Biosecurity Level Research Articles

Innovative Research Offers New Hope for Managing African Swine Fever Better in Resource-Limited Smallholder Farming Settings: A Timely Update.

African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs has, since its discovery in Africa more than a century ago, been associated with subsistence pig keeping with low levels of biosecurity. Likewise, smallholder and backyard pig farming in resource-limited settings have been notably affected during the ongoing epidemic in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Caribbean regions. Many challenges to managing ASF in such settings have been identified in the ongoing as well as previous epidemics. Consistent implementation of biosecurity at all nodes in the value chain remains most important for controlling and preventing ASF. Recent research from Asia, Africa, and Europe has provided science-based information that can be of value in overcoming some of the hurdles faced for implementing biosecurity in resource-limited contexts. In this narrative review we examine a selection of these studies elucidating innovative solutions such as shorter boiling times for inactivating ASF virus in swill, participatory planning of interventions for risk mitigation for ASF, better understanding of smallholder pig-keeper perceptions and constraints, modified culling, and safe alternatives for disposal of carcasses of pigs that have died of ASF. The aim of the review is to increase acceptance and implementation of science-based approaches that increase the feasibility of managing, and the possibility to prevent, ASF in resource-limited settings. This could contribute to protecting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods that depend upon pigs and enable small-scale pig production to reach its full potential for poverty alleviation and food security.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers in North Lebanon.

Great attention has been given recently to the prevalence of different Campylobacter spp. in poultry since the latter are considered the major contributing reservoir of human campylobacteriosis. In Lebanon, the occurrence of campylobacteriosis in humans is high. The aim of our first-of-its-kind study in the country was to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers from a convenient sample of farms in North Lebanon. One hundred twenty-five fecal samples were collected from 25 broiler farms, which were selected, examined, and classified according to their biosecurity level and rearing system. All samples were subjected to qualitative microbiological culture testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect Campylobacter spp. Despite the reported use of antibiotics, cell culture and PCR were positive for 44% and 88%, respectively. This implies that this bacterium is resistant to antibiotics used on the farms. Furthermore, Campylobacter infection rate was higher in open (92%) than in closed (85%) system farms. All farms with poor biosecurity measures, and 82% of farms with good biosecurity measures had Campylobacter infections, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Our results show that campylobacteriosis was found prevalent among broilers in North Lebanon, making them potential carriers of Campylobacter spp. Future studies should include antibiotic susceptibility testing to check the susceptibility pattern of isolates.

Review on Poultry Production, Trends and Development Strategies in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has considerable livestock resource and poultry population is second ranked preceded by Cattle. Besides their important and numbers, little is known about their production systems, population growth, egg utilization trends and development strategies in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian poultry population is almost entirely composed of indigenous chicken and recent estimates showed that poultry 81.7%, 10.9%, and 7.4% are indigenous, hybrids and exotic, respectively. The distribution of poultry population in Ethiopia is diverging from region to region. Oromia region has the largest number of poultry population followed by Amhara, South Nation and Nationality People of Ethiopia (SNNP). Poultry production system in Ethiopia is indigenous and an integral part of farming system. Based on the objective, breed, flock size, housing, feeding, health, biosecurity level and technology used, the poultry production system in Ethiopia can be classified into extensive or scavenging, semi-intensive, small-scale intensive and large scale commercial poultry production system. The extensive scavenging and small-extensive scavenging systems are the dominant forms of poultry production in Ethiopia. The poultry population growth over the year almost stagnant because of high poultry mortality due to lack of adaptation of introduced exotic poultry, diseases, predators prevalent in the scavenging production systems and limited expansion of commercial poultry production both in terms of number of operators and volume of operation. The poultry sector did not have a clear roadmap guiding its development until the recent production of the LMP. The future study should be attention onto expansion of large scale commercial poultry production system, constraints of poultry population growth, adaption of introduced exotic poultry breeds and the reason for eggs sale and household consumption fluctuated.

