Distribution Of Eggs Research Articles

Kernel density estimation of egg attachment areas aids in revealing spatiotemporal changes in Chinese sturgeon spawning grounds

Identifying precise egg attachment areas and tracking trends of spawning magnitude (total amount of spawned eggs) are critical for accurate habitat assessment and effective conservation efforts, especially for lithophilic spawning fishes. However, accurate measurement of spawning conditions across both spatial and temporal dimensions poses significant challenges. We conducted a fourteen-year field study below the Gezhouba Dam, the main spawning ground for the Chinese sturgeon, using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) method and Catch per Unit of Effort (CPUE) to refine knowledge on egg attachment areas relative to previous assessments. In addition, our analysis documented shifts in spawning locations within these four areas over the past fourteen years, revealing a worrying trend of decreasing spawning magnitude. This approach not only enabled the incorporation of the density distribution of eggs into the assessment of spawning magnitude trends, but also underscored the potential of the KDE as a framework for identifying egg attachment areas and estimating spawning magnitude trends. Our results provide valuable insights into spawning degradation of Chinese sturgeon and inform conservation strategies to protect their fragile spawning grounds.

KORELASI PERILAKU HIDUP BERSIH DAN SEHAT DENGAN KECACINGAN PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR DI KABUPATEN PROBOLINGGO

Background: Soil-transmitted worms are still a health problem in Probolinggo Regency, especially related to clean and healthy living behavior. Health and hygiene education is an effort to reduce worm transmission and infection. The purpose of this study was to identify clean and healthy living behaviors related to worms. Method: The study design was observational analytic with a Cross-Sectional Study approach. The population was elementary school students in Probolinggo Regency with a sample size of 607 students taken by cluster sampling with a single-stage method. Identification was carried out on clean and healthy living behaviors and the number of worm eggs in feces and soil. Data analysis used Chi Square with an alpha of 0.05. Results: The data showed that 96.4% of respondents were negative and 3.6% were positive with a distribution of worm eggs of 2.1% Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.3% Hookworm and 0.5% Trichuris trichiura with mild infection intensity. The results of the Chi Square test showed no relationship between washing hands before eating, washing hands after defecating, wearing footwear, and nail conditions with worms in students with p values of 0.748, 0.584, 0.550, 0.777, respectively. Conclusion: These results are due to the history of exposure and the body's immunity in overcoming parasite invasion. Long exposure to children with positive worms will make the parasite colony maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle. Conversely, low exposure and strong immunity keep children free from worm infections.

Use of Ovitrap for The Spatial Mapping of Aedes spp. in The Endemic Area of Dengue Fever of Baitussalam District Aceh Besar

The strategy for controlling dengue vector through periodic monitoring is an effective mitigation effort. Periodic monitoring of dengue vectors is generally more often conducted in the larval stage rather than the egg stage. Monitoring Aedes eggs periodically using ovitraps is more effective because it is not restricted by season. The objective of this study is to conduct spatial mapping of Aedes spp. distribution using ovitraps in Baitussalam Subdistrict, Aceh Besar. This study used observational methods and purposive sampling to determine the sample houses for ovitrap placement. A total of 50 houses in 5 gampong/village were observed. Analysis was conducted using the GPS Essentials application and Google Earth Pro software. The results showed that there were 4 gampong with Aedes spp. egg distribution in Baitussalam Subdistrict, Aceh Besar, namely Gampong Blang Krueng, Gampong Baet, Gampong Kajhu, and Gampong Cadek, while in Gampong Lam Ujong, no ovitraps positive for Aedes eggs. Ovitraps are an effective method for mapping Aedes spp. in efforts to control dengue. Keyword: Aedes spp; Dengue fever; ovitrap; spatial mapping.

