How do pig farms maintain low Salmonella prevalence: a case-control study

AbstractSalmonella prevalence in UK pigs is amongst the highest in Europe, highlighting the need to investigate pig farms which have managed to maintain a low Salmonella seroprevalence. A total of 19 pig farms that had a consistently low (<10%) seroprevalence over 4 years (named Platinum farms) were compared against 38 randomly selected Control farms, chosen to match the same distribution of production types and geographical distribution of the Platinum farms. Each farm was visited and floor faeces and environmental samples were collected. It was shown that Control farms had a significantly higher median percentage of pooled faecal samples positive for Salmonella compared with the Platinum farms (12.1% and 0.4% for pooled faecal samples, respectively) and were more likely to have serovars of public health importance detected (S. Typhimurium/ monophasic variants or S. Enteritidis). Considering the comprehensive on-farm sampling, the identification of farms negative for Salmonella, along with the identification of those that had maintained low prevalence over a long period is important. The risk factor analyses identified pelleted feed, feed deliveries crossing farm perimeter and regular antibiotic use as associated with being a Control farm. Performance data indicated that Platinum farms were performing better for slaughter live weight than Controls. Limited assessments of available pig movement records suggested that the source of pigs was not key to Platinum status, but further study would be needed to confirm this finding. These results emphasise that maintaining very low prevalence on UK farms is achievable.

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Farm-level risk factors for fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli and thermophilic Campylobacter spp. on finisher pig farms

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268808001854 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 137 (8) ◽

pp. 1121-1134 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

N. M. TAYLOR ◽

F. A. CLIFTON-HADLEY ◽

A. D. WALES ◽

A. RIDLEY ◽

R. H. DAVIES

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Fluoroquinolone Resistance ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

E Coli ◽

Thermophilic Campylobacter ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Pig Farms ◽

Increase Risk ◽

History Of ◽

On Farm

SUMMARYLogistic regression, supported by other statistical analyses was used to explore the possible association of risk factors with the fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistance status of 108 pig finisher farms in Great Britain. The farms were classified as ‘affected’ or ‘not affected’ by FQ-resistant E. coli or Campylobacter spp. on the basis of isolation of organisms from faecal samples on media containing 1 mg/l FQ. The use of FQ was the most important factor associated with finding resistant E. coli and/or Campylobacter, which were found on 79% (FQ-resistant E. coli) and 86% (FQ-resistant Campylobacter) of farms with a history of FQ use. However, resistant bacteria were also found on 19% (FQ-resistant E. coli) and 54% (FQ-resistant Campylobacter) of farms with no history of FQ use. For FQ-resistant E. coli, biosecurity measures may be protective and there was strong seasonal variation, with more farms found affected when sampled in the summer. For FQ-resistant Campylobacter, the buying-in of grower stock may increase risk and good on-farm hygiene may be protective. The findings suggest that resistant organisms, particularly Campylobacter, may spread between pig farms.

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Anti-annexin A5, Antiphosphatidylinositol Antibodies and Haematological Parameters in Preeclampsia Patients: A Case-Control Study

Current Women s Health Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573404816999200826115656 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Author(s):

Wan Haslindawani Wan Mahmood ◽

Md Asiful Islam ◽

Mimi Azreen Abdullah ◽

Noor Haslina Mohd Noor ◽

Indhira Subbiah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Control Study ◽

