Backyard Farms Research Articles

An antimicrobial resistance gene situationer in the backyard swine industry of a Philippine City

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a result of antimicrobial overuse and misuse in agriculture is a growing concern, especially in the predominant but poorly regulated backyard or smallholder swine farms of the Philippines. A city-scale surveillance of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was conducted through selected backyard swine farms to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the AMR situation in the backyard sector of Davao City, Philippines. The ARGs encoding resistance to four antimicrobial classes (β-lactams: blaCTX−M, blaOXA, blaSHV, blaTEM, mecA; quinolones: qnrS and qnr-A2; macrolides: ermA and ermB; tetracycline: tetM) were quantified in swine feces via real-time PCR, and point maps were generated to visualize the ARG geographic distribution. The ARGs bla-TEM, ermB, qnrS, and tetM were detected in all farms at relatively intermediate to high levels, consistently representing the four most used antimicrobial classes in Philippine farms. All the investigated ARGs were present in some local barangay units, indicating potential emergence of AMR hotspots. A 0.5 quantile regression analysis identified specific backyard farm attributes associated with ARG occurrence and diversity, which may influence the ecological spread of the ARGs. These findings provide support for evidence-based guidelines to reinforce a One Health framework for the Philippine National Action Plan to Combat AMR.

Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and genomic comparison of non-typhoidal salmonella isolated from pig farms with different levels of intensification in Yangon Region, Myanmar

In Myanmar, where backyard, semi-intensive, and intensive pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) farming coexist, there is limited understanding of the zoonotic risks and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated with these farming practices. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence, AMR and genomic features of Salmonella in pig farms in the Yangon region and the impact of farm intensification to provide evidence to support risk-based future management approaches. Twenty-three farms with different production scales were sampled for two periods with three sampling-visit each. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and whole-genome sequencing were performed on the isolates. The prevalence of Salmonella was 44.5% in samples collected from backyard farms, followed by intensive (39.5%) and semi-intensive farms (19.5%). The prevalence of multi-drug resistant isolates from intensive farms (45/84, 53.6%) was higher than those from backyard (32/171, 18.7%) and semi-intensive farms (25/161, 15.5%). Among 28 different serovars identified, S. Weltevreden (40; 14.5%), S. Kentucky (38; 13.8%), S. Stanley (35, 12.7%), S. Typhimurium (22; 8.0%) and S. Brancaster (20; 7.3%) were the most prevalent serovars and accounted for 56.3% of the genome sequenced strains. The diversity of Salmonella serovars was highest in semi-intensive and backyard farms (21 and 19 different serovars, respectively). The high prevalence of globally emerging S. Kentucky ST198 was detected on backyard farms. The invasive-infection linked typhoid-toxin gene (cdtB) was found in the backyard farm isolated S. Typhimurium, relatively enriched in virulence and AMR genes, presented an important target for future surveillance. While intensification, in terms of semi-intensive versus backyard production, maybe a mitigator for zoonotic risk through a lower prevalence of Salmonella, intensive production appears to enhance AMR-associated risks. Therefore, it remains crucial to closely monitor the AMR and virulence potential of this pathogen at all scales of production. The results underscored the complex relationship between intensification of animal production and the prevalence, diversity and AMR of Salmonella from pig farms in Myanmar.

Unveiling the presence and genotypic diversity of Giardia duodenalis on large-scale sheep farms: insights from the Henan and Ningxia Regions, China

