Farm Biosecurity Research Articles

Poultry as A Source and Reservoir for Campylobacteriosis

Gastrointestinal infection due to Campylobacter has been increasing throughout the world especially in developing countries where hygienic measures are compromising. In this review we have focused on the poultry role as source and reservoir for campylobacter infection compared with other meat sources. Contamination of Campylobacter starts from the surroundings of poultry flocks leading to its colonization subsequently transfer from poultry food chain to consumers through handling of raw or improperly cooked meat. Prevalence of Campylobacter is high in those regions where poultry production or consumption is high i.e., in European countries. Campylobacter infection has spread along with development of the poultry industry in the world as poultry is the main source of spread for Campylobacter species. Traveling to those areas where Campylobacter is prevalent is major risk factor for its spread. Increase in antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter due to over use of medicines both in meat producing animals and humans is a disturbing situation for Public Health. Aim of intervention studies is to control colonization of Campylobacter at farm level that has proved to be promising outcomes in many countries. Proper biosecurity of farm and awareness programs for workers and consumers is necessary for control of infection. Proper batching, slaughtering, evisceration, packing, handling and cooking are also contributing factors to control of infection. Decreasing the over or unnecessary use of medicine is vital to avoid antimicrobial resistance in all types of bacteria. Although poultry is a major source along with some other meat for campylobacteriosis in humans but our surroundings i.e., untreated drinking water, sea food, direct contact with pets or commercial animals and some other sources that need to be studied are contributing to Campylobacter infection.

Infection, Transmission, Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development against Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Mycoplasma sp. comprises cell wall-less bacteria with reduced genome size and can infect mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants. Avian mycoplasmosis, particularly in chickens, is primarily caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae. It causes infection and pathology mainly in the respiratory, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. MG is the most widely distributed pathogenic avian mycoplasma with a wide range of host susceptibility and virulence. MG is transmitted both by horizontal and vertical routes. MG infection induces innate, cellular, mucosal, and adaptive immune responses in the host. Macrophages aid in phagocytosis and clearance, and B and T cells play critical roles in the clearance and prevention of MG. The virulent factors of MG are adhesion proteins, lipoproteins, heat shock proteins, and antigenic variation proteins, all of which play pivotal roles in host cell entry and pathogenesis. Prevention of MG relies on farm and flock biosecurity, management strategies, early diagnosis, use of antimicrobials, and vaccination. This review summarizes the vital pathogenic mechanisms underlying MG infection and recapitulates the virulence factors of MG-host cell adhesion, antigenic variation, nutrient transport, and immune evasion. The review also highlights the limitations of current vaccines and the development of innovative future vaccines against MG.

Assessing Livestock Production Practices on Small-Scale Multi-Species Farms Located on Floreana Island, Galápagos Islands

Globally to date, established international standards for animal welfare, a priority of sustainable agriculture, have primarily focused on large-scale producers. However, across Latin America, including in Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, smallholder farms play a critical role in food safety and security. We assessed five basic animal welfare measures (feed and water access, shelter availability and housing systems, animal health management, animal behavior, and timely euthanasia) for poultry, pigs, and cattle on Floreana Island, Galápagos. Utilizing assessment standards from multiple US sources and international standards, we developed a questionnaire and used it to conduct in-depth interviews during 4-5 July 2022 with eight participating producers, representing 75% of animal agriculture on Floreana. While we identified opportunities to enhance competencies in animal health management and timely euthanasia, farms performed well in the other assessed measures. Future work should promote knowledge transfer and in-country capacity building in farm biosecurity, access to veterinary care, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and euthanasia methods. Efforts to positively impact smallholder farm livelihoods in Galápagos-one of the most biodiverse and protected ecosystems on the planet-will sustainably support human health through the interconnected realms of animal health and welfare, wildlife and environmental health, and food safety and security.