Case Control ◽

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time ◽

Haematological Parameters ◽

Annexin A5 ◽

Glycoprotein I ◽

Mild Preeclampsia ◽

Routine Assay ◽

Low Prevalence ◽

Control Study

Background: Prevalence and the risk of common antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) such as lupus anticoagulant (LA), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) antibodies in preeclampsia is a matter of debate. Recently, interests have expanded in evaluating the risks of presenting non-classic aPLs in preeclampsia patients. Objective: The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate some haematological parameters besides assessing the presence of anti-annexin A5 and antiphosphatidylinositol (aPI) antibodies in preeclampsia patients compared to nonpreeclampsia subjects. Methods: From two hospitals in Malaysia, a total of 84 subjects were recruited in this case-control study including 42 preeclampsia and 42 age-matched non-preeclampsia subjects. Some haematological parameters [i.e., haemoglobin, total white blood cell, platelet, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)] were assessed besides screening for anti-annexin A5 and aPI antibodies. Results: Among the haematological parameters, APTT was significantly high in mild preeclampsia when compared to severe preeclampsia subjects (p=0.007). IgG anti-annexin A5 antibody was detected in a single preeclampsia subject only (2.4%) and none in non-preeclampsia subjects. Conclusion: Because of the low prevalence, non-classic aPLs should not be considered as a risk factor in developing preeclampsia and not justifiable to consider as a routine assay in pregnant women.

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Exploring Farmers’ Reasons for Antibiotic Use and Misuse in Pig Farms in Brazil

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics10030331 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 331

Author(s):

Rita Albernaz-Gonçalves ◽

Gabriela Olmos ◽

Maria José Hötzel

Keyword(s):

Social Factors ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Foreign Markets ◽

Treatment Length ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

Prevention And Treatment ◽

Pig Farms ◽

Unrestricted Access ◽

And Behavior

Stressful management that makes farmed pigs susceptible to infections is associated with high antibiotic use (AMU) and resistance (AMR). Pig farmers are key stakeholders to support the international agenda pushing AMU restrictions. We interviewed 58 pig farmers on AMU/AMR, biosecurity, veterinary assistance, disease prevention and treatment, aiming to understand practices and attitudes towards the AMU/AMR problem. Farmers described a reliance on antibiotics to prevent and treat disease while neglecting biosecurity measures. We identified inappropriate AMU practices (high use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, incorrect dosage or treatment length) and unrestricted access to antibiotics, which encouraged imprudent AMU. Nevertheless, most farmers considered this AMU legitimate to guarantee herd productivity and showed unpreparedness and resistance to changing AMU practices, perceiving limitations (economic, sanitary and inspection) more easily than alternatives to reduce AMU. Agro-industries and foreign markets were mentioned, and internal consumers dismissed as potential motivators for behavioral changes. Importantly, farmers’ economic, technical and social factors may limit their autonomy to change practices. We conclude that the observed distancing of pig farmers from the AMU/AMR problem limits the efficiency of policies aiming for a prudent AMU. Our study indicates a need for education, training and behavior change nudging that should include other stakeholders beyond farmers.

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First molecular detection of hepatitis E virus genome in camel and pig faecal samples in Ethiopia

Virology Journal ◽

10.1186/s12985-021-01626-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Fufa Dawo Bari ◽

Haimanot Belete Wodaje ◽

Umer Said ◽

Hika Waktole ◽

Melaku Sombo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Human Infection ◽

Health Concern ◽

Universal Primers ◽

Viral Gene ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Faecal Samples

Abstract Background Hepatitis E is an enteric and zoonotic disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) that is mainly transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated food or the environment. The virus is an emerging infectious agent causing acute human infection worldwide. A high seroprevalence of the disease was reported in pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raising significant public health concern. The presence of HEV specific antibodies were also reported in dromedary camels in the country; however, the infectious virus and/or the viral genome have not been demonstrated to date in animal samples. Methods To address this gap, a total of 95 faecal samples collected from both apparently healthy pigs of uncharacterised types (50 samples) in Burayu and Addis Ababa areas and camels (Camelus dromedarius, 45 samples) in west Hararghe were screened for the presence of HEV genome using universal primers in a fully nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The protocol is capable of detecting HEV in faecal samples from both pigs and camels. Results The nRT-PCR detected HEV genes in six (12%) pig faecal samples and one camel sample (2.2%). Therefore, the results indicate that HEV is circulating in both pigs and camels in Ethiopia and these animals and their products could serve as a potential source of infection for humans. Conclusion The detection of HEV in both animals could raise another concern regarding its public health importance as both animals’ meat and camel milk are consumed in the country. Further studies to determine the prevalence and distribution of the virus in different animals and their products, water bodies, food chain, and vegetables are warranted, along with viral gene sequencing for detailed genetic characterisation of the isolates circulating in the country. This information is critically important to design and institute appropriate control and/or preventive measures.

