Poor Biosecurity Research Articles

COMMERCIAL LAYING HEN PRODUCTION AND EGG VALUE CHAIN MAPPING IN NORTHERN ETH

<p><strong>Background:</strong> In Ethiopia, commercial farms have increased in farm size, and the majority of the large-scale poultry farms are concentrated around Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. <strong>Objective:</strong> To assess poultry production, map value chains and identify major production challenges in Northern Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology:</strong> A multistage sampling technique along with a proportionate sample size determination method was used to fix the sample size. Accordingly, 147, 109 and 64 poultry producers were selected from semi-intensive, small-scale, and medium-scale farms, respectively. Nine focus group discussions comprising relevant stakeholders were conducted. <strong>Result:</strong> The earlier age at first egg-laying in weeks was reported as 16.7 ± 0.93 in the medium-scale production system. A high laying percentage of 85.47 <strong>± </strong>5.01 was recorded in the medium-scale and the highest mortality 23.5 <strong>± </strong>8.8 was in semi-intensive. The price of eggs varied by about +38% in November 2019/2020 and negatively changed price by -22% in May 2019/2020. In a ranking exercise, feed cost, feed quality, product marketing, disease, predator, and lack of information and training were ranked top five. Further risk factors were ranked, accordingly, lack of vaccine, poor biosecurity measures, and management were ranked as major causes. <strong>Implication: </strong>The government and private sector should promote improving the feeding habit of the community and improve the management practice. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The high price of feed ingredients, limited access to veterinary services, poor market linkages in the value chain, poor feeding habits, and poor extension services aggravated by a lack of awareness of producers were the most important challenges affecting commercial production.</p>

Genetic diversity and risk factor analysis of drug-resistant Escherichia coli recovered from broiler chicken farms

A total of 38 Escherichia coli isolates were recovered from 120 samples collected from various sources of broiler chicken farms (n = 10 each) in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. Though the recovered E. coli isolates were found variably resistant to the tested antibiotics, all the tested isolates were susceptible to meropenem. Alarming multi-drug resistance (MDR) was observed (34/38) among the recovered isolates, wherein antibiotic-resistant genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and tetA) were detected, except for blaCTX-M-9. The heatmap with cluster analysis exhibited that majority of the E. coli isolates recovered from different sources and regions clustered together based on their phenotypic resistance suggesting co-sharing of resistance. However, the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing revealed an extremely diverse genotypic profile. Further, a significant statistical association was not observed between hypothesized risk factors and recovered MDR- E. coli isolates from various sources, although a significant statistical association between antibiotic resistance with large flock size, poor biosecurity practices, poor workers’ hygiene, and poor disinfection practices was noticed. Since the study highlighted an alarming level of drug resistance among the recovered E. coli isolates, further in-depth research in similar veins is required to ensure the prudent use of antimicrobials in the poultry sector and the implementation of an antimicrobial surveillance system.

Farm characteristics and sero-prevalence of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antibodies in pigs of Nepal.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is a highly infectious disease of swine caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV). To evaluate the prevalence of PRRSV antibodies in the four districts of hilly and terai regions of Nepal. Toassess the farm characteristics through a questionnaire interview of farmersregarding management practices and PRRS. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 to determine the sero-prevalence of PRRSV in pigs. A total of 180 porcine serum samples were collected from 23 pig farms and tested for PRRSV antibodies by ELISA. Alongside, farm characteristics were also assessed through questionnaire to determine the level of biosecurity measures in the farm, knowledge of the disease and possible control mechanisms. Out of 180 samples, 37 were tested positive resulting the overall sero-prevalence of 20.5%. There was significant association between different districts (p < 0.05) and PRRS prevalence. Prevalence of PRRSV antibody was found higher in Kaski district (10.5%) followed by Sunsari (8.8%) district. Based on age groups, highest prevalence was found in age groups of above 18 months (9.4%), followed by 13-18 months age groups (7.7%). Regarding the knowledge level of the disease, 43% of the farmers responded that they have heard about the disease. Biosecurity practices in the farm was found very poor where only 40% of the farms had disinfectant at the entrance of the farm and 25% pig farmers were found using separate boots while dealing with pigs. The findings of this study reveal the presence of PRRSV antibodies in pigs of Nepal. In addition poor biosecurity measures, management practices and poor knowledge level about the disease among farmers highly affect in the control and prevention of disease thereby affecting the pig production and productivity. Therefore, government should develop and implement effective control measures and biosecurity programs.