From fox to fork? Toxocara contamination of spinach grown in the south of England, UK

BackgroundToxocara canis and Toxocara cati are intestinal parasites of dogs, cats and foxes, with infected animals shedding eggs of the parasite in their faeces. If humans accidentally ingest embryonated Toxocara spp. eggs from the environment, severe clinical consequences, including blindness and brain damage, can occur. Previous work has demonstrated the presence of Toxocara spp. eggs on vegetable produce grown in the UK, but only in small-scale community gardens. The aim of this study was to determine whether Toxocara spp. eggs are also present on vegetables grown on commercial farms in the UK, which supply produce to a greater number of people.MethodsA total of 120 samples (300 g each) of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were collected across four farms in the south of England, UK. The samples were processed using a sieving approach followed by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.ResultsOverall, 23.0% of samples were positive for T. canis (28/120; 95% confidence interval 16.7–31.7%) and 1.7% for T. cati (2/120; 95% confidence interval 0.5–5.9%). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of positive samples between farms (P = 0.0064). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of Toxocara spp. from vegetables grown on commercial farms in the UK.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the requirement for the thorough washing of vegetables prior to their consumption, especially those such as spinach which may be eaten without first peeling or cooking, and effective farm biosecurity measures to minimise access to farmland by definitive host species of Toxocara spp.Graphical

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Broiler farming creates wealth for farmers, but the system faces myriad constraints. The objectives of this study were to determine farmer’s willingness to adopt welfare practices, farm biosecurity risks and cost of production from selected farms in Kenya. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from 60 medium-scale and 60 large-scale farms, and secondary data collected on product condemnation and downgrades from a large-scale broiler meat processing factory. Descriptive statistics were computed to estimate level of farm inputs and outputs, while framework analytical approach was used for qualitative data. A bio-economic model was used to estimate gross margins per farm. Medium-scale farmers were willing to forgo 30% of their income to implement welfare practices. The cost of mortality was 24,000 KSH per cycle for large-scale farms and 3,500 KSH for medium-scale farms. Feed accounted for over 60% of production costs in both farming systems, and gross margin per cycle was 548,230 KSH in large-scale farms and 37,890 KSH for medium-scale farms. There was uncontrolled use of antibiotics for treatment of sick broiler chickens in farms. Policy interventions are required to minimize production losses along the broiler value chains, and reduction of risks of disease and antibiotic resistance in connected farms. Key words: Animal welfare, production losses, food safety, antimicrobial use, biosecurity risks.

Antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors influencing antibiotic use by Ecuadorian veterinarians working on cattle and poultry farms: A cross-sectional study

Understanding antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors influencing antibiotic use is essential for implementing strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use. There is, however, limited research exploring these issues with Ecuadorian veterinarians. Therefore, a questionnaire was developed and applied cross-sectionally to veterinarians (n = 173) from two professional organizations to explore the antibiotic prescription patterns and non-clinical factors (e.g., attitudes and perceptions) influencing antibiotic use, and to identify strategies to reduce antibiotic use. The response rate was 78.4%. Responses were compared between veterinarians working mainly on cattle and poultry farms using Mann-Whitney U tests. The most important attitudes, beliefs and perceptions towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antibiotic use were identified with the Relative Importance Index (RII). Veterinarians showed high awareness of AMR and its implications for public health, as well as the necessity of reducing antibiotic use. However, some veterinarians appear to underestimate the potential contribution of veterinary antibiotic use on AMR in humans. Veterinarians self-reported high prescription (> 20%) of antibiotics for cattle and poultry that are critically important for human medicine, such as 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, polymyxins and quinolones. Further, antibiotic therapy was not tailored to disease type. Cattle and poultry veterinarians perceived similar barriers to increasing antibiotic stewardship including: poor biosecurity measures, animal confinement, low feed quality, farmers’ behaviors (such as stopping antibiotic treatment, storing antibiotics on farms, buying antibiotics in veterinary supply stores), and sales agents’ roles as non-professional prescribers of antibiotics. Overall, veterinarians were broadly supportive (>90%) of most strategies to promote appropriate antibiotic use. They saw more merit in improving biosecurity of farms and implementing educational programs for farmers and veterinarians. This study provides insight into the complexity of antibiotic use on Ecuadorian farms and the need for holistic strategies in a One Health context, to achieve antibiotic stewardship.

Struggling to improve farm biosecurity: Do free advice and subsidies hit the target?

Biosafety measures (BSMs) often aim at reducing the likelihood of cross-species interactions at the wildlife-livestock interface. Examples include means to segregate wild ungulates from cattle at waterholes or at feeders. Subsidies or incentives for BSM implementation are expected to contribute to improved BSM acceptance. However, several recent experiences led us to write a cautionary commentary on the variable success of incentives in farm biosafety promotion. We list examples where, after offering farm-specific biosecurity action plans for free or subsidizing 100% of the cost of a given BSM, 25–40% of the farmers remained unwilling to invest efforts in farm biosafety and BSM maintenance. We suggest seeking a better understanding of farmers’ motivations through social science research, to train farm veterinarians on biosecurity and on how to tailor biosafety communication, and to set up formal regional risk mitigation programs including financial, logistical, and educational assistance, as well as monitoring plans, through public-private collaboration.

