency of occurrence of self-established black wattle was found to be comparatively high above 1600 m of altitude. Three agro-ecological zones of Rwanda (Congo Nile Crest, Non-volcanic Highlands and Central Plateau) account for 70 % of the occurrence, most of which are inside tree plantations and woodlots and natural forests. In areas of most concern to black wattle invasion (especially in proximity of natural ecosystems), the following policy approach should be considered: eradication of current occurrences and a ban on the cultivation of this species. Elsewhere, control through utilization by local communities and adaptive management in areas least vulnerable to its invasion could suffice to keep this species under check.