Buoyancy and vertical distribution of haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) eggs during embryonic development: A comparison with cod (Gadus morhua)

AbstractVertical egg distributions are needed knowledge for understanding exposure to physical forcing, predation pressure, and modelling initial transport from the spawning areas. Egg density and size are the biotic factors determining vertical distributions while the ambient salinity and turbulent mixing are the physical factors contributing to their vertical distributions. Egg buoyancies and densities of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) have been extensively studied, while limited information on haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) egg density is available. This is the first comprehensive study on haddock egg densities in Norwegian waters. Eggs were collected from pairs of spawning fish caught at the coast of western Norway and inserted into a density gradient column where density was measured. The haddock eggs were neutrally buoyant at salinities ranging from 28.5 to 31. The density changed during egg development, and the results from the measurements were used to model the vertical distribution of the eggs. The simulations showed that the changes in buoyancy substantially affected vertical distributions. A comparison to previously published data on cod eggs showed that haddock eggs are considerably more buoyant than the cod eggs and are—particularly during calm wind conditions—confined to the surface layer to a larger extent than the cod eggs. The more buoyant attribute of the haddock eggs, together with the lipophilic surface of the egg membrane, is suggested to make haddock eggs more vulnerable to buoyant pollutants, like hydrocarbons.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran contamination of free-range eggs: estimation of the laying hen’s soil ingestion based on a toxicokinetic model, and human consumption recommendations

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) are ubiquitous in the environment. The main route of human exposure is through food consumption. Soil contamination can be problematic for sanitary safety depending on the usage of the soil, such as farming. In case of environmental soil contamination with PCDD/Fs, hen’s eggs may be contaminated due to soil ingestion by hens. For this reason, it is important to understand the parameters that influence eggs’ contamination when hens are raised in contaminated areas. After the discovery of a contaminated area in Lausanne (Switzerland), we collected hens’ eggs from ten domestic-produced eggs and one farm. Based on PCDD/F measurements of eggs and soil, and a toxicokinetic model, we estimated individual hen’s soil intake levels and highlighted appropriate parameters to predict the dose ingested. Recommended weekly consumption for home-produced eggs was calculated based on the tolerable weekly intake proposed by EFSA in 2018. The most important parameter to assess the soil ingestion does not seem to be the soil coverage by vegetation but rather the hen’s pecking behaviour, the latter being difficult to estimate objectively. For this reason, we recommend using a realistic soil ingestion interval to assess the distribution of egg PCDD/F concentration from free-range hens reared on contaminated soil. The addition of soil contamination in the toxicokinetic model can then be used to recommend to the general population weekly consumption of eggs. The consumption by adults of free-range eggs produced on land with soil containing >90 ng toxic-equivalent (TEQ)/kg dry soil should be avoided. Even with a low level of soil contamination (1–5 ng TEQ/kg dry soil), we would recommend consuming not more than 5 eggs per week for adults and no more than 2 eggs for children below 4 years old.

A retrospective cross-sectional study: comparison of the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China

AimTo analyze the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China and compare them with other areas of the Yangtze River Basin.MethodThe 501 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) were retrospectively analyzed from 2020 to 2022. They were divided into two groups: 406 cases of colorectal cancer without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS) and 95 cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis (CRC-S).The clinicopathological characteristics included the distribution of schistosomiasis eggs, patient age, sex, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage. By retrieving the database, this study compared the clinicopathological differences of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis in other areas of the Yangtze River basin.ResultsThe cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis accounted for 18.9%(95/501) in the study. The patients of CRC-S were older than the patients of CRC-NS (P = 0.002, P < 0.05). There was a statistical difference in the location of occurrence (P = 0.000, P < 0.05) between the two groups. There were no significant differences between CRC-S and CRC-NS in other clinicopathological features, such as sex (P = 0.054), Type(P = 0.242), histological type(P = 0.654), infiltrative depth(P = 0.811), differentiation(P = 0.837), lymph node metastasis(P = 0.574), intravascular tumor thrombus(P = 0.698), T stage(P = 0.354). In other areas of the Yangtze River Basin, there were statistical differences in the age of occurrence and T stage (P < 0.05) between colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer.ConclusionIn Central China, colorectal cancer with chronic schistosomiasis infection occurs more in the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is more common in individuals over 60 years old, consistent with the findings in the Yangtze River Basin. Additionally, schistosomal colorectal cancer had a higher T stage in the Yangtze River Basin. This may be related to the malignant biological behavior of colorectal cancer and could result in a relatively poor prognosis. Therefore, the elderly population in schistosomiasis endemic areas should pay more attention to early screening and tumor prevention.