Assessment of poultry rearing practices and risk factors of H5N1 and H9N2 virus circulating among backyard chickens and ducks in rural communities.

BackgroundThe avian influenza virus (AIV) causes significant economic losses by infecting poultry and occasional spillover to humans. Backyard farms are vulnerable to AIV epidemics due to poor health management and biosecurity practices, threatening rural households’ economic stability and nutrition. We have limited information about the risk factors associated with AIV infection in backyard poultry in Bangladesh. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional survey comprising epidemiological and anthropological investigations to understand the poultry rearing practices and risk factors of AIV circulation among backyard poultry in selected rural communities.MethodsWe sampled 120 poultry from backyard farms (n = 30) of the three selected communities between February 2017 and January 2018. We tested swab samples for the matrix gene (M gene) followed by H5, H7, and H9 subtypes using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). We applied multivariable logistic regression for risk factor analysis. Furthermore, we conducted an observational study (42 hours) and informal interviews (n = 30) with backyard farmers to record poultry-raising activities in rural communities.ResultsWe detected that 25.2% of the backyard poultry tested positive for AIV, whereas 5% tested positive for H5N1 and 10.8% tested positive for H9N2. Results showed that scavenging in both household garden and other crop fields has higher odds of AIV than scavenging in the household garden (AOR: 24.811; 95% CI: 2.11–292.28), and keeping a cage inside the house has higher odds (AOR:14.5; 95% CI: 1.06–198.51) than keeping it in the veranda, cleaning the cage twice a week or weekly has a higher risk than cleaning daily (AOR: 34.45; 95% CI: 1.04–1139.65), dumping litter or droppings (AOR: 82.80; 95% CI: 3.91–1754.59) and dead birds or wastage (AOR: 109.92, 95% CI: 4.34–2785.29) near water bodies and bushes have a higher risk than burring in the ground, slaughtering and consuming sick birds also had a higher odd of AIV (AOR: 73.45, 95% CI: 1.56–3457.73) than treating the birds. The anthropological investigation revealed that household members had direct contact with the poultry in different ways, including touching, feeding, slaughtering, and contacting poultry feces. Poultry is usually kept inside the house, sick poultry are traditionally slaughtered and eaten, and most poultry raisers do not know that diseases can transmit from backyard poultry to humans.ConclusionsThis study showed the circulation of H5N1 and H9N2 virus in backyard poultry in rural communities; associated with species, scavenging area of the poultry, location of the poultry cage, the practice of litter, wastage, droppings, and dead bird disposal, and practice of handling sick poultry. We suggest improving biosecurity practices in backyard poultry and mass awareness campaigns to reduce incidences of AIV in household-level poultry farms in rural communities in Bangladesh.

Genetic Evolution of Avian Influenza A (H9N2) Viruses Isolated from Domestic Poultry in Uganda Reveals Evidence of Mammalian Host Adaptation, Increased Virulence and Reduced Sensitivity to Baloxavir.