High in vitro activity of gold and silver nanoparticles from Solanum mammosum L. against SARS-CoV-2 surrogate Phi6 and viral model PhiX174

The search for new strategies to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has become a global priority. Various nanomaterials have been proposed as ideal candidates to inactivate the virus; however, because of the high level of biosecurity required for their use, alternative models should be determined. This study aimed to compare the effects of two types of nanomaterials gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), recognized for their antiviral activity and affinity with the coronavirus spike protein using PhiX174 and enveloped Phi6 bacteriophages as models. To reduce the toxicity of nanoparticles, a species known for its intermediate antiviral activity, Solanum mammosum L. (Sm), was used. NPs prepared with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) functioned as the control. Antiviral activity against PhiX174 and Phi6 was analyzed using its seed, fruit, leaves, and essential oil; the leaves were the most effective on Phi6. Using the aqueous extract of the leaves, AuNPs-Sm of 5.34 ± 2.25 nm and AgNPs-Sm of 15.92 ± 8.03 nm, measured by transmission electron microscopy, were obtained. When comparing NPs with precursors, both gold(III) acetate and silver nitrate were more toxic than their respective NPs (99.99% at 1 mg ml−1). The AuNPs-Sm were less toxic, reaching 99.30% viral inactivation at 1 mg ml−1, unlike the AgNPs-Sm, which reached 99.94% at 0.01 mg ml−1. In addition, cell toxicity was tested in human adenocarcinoma alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) and human foreskin fibroblasts. Gallic acid was the main component identified in the leaf extract using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The FT-IR spectra showed the presence of a large proportion of polyphenolic compounds, and the antioxidant analysis confirmed the antiradical activity. The control NPs showed less antiviral activity than the AuNPs-Sm and AgNPs-Sm, which was statistically significant; this demonstrates that both the S. mammosum extract and its corresponding NPs have a greater antiviral effect on the surrogate Phi bacteriophage, which is an appropriate model for studying SARS-CoV-2.

Pharmaceuticalised livelihoods: antibiotics and the rise of 'Quick Farming' in peri-urban Uganda.

The 'livestock revolution' has seen the lives and livelihoods of peri-urban peoples increasingly intertwine with pigs and poultry across Africa in response to a rising demand for meat protein. This 'revolution' heralds the potential to address both poverty and nutritional needs. However, the intensification of farming has sparked concern, including for antibiotic misuse and its consequences for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These changes reflect a micro-biopolitical conundrum where the agendas of microbes, farmers, publics, authorities and transnational agencies are in tension. To understand this requires close attention to the practices, principles and potentials held between these actors. Ethnographic research took place in a peri-urban district, Wakiso, in Uganda between May 2018 and March 2021. This included a medicine survey at 115 small- and medium-scale pig and poultry farms, 18 weeks of participant observation at six farms, 34 in-depth interviews with farmers and others in the local livestock sector, four group discussions with 38 farmers and 7 veterinary officers, and analysis of archival, media and policy documents. Wide-scale adoption of quick farming was found, an entrepreneurial phenomenon that sees Ugandans raising 'exotic' livestock with imported methods and measures for production, including antibiotics for immediate therapy, prevention of infections and to promote production and protection of livelihoods. This assemblage - a promissory assemblage of the peri-urban - reinforced precarity against which antibiotics formed a potential layer of protection. The paper argues that to address antibiotic use as a driver of AMR is to address precarity as a driver of antibiotic use. Reduced reliance on antibiotics required a level of biosecurity and economies of scale in purchasing insurance that appeared affordable only by larger-scale commercial producers. This study illustrates the risks - to finances, development and health - of expanding an entrepreneurial model of protein production in populations vulnerable to climate, infection and market dynamics.

Knowledge, attitude and practices about Nipah virus infection among people visiting urban and rural health training centres

Background: Nipah virus infection is an emerging infectious disease of south-east Asia region, which has gained public health importance. Nipah virus is classified internationally as a biosecurity level (BSL) 4 agent. Objective was to assess knowledge, practice and attitude regarding Nipah virus infection. Methods: A cross sectional study was done in urban and rural health training centers among adult population, data was collected using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Data was entered in Microsoft excel, frequencies and percentages were calculated. Results: In present study majority of study participants belonged to less than 25 years. Nuclear families were common in both urban (76%) and rural (44%) areas. 41% and 35% of urban and rural study participants belonged to class II status respectively. In present study it was found that both urban and rural study participants had heard about Nipah virus infection in recent few months. 73% of urban study participants considered themselves at risk of Nipah virus infection when compared to 36% of rural participants. Rural study participants did not have clarity of spread, signs and symptoms. 11% and 6% of urban and rural study participants had heard health education talks about Nipah virus infection respectively and most common source was social media. Conclusions: The present study finding is suggestive of good knowledge regarding Nipah virus infection among urban population when compared to rural setting. Continuous health education has to be imparted at all levels of health care so as to make community aware about spread, clinical presentation and prevention aspects of Nipah virus infection.

