Good Veterinary Practice Research Articles

Use of Parasitological and Molecular Methods in Giardia sp. Detection in Animals Held in Captivity

Abstract Protozoa of the genus Giardia cause the disease giardiosis in a large number of animal species, but also in humans. This disease can be either subclinical or followed by diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss and stunted growth. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of Giardia sp. in different species of animals in Belgrade Zoo (asymptomatic infection) and to compare the sensitivity of parasitological and molecular-genetic methods. Examination of the presence of Giardia sp. protozoa was performed in 52 fecal samples, using fecal flotation and molecular-genetic PCR method. No positive samples were detected when deploying the parasitological method, while PRC analysis revealed the presence of Giardia sp. in one animal - ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), which indicates the advantage of the molecular-genetic method over the parasitological one. The absence of Giardia sp. in other samples can be explained by adequate housing conditions, successful implementation of hygienic and sanitary measures, as well as good veterinary practice. Use of PCR method for testing the presence of Giardia sp. showed a higher sensitivity when compared to the fecal flotation method.

Is There a Relationship between Antimicrobial Use and Antibiotic Resistance of the Most Common Mastitis Pathogens in Dairy Cows?

Antimicrobials have had an important impact on animal health and production performance. However, non-prudent antimicrobial use (AMU) in food producing animals is considered to contribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a potential impact on both animal and public health. Considering the global importance of AMR, and the threats and challenges posed by mastitis and mastitis therapy in livestock production, the main objective of this study was to quantify AMU on three dairy farms in Serbia and to examine whether there is an association between AMU and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance of mastitis-associated pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disk diffusion method using causative agents isolated from the milk samples of 247 dairy cows. AMU data were obtained for a one-year period (May 2021 to May 2022) based on antibiotic prescriptions listed in electronic databases kept by farm veterinarians. To estimate antimicrobial drug exposure at the farm level, the veterinary drug Defined Daily Dose was calculated by multiplying the total amount of antibiotic used on the farms during the study period by the quantity of antibiotic in the administered drug and number of original drug packages used. The results on the association between the use of common antibiotics in mastitis treatment and AMR of isolated mastitis-associated pathogens confirm a pattern that could raise awareness of the importance of this aspect of good veterinary and clinical practice to combat the global threat of AMR.

Innovative models for teaching reproduction in small animals: The experience at DIMEVET of Bologna University

For a long time, the main way to acquire the skills necessary for good veterinary practice has been the traditional apprenticeship model (observe, assist, and perform under supervision). However, in the last years, more creative and innovative teaching models have been adopted by academic institutions and, parallelly, the opportunities to gain hands-on experience for clinical and surgical procedures are becoming more limited. For that reason, the introduction of the models can provide a potential solution to the ethical and legal implications related to the use of live animals for educational purposes and the biosafety risks deriving from the manipulation of human/animal cadavers. The activity on this topic at DIMEVET and, in particular, the experience about teaching reproduction includes in-house production and use of models for learning skills both for degree (fifth and third years of course) and post-graduate courses. Our models are designed on the basis of two fundamental aspect: the student level and the teacher target. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time in literature, how much the use of simulators impacts on practical teaching in degrees and post graduate courses at DIMEVET, considering different learners with different levels of knowledge and skills. Namely, effectiveness, adequacy and quality of simulators have been checked assessing students' learning experience and teacher's opinion by specific satisfaction questionnaires and considering the attendance at the training sessions and the results of a final examination (PHY group) and an in vivo test (POST group). The rate of satisfaction was high among the three groups considered and the participants that had used the models had a higher success, both in the final examination and in vivo test.Data collected have been useful in order to show an improvement in teaching at DIMEVET in the field of reproduction, despite the relatively short years of experience using simulation. With this study we demonstrate that the adequacy of the models is not correlated to how simulators is built, whether with basic materials or not faithfully in terms of anatomical appearance, but it is important that it is realistic in terms of psychomotor procedure. In conclusion, the use of models permits the student to gain the hand-eye coordination and dexterity necessary to perform certain skills and the models proposed are meeting the desired educational goals.

МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЯ МАЛИХ СВИНОФЕРМ ІЗ ЗАМКНУТИМ ЦИКЛОМ ВИРОБНИЦТВА ПРОДУКЦІЇ

The purpose of the research is to assess the relevance of modernization of small pig farms with a closed production cycle. Research methods. Analytical research on the relevance of modernization of small pig farms with a closed production cycle was carried out by the method of processing existing scientific and informational reports. Research results. When organizing pork production at the farm level, the most important measures should be on the production flow, formation of homogeneous technological groups of pigs, herd reproduction, sow keeping, quality of feed rations, creating a proper microclimate, compliance with production technology. One of the main factors holding back the growth of pork production is the lack of feed, their low quality and the constant shortage of digestible protein in feed rations for pigs. The existing premises of small pig farms do not fully meet modern requirements for the maintenance of various technological groups of pigs. The further development of pig farming requires important issues related to sanitary protection zones, animal welfare and environmental protection. It is important to ensure biosafety in pig farming and to implement appropriate veterinary practices and standards. In most pork farms, the genetic potential of domestic pig breeds is now used for reproductive qualities by only 45-50 %, and for fattening by 20-25 %. In the system of qualitative improvement of the breeding stock of farms, the disadvantage is the unsystematic use of reared young pigs, 70% of the products are sold to meat processing plants. When modernizing small pig farms with a full cycle of pork production, among other things, it is necessary to take into account the size and resource characteristics of basic farms to achieve high efficiency of production. Conclusions. According to the results of analytical studies, for the first time the urgency of modernization of small pig farms with a closed production cycle was assessed. The constant shortage of digestible protein in feed rations for pigs is holding back the increase in pork production. Premises of small pig farms do not meet modern requirements for keeping different sex and age groups of pigs. In general, biosecurity and the implementation of good veterinary practices and standards are important in pig farming. There is a low level of realization of the genetic potential of domestic breeds of pigs. The disadvantage should be considered the unsystematic use of raised young. During the modernization of small pig farms, it is necessary to take into account the resource characteristics of farms to achieve high efficiency of pork production. Key words: production, small pig farms, modernization, modern requirements, pig breeding, pork.

Veterinary drug residues in animal-derived foods: occurrence, veterinary legislation and perceived risk factors in Cameroon

The presence of veterinary drug residues in animal-derived foods (ADF) remains a public health concern in low-income countries such as Cameroon. This paper provides an overview of the current status of antimicrobial (AM) residues in ADF, veterinary legislation on the use of AM and perception of risk factors with emphasis on the need for sustainable management in Cameroon from a one health perspective. Results show that a wide range of antimicrobials is used in the country with little or no attention to good veterinary practices. Residues of commonly used AM agents including those banned for use in food animal production in high-income countries were reported. The current legislation on the use of veterinary drugs is weak and does not make provision for key concepts such as Maximum Residue Limit. Veterinarians argue that the lack of disease diagnostic facilities and excessive use of AM has led to the presence of residues in ADFs. The government and relevant agencies need to enforce regulations for the use of veterinary drugs. Further, awareness creation through educational campaigns for users and consumers as well as the implementation of measures to restrict prescription and dispensation of AM agents to recognised veterinarians are necessary. More studies on AM residues in ADFs are needed to support veterinary drug surveillance policies. This paper strongly suggests collaboration between food safety experts, animal and human health professionals as well as policymakers to help implement good surveillance of antimicrobial use and to safeguard potent AM suitable for disease control for forthcoming generations.

Rational Pharmacotherapy in Infectious Diseases: Issues Related to Drug Residues in Edible Animal Tissues.