A (H9N2) avian influenza A viruses were first detected in Uganda in 2017 and have since established themselves in live bird markets. The aim of this study was to establish the subsequent genetic evolution of H9N2 viruses in Uganda. Cloacal samples collected from live bird market stalls in Kampala from 2017 to 2019 were screened by RT-PCR for influenza A virus and H9N2 viruses were isolated in embryonated eggs. One hundred and fifty H9N2 isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. The sequence data analysis and comparison with contemporary isolates revealed that the virus was first introduced into Uganda in 2014 from ancestors in the Middle East. There has since been an increase in nucleotide substitutions and reassortments among the viruses within and between live bird markets, leading to variations in phylogeny of the different segments, although overall diversity remained low. The isolates had several mutations such as HA-Q226L and NS-I106M that enable mammalian host adaptation, NP-M105V, PB1-D3V, and M1-T215A known for increased virulence/pathogenicity and replication, and PA-E199D, NS-P42S, and M2-S31N that promote drug resistance. The PA-E199D substitution in particular confers resistance to the endonuclease inhibitor Baloxavir acid, which is one of the new anti-influenza drugs. Higher EC50 was observed in isolates with a double F105L+E199D substitution that may suggest a possible synergistic effect. These H9N2 viruses have established an endemic situation in live bird markets in Uganda because of poor biosecurity practices and therefore pose a zoonotic threat. Regular surveillance is necessary to further generate the needed evidence for effective control strategies and to minimize the threats.

Prioritization of invasive alien species with the potential to threaten agriculture and biodiversity in Kenya through horizon scanning

Invasive alien species (IAS) rank among the most significant drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation resulting in significant impacts on socio-economic development. The recent exponential spread of IAS in most of Africa is attributed to poor border biosecurity due to porous borders that have failed to prevent initial introductions. In addition, countries lack adequate information about potential invasions and have limited capacity to reduce the risk of invasions. Horizon scanning is an approach that prioritises the risks of potential IAS through rapid assessments. A group of 28 subject matter experts used an adapted methodology to assess 1700 potential IAS on a 5-point scale for the likelihood of entry and establishment, potential socio-economic impact, and impact on biodiversity. The individual scores were combined to rank the species according to their overall potential risk for the country. Confidence in individual and overall scores was recorded on a 3-point scale. This resulted in a priority list of 120 potential IAS (70 arthropods, 9 nematodes, 15 bacteria, 19 fungi/chromist, 1 viroid, and 6 viruses). Options for risk mitigation such as full pest risk analysis and detection surveys were suggested for prioritised species while species for which no immediate action was suggested, were added to the plant health risk register and a recommendation was made to regularly monitor the change in risk. By prioritising risks, horizon scanning guides resource allocation to interventions that are most likely to reduce risk and is very useful to National Plant Protection Organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Multi-Drug Resistant Escherichia coli, Biosecurity and Anti-Microbial Use in Live Bird Markets, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Live bird markets (LBM) remain a critical link from farm to fork in the poultry value chain, which oftentimes promotes indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance (AMR). In this study, we assessed biosecurity practices, AMU, and associated these with multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli in LBMs in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A cross-sectional survey among live bird sellers (LBS) in eight LBMs was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Also, cloacal samples (n = 200) were randomly collected and pooled for bacteriological detection of MDR E. coli in live chickens of consenting LBS. Susceptibility to 14 antimicrobials belonging to 6 different classes was determined using the disk diffusion method. Biosecurity level and AMU were generally low. LBS less than 46 years were 6.8- fold more likely to fall within the poor biosecurity level (Crudes odds ratio = 6.8; 95% CI; 1.20–38.56; p = 0.03) than others. An informal or primary school education increased the odds of having a poor practice of AMU by 15.1 folds (Crudes odds ratio = 15.1; 95% CI; 2.73–84.18; p = 0.002) than those with secondary or tertiary. The prevalence of E. coli and MDR E. coli at the LBM level were 80% and 56.3%, respectively. Extremely high resistance rates were observed for ceftazidime (96.9%) and imipenem (90.6%). The odds of MDR E. coli increased eight-fold in poultry kept by LBS who use AMs as prophylaxis. This current data could be useful for the development of targeted behavioral risk communication and mitigation strategies for AMR to impede the potential horizontal transfer of AMR genes to humans through animal-sourced food.