Assessing pig farm biosecurity measures for the control of Salmonella on European farms.

Salmonella spp. is a common zoonotic pathogen, causing gastrointestinal infections in people. Pigs and pig meat are a major source of infection. Although farm biosecurity is believed to be important for controlling Salmonella transmission, robust evidence is lacking on which measures are most effective. This study enrolled 250 pig farms across nine European countries. From each farm, 20 pooled faecal samples (or similar information) were collected and analysed for Salmonella presence. Based on the proportion of positive results, farms were categorised as at higher or lower Salmonella risk, and associations with variables from a comprehensive questionnaire investigated. Multivariable analysis indicated that farms were less likely to be in the higher-risk category if they had '<400 sows'; used rodent baits close to pig enclosures; isolated stay-behind (sick) pigs; did not answer that the hygiene lock/ anteroom was easy to clean; did not have a full perimeter fence; did apply downtime of at least 3days between farrowing batches; and had fully slatted flooring in all fattener buildings. A principal components analysis assessed the sources of variation between farms, and correlation between variables. The study results suggest simple control measures that could be prioritised on European pig farms to control Salmonella.

Selected aspects of infectious bursal disease – the current state of knowledge

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly infectious and contagious immunosuppressive viral disease of chickens with a worldwide economic significance to the poultry industry. Over fifty years have passed since the first confirmed occurrence of the disease, and the virus has spread all over world and evolved into multiple genetic, antigenic and pathotypic variants, becoming a serious threat to the poultry industry. The primary tool in IBD eradication is the maintenance of strict biosecurity in poultry farms and implementation of vaccination programmes which should take into account the current epidemiological knowledge about the IBDV strains circulating in the field. This review article presents the current state of knowledge about the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) with special regard to the molecular biology of the virus, immunological aspects, as well as current and future prevention strategies.

Evaluation of factors associated with biosecurity, antimicrobial use and mortality in broiler farms in Northern Kerala

A survey was conducted (March 2020 to October 2020) on biosecurity practices, disease occurrence and antimicrobial usage of 77 broiler farms from five districts of Northern Kerala. Data were collected through a questionnaire and field-level disease diagnostic tests were conducted. Biosecurity status varied from farm to farm with 97.4 per cent promoted vaccination and 61.04 per cent disposed carcasses by burning. However, limitations were observed in the use of a footbath, quarantine of new stock, isolation of diseased birds and quality of water. The five most common diseases recorded were Chronic respiratory disease (48.1%), Acute Death Syndrome (27.3%), Colibacillosis (23.4%), Pullorum (18.2%) and Coccidiosis (18.2%). The commonly used antibiotics in poultry farms were Enrofloxacin (35.1%), Cephalexin (14.3%), Tylosin (11.7%) and Levofloxacin (10.4%). Some of the farmers (14.3%) were unaware of the antibiotics used in their farms, a potent risk factor for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. About 19.49 per cent of farms restricted antibiotic use and 44.15 per cent of farms supported herbal traditional medicines as an alternative to antimicrobials.

¿Podría la gripe aviar A(H5N1) causar una nueva pandemia?

Avian influenza is one of the most devastating animal diseases. It has a huge economic and sanitary impact and, in some instances, it represents a great risk for public health. Since late 2020 we are experiencing the most severe avian influenza epidemic in history, caused by the highly pathogenic subtype H5N1, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b. This strain is causing important modifications in the epidemiology of the virus that have never been observed before: (1) a widely extended geographical distribution that confers the character of a panzootic, (2) occurrence of outbreaks throughout the year, unlike the previous seasonal patterns in autumn and winter, (3) high mortality rates not only in poultry, but also in wild birds and (4) more frequent spillovers from birds to mammals. In order to prevent the transmission of the virus from wild birds to poultry, it is important to improve the biosecurity of poultry farms, establish active and passive virological surveillance programs, assess vaccination strategies for domestic birds and develop real-time alert systems that are able to predict periods and areas at high risk for disease introduction. Although avian influenza viruses have limited capacity to jump to humans, this risk should not be underestimated, especially in the current situation with extremely high viral circulation in animals. In Spain, the National Center for Microbiology closely monitors all human cases of influenza A that are negative for the H1 and H3 seasonal subtypes, especially in patients who have contact with animals. For the prevention and control of this zoonosis it is essential to establish an effective and stable collaboration between professionals of the animal health, public health and environmental sectors.