Synbiotics and aquamimicry as alternative microbial-based approaches in intensive shrimp farming and biofloc: Novel disruptive techniques or complementary management tools? A scientific-based overview

Globally, aquaculture, especially shrimp farming, plays an important economic role. However, it is known that traditional shrimp farming could negatively create environment impacts (e.g. due to water discharge into coastal areas and marine habitats), if good management practices are not followed. For these problems to be minimized, the industry needs to develop and implement technologies that promote sustainable aquaculture. Among different techniques, the biofloc technology (BFT) system and, more recently, the synbiotics and aquamimicry are considered alternatives microbial-based approaches that address high yields with certain level of biosecurity and better environmental practices. However, different from biofloc, both aquamimicry and synbiotics use fermented carbon sources in their routine practices. The present article aims to bring (i) the current status and research and development (R&D) efforts, (ii) the basics principles around synbiotics and aquamimicry; (iii) compares their key characteristics and (iv) discuss whether these two systems would be considered novel disruptive techniques or more likely management tools. The manuscript evidenced both systems share several operational and microbial similarities, and operate under comparable conditions. Recent bibliometric analysis (Web of Science) showed 578 articles for BFT, and only 20 for synbiotics and 3 for aquamimicry, an evident lack of scientific background highlighting that more science-based R&D efforts are needed in synbiotics and aquamimicry.

SWOT analysis of risk factors associated with introduction of African Swine Fever through vehicles returning after export of pigs.

Denmark is a major pig exporter and applies a high level of biosecurity, with washing and disinfecting stations for returning livestock vehicles. The introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) would have significant economic consequences related to loss of export of live pigs and products thereof. In this study, we focused on the role of empty livestock vehicles returning after exports of pigs for the introduction of ASF. Initially, the current components and measures related to export of livestock were described. Next, analyses of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) were conducted, covering the components and measures identified. Then, export of pigs was described either through assembly centers or directly from farms. Washing and disinfection, as required and undertaken at the designated stations, constitutes the most important among all risk-reducing measures identified. Recommendations are to: (1) ensure the quality of washing and disinfection through staff training; (2) find new, safe, and more efficient disinfectants; (3) ensure the required temperature, and therefore effect, of the disinfectant and water. It was impossible to assess, the influence of export through assembly centers compared to direct transport. However, through SWOT analyses we identified the strengths and weaknesses of the two pathways. Moreover, components/measures with risks of unknown sizes are also discussed, such as vehicles undertaking cabotage and the current vehicle quarantine periods.

Prevalence, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from broiler chickens in Egypt.

Pathogenic Escherichia coli is one of the world's most important zoonotic foodborne pathogens and poses a serious threat to public health. We examined the prevalence, virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance profile of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) isolated from broiler chickens in the Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt. A total of 410 samples (230 cloacal swabs, 180 internal organs) were collected to isolate E. coli. A total of 29 (7.07%) E. coli isolates were recovered and identified, and 18 of them harbored Stx genes (stx). Out of 18 isolates, five (17.24%) carried the stx 1 gene, five (17.24%) carried the stx 2 gene, four (13.79%) carried both stx 1 and stx 2 genes, and four (13.79%) carried stx 1 , stx 2 , and eae A genes. Overall, complete anti-biotic resistance was observed against amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefpodoxime, and cefoperazone; high resistance was observed against ampicillin/sulbactam, nalidixic acid, cefuroxime, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and ceftazidime; moderate resistance against gentamicin; low resistance against cefoxitin; lower resistance was detected against norfloxacin, cefotetan, and amikacin; and the lowest resistance against imipenem. All E. coli isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance against at least four antibiotic classes. Out of 29 E. coli isolates, STEC accounted for 18 isolates, of which the O78, O26:H11, O128:H2, O1:H7, O119:H6, and O91:H21 serogroups were predominant. All E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant and therefore pose a potential public health concern as these virulent, resistant strains may spread to humans. Thus, high levels of hygiene and biosecurity are required by chicken handlers to decrease the danger of infection spreading to humans.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ВЫГУЛЬНОГО СОДЕРЖАНИЯ СВИНЕЙ НА РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЕ АЧС

African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the most challenging swine diseases that has a significant impact on global pig farming from both sanitary and economic perspectives. The virus causes mortality rates of up to 95‒100% when it enters a population of domestic pigs, and the absence of treatment and vaccines makes controlling and eradication of ASF a challenging task. Therefore, rapid outbreak detection and strict sanitary measures are crucial tools in combating the disease. Free-range pig farming systems can increase the risk of ASF spreading as pigs have more access to the environment and other animals. This can lead to the disease rapidly spreading, especially if infected wild boars come into contact with domestic pigs. To prevent the spread of ASF, it is necessary to implement comprehensive measures, including increasing the level of biosecurity on pig farms and strict compliance with the rules for animal transportation.