Prevalence of disease outbreak from cultured whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei farms located in Karnataka, India

Penaeus vannamei farming is one of the profitable businesses of the aquaculture sector in India. As a result of excessive farming, shrimps were susceptible to various exotic, transboundary, and emerging pathogens. The purpose of this study is to monitor the prevalence of shrimp pathogens in Karnataka. A total of 91 samples of P. vannamei post larvae and juveniles were collected from April 2022 to November 2022 in Karnataka. Samples were screened for pathogens as listed in Office of Internationale des Epizootics (OIE) or World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) which include infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND), hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV), infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV), yellow head virus (YHV), taura syndrome virus (TSV), white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), and other diseases such as decapod iridescent virus-1(DIV-1), and monodon baculovirus (MBV). Out of 91 samples, 5 (5.5%) samples were positive for WSSV, 26 (28.6%) samples were positive for EHP, and 2 (2.2%) samples had co-infection caused by EHP and WSSV. In this study, we have reported a high prevalence of EHP than WSSV in all three coastal districts of Karnataka. Farmers were using specific pathogen-free (SPF) seeds for culture but still, their cultures are getting infected with the same pathogens which indicates poor pond preparation and bio-security. So we strongly recommend that farmers have to follow good management practices and bio-security to increase the productivity and sustainability of P. vannamei farming in India.

Mites and helminths infestation in Lebanese broiler farming systems.

This study aims at the identification of endo- and ectoparasites in broiler farms while assessing their prevalence in semi-open and closed rearing systems in Lebanon. Seventeen semi-open and six closed broiler farms were investigated in various Lebanese provinces between March and September 2020 and 2021. Intestinal and composite litter samples were collected and observed for morphological identification of prevalent parasites. Results notably revealed the prevalence of mites in all of the surveyed farms. Moreover, mixed mite-helminth infestation was recorded in 100% of the semi-open farms and 50% of the closed ones. The northern fowl mite Ornithonyssus sylviarum was the predominant chicken parasitic mite in both systems. The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae, was present in 6% of the semi-open farms and was not detected in closed farms. The mammalian itching mite Sarcoptes scabiei and the grain mite Acarus siro were also identified and had similar prevalence pattern as the red poultry mite. Eggs and/or larvae stages of one parasitic helminth species, Ascaridia galli, were detected in half of the semi-open and closed farms while adult worms were not present. This study documents for the first time the prevalence of specific endo- and ectoparasites in Lebanese broiler farms, reflecting managerial problems and poor biosecurity practices. Nevertheless, the identification of specific parasites in this work paves the way towards implementing proper control methods against these overlooked, yet devastating, organisms.

Outbreak investigation of African swine fever in Ebonyi State Nigeria,30th April to July, 6th, 2021

Sporadic outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) is still been reported in Nigeria. There is a paucity of information on the lessons learnt in the control of ASF in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The purpose of this study was to describe the outbreak response to ASF, identify possible risk factors for the outbreak of ASF, and describe strategies for control of ASF in Ebonyi State, with a view to provide information necessary for public health action. We carried out a retrospective/prospective disease investigation by reviewing case reports of outbreaks of ASF in Ebonyi State between 1st January-30th June 2021, from the Department of Veterinary Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FDVS), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. We defined the case definition for a suspected case of ASF, constituted a Rapid Response Team (RRT). Prospective outbreak investigation was conducted by reviewing farm records on sales of pigs to other pig farms. Sample collected include tissue section (spleen, lungs, liver), whole blood (without anticoagulant) at 4-5°C stored in Giostyle, for onward transport to the National Veterinary Research Institute, (NVRI) Jos for Laboratory diagnosis. On the 28th through 30th of April 2021 suspected outbreak of ASF was reported at Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, herd size of 400 pigs. Affected pigs showed marked erythema, Ataxia, acute mortality, respiratory distress. On the 14th of May 2021, the Laboratory sample was confirmed as positive for African swine fever virus (ASFV). Risk factors identified during outbreak investigation were; poor drainages within and between pens, feed sources were mainly agricultural waste products sourced from (poultry, market, livestock), poor biosecurity measures; foot deep, appear not to be in use and poor choice of disinfectants. The need to maintain biosecurity measures within the farm can never be overemphasized. A sporadic outbreak of ASF may occur when there is a breach in the biosafety protocol of a pig production system. Consequently, we discourage feeding poultry waste to pigs, ensure proper drainages within and between pens, use recommended disinfectants. Furthermore, the State Ministry of Agriculture should develop a minimum operating standard for would be pig farmers in the state to ensure biosecurity standards, and supervised compliance before permission is granted for the operation of a pig farms within the state.