Fasciola hepatica: Updates on egg morphology, host range, and distribution

During a survey for helminths in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) across the Palearctic region, eggs were found in zoo reindeer feces. These were identified as eggs of Fasciola hepatica based on their morphology, morphometrics, location, and analysis of their partial sequence of ITS rDNA region. Some of the eggs had an appendage, previously unreported. Additionally, adults of F. hepatica were studied. Eggs derived from their uteri were also appendaged. Diagnostic morphological traits of F. hepatica eggs (abopercular appendage, knob, egg shell thickening, and egg shape) are discussed in this article. Three dimensional models of F. hepatica eggs were created to demonstrate the eggs features as best as possible. Since fecal examination remains gold standard in diagnosing fasciolosis in humans and animals worldwide, our findings may contribute to improved diagnostics. This research has also shown that reindeer can be a final host for F. hepatica. We also discuss whether the Novaya Zemlya archipelago might be the northernmost site of fasciolosis.

Risk analysis of critical control points of &lt;i&gt;Staphylococcus aureus&lt;/i&gt; in layer farms and egg chicken distributors

Microbiological criteria play a role in verifying the critical control points (CCP), which become part of the hazard analysis, and the CCP system that guarantees quality, considering possible danger points or stages in the food production chain. Studies about Staphylococcus aureus in chicken eggs more extensively discuss the path, source, and level of prevalence of contamination at the final distributor or consumer. Therefore, this study investigates CCP contamination of S. aureus in chicken eggs and their potential consumption, which could endanger human health from the layer farm until the final distributor. This study is critical in health, public health, and veterinary medicine for preventing and controlling consumers' security. This study done for CCP on the chain distribution of chicken eggs starts with preparing production and distribution process flow diagrams for livestock, agents/wholesalers, and retailers. Confirmation of operational production in the field/location study is based on the flow chart that has been arranged, identifying all potential dangers associated with each stage and analyzing potential risks considering every action for controlling identified hazards. The next step involves pinpointing the CCP to counteract the identified threat. An application tree decision defines the CCP, and the logical and final approach is the determination limit critical to the CCP. Analysis results in the determination of CCP contamination of S. aureus, indicating that chicken eggs, personal hands (farm workers, wholesalers, and retailers), shelf eggs, and feces are CCP on farms.

Assessing the Conservation Value of Artificial and Natural Reefs via Ichthyoplankton Spatio-Temporal Dynamics

The distribution of fish eggs and larvae (ichthyoplankton) reflects spawning and nursery areas as well as dispersal routes. This study’s goal is to demonstrate how the identification of ichthyoplankton species and stages and their spatial distribution among natural reefs (NRs) and artificial reefs (ARs) may serve as decision-making tools in conservation and fishery management. Natural reefs exhibited an eight-times higher abundance of eggs, as well as the highest abundance of larvae in the yolk-sac and preflexion phases. In contrast, ARs had the highest abundance of larvae in the flexion and postflexion phases. Natural reefs may serve as breeding grounds for Scaridae, Labridae, and Mugilidae; whereas, ARs may serve as breeding sites for Lutjanidae, Synodontidae, Carangidae, Fistularidae, and Haemulidae. Our study revealed differences between ARs and NRs, which demonstrate the potential of artificial reefs to expand the supply and settlement options of reef fishes and consequently can lead to increased fish production with potential benefits to adjacent fishing areas through connectivity. Thus, ARs as no-take sites can be effective tools for both fishery management and biodiversity conservation. The findings highlight the potential use of ichthyoplankton tools and the importance of considering both types of reefs in marine conservation and management efforts.