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Longitudinal study describing time to Salmonella seroconversion in piglets on three farrow-to-finish farms

Veterinary Record Open ◽

10.1136/vetreco-2018-000287 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. e000287 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Cevallos-Almeida ◽

Christelle Fablet ◽

Catherine Houdayer ◽

Virginie Dorenlor ◽

Florent Eono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Individual Factors ◽

Serological Response ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Serological Status ◽

Pig Farms ◽

Human Salmonellosis ◽

On Farm ◽

The Relationship

BackgroundPigs are frequently colonised with Salmonella enterica, and this constitutes a major risk for human salmonellosis. The infection can be assessed by the serological response of pigs to S enterica. A longitudinal study was undertaken on-farm to correctly describe this serological response and investigate factors associated with age at Salmonella seroconversion.MethodsThree pig farms and in each farm three successive batches were considered. Per batch, 40 piglets were selected at random from 10 sows (four piglets per sow). Blood was sampled from sows one week after farrowing and from piglets at weeks 1, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 and at the slaughterhouse. Salmonella antibodies were detected in serum using a commercial ELISA test. Factors related to farm characteristics, batch management system, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome infection, and sows’ Salmonella serological status were recorded to assess their effect on age at seroconversion.ResultsAt week 1 after farrowing, 96.5 per cent of the sows had antibodies against Salmonella. The serological results of piglets at weeks 1 and 6 only were positively correlated with those of the sows. The average age at Salmonella seroconversion was 137±2.2 days (confidence interval at 95 per cent). The first seroconversions occurred from weeks 10 to 14, but most of the pigs (54.6 per cent) were seropositive at the end of the fattening period, with variations between farms and batches (28.9–75.7 per cent). Herd/farm was significantly associated with age at seroconversion.ConclusionThis longitudinal study allowed the authors to follow precisely the evolution of Salmonella seroconversion from maternity to slaughterhouse and confirm the relationship between the seroconversion of sows and serology of their piglets. Moreover, factors related to farm practices and management as a whole are more influential than individual factors (at the pig level) on age at Salmonella seroconversion.

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Population-level analysis of antibiotic use and death rates in beef feedlots over ten years in three cattle-feeding regions of the United States

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ◽

10.2460/javma.20.10.0560 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Stephanie C. Rutten-Ramos ◽

Shabbir Simjee ◽

Michelle S. Calvo-Lorenzo ◽

Jason L. Bargen

Keyword(s):

Death Rate ◽

Live Weight ◽

Population Level ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

The United States ◽

Death Rates ◽

Cattle Feeding ◽

The Us ◽

Rate Ratios ◽

Beef Feedlots

Abstract OBJECTIVE To assess antibiotic use and other factors associated with death rates in beef feedlots in 3 regions of the US over a 10-year period. SAMPLE Data for 186,297 lots (groups) of finished cattle marketed between 2010 and 2019 were obtained from a database representing feedlots in the central, high, and north plains of the US. PROCEDURES Descriptive statistics were generated. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate lot death rates for each region, sex (steer or heifer), and cattle origin (Mexico or the US) combination. Death rate was calculated as the (number of deaths/number of cattle placed in the lot) × 100. Lot antibiotic use (TotalActiveMG/KGOut) was calculated as the total milligrams of active antibiotics assigned to the lot per live weight (in kilograms) of cattle marketed from the lot. Rate ratios were calculated to evaluate the respective associations between lot death rate and characteristics of cattle and antibiotic use. RESULTS Mean death rate increased during the 10-year period, peaking in 2018. Mean number of days on feed also increased over time. Mean TotalActiveMG/KGOut was greatest in 2014 and 2015, lowest in 2017, and moderated in 2018 and 2019. Death rate was positively associated with the number of days on feed and had a nonlinear association with TotalActiveMG/KGOut. Feeding medicated feed articles mitigated death rate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested a balance between disease prevention and control in feedlots for cattle with various risk profiles. Additional data sources are needed to assess TotalActiveMG/KGOut across the cattle lifetime.