Histological study of Broiler chicken liver infected with Marek’s Disease (MDV)

In chicken the Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is able to cause a variety of syndromes and pathological symptoms. In order to conduct the histopathology, the liver was obtained from broiler chicken in poultry estate, near Gadap, Sindh, the age of birds was 07-10 weeks. Birds had diarrhea, dropping of wings, weight loss, a grey abdomen, anorexia and keel (breastbone) was prominent and protruded out. The disease had a daily mortality rate 0.16 to 0.20 percent of the flock. On postmortem the infected liver was swollen and had lesions, a portion was removed and kept in 10% formalin for 3 days in glass vials and then send to Parasitology Section, Department of Zoology, University of Karachi. Different concentrations of ethanol were used to dehydrate tissue later embedded in paraffin wax at 52°C for 4 days, 10 µm sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H & E). The prepared slides were then observed under the microscope (> ´ 40) and examined for any histological findings. It was observed that several neoplastic foci pleomorphic cells were beginning to occur and it was infiltrated with lymphomatous lesions consisting of lymphoblast and mostly elongated and small to medium sized lymphocytes. These lesions are later transferred into tumor cells and infiltrate different organs and tissues. The occurrence of MDV in 07-10 weeks old broiler chicken even after vaccination could be due to poor biosecurity conditions. Keywords: Chicken; Histology; Liver; Marek’s disease; Pakistan; Sindh http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100107

Antimicrobial use, residue and resistance dissemination in freshwater fish farms of north-central Nigeria: One health implications

A structured questionnaire was administered to 151 purposively selected fish farmers to assess their practices and perceptions on antimicrobial usage (AMU) in fresh water fish farms in North-central Nigeria. Risk pathways for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread, risk status and drivers for misuse and overuse of antimicrobials were also assessed and residue presence in fish and pond water samples determined. Descriptive and analytic statistical analyses were performed at 95% confidence level. AMU risk status was assessed with Traffic Light model. Disc diffusion test was used to detect residues. All 151 recruited farmers participated but only 78.1% of them used antimicrobials in fish production. About 94% farmers practiced self-prescription of antimicrobials, and 94.9% did not observe withdrawal periods after AMU. AMR risk pathways were consumption (p=0.010), contacts (p=0.004), and environment (p=0.002). Socio-cultural drivers of antimicrobial misuse, overuse and resistance emergence in fish farms were inappropriate AMU (p=0.002), poor biosecurity (p=0.001), poor sanitation (p=0.001), poor economic status of farmers (p=0.002), and intensive management system (p=0.001). Majority (73.5%) of farms were in Class 3 (Red risk) status. Residues were detected in fish and water samples from 44.4% of the farms. The study revealed poor practices and perceptions on AMU. AMU stewardship should be promoted through farmers’ education. To achieve food safety, food security, public and environmental health, socio-cultural drivers for misuse and overuse in farms should be mitigated through surveillance and control programmes using the concept of ‘One Health’ approach.