Impacts of storage period and egg weight on hatching and growth performance of growing Japanese quails

This investigation aimed to assess how Japanese quail hatchability, growth, and carcass traits were affected by quail egg weight, storage length, and their interactions. One thousand two hundred sixty eggs of the commercial Japanese quail were purchased, and the average age of the birds was 13 weeks. Quail egg weights were divided into three groups using a 3 × 4 factorial design: small (< 11 g), medium (11–12 g), and large (> 12 g). Each group had four storage times (1, 4, 7, and 10 days) and held 105 eggs. The study used a storage room with 70% humidity and 18°C. There were 12 treatment groups. For the final three days of incubation, the eggs were positioned in a hatching machine after being incubated for 14 days at 37.6°C and 65% humidity. For the study, 540 one-day-old Japanese unsexed quail chicks were randomly chosen and placed in groups of five that resembled the distribution of eggs. Three duplicates (15 chicks each) made up each of the four storage periods that comprised the 180 birds. The findings showed that the percentage of hatchable eggs is significantly influenced by their weight and the length of storage; medium and heavy-weight eggs exhibited higher percentages of hatchability while holding for 7–10 days. However, no significant interaction was observed—additionally, heavy egg weight results in higher weight at different ages. Egg weight also significantly impacts chick weight at hatch, three weeks, and six weeks. Egg weight and storage time affect dressing and carcass measurement percentages. We can conclude that the best results in terms of hatch and post-hatch efficiency, as well as carcass characteristics, were obtained with medium or heavy quail eggs and storage times of either one day or four days.

Leaf trichome-mediated predator effects on the distribution of herbivorous mites within a kidney bean plant.

Some predators prefer to settle on leaf patches with microstructures (e.g., trichomes and domatia), leaving traces on the patches. Herbivorous arthropods, in turn, select leaf patches in response to these traces left by predators. It remains unclear whether traces of predators on leaf patches affect the distribution of herbivorous prey within plants through plant microstructure. Therefore, we examined the distribution of herbivorous mite (Tetranychus urticae) and predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis) by investigating their oviposition pattern. We used a kidney bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) with two expanded primary leaves and the first trifoliate leaf, focusing on leaf trichomes as the microstructure. The density of trichomes was higher on the first trifoliate leaf than on the primary leaves and on the abaxial surface of the leaves than on the adaxial surface. Adult female P. persimilis laid more eggs on the first trifoliate leaf to the primary leaves. Although adult female T. urticae preferred to oviposit on the abaxial surface of primary leaves, previous exposure of plants to predators diminished this preference. The altered egg distribution would be a response to the traces of P. persimilis rather than eggs of P. persimilis. Our findings indicate that T. urticae reproduces on leaf patches with traces of predators without altering their oviposition preference. Given that the presence of predator traces is known to reduce the reproduction of T. urticae, it may have a substantial effect on the population of T. urticae in the next generations on kidney bean plants.

A model for predicting the phenology of Philaenus spumarius.

The design and implementation of Philaenus spumarius control strategies can take advantage of properly calibrated models describing and predicting the phenology of vector populations in agroecosystems. We developed a temperature-driven physiological-based model based on the system of Kolmogorov partial differential equations to predict the phenological dynamics of P. spumarius. The model considers the initial physiological age distribution of eggs, the diapause termination process, and the development rate functions of post-diapausing eggs and nymphal stages, estimated from data collected in laboratory experiments and field surveys in Italy. The temperature threshold and cumulative degree days for egg diapause termination were estimated as 6.5°C and 120 DD, respectively. Preimaginal development rate functions exhibited lower thresholds ranging between 2.1 and 5.0°C, optimal temperatures between 26.6 and 28.3°C, and upper threshold between 33.0 and 35°C. The model correctly simulates the emergence of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th nymphal instars, key stages to target monitoring actions and control measures against P. spumarius. Precision in simulating the phenology of the 1st and 2nd nymphal stages was less satisfactory. The model is a useful rational decision tool to support scheduling monitoring and control actions against the late and most important nymphal stages of P. spumarius.

