Abstract
The use of slurry as a fertilizer on grassland efficiently spreads infectious agents. Among those using the fecal– oral way of transmission, Mycobacterium avium subsp. Para tuberculosis (MAP) represents an interesting pathogen model to be studied in slurry management systems. In order to fulfill the requirements of a practical control implementation, we aimed to investigate the effect of natural zeolite on MAP viability and concentration in dairy cattle naturally contaminated slurry. MAP viability and number in dairy cattle slurry following a physical separation treatment was estimated. A randomized block design constituted by four separation phases of treated slurry (solid supernatant, liquid supernatant, zeolite with slurry, liquid residue) plus one control (not filtered) was used. To assess MAP detection, each obtained sample was evaluated by culture sampling along with MAP quantification. Zeolite+slurry treatment showed the lowest number of viable MAP. The zeolite-based treatments reduced significantly the survival of MAP in treated slurry. The results suggest that zeolite treatments using the zeolite filter may be an interesting alternative of MAP control in slurry. The use of zeolite treatments to control MAP, and maybe other pathogens too, seems promising, however further research is needed to understand and clarify the mechanisms that explain these results in detail.
Highlights
Intensification of the dairy industry in Chile has resulted in fewer and larger herds
The results suggest that zeolite treatments using the zeolite filter may be an interesting alternative of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) control in slurry
Escherichia coli O157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia spp., are the most common zoonotic pathogens found in cattle slurry [3]
Summary
Intensification of the dairy industry in Chile has resulted in fewer and larger herds. This creates challenges regarding the management of large volumes of dairy cattle slurry. The high content of organic matter and nutrients make slurry useful as a fertilizer [1]. Slurry harbors microbial pathogens making it a potential health risk for both animals and humans [2]. Paratuberculosis (MAP), Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia spp., are the most common zoonotic pathogens found in cattle slurry [3]. Some of these pathogens occur with a high infection rate as is the case of MAP, which, in southern Chile, the prevalence has been estimated as being high [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