Biosecurity practices on commercial layer farms in Abyek county, Qazvin, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the biosecurity measures practiced at commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek country, Qazvin, Iran.. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all licensed and active commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek county, Qazvin province, Iran in 2019 were recruited. We used a risk-based weighted scoring system (Biocheck.UGent) to assess the level of biosecurity according to internal and external classification. Biosecurity was quantified by converting the answers to 169 questions into score from 0 to 100. The minimum score, “0,” represents total absence of any biosecurity measure on the farm, whereas the maximum score, “100,” means full application of all investigated biosecurity measures. Results: The mean score of overall biosecurity in the commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek county, Qazvin province was 72.7. The mean score of internal and external biosecurity measures were 77.1 and 72.2, respectively. The lowest mean score was due to “Disease management” (69.7) among internal biosecurity measures and the lowest mean scores were for "Location of farm” (39.0) and “Removal of manure and dead animals” (42.6) among external biosecurity measures. The highest mean score was for “Transport of the eggs level” (91.0) for external biosecurity measures. Conclusions: This study showed the biosecurity status of commercial layer chicken farms in Abyek county, Qazvin, Iran and revealed some weaknesses in the implementation of these measures at the internal and external levels. It showed the biosecurity measures of these farms, especially at the external levels need to be improved. This information can aid decision-making on efforts used to improve disease control and prevention strategies in poultry farms.

Avaliação da biosseguridade de granjas comerciais de suínos em Santa Catarina, Brasil

Abstract The objective of this work was to develop an index of adequacy to minimum biosecurity conditions (IAB) to express the external biosecurity level of pig farms in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Pig farms of producers registered in the database of Companhia Integrada de Desenvolvimento Agrícola de Santa Catarina were sampled through an online questionnaire, with 76 questions on farm identification, production system, relationship with the agroindustry, herd size, and external biosecurity. One hundred questionnaires were answered by the farmers, showing the existence, partial existence, or absence of biosecurity practices, with scores of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.0, respectively, used to calculate the IAB of each farm. The farrow to weaning farms were grouped into three categories of production units (farrow to finishing, farrow to rearing, or farrow to weaning) and two of relationships with the production chain (integrated or independent). The investments necessary to achieve the ideal biosecurity practices were estimated. The farms with a low IAB (&lt; 40%) represented 33% of the total, and the remaining 67% of the farms were classified with a medium or high index, evidencing a good external biosecurity. The IAB can be used to measure the biosecurity of pig farms and, based on their classification, to support the design of intervention plans.

First record of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae and Piscinoodinium pillulare infection in Colossoma macropomum in the state of Tocantins, Brazil.

This study aims to report the occurrence of two important parasites in farmed tambaqui Colossoma macropomum in the state of Tocantins, the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae and the dinoflagellate protozoan Piscinoodinium pillulare, also suggesting the main treatments to control them. The fish sampled for the study were infected by N. buttnerae, and P. pillulare, with prevalence from 100% and mean intensity from 51.4 to 354,264, respectively. This was the first report on the occurrence of such parasites in C. macropomum in the state of Tocantins. We emphasize the need to adopt good farm management and biosecurity practices to prevent pathogenic agents to enter or leave a property. Reported treatments with synthetic and natural products with positive results are also suggested to treat against those parasites in farmed C. macropomum.

Seroprevalence of Salmonella spp. infection in different types of poultry and biosecurity measures associated with Salmonellosis