BackgroundThe parasitic protozoan Giardia duodenalis is an important cause of diarrheal disease in humans and animals that can be spread by fecal–oral transmission through water and the environment, posing a challenge to public health and animal husbandry. Little is known about its impact on large-scale sheep farms in China. In this study we investigated G. duodenalis infection of sheep and contamination of the environment in large-scale sheep farms in two regions of China, Henan and Ningxia.MethodsA total of 528 fecal samples, 402 environmental samples and 30 water samples were collected from seven large-scale sheep farms, and 88 fecal samples and 13 environmental samples were collected from 12 backyard farms. The presence of G. duodenalis was detected by targeting the β-giardin (bg) gene, and the assemblage and multilocus genotype of G. duodenalis were investigated by analyzing three genes: bg, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triphosphate isomerase (tpi).ResultsThe overall G. duodenalis detection rate was 7.8%, 1.4% and 23.3% in fecal, environmental and water samples, respectively. On the large-scale sheep farms tested, the infection rate of sheep in Henan (13.8%) was found to be significantly higher than that of sheep in Ningxia (4.2%) (P < 0.05). However, the difference between the rates of environmental pollution in Henan (1.9%) and Ningxia (1.0%) was not significant (P > 0.05). Investigations of sheep at different physiological stages revealed that late pregnancy ewes showed the lowest infection rate (1.7%) and that young lambs exhibited the highest (18.8%). Genetic analysis identified G. duodenalis belonging to two assemblages, A and E, with assemblage E being dominant. A total of 27 multilocus genotypes were identified for members of assemblage E.ConclusionsThe results suggest that G. duodenalis is prevalent on large-scale sheep farms in Henan and Ningxia, China, and that there is a risk of environmental contamination. This study is the first comprehensive examination of the presence of G. duodenalis on large-scale sheep farms in China. Challenges posed by G. duodenalis to sheep farms need to be addressed proactively to ensure public health safety.Graphical

Fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter in backyard and commercial broiler production systems in the United States.

Campylobacter spp. are one of the leading foodborne pathogens in the world, and chickens are a known reservoir. This is significant considering broiler chicken is the top consumed meat worldwide. In the USA, backyard poultry production is increasing, but little research has been done to investigate prevalence and antimicrobial resistance associated with Campylobacter in these environments. Our study encompasses a farm-to-genome approach to identify Campylobacter and investigate its antimicrobial resistance phenotypically and genotypically. We travelled to 10 backyard and 10 integrated commercial broiler farms to follow a flock throughout production. We sampled at days 10, 31 and 52 for backyard and 10, 24 and 38 for commercial farms. Bird faecal (n = 10) and various environmental samples (soil n = 5, litter/compost n = 5, and feeder and waterer swabs n = 6) were collected at each visit and processed for Campylobacter. Our results show a higher prevalence of Campylobacter in samples from backyard farms (21.9%) compared to commercial (12.2%). Most of our isolates were identified as C. jejuni (70.8%) and the remainder as C. coli (29.2%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing reveals phenotypic resistance to ciprofloxacin (40.2%), an important treatment drug for Campylobacter infection, and tetracycline (46.6%). A higher proportion of resistance was found in C. jejuni isolates and commercial farms. Whole-genome sequencing revealed resistance genes, such as tet(O) and gyrA_T86I point mutation, that may confer resistance. Overall, our research emphasizes the need for interventions to curb prevalence of resistant Campylobacter spp. on broiler production systems.

African Swine Fever in the Philippines: A Review on Surveillance, Prevention, and Control Strategies.

African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious disease of swine, has posed a significant global threat to the swine industry. As an archipelago, the Philippines has a geographic advantage when it comes to the risk of ASF transmission. However, since its introduction to the Philippines in 2019, it has proliferated not only in backyard and commercial farms but also in wild pig populations. While certain parts of the country were more affected than others, the epidemiologic features of ASF necessitate that all affected areas must be closely monitored and that confirmed cases be treated with the utmost care. With the very limited data on ASF epidemiology and surveillance in the Philippines, future efforts to combat ASF must place even greater emphasis on improved prevention and control strategies. It is worth mentioning that the government's efforts toward comprehensive ASF surveillance and epidemiological investigation into the possible ASFV sources or transmission pathways are the most important measures in the prevention and control of ASF outbreaks. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current swine industry and ASF situation in the Philippines, which includes its epidemiology, surveillance, prevention, and control strategies.

Campylobacter occurrence and antimicrobial resistance profile in under five-year-old diarrheal children, backyard farm animals, and companion pets.