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The In-Feed Antibiotic Carbadox Induces Phage Gene Transcription in the Swine Gut Microbiome

mBio ◽

10.1128/mbio.00709-17 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Timothy A. Johnson ◽

Torey Looft ◽

Andrew J. Severin ◽

Darrell O. Bayles ◽

Daniel J. Nasko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Antibiotic Resistance ◽

Genetic Material ◽

Clinical Importance ◽

Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Human Medicine ◽

Phage Dna ◽

Pig Farms ◽

Collateral Effects

ABSTRACT Carbadox is a quinoxaline-di-N-oxide antibiotic fed to over 40% of young pigs in the United States that has been shown to induce phage DNA transduction in vitro; however, the effects of carbadox on swine microbiome functions are poorly understood. We investigated the in vivo longitudinal effects of carbadox on swine gut microbial gene expression (fecal metatranscriptome) and phage population dynamics (fecal dsDNA viromes). Microbial metagenome, transcriptome, and virome sequences were annotated for taxonomic inference and gene function by using FIGfam (isofunctional homolog sequences) and SEED subsystems databases. When the beta diversities of microbial FIGfam annotations were compared, the control and carbadox communities were distinct 2 days after carbadox introduction. This effect was driven by carbadox-associated lower expression of FIGfams (n = 66) related to microbial respiration, carbohydrate utilization, and RNA metabolism (q < 0.1), suggesting bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects within certain populations. Interestingly, carbadox treatment caused greater expression of FIGfams related to all stages of the phage lytic cycle 2 days following the introduction of carbadox (q ≤0.07), suggesting the carbadox-mediated induction of prophages and phage DNA recombination. These effects were diminished by 7 days of continuous carbadox in the feed, suggesting an acute impact. Additionally, the viromes included a few genes that encoded resistance to tetracycline, aminoglycoside, and beta-lactam antibiotics but these did not change in frequency over time or with treatment. The results show decreased bacterial growth and metabolism, prophage induction, and potential transduction of bacterial fitness genes in swine gut bacterial communities as a result of carbadox administration. IMPORTANCE FDA regulations on agricultural antibiotic use have focused on antibiotics that are important for human medicine. Carbadox is an antibiotic not used in humans but frequently used on U.S. pig farms. It is important to study possible side effects of carbadox use because it has been shown to promote bacterial evolution, which could indirectly impact antibiotic resistance in bacteria of clinical importance. Interestingly, the present study shows greater prophage gene expression in feces from carbadox-fed animals than in feces from nonmedicated animals 2 days after the initiation of in-feed carbadox treatment. Importantly, the phage genetic material isolated in this study contained genes that could provide resistance to antibiotics that are important in human medicine, indicating that human-relevant antibiotic resistance genes are mobile between bacteria via phages. This study highlights the collateral effects of antibiotics and demonstrates the need to consider diverse antibiotic effects whenever antibiotics are being used or new regulations are considered. FDA regulations on agricultural antibiotic use have focused on antibiotics that are important for human medicine. Carbadox is an antibiotic not used in humans but frequently used on U.S. pig farms. It is important to study possible side effects of carbadox use because it has been shown to promote bacterial evolution, which could indirectly impact antibiotic resistance in bacteria of clinical importance. Interestingly, the present study shows greater prophage gene expression in feces from carbadox-fed animals than in feces from nonmedicated animals 2 days after the initiation of in-feed carbadox treatment. Importantly, the phage genetic material isolated in this study contained genes that could provide resistance to antibiotics that are important in human medicine, indicating that human-relevant antibiotic resistance genes are mobile between bacteria via phages. This study highlights the collateral effects of antibiotics and demonstrates the need to consider diverse antibiotic effects whenever antibiotics are being used or new regulations are considered.