Association between farm biosecurity practices and antimicrobial usage on commercial chicken farms in Chattogram, Bangladesh

Commercial broiler and layer farming represents an important livestock industry in Bangladesh. Adequate biosecurity practices are considered to be an effective method to prevent infectious disease occurrence on commercial poultry farms, but antimicrobials are also frequently administered to reduce disease risk. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 57 commercial layer and 83 broiler farms in eight subdistricts of the Chattogram district in Bangladesh to investigate the relationship between implemented biosecurity practices and the use of antimicrobials on these farms. We used a causal diagram framework to inform multi-level mixed effects logistic regression models to explore the total and direct effects of biosecurity practices implemented on commercial farms on prophylactic versus therapeutic antimicrobial usage on these farms. Overall, inadequate biosecurity was more common on broiler compared to layer farms and on farms rearing smaller flock sizes. For example, separation of sick from healthy birds was more common on layer farms (85.2 %, 46/54) compared to broiler farms (38.6 %, 32/83) (p = 0.001). Prophylactic administration (compared to therapeutic use) of antimicrobials was less common on farms that were separating sick birds from the healthy birds (total and direct effect OR = 0.1, 95 % CI: 0.1−0.6, p = 0.006) and less common on farms that used a poorer quality source of water for drinking, cooling, cleaning, and washing (total and direct effect OR = 0.3, 95 % CI: 0.1−0.9, p = 0.036). In contrast, farmers that used washing facilities (versus non-usage of washing facilities) were more likely to administer antimicrobials prophylactically (total and direct effect OR = 3.9, 95 % CI: 1.3−11.3, p = 0.012). The null model ICC indicated significant clustering at the subdistrict level (ICC = 0.20, 95 % CI: 0.04−0.60, p = 0.013), but the ICC was reduced after including flock size and farm type, and the biosecurity practices as fixed effects (ICC = 0.14, 95 % CI: 0.02−0.59, p = 0.0661). Overall, our study highlighted that a large proportion of commercial chicken farmers mediated poor biosecurity practices by prophylactic application of antimicrobials. The results of our research can be used to inform awareness programs for commercial poultry farmers emphasizing the importance of improving biosecurity rather than using antimicrobials to reduce the risk of poultry disease occurrence.

Assessment of Biosecurity Status in Commercial Chicken Farms Found in Bishoftu Town, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

A survey was undertaken from December 2017 to April 2018 to assess the biosecurity status of 44 commercial chicken farms established in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia, by interviewing farm owners using a structured questionnaire. The obtained data were summarized using frequency tables and analyzed with Pearson's chi-square test and Fischer's exact value using Stata 14 statistical software. From the assessed chicken farms, 31 (70.45%) were located within 0–50 m from the main road, 39 (88.64%) situated 500 m from the nearest farms, and 27 (61.36%) placed within 0–20 m from the residential areas. Forty-one (93.18%) participants disclosed that their employees did not receive training on biosecurity. From the assessed chicken farms, 30 (68.18%) had fences, 40 (90.91%) had footbaths at their gates, 31 (70.45%) prohibited visitors entrance, and 39 (88.64%) did not exchange equipment with other farms. In addition, 26 (59.09%) farms were easily accessed by wild birds, each of 42 (95.45%) farms purchased day-old chicks and feed, and 40 (90.91%) shared trucks with other farms as well. Among the assessed farms, only 2 (4.55%) had signages to restrict people's access, 9 (20.45%) had isolation rooms for diseased chickens, 14 (31.82%) disposed of dead birds properly, and 10 (22.73%) kept various types of records. Occupation (Fischer's exact value = 8.40; P=0.019), previous training (Fischer's exact value = 4.40; P=0.044), source of the premises (χ2 = 5.50; P=0.019), and farm capacity (Fischer's exact value = 13.50; P=0.002) were found statistically significantly associated with the farm biosecurity status. The farm biosecurity status was found to be good in farms that were run by civil servants, had trained employees, are owned premises, and were of large and medium scales. In conclusion, the higher poor biosecurity status on chicken farms calls for the implementation of good biosecurity practices in each farm as well as the provision of training to the farm owners and their employees.