Small-scale egg and orange-fleshed sweet potato production and utilisation in selected communities in Ghana: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundNutrition-related exposures during the first 1,000 days of life are a predictor of health outcomes later in life. World Vision Ghana’s ‘Improved Feeding practices for the 1,000 days’ (IFP) project aimed to improve dietary practices of women and children utilising an integrated intervention approach including nutrition, health, and agriculture strategies.ObjectiveThis paper reports on the production and utilisation of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) and eggs for improving diets of women in reproductive age and young children during the first 1,000 days of life.MethodsPrimary data from Kassena-Nankana West (KNW), Sekyere East (SE) and Kintampo South (KS) districts were triangulated with project routine data for this analysis. Univariate analyses of quantitative data from baseline and implementation monitoring data were conducted to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of beneficiaries, inputs disbursed, outputs produced, and utilisation of the food commodities. Qualitative interviews from 61 participants were transcribed, coded, and thematically analysed; these were triangulated with the quantitative data to capture main themes and findings.ResultsOFSP and egg production and consumption increased annually across beneficiary communities. In 2021, 100% of OFSP produced was consumed in KS; in SE, 95.0% was consumed and 5.0% lost to post-harvest losses. In 2022, 90% OFSP produced in KNW was consumed and 9.0% sold. In KS, 90.3% was consumed and 9.0% sold. In SE, 82.3% was consumed and 17.1% sold. Egg production at the end of the first production year (2022) was 18,720 crates in KNW, 19,680 crates in KS and 40,128 crates in SE. Egg consumption in sample households was less than 10% in 2022 and showed a decreased trend in the first half of 2023. In SE and KS, egg and OFSP production, respectively, increased, exponentially; sale for income was the most common mode of utilisation in eggs but OFSP was consumed in these districts. In KNW, climate, irrigation and socio-cultural barriers hindered the maximal production and utility of the produce, which was not observed in SE and KS, which did not have any of these identified barriers. Reported unintended benefits of production and utilisation included increased household income, food security, and availability of organic manure as a side-product of poultry.ConclusionsThe IFP project resulted in increased household level production, use and distribution of Eggs and OFSP across the three focal districts. Similar settings may benefit from this intervention by adapting the strategies to become easier for beneficiaries to better cope with likely potential barriers such as poultry mortality and water scarcity.

Agitation of liquid eggs during ohmic heating pasteurization—Experimental and computer simulation study

AbstractTraditional pasteurization process of liquid eggs deals with food safety regulations; however, detriment of functional quality properties is also promoted. In this study, an agitated ohmic heating system at 20 kHz was evaluated experimentally and using a 3D computer simulation model, developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. The accuracy of the model was successfully validated by experimental temperature profiles results, showing low errors (RMSRE &lt; 10%), at two different locations. The temperature distribution and flow behavior of liquid eggs during processing were analyzed using the 3D model. Safety and quality retention assessments of processed liquid eggs were performed by calculating the thermal pasteurization value (P‐value) and thermal protein non‐denaturation ratio (X), respectively. A better temperature uniformity was found under 20 rpm than at 10 rpm of rotational speed (temperature difference was reduced from 1.8 to 1.4°C and 5.1 to 4.3°C for egg white and yolk, respectively). Moreover, the degree of protein denaturation (at the point where the P‐value was accomplished) at 20 and 10 rpm were 0.92 and 0.89, and 0.99 and 0.98 for egg white and yolk, respectively. These results are of potential value for the design of ohmic pasteurization systems for fluid foods.Practical applicationsThe applications of the findings of this study include but are not limited to: (a) utilize the measured electrical conductivity values at 20 kHz of egg whites and yolks for further studies; (b) predict the temperature and velocity profiles and distributions of liquid eggs during agitated ohmic pasteurization processes using the developed 3D computer simulation model; (c) evaluate improvements in temperature uniformity, pasteurization efficiency, and quality retention by fine‐tuning processing parameters as evaluated in this study; and (d) use the design and the conducted analysis of agitated ohmic heating system of liquid eggs for developing novel pasteurization applications of fluid foods.