Campylobacteriosis disproportionately affects children under five in low-income countries. However, epidemiological and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) information at the children-animal interface is lacking. We hypothesized that Campylobacter is a major cause of enteritis in children in Ethiopia, and contact with animals is a potential source of transmission. The objective of the study was to determine Campylobacter occurrence and its AMR in children under five with diarrhea, backyard farm animals, and companion pets. Stool from 303 children and feces from 711 animals were sampled. Campylobacter was isolated through membrane filtration on modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar plates under microaerobic incubation, and the technique showed to be feasible for use in regions lacking organized laboratories. Typical isolates were characterized with MALDI-TOF MS and multiplex PCR. Of 303 children, 20% (n = 59) were infected, with a higher proportion in the 6 to 11-month age group. Campylobacter occurred in 64% (n = 14) of dogs and 44% (n = 112) of poultry. Campylobacter jejuni was present in both a child and animal species in 15% (n = 23) of 149 households positive for Campylobacter. MICs using the gradient strip diffusion test of 128 isolates displayed resistance rates of 20% to ciprofloxacin and 11% to doxycycline. MICs of ciprofloxacin and doxycycline varied between C. coli and C. jejuni, with higher resistance in C. coli and poultry isolates. Campylobacter infection in children and its prevalent excretion from backyard poultry and dogs is a understudied concern. The co-occurrence of C. jejuni in animals and children suggest household-level transmission As resistance to ciprofloxacin and doxycycline was observed, therapy of severe campylobacteriosis should consider susceptibility testing. Findings from this study can support evidence-based diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment, and further investigations on the spread of AMR mechanisms for informed One Health intervention.

Widespread prevalence of plasmid-mediated blaCTX-M type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli in backyard broiler production systems in the United States.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an emerging pathogen of high concern given its resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Broiler chicken, which is the number one consumed meat in the United States and worldwide, can be a reservoir of ESBL E. coli. Backyard poultry ownership is on the rise in the United States, yet there is little research investigating prevalence of ESBL E. coli in this setting. This study aims to identify the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles (phenotypically and genotypically) of ESBL E. coli in some backyard and commercial broiler farms in the U.S. For this study ten backyard and ten commercial farms were visited at three time-points across flock production. Fecal (n = 10), litter/compost (n = 5), soil (n = 5), and swabs of feeders and waterers (n = 6) were collected at each visit and processed for E. coli. Assessment of ESBL phenotype was determined through using disk diffusion with 3rd generation cephalosporins, cefotaxime and ceftazidime, and that with clavulanic acid. Broth microdilution and whole genome sequencing were used to investigate both phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles, respectively. ESBL E. coli was more prevalent in backyard farms with 12.95% of samples testing positive whereas 0.77% of commercial farm samples were positive. All isolates contained a blaCTX-M gene, the dominant variant being blaCTX-M-1, and its presence was entirely due to plasmids. Our study confirms concerns of growing resistance to fourth generation cephalosporin, cefepime, as roughly half (51.4%) of all isolates were found to be susceptible dose-dependent and few were resistant. Resistance to non-beta lactams, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, was also detected in our samples. Our study identifies prevalence of blaCTX-M type ESBL E. coli in U.S. backyard broiler farms, emphasizing the need for interventions for food and production safety.

Detection of Colistin Resistant Enterobacteriaceae among Backyard Farm Swine and Swine Raisers in Tanay, Rizal Swine Farm

Addressing difficulties in susceptibility testing of colistin and the emergence of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae became a huge burden to medical practitioners due to the complexity of the method and interpretation of the minimum inhibitory concentration of antibiotics. These circumstances are not only rampant among human infection but also in the animal farm industry – particularly, the swine farms, which have the greatest number of cases of Enterobacteriaceae infection. This study aims to determine the prevalence of colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from 40 fecal samples of backyard farm swine (30) and swine raisers (10) in Tanay, Rizal, the Philippines via culture, biochemical testing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing for colistin. Enterobacteriaceae from fecal samples were isolated, singly picked, and subjected to biochemical tests. Susceptibility testing was performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The isolates recovered from fecal samples of backyard swine were Escherichia coli (77%), Salmonella species (16%), Citrobacter freundii (7%), and two non-Enterobacteriaceae Pseudomonas species, whereas all fecal samples from swine raisers were positive for E. coli (100%). Moreover, 13.04% of E. coli isolates from backyard farm swine exhibited resistance to colistin with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 4ug/mL, following the international guidelines for interpretation of colistin resistance, whereas the rest of the isolates were susceptible to colistin. E. coli, Salmonella, and C. freundii were present in fecal samples of backyard swine and three E. coli were resistant to colistin. There is a 13.04% prevalence of colistin-resistant E. coli isolated from pooled fecal samples of a backyard swine farm in Tanay, Rizal, the Philippines. The increasing cases of colistin resistance should be strictly monitored in animal farms to come up with a robust solution to fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Molecular Detection and Serological Investigation of Newcastle Disease in Intensive, Semi-Intensive, and Backyard Production Systems in Central and Southwestern Areas of Ethiopia.