Simple SummaryDrug use is essential to treat diseases in food-producing animals. The most widely used drugs are antiparasitics and antimicrobials. They contribute to guaranteeing good-quality food in sufficient quantity for human consumption. When using veterinary medicines, it is essential to follow the instructions on the package label. Administering the correct dose by the indicated route in the animal species for which the drug is labeled is critical. After a pharmacological treatment is administered to livestock, a period (indicated on the label) must often elapse before the tissues from the treated animals can be consumed by humans. Veterinary drug residues are controlled by taking food samples to verify that drug concentrations do not exceed the permitted limits. This allows authorities to know if the medicine use is correct or if suitable corrective measures should be taken. When label’s directions are not followed, drug residues may appear in food. The residues exceeding the permitted limits established by the authorities can produce unfavorable consequences, mainly on the consumer’s health. The food trade and even the environment can be affected by drug residues in animal tissues. Therefore, the correct use of drugs in livestock is critical, which includes respecting the rules to avoid residues in food for human consumption. Drugs are used in veterinary medicine to prevent or treat animal diseases. When rationally administered to livestock following Good Veterinary Practices (GVP), they greatly contribute to improving the production of food of animal origin. Since humans can be exposed chronically to veterinary drugs through the diet, residues in food are evaluated for effects following chronic exposures. Parameters such as an acceptable daily intake (ADI), the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL), maximum residue limits (MRLs), and the withdrawal periods (WPs) are determined for each drug used in livestock. Drug residues in food exceeding the MRLs usually appear when failing the GVP application. Different factors related either to the treated animal or to the type of drug administration, and even the type of cooking can affect the level of residues in edible tissues. Residues above the MRLs can have a diverse negative impact, mainly on the consumer’s health, and favor antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Drug residue monitoring programmes are crucial to ensure that prohibited or authorized substances do not exceed MRLs. This comprehensive review article addresses different aspects of drug residues in edible tissues produced as food for human consumption and provides relevant information contributing to rational pharmacotherapy in food-producing animals.

Residues of veterinary drugs and heavy metals in bovine meat from Urabá (Antioquia, Colombia), a promising step forward towards international commercialization

Veterinary drugs are used for disease control in bovines Their presence at acceptable levels is a cause of concern for consumers and control agencies, as well as being a limitation for accessing international markets. The objective of this research was to evaluate the presence of residues of veterinary drugs and heavy metals in meat cuts from the Urabá region in Colombia. From a total of 80 samples of meat cuts from the loin and neck, we determined the presence of 29 veterinary drug residues and of cadmium and lead. The drug residues were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Heavy metals were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption. As a result, all evaluated samples complied with Colombian and European regulations for drug residues and heavy metals. These results demonstrate good veterinary practices used for bovines raised in this part of Colombia, and they represent an export opportunity and an opening for new markets that can be enhanced by the implementation of a meat quality seal from this region.

Comparison of beta-ligands used in cattle production: structures, safety, and biological effects.

Technologies that increase the efficiency and sustainability of food animal production to provide meat for a growing population are necessary and must be used in a manner consistent with good veterinary practices, approved labeled use, and environmental stewardship. Compounds that bind to beta-adrenergic receptors (β-AR), termed beta-adrenergic receptor ligands (β-ligands), are one such technology and have been in use globally for many years. Though all β-ligands share some similarities in structure and function, the significance of their structural and pharmacological differences is sometimes overlooked. Structural variations in these molecules can affect absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion as well as cause substantial differences in biological and metabolic effects. Several β-ligands are available for use specifically in cattle production. Ractopamine and zilpaterol are beta-adrenergic agonists approved to increase weight gain, feed efficiency, and carcass leanness in cattle. They both bind to and activate β1- and β2-AR. Lubabegron is a newly developed selective beta-adrenergic modulator with unique structural and functional features. Lubabegron displays antagonistic behavior at the β1- and β2-AR but agonistic behavior at the β3-AR. Lubabegron is approved for use in cattle to reduce ammonia emissions per unit of live or carcass weight. Additionally, lubabegron can withstand prolonged use as the β3-AR lacks structural features needed for desensitization. Due to these unique features of lubabegron, this new β-ligand provides an additional option in cattle production. The individual properties of each β-ligand should be considered when making risk management decisions, as unique properties result in varying human food safety profiles that can determine appropriate safe β-ligand use.