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.

A Novel Risk-Based Quantifiable Approach to Biosecurity Measures in Biofloc Units of West Bengal, India: Implications for Consumer Safety

A novel risk-based weighted scoring system was developed taking the risk of biosecurity measures of each biofloc technology (BFT) unit in two aquaculturally influential districts, North and South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India, into account. The current study was carried out over a 6-month period to observe the incidence of Aeromonas veronii and Escherichia coli in biofloc units of these districts along with a questionnaire-based survey on biosecurity measures employed there. Moreover, the correlation between the total heterotrophic bacterial counts (THBCs) in water and gut with the physicochemical parameters of water was also analyzed. The physico-chemical parameters of water in the BFT units were maintained optimally for Nile tilapia culture. A significant positive correlation was observed between the THBCs of water samples and the dissolved oxygen (DO) of Panchpota unit, whereas a significantly negative correlation was observed between the THBCs of water and gut samples collected from Basirhat and Ashoknagar units. The prominence of E. coli in biofloc units of South 24 Parganas suggested possible faecal contamination and lower biosecurity measures being implemented implying at the threats of consumer safety. The grading system, on the other hand, might be viewed as a beneficial instrument for monitoring the biosecurity level of biofloc units over time and pointed out that West Bengal biofloc farmers paid more heed to internal biosecurity than external biosecurity measures.

Development and implementation of a risk assessment tool for broiler farm biosecurity and a health intervention plan in the Netherlands, Greece, and Cyprus

Preventing pathogens from entering and spreading on farms is the first step in reducing health problems. For this study a BiosEcurity Assessment Tool was developed to identify strengths and weaknesses in biosecurity on broiler farms, which was used as a starting point to formulate tailor-made health plans to improve broiler health and reduce antimicrobial use. Farms were divided into 3 separate areas according to associated biosecurity risk; high disease risk external areas (red zone), medium risk service areas (orange zone), and the clean and highly secure access-restricted green zone. In the Netherlands, Cyprus, and Greece, 13, 15, and 7 broiler houses were monitored for 4 production cycles (2 preintervention and 2 postintervention cycles). At the start of the study the BiosEcurity Assessment Tool assessment was performed and a health plan was made in consultation with the veterinarian. After the second cycle a start was made with the implementation of the health plan. Overall, the biosecurity level in the green and orange zones were significantly higher in the Netherlands compared to Greece and Cyprus, but there was no difference for the red zone or the transition zones between the countries. The interventions in the health plans were mostly directed towards those measures that could be implemented in the short term and with low costs in the green zone. In Cyprus a decrease in antimicrobial use was found postintervention. This was not the case in Greece and the Netherlands. In Cyprus and Greece footpad lesion improved after interventions were implemented, although this may have been an effect of season. In Dutch farms no improvement was detected, but both antimicrobial use and footpad lesions were lower at the start of the study compared to Cypriot and Greek farms. In conclusion, the BEAT shows to be a promising tool to assess biosecurity risks on broiler farms. The biosecurity assessment in combination with the farm specific health plans could contribute to antimicrobial reduction on broiler farms.