The purpose of this research is to detect Newcastle disease virus and to assess the seropositivity among backyard, semi-intensive, and intensive farms located in central and southwestern areas of Ethiopia. A total of 239 oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected from symptomatic birds found in Holeta, Burayu, Jimma towns as well as Seka Chekorsa and Nadhigibe woredas of Jimma Zone. In addition, ninety blood samples were collected from wing veins of unvaccinated birds found in the study areas of Jimma zone. Side-by-side information related to risk factors estimated to contribute to the susceptibility of the disease was collected by interviewing owners of sampled birds. Reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to detect NDV. Likewise, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the seropositivity of ND. The proportion of samples where NDV was detected was 24.6%. Similarly, 68.9% of the sampled birds were seropositive. It was observed that adult birds were more likely to encounter the disease than youngs (OR = 11.6; 95% CI: 4.0-33.3; P = 0.000). Birds owned by respondents who leave diseased birds in the flock were more likely infected (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 1.8-21.2; P=0.004) as compared to those isolated and mode of disposal of dead chicken significantly affect exposure (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.10-4.88; P = 0.044). Likewise, access to veterinary services highly likely reduces susceptibility to the disease (OR = 12.4; 95% CI: 3.2-46.9; P = 0.000). It was also found that birds farmed intensively were the most at risk (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 0.58-13.71; P = 0.199). Detection of ND from a significant proportion of sampled birds and their high seropositivity percentage revealed the circulation of the virus in the study areas.

Spatial Distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae Infestations in Greece and Their Association with Ambient Temperature, Humidity, and Altitude.

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is the most prevalent and harmful ectoparasite of laying hens globally. Although prevalence and risk factor studies can help veterinarians make decisions regarding farm treatments, relevant data are scarce. The present study investigated the prevalence and infestation severity of PRM in poultry farms across Greece and examined potential risk factors. AviVet traps were used to sample 84 farms (51 backyard, 33 industrial) over three years. Farm altitude, temperature, humidity, region, and production systems were assessed as potential risk factors with chi-square tests, initially for all the studied farms and then exclusively for backyard farms. The overall prevalence was 75.0% and was higher in backyard farms (80.4%) compared with industrial ones (66.7%), varying regionally from 66.7 to 90.9%. Altitude and temperature were not significant risk factors, but farms with humidity <60% had a lower infestation risk. Infestation severity did not significantly differ by risk factors. The poultry red mite is highly prevalent across Greek poultry production systems and regions. In the future, global warming, reduced acaricide options, and a ban on cage systems will all threaten a wider spatio-temporal distribution of the PRM, justifying the urgent need for effective monitoring and control methods to protect hen production and welfare and workers' health.

Megaplasmid Dissemination in Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Serotypes from Backyard and Commercial Broiler Production Systems in the Southeastern United States.

Over the past decade, there has been a rise in U.S. backyard poultry ownership, raising concern for residential area antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Salmonella contamination. This study aims to lay the groundwork to better understand the persistence of AMR Salmonella in residential broiler production systems and make comparisons with commercial systems. Ten backyard and 10 commercial farms were sampled at three time points across bird production. Both fecal (n = 10) and environmental (soil, n = 5, litter/compost, n = 5, feeder, and waterer swabs, n = 6) samples were collected at each visit on days 10, 31, and 52 of production for backyard farms and days 10, 24, and 38 of production for commercial farms. AMR Salmonella was characterized phenotypically by broth microdilution and genotypically by whole-genome sequencing. Overall, Salmonella was more prevalent in commercial farm samples (52.31%) over backyard farms (19.10%). Kentucky (sequence type (ST) 152) was the most common serotype found in both backyard and commercial farms. Multidrug-resistant (MDR, resistance to ≥3 or more antimicrobial classes) isolates were found in both production systems, while ciprofloxacin- and nalidixic acid-resistant and intermediate isolates were more prevalent in commercial (33%) than backyard samples (1%). Plasmids that have been associated with MDR were found in Kentucky and Infantis isolates, particularly IncFIB(K)_1_Kpn3 megaplasmid (Infantis). Our study emphasizes the need to understand the selection pressures in disseminating megaplasmids in MDR Salmonella in distinct broiler production systems.

Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India.

Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.

First detection and molecular characterization of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in Namibia, Africa.

The swine sector in Africa plays an important role in local economies, contributing to poverty alleviation and community subsistence. In addition, intensive farming is progressively becoming more important in the region. Therefore, any disease affecting swine populations can have detrimental effects on local communities. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is among the most important infectious diseases affecting swine worldwide, but information on its epidemiology in Africa is extremely limited. In the present study, 147 healthy butchered pigs, originating from 15 Namibian intensive and rural farms were tested by RT-PCR and the ORF7 genes of positive samples were sequenced for further genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, 55 warthogs were also evaluated using the same approach. Overall, 7 out of 147 pigs (4.76%) tested positive, all originating from 3 rural farms (with a within-herd detection frequency higher than 14%) characterized by strong epidemiological links. All industrial pig and warthog samples were negative. Sequence analysis revealed that all strains belonged to the Betaarterivirus suid1 species, previously known as PRRSV type I, and were likely imported from Europe at least 6 years ago, evolving independently thereafter. When and how the first introduction occurred could not be determined due to the absence of other African sequences for comparison. The present work provides the first detection and characterization of PRRSV molecular epidemiology in Namibia. Based on the present findings, the presence of the PPRSV appears marginal and limited to backyard farms. While biosecurity measures applied in industrial farms appear to be effective in preventing viral introduction, PRRSV circulation in rural settings still represents a potential threat, and considering the socio-economical implication of livestock diseases decreasing animal performances in rural areas, active monitoring should be encouraged to promptly act against emerging menaces and guarantee the welfare of local pig populations.

Impact of Environmental Temperatures on Feed and Water Consumption in Broilers and Layers in Commercial and Backyard Poultry Farms, Maiduguri, Borno State

This study investigates the influence of environmental temperatures on feed intake and water consumption in broilers and layers across commercial and backyard poultry farms in Maiduguri, Borno State. Data were collected over six months from multiple farms, accounting for seasonal variations and management practices. The findings revealed significant differences in feed and water intake between commercial and backyard farms influenced by temperature fluctuations. Specifically, broilers showed higher sensitivity to temperature changes compared to layers. At temperatures below 25°C, broilers in commercial farms consumed significantly more feed (120 ± 0.5g) and less water (250 ± 0.3ml) compared to higher temperatures above 40°C where feed consumption decreased (100 ± 0.3g) and water intake increased (380 ± 0.6ml) (p &lt; 0.05). Layers followed a similar trend with higher feed intake (110 ± 0.5g) at temperatures below 25°C and increased water consumption (350 ± 0.5ml) at temperatures above 40°C (p &lt; 0.05). Comparative analysis indicated that commercial broilers had a significantly higher average feed intake during the rainy season (180 ± 0.5 g/day) compared to backyard broilers (120 ± 0.3 g/day, p &lt; 0.05), with similar patterns observed during the hot dry season. In contrast, backyard broilers consumed more water (350 ± 0.6 ml/day) than commercial broilers (300 ± 0.4 ml/day) during the hot dry season (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that temperature management is crucial for optimizing poultry performance, with implications for different farming systems.