Determination of antibiotics and their metabolites in milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antibiotic residues and metabolites in the samples of colostrum, raw cow milk, raw goat milk, and ultra-high temperature treated milk by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The calibration curves for all the studied compounds showed good linear correlation coefficients (r2 ≥ 0.999). The recovery rates were 73.33–87.78%, also the limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.68–3.16 μg/kg and 2.24–10.43 μg/kg, respectively. Antibiotic residues including tetracycline, 4-epitetracycline, 4-epioxytetracycline, 4-epichlorotetracycline, and ciprofloxacin were detected in 72 (55.38%) out of 130 milk samples. However, 6 (28.57%) of 21 raw goat milk and 6 (8.82%) of 68 raw cow milk samples were found to be above maximum residue limits for the sum of tetracycline and its 4-epimer. Since residues of antibiotics were detected, the results suggest that good veterinary practices are not followed by all milk producers.

Retrospective review of anesthetic and analgesic regimens used in animal research proposals.

Pain has a profound effect on an animal's wellbeing. In Germany, researchers using animals have been legally required since 1972 to reduce any possible pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm to an absolute minimum. To evaluate how these provisions have been implemented in practice, an assessment of refinements to experimental techniques was conducted by retrospectively reviewing 684 surgical interventions described in 506 animal research applications that were sent to the German competent authorities for approval in 2010. This paper focuses on the efficacy of proposed anesthesia and peri- and postoperative analgesia. Postoperative analgesia was not proposed for 30 % of surgeries. Following 10 % of procedures, animals were to be given pain relieving medication if the investigators decided this was necessary; however, structured assessments to detect pain were absent. Consequences of unalleviated pain and omission of pain assessment techniques are discussed, and some recommendations to improve anesthesia and analgesia are given. The findings of this review highlight the need for improvement, both to fulfil legal requirements and to improve animal welfare. To monitor compliance with animal welfare regulations, and ensure good veterinary and scientific practices, education and training needs to be intensified. Adherence to the items listed in the PREPARE and ARRIVE guidelines and the Gold Standard Publication checklist (GSPC) should become legally binding.

An Overview on Ethics and Ethical Decision-Making Process in Veterinary Practice

Veterinary ethics is a coordination of ethical principles that apply morals, values and judgements to the practice of veterinary profession. Veterinary ethics cover its practical application in veterinary practices as well as on its history, philosophy, theology, and sociology. Veterinary ethics combine veterinary professional ethics and the focus of animal ethics. It can be inferred as a critical manifestation on the provision of veterinary services in hold of the profession’s responsibilities to animal kind and mankind. Many ethical issues arise in a business unit in veterinary practice. Whenever such issues arise, it may lead to dilemmas, then proper and well-thought out ethical decision is to be made. Ethical decision making process in a business unit in veterinary practice is the use of ethical theories, principles, and rules by veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals in resolving ethical dilemmas in the veterinary practice. In order to resolve ethical dilemmas, being aware of and revelation to ethical theories is essential. Thoughtfulness of animal welfare and ethical issues is an essential component of a good ethical veterinary practice. This article reviews and discusses the ethics and major steps engaged in the ethical decision-making process in a business unit in veterinary practice. Strong commitment to the role, organization’s commitment to ethics and staff support could lower the levels of moral stress while facing ethical dilemma in a veterinary practice. Though using the ethical frameworks portrayed may not change the actual decisions finally reached by veterinary professionals, a good knowledge of ethical issues is imperative for client communication, better job satisfaction and preserving a positive public outline for both the individual and the veterinary practice.