Salmonella spp. infection is considered a crucial trouble of the poultry industry in Bangladesh. Hence, this study was aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of Salmonella spp. in poultry along with biosecurity practices that are associated with this Salmonella spp. infection. The study was conducted during the period from January to September, 2021 in Mymensingh and Gazipur district of Bangladesh. A total of 314 samples were considered to determine the seroprevalence. Seroprevalence was determined by performing the rapid serum plate agglutination test. The result revealed that the overall Salmonella spp. seroprevalence was 47.77% in the study area. The higher seroprevalence was in Mymensingh (51.59%) than Gazipur (45.21%) without significant (p&amp;gt;0.05) difference. The highest seroprevalence was in broiler (51.33%) where in layer and sonali was 32.67% and 16% respectively. Seroprevalence was significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05) higher in summer for layer (56.45%), broiler (60.64%) and sonali (51.22%) than the winter seasons. In layer farms, the flock size of &amp;gt;2000 to &amp;lt;2500 had significantly (p&amp;lt;0.05) higher (71.43%) seroprevalence. In broiler farms, 15 to 30 days old birds had significantly (p&amp;lt;0.01) higher (77.05%) seroprevalence than other age. Among the different categorical level of biosecurity practices, the poultry farms that used surface water (OR=0.182, 95% CI=0.106-0.314); disinfectant regularly (OR=0.296, 95% CI=0.171-0.511); having density of 8-10 birds/meter2 (OR=0.379, 95% CI=0.219-0.654); cleaned waterer and feeder regularly (OR=0.503, 95% CI=0.294-0.862); and having visitor restriction (OR=0.375, 95% CI=0.219-0.643) showed lower tendency (p&amp;lt;0.001) to seroprevalence. In brief, Strict farm hygienic practice and biosecurity measures are significantly linked to decrease the Salmonella spp. seroprevalence.

Control measures to reduce Neospora caninum abortions in dairy farms: a pilot study in Iran.

Neospora caninum plays an important role in abortion and economic losses in dairy industry worldwide. The main target of this work was to detect the infection rate of N. caninum in various hosts in dairy farms for identifying the risk factors and applying appropriate control programs to reduce the number of abortions. The study was conducted in dairy farms with high incidence of abortion in Hamedan province, West of Iran. After the primary assessment, we conducted a controlling program for reducing the Neospora‑infection rate and associated abortions. Before implementing the control program, the seropositivity was 24.8% in cows (N=476 distributed in 10 farms) and 8.6% (N=185) in dogs. Abortion occurred in 3.57% of pregnant cows. 94.1% of aborted cows were positive for Neospora‑infection. Based on molecular technique, the infection rate was detected in 7.3% of cats (N=41), in 25% of pigeons (N=19)and in 11.8% of rodents (N=51). After the implementation of neosporosis control programs in the farms, the seropositivity of N. caninum decreased to 8.2% in cows and 2.9% in dogs. After the one‑year follow‑up, no cases of abortions were reported in the farms. This was the first parallel evaluation of Neospora‑infection and controlling programs in Iranian dairy farms. Regular control of rodents, retesting of seronegative animals and farm biosecurity measures are recommended for reducing the abortion incidence. The access of dogs to the herd and to aborted materials should be restricted.

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER: A BIOSECURITY CHALLENGE FOR DOMESTIC PIG PRODUCTION IN SERBIA

African swine fever (ASF) is currently the most important challenge for domestic pig production worldwide. The virus reached Eurasia in 2007, and is today affecting more than half of European Union member countries. Among Western Balkan countries, Serbia suffered the first case of ASF in a backyard holding in 2019. Since then, numerous outbreaks in domestic pigs and wild boar have been reported throughout the country despite the efforts of the veterinary authorities to control the disease. The lack of an effective vaccine is one of the main constraints, and the only currently available option to prevent further ASF infections is the application of strict biosecurity measures. Regarding biosecurity, backyard pig producers and smallholding farmers in Serbia have substantial gaps in the knowledge and fail to comply with safe production behaviour that favours the spread of ASF virus. In the currently prevailing smallholder and backyards farming systems, farm biosecurity is largely non-existent. The aim of this review was to identify specific ASF-risks factors in the current pig production system and gaps in biosecurity measures related to the human activities recognised as social and cultural identity in Serbia. Moreover, the main risk factors for ASF spreading and transmission at the domestic/wild boar interface, biosecurity practices in different production systems, and possible future control measures and awareness campaigns are discussed.

Biosecurity and antimicrobial use in broiler farms across nine European countries: toward identifying farm-specific options for reducing antimicrobial usage.