Selection and evaluation of lactic acid bacteria from chicken feces in Thailand as potential probiotics.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used as probiotics in poultry production due to their resilience to low pH and high bile salt concentrations, as well as their beneficial effects on growth performance and antagonistic activity against enteric pathogens. However, the efficacy of probiotics depends on strain selection and their ability to colonize the host's intestine. This study aimed to select, identify, and evaluate LAB strains isolated from chicken feces in Thailand for potential use as probiotics in the chicken industry. LAB strains were isolated from 58 pooled fresh fecal samples collected from chicken farms in various regions of Thailand, including commercial and backyard farms. Gram-positive rods or cocci with catalase-negative characteristics from colonies showing a clear zone on MRS agar supplemented with 0.5% CaCO3 were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The LAB isolates were evaluated for acid (pH 2.5 and pH 4.5) and bile salt (0.3% and 0.7%) tolerance. Additionally, their cell surface properties, resistance to phenol, antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes were determined. A total of 91 LAB isolates belonging to the Pediococcus, Ligilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus genera were obtained from chicken feces samples. Backyard farm feces exhibited a greater LAB diversity compared to commercial chickens. Five strains, including Ligilactobacillus salivarius BF12 and Pediococcus acidilactici BF9, BF14, BYF20, and BYF26, were selected based on their high tolerance to acid, bile salts, and phenol. L. salivarius BF12 and P. acidilactici BF14 demonstrated strong adhesion ability. The five LAB isolates exhibited significant cell-cell interactions (auto-aggregation) and co-aggregation with Salmonella. All five LAB isolates showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against Salmonella strains, with P. acidilactici BYF20 displaying the highest activity. None of the LAB isolates exhibited beta-hemolytic activity. Whole genome analysis showed that L. salivarius BF12 contained ermC, tetL, and tetM, whereas P. acidilactici strains BF9 and BF14 carried ermB, lnuA, and tetM. The selected LAB isolates exhibited basic probiotic characteristics, although some limitations were observed in terms of adhesion ability and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes, requiring further investigation into their genetic location. Future studies will focus on developing a probiotic prototype encapsulation for application in the chicken industry, followed by in vivo evaluations of probiotic efficacy.

Eradication of PRRS from Hungarian Pig Herds between 2014 and 2022.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a widespread infectious disease that is currently a major cause of economic losses in pig production. In Hungary, a National PRRS Eradication Program has been introduced to attain a more efficient, economic, and competitive international market position. The program has been also approved by the EU, but the resulting legal obligations have imposed a burden on Hungarian producers to comply with EU competition rules. The implementation of the program has been carried out by the veterinary authorities with the consent of, continuous support from and monitoring conducted by organisations within the pig sector as well as a scientific committee. The PRRS eradication program in Hungary was based on a regional territorial principle and was compulsory for all pig holdings within the regions. In Hungary, large fattening farms operate as all-in/all-out or continuous flow systems. Large-scale breeding herds are predominantly farrow-to-finish types. Although its significance has decreased in recent decades, 20% of the Hungarian pig population is still kept on small (backyard) farms (<100 animals). All PRRSV-infected large-scale farms had to develop a unit-adapted eradication plan, including external and internal biosecurity measures, vaccinations, etc. It was crucial to render each fattening unit free of the disease, as fattening units play a significant role in spreading the virus within the country. The eradication efforts mainly implemented were depopulation-repopulation methods, but on some farms a testing and removal method has been used. As the eradication progressed over the years, the introduction of infected fattening pigs was restricted. Thanks to these measures, Hungarian large-scale fattening farms became PRRSV-free by the end of 2018. The PRRSV-free status of small-scale herds was achieved by the end of 2015 and was maintained between 2016 and 2021. By 31 December 2021, all breeding pigs in large-scale farms in Hungary were free of wild-type PRRS virus. By 31 March 2022, the total pig population of the country, including all backyard farms and fattening units, achieved PRRSV-free status. The future goal is to ensure and maintain the PRRSV-free status of Hungary via strict import regulations of live animals combined with the continuous and thorough screening of incoming and resident herds for the presence of the virus.

Epidemiological Assessment of African Swine Fever Spread in the Dominican Republic.

Since African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected in the Dominican Republic in July 2021, it has negatively impacted the country's swine industry. Assessing the epidemiological situation is crucial to helping local authorities and industry stakeholders control the disease. Here, data on 155 reported outbreaks in the Dominican Republic from November 2022 to June 2023 were evaluated. Descriptive spatiotemporal analysis was performed to characterize disease distribution and spread, and between-herd R0 was calculated for the study period. The Knox test and a space-time permutation model were used to evaluate clustering. Data on clinical presentation, biosecurity measures, and suspected reasons for introduction were categorized and summarized. The majority (78%) of outbreaks occurred on backyard farms which generally had low biosecurity. Across farm types, the majority of pigs were still alive at the time of depopulation. Spatiotemporal findings and R0 estimates suggest an endemic pattern of disease geographically located centrally within the country. Clustering was detected even at small temporal and spatial distances due to outbreaks amongst neighboring backyard farms. These results provide critical information on the current state of the ASF epidemic in the Dominican Republic and will aid government officials and swine industry leaders in developing effective ASF control strategies.