English

Animal African trypanosmiasis (AAT) is the most important factor contributing to the sub potential performance of livestock. AAT is caused by Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax and Trypanosoma brucei. Chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis are the major means of combating the disease. An estimated 17 million cattle are treated with trypanocides annually. The emergence of drug-resistant trypanosome strains is considered a serious problem in trypanosomiasis control particularly for the resource-poor, at-risk populations and farmers in Africa. Trypanocidal drug resistance is the decreased or absence of sensitivity of trypanosome strains to standard quality trypanocidal drugs at the dose recommended in a good veterinary practice. Different resistance mechanisms are acquired independently through exposure to different drugs. A good example for this is cross resistance for diminazene and isometamidium. Trypanosomiasis drug resistance has been officially reported in 21 African countries. Moreover, certain African countries reported the presence of multi drug resistance. Safeguarding the available trypanocidal drugs is mandatory to reduce the devastating impact of the disease. Key words: Resistance, trypanosome, African animal trypanosomiasis.

AntibioticScout.ch: Decision support for the prudent use of antimicrobials: Application in cattle

The administration of antibiotics in livestock has been criticized for many years, in particular because of an inappropriate use and the appearance of antibiotic residues in the environment, which can promote the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. However, antibiotics are essential for the successful and sustainable control of bacterial pathogens. With the aim of optimizing the use of antibiotics in food animals and minimizing the prevalence of resistant bacteria, AntibioticScout. ch provides a decision aid for the prudent use of antimicrobial drugs. This approach emphasizes the importance of supportive therapy and the hallmarks of preventive concepts. Procedures to improve animal health and animal welfare in accordance with the principles of good veterinary practice are primary and effective tools to reduce the use of antimicrobial drugs. The necessary reduction in the use of antibiotics must, therefore, be accompanied by appropriate management strategies in animal husbandry. In particular, hygiene, animal welfare and biosecurity measures are crucial to ensure an optimal health status in farm animals.

OIE twinning programme for veterinary education.

Building capacity is synonymous with sustaining development. Both are required to fuel progress and propel efforts towards heightening health and security. The urgency to build capacity has been catalysed by an increasing number of sanitary crises, threats, and disease outbreaks that have spanned countries, regions and continents. Education has often bridged the gaps in learning, but it has also divided the ways in which learning is practised. Differing cultural, religious and political beliefs, together with alternate economic priorities, have meant that countries have been advocating for education to meet their own specific needs, and not necessarily those of the international community. The varying contents of veterinary curricula around the world do not always demonstrate that the initial education of veterinary students provides them with the necessary skill sets to fulfil their responsibilities as key actors in the private and public sectors of national Veterinary Services. This has resulted in discrepancies in the competencies acquired by veterinarians and their capacities to uphold good veterinary governance and practices. To address this educational imbalance, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has drafted recommendations and guidelines to assist Veterinary Education Establishments worldwide with improving the breadth and depth of their veterinary curricula in order to strengthen their national Veterinary Services. The OIE has, furthermore, developed a twinning programme for Veterinary Education Establishments, under which learning opportunities for teaching staff and students are created and shared. Twinning has, to date, proved to be an effective and powerful mechanism through which developments in veterinary education through mutual capacity and confidence-building can be sustained.

Organic and conventional milk – insight on potential differences

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate if there is a difference in hygiene parameters of raw milk produced in organic and conventional farm of similar size. In parallel, the aim was to determine if there are differences in pasteurized organic and conventional milk samples delivered on the market.Design/methodology/approachRaw milk samples were analyzed for aerobic colony count (ACC), somatic cell count (SCC), acidity, temperature, fat and protein content. On the other side, final products of organic and conventional pasteurized milk with 2.8 percent declared milk fat were analyzed for Raman spectroscopy, color change and sensorial difference.FindingsResults of raw milk analysis showed statistically significant differences in fat content, SCC, acidity, temperature and ACC (p<0.05). It is of note that ACC for organic milk were lower for approx. 1 log CFU/ml compared to conventional milk samples. Pasteurized organic milk samples had a significantly higher L* value than those samples originating from conventional farms, indicating that organic is “more white” compared to conventional milk. According to the results of triangle test, with 95 percent confidence no more than 10 percent of the population is able to detect a difference.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this research is the fact that good veterinary practices at farms, namely, animal health and adequate usage of medicine for treating the animals, animal welfare and animal feeding were not analyzed.Originality/valueThis study analyzed potential differences in organic and conventional milk at two important production stages of the milk chain – at receipt at dairy plant (raw milk) and perceived by consumers (final product).