Biosecurity and Lairage Time versus Pork Meat Quality Traits in a Farm–Abattoir Continuum

The modern pig production chain is increasingly focused on biosecurity, quality, and safety of meat and is associated with many challenges impacting world meat markets, such as animal disease outbreaks and sanitary restrictions, trade regulations and quality requirements. To overcome such challenges and assure more consistent pork meat quality (and safety), there is a need to develop an effective and reliable monitoring system in a farm-abattoir continuum that can be based on selected biomarkers. This study assessed interrelations of selected stress and inflammation biomarkers (acute phase proteins (APP)) between farm biosecurity score versus pork meat quality traits after two different lairage periods. Briefly, the maximum recorded levels of stress hormones (436.2 and 241.2 ng/mL, for cortisol and Chromogranin A (CgA), respectively) and APP (389.4 and 400.9 μg/mL, Pig Major Acute Proteins (MAP) and Haptoglobin (Hp), respectively) at four commercial farms were within the recommended threshold values. Cortisol and APP were negatively correlated to the internal and total biosecurity scores of farms. The increase of level of both sets of biomarkers was found at bleeding (after transportation and lairage period), but with lower values after long (18-20 h) versus short (1-3 h) lairage lay-over time. In general, negative correlation was confirmed between stress and inflammation biomarkers and carcass/meat quality traits. The farm total biosecurity level significantly affected chilling yield, meat temperature, and a* value. Pig-MAP emerged as a good biomarker with a promising potential for assessment and anticipation of broad aspects in the pork meat chain. It can be used for detection of failures in the pig production system and might be incorporated in certification programs for the pork meat industry.

EVALUASI PENERAPAN TINGKATAN BIOSEKURITI PADA PETERNAKAN AYAM PETELUR DI KABUPATEN BOJONEGORO JAWA TIMUR

This research method is using observation and survey with a quitionnaire to collect data. It is intended to get an overview of the farmer answer. Quitionnaire model using lingkert scale by category. The category is ‘accordance’ (skore:2), ‘adequat’ (skore:1), and ‘not accordance’ (skore:0). Characteristic of farmer based on data is gender, age, last education, production time, number of bird, phase of bird, ownership, and breeding production. Evaluate of biosecurity levels are conseptual biosecurity, structural biosecurity, and operational biosecurity as fixed variable as according to shane’s opinion (2005). The conclusion of this research is average of the percentage of farmers carrying out biosecurity activities is adequate in the conceptual biosecurity of 76%, structural biosecurity 66% and operational biosecurity 66%. Keywords: Laying hens, Biosecurity, Livestock

Assessment of Biosecurity Status in Health and Livestock Sectors: A Brief Study

Biosecurity plays an irreplaceable role in preventing diseases and increasing productivity on farms. Evaluation of biosecurity measures implemented in Harar and Dyer Dawar dairy farms was conducted to assess the relationship between the implementation of biosecurity measures and demographic and socio-economic characteristics of owners and farm characteristics. The main objective of this study was to investigate the biosecurity status of dairy farms and the factors affecting biosecurity on dairy farms in Harar and Dire Dawa, eastern regions of Ethiopia. A chi-square analysis of the obtained results showed that there was a significant relationship between the applied biosecurity measures and the location of the farms. Of the 124 biosecurity practices considered for the biosecurity compliance assessment of study farms, dairy biosecurity scores ranged from 33 to 74. The percentage of biosecurity scores varied from 27.1% to 61%. From the 21 dairy farms included in the current study, nine (9) farms achieved a score percentage greater than or equal to 51% (ranging from 50.3% to 61%), thus their biosecurity compliance was assessed as "good". The remaining 12 farms achieved percentage scores lower than 51% (varying from 27.1% to 47.4%) and were therefore graded as "poor". In this study, biosecurity was classified into four (4) components, isolation (19.24± 3.91), sanitation (16.64± 6.82), traffic control (16.94± 2.4), and health management (3.24± 1.06) with their respective mean ± standard deviation of each. Out of ten dairy farms located in Harar city, only eleven (11%) were assessed as having a "good" biosecurity level. On the other hand, out of ten studied dairy farms in Diyar Dawa city, eighty-one (81%) were assessed for “good” biosecurity adoption level.

Antibiotic Use in European Pig Production: Less Is More.

The goal of this study is to describe the current use of antibiotics in the European pig industry based on an extensive literature review. To achieve this, an overview of results from national (n = 15) and multi-country (n = 2) cross-sectional and longitudinal (n = 2) surveys, which describe antimicrobial use in pigs, is presented. Results are further linked to the outcome of the European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) project. Overall, it was found that weaned piglets received the most antibiotics, followed by suckling piglets resulting in over 80% of the treatments being administered to animals before 10 weeks of age. Furthermore, it was observed that antibiotic use (ABU) was significantly associated across age categories, indicating that farms with a high use in piglets also used more antibiotics in their finishers. This may, among other things, be explained by farmers' habits and behavior. However, above all, the studies showed surprisingly large differences in ABU between the countries. These differences may be related to the differences in disease prevalence and/or differences in the level of biosecurity. However, they may also reflect variations in rules and regulations between countries and/or a difference in attitude towards ABU of farmers and veterinarians that are not necessarily linked to the true animal health situation. Furthermore, it was observed that already a substantial proportion of the European pig production is able to successfully raise pigs without any group treatments, indicating that it is possible to rear pigs without systematic use of antibiotics. Based on the ESVAC data, a decline of 43.2% was observed in sales of antibiotics for animals in Europe between 2011 and 2020. To enable efficient antimicrobial quantification and stewardship, 15 European countries have already established systems for herd level monitoring ABU in pigs.