Distribuição do ictioplâncton determinada por diferentes ambientes em uma lagoa costeira de água doce

Abstract Aim This study aimed to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of ichthyoplankton in the Peri Lagoon, a coastal freshwater lagoon in Brazil. Methods Ichthyoplankton samples were collected every two months from June 2008 to April 2010 with 500 µm conical-cylindrical planktonic nets at five sampling stations. Results In total, 181 fish eggs and 1,315 larvae, representing estuarine and freshwater species, were captured. The most representative species were Awaous tajasica, Ctenogobius sp1, and Platanichthys platana. Significant differences were found in temporal egg distribution and larval spatiotemporal distribution (Kruskal-Wallis test, p &lt; 0.05). Eggs were predominantly captured during the autumn, winter, and spring Neotropical seasons. Geospatial analysis demonstrated spatial segregation in the distribution of larval assemblages, with higher abundances in areas adjacent to riparian forests, following stream mouths, and deeper areas with rocky substrates. Conclusions Proximity to streams and areas surrounded by dense forests is crucial for the spawning and development of fish species in the Peri Lagoon. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the conservation of the ichthyofauna in this unique environment.

OPTIMISASI PENDISTRIBUSIAN TELUR MENGGUNAKAN MODEL FUZZY MULTIOBJECTIVE CYCLICAL INVENTORY ROUTING PROBLEM

The distribution of duck eggs is carried out in several retail stores in Medan, where road conditions, vehicle conditions and travel times are uncertain which results in uncertain costs. This problem can be solved using a fuzzy model that aims to minimize costs and minimize delivery time. This research was conducted at CV. Bebek Berkah Farm by discussing the Optimization of Egg Distribution using the FMOCIRP model. Completion of this model is done by using Winqsb software. Based on the results of calculations, the FMOCIRP model can save with an initial cost of 114,000 to Rp.84.500, and delivery time to 239 minutes from 277 minutes previously, where the optimal solution is a distribution route that provides minimum costs and time

Improving prediction for potential spawning areas from a two-step perspective: A comparison of multi-model approaches for sparse egg distribution

Recently, much work has been put into improving species distribution models, especially for systematic conservation planning for important ecosystems. Understanding fish spawning sites requires a thorough examination of ichthyoplankton. These examinations usually produce sparse counts contaminated by inaccurate detection, making it impossible to directly infer the abundance or occurrence from observational data, which could lead to inaccurate model predictions. A flexible modeling framework for estimating and inference about the abundance of eggs with ensemble models that include the presence/absence and abundance components is described in this study. The generalized linear model, generalized additive model, integrated nested Laplace approximations, and random forest habitat modeling approaches were compared within this framework to those currently being used for fish conservation planning at regional scales. Additionally, the distribution of suitable habitats for small yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) spawning stocks were mapped based on the ensemble model. Furthermore, the promotion ability of ensemble models with different weighting methods was evaluated. The outcomes demonstrated that machine learning algorithms performed better than statistical models, and the geometric weighted ensemble model further increased prediction accuracy. However, there was no significant difference compared to the optimal individual model (p > 0.05). The predicted distributions of the four models can be divided into two groups. The central sea of Jiangsu was recognized as the most suitable area by the GAM with a fixed effect for each year and INLA models, while the GLM was similar to the RF with spatial effect (RF-LL) and demonstrated Haizhou Bay as the most suitable area. The ensemble model discovered several areas of highly suitable habitat that dominated areas in the two groups of models and revealed many finer-scale patterns in the egg distribution. According to the ensemble model, although 5.37% of the area could be suitable habitat, only 0.12% was highly suitable. It is suggested that examining small yellow croaker spawning aggregation areas would benefit from using an ensemble modeling approach to identify and prioritize conservation areas.

Study of Bawal Bintang fish (Trachinotus blochii) hatchery at the Lombok marine aquaculture, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Bawal Bintang fish (Tracinotus blochii) has high economic value, to meet both domestic and foreign consumption needs. Bawal Bintang fish cultivation has become a commercial business to be developed because of its relatively fast growth, relatively easy maintainance, and public interest in it. The objective of this study is to find out the hatchery techniques of Bawal Bintang Fish and the obstacles that arise in their hatchery at the Lombok Marine Cultivation Fisheries, West Nusa Tenggara. The method used was descriptive with data collection including primary data and secondary data. Data collection was done by means of active participation, observation, interviews, and literature study. Bawal Bintang fish hatchery technique began with tank preparation, spawning, egg distribution, and maintenance for 20-25 days. Bawal Bintang fish hatchery included feed management, water quality monitoring, and pest and disease control. After rearing the larvae for 20-25 days or reaching seedling size, then harvesting was carried out to transfer them to the nursery tank using the RAS system. The problem that arose in the hatchery of Bawal Bintang fish was the frequent occurrence of Bawal Bintang larvae that fell from a pond.