Residues of veterinary drugs in milk in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Veterinary drugs are used in dairy cattle management mainly for therapy and prophylaxis of diseases, which chemicals may leave residues in milk. Human exposure and the unintentional consumption of residues of drugs can lead to side effects and development of resistant bacteria, representing a considerable concern to consumer health. This paper presents the occurrence of residues of veterinary drugs in milk from 2009 to 2011 in Brazil, monitored by the Official Program for Analysis of Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods of Animal Origin. A total of 961 samples were collected in the retail and evaluated for the main β-lactams, tetracyclines, amphenicol, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides and avermectins. Residues of veterinary drugs did not exceed maximum residue limit (MRL); although, there is a considerable use of critically/highly important antimicrobials and avermectins in dairy cows, especially quinolones and tetracyclines. Doxycycline (9%) and abamectin (1.6%) were detected, even though these substances are not intended to be used in milk producing animals for human consumption. Norfloxacin (15%) was observed; although, there are no MRL established, consequently, no residue level should have been detected. No residues of streptomycin, chloramphenicol and β-lactams were confirmed. Milk in Brazil contains low levels of veterinary drugs so that toxicological risk regarding milk consumption could not be considered as a public health concern. However, due to the nature of the samples, which correspond to milk from several farms, it could occur a dilution effect. The absence of MRL established for norfloxacin prevents suitable interpretation of the findings and makes tough the control of these chemical residues in food. Detection of some antimicrobials and avermectins may be linked to extra-label use or noncompliance withdrawal periods suggesting that good veterinary practices are not being followed, since residues of unauthorized drugs have been detected.

Perceptions of French private veterinary practitioners’ on their role in organic dairy farms and opportunities to improve their advisory services for organic dairy farmers

Veterinarians could be the expected sparring partners of organic dairy farmers in promoting animal health which is one of the main organic principles. However, in the past organic dairy farmers did not always consider veterinarians to be pertinent advisors for them. The objectives of this study are – from private veterinary practitioners’ point of views- i) to describe the roles of veterinarians today in organic dairy farmers’ animal health promotion strategies, ii) to identify factors related to organic farming which determine their role on organic dairy farms, and, iii) to identify opportunities for improvement of veterinarians’ advisory services for organic dairy herds. Fourteen veterinarians, providing herd health advisory services to dairy farmers, were interviewed using qualitative semi-structured research interviews. A modified approach to Grounded Theory was used for data collection and analysis. Most often veterinarians had only contact with the organic dairy farmers in cases of individual ill animals or acute herd health problems. Even though certain veterinarians experienced situations and approaches of animal health and welfare on organic dairy farms not meeting their standards, they were not always able to establish themselves an advisory role supporting farmers in improving this. Indeed, organic production principles, regulations and farmers’ health approaches challenged veterinarians’ values on animal health and welfare and their perceptions of ‘good veterinary practices’. Also, some veterinarians considered that there was no direct economic interest for them in the organic dairy sector and that could diminish their willingness to invest in this sector. Possible opportunities for improvement were identified; for example proposing more proactively advice via existing organisations, by making adaptations to advisory services for the organic sector and/or by dissociating veterinarians’ curative role from their advisory role in disease prevention.