High detection frequency and genetic diversity of porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) in Namibian backyard farms and warthogs

Since its first identification in 2015, porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) has been reported worldwide with a high frequency and in the presence of several clinical conditions, although its impact on pig health and productivity is still debated. Data on the presence of PCV-3 in Africa are, however, limited. A previous study performed on commercial pigs in Namibia failed to identify the pathogen. In the present study, the viral circulation in backyard farms, characterised by lower biosecurity measures and frequent animal exchange between farms, was assessed. The susceptibility of warthogs to PCV-3 infection and their potential epidemiological role were also evaluated. Tonsils from 77 pigs from backyard piggeries and 55 warthogs were collected in different regions of Namibia and tested by PCR. Positive samples were sequenced and compared to PCV-3 strains circulating globally. Forty-two out of 77 pigs (54.54 %) and 12 out of 55 warthogs (21.82 %) tested positive, demonstrating the presence of PCV-3 in the country and suggesting that the high biosecurity measures implemented in the commercial farms that previously tested negative for PCV-3 probably prevented viral introduction. The partial ORF2 gene was successfully sequenced in samples from 27 pigs and 6 warthogs. Genetically, the identified strains were part of 3 distinct groups which included both backyard pigs and warthogs from different regions of Namibia. There is also evidence for the occurrence of multiple introduction events most likely from Asian countries, either directly into Namibia or through other African countries. Considering the strict Namibian regulations on live animal importation, understanding the source of viral introduction is challenging, although semen importation or the habit of feeding backyard pigs with human food waste might have played a role. Pig exchanges between farms for breeding purposes or wildlife movements could also have been involved in PCV-3 dispersal within Namibia. Despite the significant advances in the field, further studies should be undertaken to properly understand PCV-3 epidemiology in Namibia and its impact on pig productivity and wildlife health.

Seroprevalence of Viral Enzootic Diseases in Swine Backyard Farms in Serbia

Contrary to pig farming in developed Western countries, in a large part of the world, pigs are still traditionally kept in small backyard farms, usually for family needs. Their main characteristics are low biosecurity, swill feeding, natural breeding and uncontrolled trade. Given the high number of backyard farms in Serbia and the risk they are thought to pose to intensive pig farming, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of major viral diseases of swine among traditionally kept pigs in small holdings with low biosecurity. For this investigation, 222 serum samples from 69 backyard holdings were randomly selected and tested for antibodies to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV), Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV), Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) and Swine influenza Virus (SIV) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The herd-level seroprevalence of PRRS, Aujeszky’s disease and PPV was 2.9%, 27.5% and 37.7%, respectively. Swine influenza seroconversion was not confirmed in any of the tested holdings. Despite widely distributed PPV and AD in backyard farms in Serbia, almost 50% of them are still negative for all the tested diseases. The backyard farms must be monitored, and owners must be educated as their role in eradication programs and obtaining country-free status may be crucial.

Comparative Analysis of Soil Health in Backyard Farms on Multiple Islands of The Bahamas

Food insecurity is a major concern in The Bahamas due to our inadequate food and agricultural infrastructure and heavy reliance on imports. To mitigate this threat, the Bahamian government has been encouraging homeowners to engage in backyard farming. However, the success of backyard farming relies on the presence of healthy soils. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of soil health in backyard farms across several islands in The Bahamas. Our analysis focused on key indicators such as nutrient availability, pH, salinity, water-holding capacity, and organic carbon. Our results revealed that none of the 38 soil samples analysed fell within the optimal range for all of the selected indicators. Our results suggested that soil treated with synthetic fertilizer did not exhibit higher nutrient availability compared to naturally fertilized or unfertilized samples. Additionally, through correlation analysis, we found a positive relationship between organic carbon and water-holding capacity. Conversely, negative correlations were observed between pH and nitrogen, as well as organic carbon and pH. These correlations imply that optimizing pH levels and enhancing water holding capacity may play a crucial role in improving soil health in The Bahamas, with particular attention to increasing organic carbon content.