Broiler chickens are among the main livestock sectors worldwide. With individual treatments being inapplicable, contrary to many other animal species, the need for antimicrobial use (AMU) is relatively high. AMU in animals is known to drive the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). High farm biosecurity is a cornerstone for animal health and welfare, as well as food safety, as it protects animals from the introduction and spread of pathogens and therefore the need for AMU. The goal of this study was to identify the main biosecurity practices associated with AMU in broiler farms and to develop a statistical model that produces customised recommendations as to which biosecurity measures could be implemented on a farm to reduce its AMU, including a cost-effectiveness analysis of the recommended measures. AMU and biosecurity data were obtained cross-sectionally in 2014 from 181 broiler farms across nine European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain). Using mixed-effects random forest analysis (Mix-RF), recursive feature elimination was implemented to determine the biosecurity measures that best predicted AMU at the farm level. Subsequently, an algorithm was developed to generate AMU reduction scenarios based on the implementation of these measures. In the final Mix-RF model, 21 factors were present: 10 about internal biosecurity, 8 about external biosecurity and 3 about farm size and productivity, with the latter showing the largest (Gini) importance. Other AMU predictors, in order of importance, were the number of depopulation steps, compliance with a vaccination protocol for non-officially controlled diseases, and requiring visitors to check in before entering the farm. K-means clustering on the proximity matrix of the final Mix-RF model revealed that several measures interacted with each other, indicating that high AMU levels can arise for various reasons depending on the situation. The algorithm utilised the AMU predictive power of biosecurity measures while accounting also for their interactions, representing a first step toward aiding the decision-making process of veterinarians and farmers who are in need of implementing on-farm biosecurity measures to reduce their AMU.

Antibiotic Usages and Management Practices in Selected Layer Farms of Kamarkhanda Upazila of Sirajganj District

Most of the poultry farms in Bangladesh use antibiotics to combat the risk of disease occurrences due to poor managemental practices. This haphazard and illegitimate use of antibiotics is responsible for antibiotic resistance and residual problem in eggs and poultry meat. However, data on antibiotic consumption by layer birds and farmers' perspectives are shockingly rare in Bangladesh. In order to understand farmers' perceptions and antibiotic usage in Bangladesh's small-scale layer farms, this study was performed. The research has been completed through a quantitative approach. A questionnaire survey with 20 small-scale layer farms was performed in Kamarkhanda Upazila of Sirajganj district, Bangladesh. Data has been collected and examined on farmers’ educational status, farm management, egg management, antibiotic usage and factors responsible for it. We found that 95% of farmers do not follow the drug withdrawal period though 75% of farmers had some idea about drug residue in meat and egg. 70%-layer farms are involved in antibiotic usage, not only therapeutic but also prophylaxis and egg production enhancement. Eight different types of antibiotics of six classes are randomly used without proper justification that can pose resistance and residual problem. Any of the farmers need to practise cleaning and disinfection of egg trays. It is a sign of poor management. Monitoring of antibiotic use and residue, application of proper biosecurity in farms, application of rules and legislation, and penalization for illegal practices should be implicated in Bangladesh to control antibiotic resistance and residue.

Isolation and antibiotic sensitivity of Salmonella typhimurium isolates from poultry farms and slaughterhouses of Chitwan, Nepal

Nepalese poultry sector is progressing rapidly contributing around 4% of GDP with flourishing impact to provide sustainable and cheapest protein as source of human food. However, with the accelerating pathway, this industry is shed-back by outbreak of several infectious and zoonotic diseases impacting huge economic losses. Salmonella also cause infection in poultry birds and constitutes the largest reservoir of Salmonella organisms in nature. S. typhimurium is an unadopted serotype of Salmonella that may be transmitted to human, animals (poultry) and environment from contaminated food, feed and water. Use of antibiotics, good farm management practices and biosecurity are the treatment and control measures of this disease in poultry production. Development of antibiotic resistant strains of S. typhimurium thus not only pose considerable threat to clinicians, but is also of public health concern as these resistant strains after ingestion are capable of transferring resistance to other pathogens. The present study was undertaken to determine prevalence and antibiotics sensitivity of S. typhimurium strains isolated from domestic poultry from Chitwan, Nepal. Out of 79 farm and 23 chicken slaughterhouse sampling sites, the 107 (19.45%) out of 550 cultured specimens were confirmed for S. typhimurium. Amongst various antibiotics used for in vitro sensitivity testing, the two antibiotics: Colistin (Cl) and Enrofloxacin (Ex), were found to be 100% effective, whereas out of 22 antibiotics, 18 antibiotics showed weak to strong resistance pattern against S. typhimurium isolate. In the present study, Polymyxin and fluoroquinolone antibiotics were found to be most effective against S. typhimurium. Understanding the source of exposure to pathogens (especially resistant pathogens) provides some insight into antibiotic use and misuse in the region. Looking through the lens of One Health approach, the regulation of antibiotic use in animal medicine has direct implications for human health through the increased resistance of foodborne pathogens to vital antibiotic therapy. Thus, judicious use of antibiotics based on their sensitivity pattern should be practiced.