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Milk productivity of ﬁrst-calf cows depending on the intensity of their breeding

Siberian Herald of Agricultural Science ◽

10.26898/0370-8799-2021-6-9 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 51 (6) ◽

pp. 77-83

Author(s):

L. L. Petrukhina

Keyword(s):

Growth Rate ◽

Milk Production ◽

Live Weight ◽

Milk Productivity ◽

Statistical Research ◽

Black And White ◽

Irkutsk Region ◽

Significant Difference ◽

On Farm ◽

Analytical Variation

The paper presents the results of studies of milk productivity of black-and-white cows depending on the age of the ﬁrst insemination and live weight at the ﬁrst calving in the conditions of the Irkutsk region. The dynamics of heifer rearing by year, milk productivity of cows in the 1st and 3rd lactations depending on the intensity of their development has been studied. The experiment was conducted on farm materials from the Irkutsk Region using generally accepted zootechnical, analytical, variation and statistical research methods from 2016 to 2020. Live weight of heifers at all ages met the requirements of the elite and elite-record classes. Analysis of the data showed that the growth rate of the animals increased during 5 years (6.0%, 6.8, 2.3 and 4.8% respectively with a signiﬁcant diﬀerence p ≥ 0.90). With the increased intensity of heifer rearing, an increase in milk yield over 305 days of the ﬁrst lactation was observed. The highest milk production was noted in the 1st (5309-5476 kg) and 3rd (5418-5817 kg) lactations in cows with the ﬁrst fruitful insemination at 13-14 months. The lowest 1st and 3rd lactation yields are obtained from cows inseminated at 20 months of age or older. Higher milk production in the ﬁrst and third lactations was obtained from cows with a live weight at ﬁrst calving of 541-550 kg, 551 kg and higher (5197-5164, 5436-5545 kg respectively). Less milk production was obtained from cows with a live weight at ﬁrst calving of up to 500 kg (4567-5122, 4943-5009 kg). The results obtained make it possible to reveal the inﬂuence of the intensity of rearing heifers on the productive qualities of cows.

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The quality of pork when included in the diet of the drug Permaite

Kormlenie sel'skohozjajstvennyh zhivotnyh i kormoproizvodstvo (Feeding of agricultural animals and feed production) ◽

10.33920/sel-05-2105-01 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 3-11

Author(s):

N. I. Kulmakova ◽

L. B. Leontiev

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Silicon Oxide ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Live Weight ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Potassium Oxide ◽

Control Group ◽

Chuvash Republic ◽

On Farm

It is well known that the growth rate of an animal depends on the level of feeding. However, the diets used in farms do not always meet the body’s needs for biologically active substances. In recent years numerous studies have been conducted to study the eff ect of natural and synthetic complex biologically active drugs on the productivity, metabolism of pigs and the quality of the products obtained. The imbalance or lack of certain nutrients in the diet reduces the productivity of animals, reduces the conversion of feed. The purpose of our research was to study the effect of the drug Permaite included in the diet of pigs on some indicators of the quality and safety of pork. Permaite is a standardized zeolite-containing trepel of the Chuvash Republic. Its chemical composition is (%): silicon oxide – 64,39, iron oxide – 3,25. aluminum oxide – 8,42, titanium oxide – 0,45, calcium oxide – 7,74, calcium carbonate – 14,7, magnesium oxide – 1,71, potassium oxide – 1,81, sodium oxide – 0,03, phosphorus pentoxide – 0,20 and other impurities – 11,9. Experimental studies have been conducted on 2 groups of pigs on rearing and subsequent fattening. Pigs of the experimental group have been received the main diet with the inclusion of the drug Permaite at a dose of 3 % to the dry matter of the main diet in the form of a fraction of 0,1–0,3 mm. The drug has been prescribed once a day in a mixture with compound feed for 60 days. The control group of pigs during this period was on farm diet without the inclusion of the drug. Upon reaching the live weight of 100–110 kg the pigs have been sent for slaughter. The results of the research allow us to conclude that the inclusion of the drug Permaite in the dose of 3 % to the dry matter of the main diet provides the increase in the nutritional, biological, energy value, technological properties and safety of pork.

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