Distribution of helminth eggs in environmental and stool samples of farming households along Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundHelminth infections are a public health issue in countries with poor sanitation facilities. However, there little information on the epidemiological association between helminths in wastewater and soil samples and rates of helminth infection among farming households along the Akaki River in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select farming households. The sample size for each district was determined by a proportionate allocation to the number of households. From wastewater-irrigated farms, 70 wastewater samples, 28 soil samples, and 86 farmers' stool samples were collected and analyzed for helminths. A questionnaire was used to gather ethnographic data, about farming households, whereas wastewater and soil sample analysis was used to generate quantitative data on helminth loads. The data were systematically analysed by developing themes, and bias evaluated using triangulation validation methodologies. Potential pathways to helminth infection were evaluated by measuring. Total number of helminth eggs in wastewater, soil samples and farmer's stools was investigated using Poisson regression.ResultsIn this study, 82.9% of wastewater samples, 57.1% of soil samples, and 18.6% of farmers' stool samples contained helminth eggs. The most prevalent helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides in all samples (wastewater 67%, soil 25%, and stool 10.5%), followed by hookworm (wastewater 10%, soil 21.4%, and stool 6.9%) and Trichuris trichiura eggs (wastewater 5.7%, soil 10.7%, and stool 1.2%). There was a positive association between the total number of helminth eggs in wastewater and soil samples with counts in farmers’ stool. The Poisson regression coefficients for wastewater and soil were, 1.63 (95% CI = 1.34–1.92) and 1.70 (95% CI = 1.39–2.01), (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThis research has shown a clear association between the total helminth eggs in wastewater and soil samples and farmer stools along the Akaki River. Therefore, an integrated approach is essential to address the issue in this area and prevent the spread of further helminth infections.

The distribution of strongylid egg and lungworm (Dictyocaulus eckerti) larval counts in adult female farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus), and the implications for parasite control

Whilst healthy adult farmed red deer show little clinical indication of parasite infection, they may still be maintaining infection levels on the farm through low-level shedding of nematode eggs and lungworm larvae. This work was undertaken to establish the long-term distribution of parasite counts, to determine whether the higher counts seen in previous trials are repeatable across the same animals. All adult female red deer on a New Zealand North Island property were faecal sampled (n = 209), weighed, and body condition scored (BCS) on five sampling occasions from March – August 2021. Faecal samples were processed by modified Baermanns to recover, identify, and enumerate lungworm 1st stage larvae (FLC), and nematode faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined by mini-FLOTAC. Between animal variation for FEC was significant (p < 0.001); whilst many counts were low to zero, a few individuals were consistently shedding higher egg counts. Younger animals tended to have higher egg counts (p = 0.003), but there was no association between FEC and BCS (p = 0.22), and FEC and liveweight (p = 0.58). Modelling of the data indicated that 50% of the egg output resulted from 21% of the animals. Additionally, there was no significant association between the higher egg counts and the gastrointestinal nematode classification; ‘long tails’ (likely Oesophagostomum sp.) p = 0.76, and the Ostertagiinae complex p = 0.75. Lungworm counts tended to be very low (0 – 26 lpg); consistent with previous trials and literature in farmed adult deer. However, between animal differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001) indicating some animals were passing more larvae than others, and poorer conditioned animals (BCS 2.5) were significantly associated with higher larval count (p = 0.03). There was no relationship between larval count and age (p = 0.62) and larval count and liveweight (p = 0.22). Modelling indicates that 50% of pasture larval contamination was contributed by 15% of the animals. There was no correlation between nematode egg count and lungworm larvae count (p = 0.22). Adult deer may play an important role as a source of infection for young deer, therefore, an improved understanding of the distribution of infection is needed to improve parasite control.