Analysis of the epizootic status of classical swine fever in the world for the period 2000–2009 and 2012–2020

Using information from the International Epizootic Bureau (IEB), an analysis of the epizootic status of classical swine fever (Swine Fever) in the countries of the world for nine years (2012–2020) was carried out, taking into account the continental affiliation. The epizootic state, concerning SF, depends on the economic situation in the states, the control of vaccinations in homesteads, the presence of grazing pigs, and their contact with wild boars. During the specified period, 1 case of SF from wild animals was registered on the territory of Ukraine in the Kyiv region. The number of disease outbreaks was calculated, and the data obtained were compared with the previously analyzed period of 2000–2009. According to the results of the analysis, it was established that the number of cases of SF for the period 2012–2020 indicates a higher degree of intensity of the epizootic state in Asia, South America, and Europe in comparison with the previous period – 2000–2009, and during the period 2012–2020, the Emergencies were registered on the territory of Europe (179 cases), South America (2586 cases), Asia (1452 cases). In our opinion, in the countries of Asia and South America, the intensity of the epizootic state with SF depends on the low level of biosecurity in homesteads (feeding uninfected food waste to pigs, free grazing and contact with wild boars in the absence of their vaccination against SF), unlike in Europe, where the intensity of the epizootic the situation is primarily related to the cases of this disease among the population of wild pigs, since there is a reliable level of biosecurity in pig farms and the lack of livestock vaccination. In the countries of Asia, the stress of the epizootic state regarding SF is also explained by the fact that a highly virulent strain of the SF virus was introduced into the territory of these countries. Thanks to the implementation by the State Veterinary Services of Asian countries of appropriate programs to fight against SF, where the main thing was the destruction and disposal of sick and dead pigs in negative points in dangerous zones, it was possible to stop the spread and manifestation of this disease. We believe that the permanent epizootic well-being with SF on the territory of Ukraine gives grounds for the development and implementation of a system of measures to eradicate the pathogen on its territory, which can be effectively achieved only by stopping the preventive vaccination of the pig herd.

Spatial distribution and assessment of biosecurity levels of pig farms in selected local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study was carried out on the spatial distribution, characterization and biosecurity assessment of pig farms in some local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. Data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire. Spatial autocorrelation was used to show relations between pig farms’ locations and biosecurity measures. A scoring system ranging from 0 to 1 was developed from the biosecurity measures retained. A biosecurity measure was scored 1 if present, 0 if absent. The measures were divided into two categories: bioexclusion and biomanagement/biocontainment. The total score of each measure was obtained by summing all scores from each farm. One hundred pig farms were surveyed. The average number of years since farm establishment was 7.32 ± 5.19 years, farms were confined, mostly small scaled (81.0%), with an average herd size of 58.9 ± 99.40, and 1.8 ± 1.52 farm workers. The distribution of pig farms with different biosecurity levels was significant (p = 0.002) and leaned toward a clustered scenario with a Moran’s index of 0.27, z score of 3.18. Out of a maximum obtainable score of 100 for each measure, ‘prophylactic herd treatment’ and ‘cleaning done daily’ had scores higher than 80. On the other hand, ‘absence of rodents, wild birds and stray animals on the farm’, ‘workers mandated use of clean and disinfected protective clothing before entering the farm’ and ‘vehicle disinfected at the entrance of the farm’ had scores lower than 5. The mean scores for bioexclusion and biomanagement/biocontainment were 21.42 ± 18.07 and 49.83 ± 25.07, respectively. The overall biosecurity score of 35.63 ± 25.84 was significantly associated with herd size, number of years since farm establishment, and owners’ education levels. In order to ensure sustainable productivity and prevent disease outbreak, pig farmers must give the utmost importance to biosecurity.