Evaluation of water entry into the coelom and different levels of aseptic technique during surgical implantation of electronic tags in freshwater fish

We reviewed the literature in an attempt to determine the importance of aseptic technique when implanting electronic tags in fish. Given that there was negligible information on this topic we embarked on a study where bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) were used as a model to investigate the effects of different aseptic surgical techniques for the intracoelomic implantation of electronic tags in fish. First we tested the effects of water entry into the incision using five treatments: lake, distilled and saline water introduced into the incision, water-free controls, and non-surgery controls. For fish in the water treatments, 1 mL of the sample was introduced into their coelom prior to incision closure. Fish were held for 10 days to monitor survival and at the end of the study, the survivors were blood sampled and euthanized to evaluate condition and health using the health assessment index. In a second experiment, four aseptic treatments were used: non-sterile, field-based, high-grade sterility, and non-surgery controls and fish were monitored as in the first experiment. For both experiments, no differences in physiological status, health or mortality were noted among treatment groups. However, in the aseptic techniques experiment, surgical times were approximately twice as long for fish in the sterile treatment as compared to other groups and the costs of surgical supplies was greater than that of the less-sterile treatments. Although we failed to document any benefit of keeping water out of the incision or using aseptic technique for bluegill, in other situations and for other species, such approaches may be important. As such, we encourage fish surgeons practicing intracoelomic implants to attempt to prevent water entry into the coelom. We also encourage, at least some level of infection control (e.g., non-sterile gloves, clean tags and surgical tools) consistent with good veterinary practices to maintain the welfare status of tagged fish and ensure that the data from tagged fish representative of untagged conspecifics. However, the most prudent and ethical approach would be to work with veterinarians to incorporate formal sterilization procedures, equipment (e.g., sterile gloves) and aseptic technique into field surgical techniques.

Risk Assessment of Growth Hormones and Antimicrobial Residues in Meat

Growth promoters including hormonal substances and antibiotics are used legally and illegally in food producing animals for the growth promotion of livestock animals. Hormonal substances still under debate in terms of their human health impacts are estradiol-17β, progesterone, testosterone, zeranol, trenbolone, and melengestrol acetate (MGA) . Many of the risk assessment results of natural steroid hormones have presented negligible impacts when they are used under good veterinary practices. For synthetic hormonelike substances, ADIs and MRLs have been established for food safety along with the approval of animal treatment. Small amounts of antibiotics added to feedstuff present growth promotion effects via the prevention of infectious diseases at doses lower than therapeutic dose. The induction of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and the disruption of normal human intestinal flora are major concerns in terms of human health impact. Regulatory guidance such as ADIs and MRLs fully reflect the impact on human gastrointestinal microflora. However, before deciding on any risk management options, risk assessments of antimicrobial resistance require large-scale evidence regarding the relationship between antimicrobial use in food-producing animals and the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens. In this article, the risk profiles of hormonal and antibacterial growth promoters are provided based on recent toxicity and human exposure information, and recommendations for risk management to prevent human health impacts by the use of growth promoters are also presented.

Maximum Residue Levels of Veterinary Medicines in Relation to Food Safety: European Community Legislation and Ethical Aspects

Residues of veterinary medicinal products, as defined by the European Union, are “pharmacologically active substances (whether active principles, excipients or degradation products) and their metabolites which remain in foodstuffs obtained from animals to which the veterinary medicinal product in question has been administered”. The policy for Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) setting is focused on a high protection level for the consumer. MRL can be set when risk assessment shows no risk for the consumer. An MRL is the maximum concentration of residue following administration of a veterinary medicine which is legally permitted or acceptable in food under the laws of the EU. The responsibility for keeping residues under the MRL lies with veterinarians and farmers, using licensed animal medicines. Violative residues of veterinary medicines can occur as a result of improper use of a licensed product or through the illegal use of an unlicensed substance. Consequently, it became clear that prudent use of not only antimicrobials used for treatment and prevention of disease but also those used for growth promotion (e.g. β-agonists or steroid hormones) in farm animals is an integral part of good veterinary practice. In the following an overview of the European Community legislation on the studies required for residues is given. Ethical aspects are also considered.