Salmonella Characterization in Poultry Eggs Sold in Farms and Markets in Relation to Handling and Biosecurity Practices in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Salmonella remains one of the notable food-borne bacterial pathogens. It is associated with poultry and poultry products including eggs. This study investigated Salmonella distribution in eggshell and content, their antimicrobial resistance pattern, and the possible risk factors driving contamination in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 500 eggs (5 eggs pooled into one sample) were collected and culturally examined for the presence of Salmonella serovars. Isolates were further characterized biochemically using Microbact 20E (Oxoid) and Antimicrobial susceptibility determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 14 Salmonella isolates spread across 10 serovars were recovered from the 100 pooled egg samples; 10 (10%) from the market and 4 (4%) farms, 13(13%) eggshell, and 1(1%) egg content. All tested serovars were susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, and kanamycin. Resistance was mostly observed in sulfamethoxazole 8 (80%), followed by ciprofloxacin 5 (50%) and tetracycline 3 (30%). Sales of eggs in the market appear to be a strong factor encouraging contamination in addition to poor biosecurity and unhygienic handling of eggs on the farm.

Antibiotic Resistance Development in Animal Production: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundIn recent years, an increase in the development of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens especially foodborne zoonotic bacteria has been observed. As a result, crude mortality rates are increasing due to those resistant bacteria in both human and animal populations, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania where the risk of infection is high due to poor biosecurity measures, close animal–human interactions, and extensive use of antimicrobials for animal productions. One of those zoonotic bacterial pathogens, which commonly contaminates food, is Salmonella.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was carried out on samples collected from diarrheic sheep, to assess the level of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella. From 165 fecal samples, 80 of which were tested positive for Salmonella. The antibiotic resistance level of Salmonella isolates was conducted by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method using ten commonly used antibiotics in the study area.ResultsOut of 80 Salmonella positive samples, all (100%) of them were resistant to amoxicillin and ampicillin while sixty-eight (85%), 68 (85%), and 60 (75%) isolates were susceptible to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and kanamycin, respectively. Thirty (37.5%) Salmonella isolates were resistant to both trimethoprim and tetracycline and 25% of the isolates were resistant to both doxycycline and chloramphenicol while 12.5% of the isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid.ConclusionThis study revealed that the Salmonella isolates of diarrheic sheep developed a wide range of resistance to different antibiotics. Further studies and integrative approaches in a one health framework among animal–human and environmental health professionals are recommended for the mitigation of health risks arising from antibiotic-resistant zoonotic pathogens like Salmonella.

Intensification of fragility: Poultry production and distribution in Bangladesh and its implications for disease risk

Poultry production is a valuable source of nutritious food and income and is considered a crucial part of global development. This is especially important for countries such as Bangladesh where levels of hunger and childhood stunting remain high. However, in many low- and middle-income countries poultry production remains dominated by small to medium scale enterprises operating with poor farm biosecurity associated with poultry and zoonotic disease risks. We aimed to characterize the structure of poultry production in Bangladesh in order to identify the underlying structural factors and resulting practices which create risk environments for emergence, persistence and transmission of infectious diseases.Using the concept of a production and distribution network (PDN), we conducted a review of the literature, 27 in-depth interviews with key-informants and stakeholders, and 20 structured interviews with poultry distributors to map the ways which poultry are raised, distributed and marketed in Bangladesh. Findings indicate that the PDN can be considered in the context of four major sub-networks, based on the types of chickens; broadly indigenous, cross-bred, exotic broiler, and layer chickens. These sub-networks do not exist in isolation; their transactional nodes - actors and sites - are dynamic and numerous interactions occur within and between the PDN.Our findings suggest that the growth in small and medium scale poultry enterprises is conducted within ‘fragile’ enterprises by inexperienced and poorly supported producers, many of whom lack capacity for the level of system upgrading needed to mitigate disease risk. Efforts could be taken to address the structural underlying factors identified, such as the poor bargaining power of producers and lack of access to independent credit and indemnity schemes, as a way to reduce the fragility of the PDN and increase its resilience to disease threats.This knowledge on the PDN structure and function provide the essential basis to better study the generation, mitigation and consequences of disease risks associated to livestock, including the analysis of potential hotspots for disease emergence and transmission.

An outbreak of African swine fever in small-scale pigs, Gauteng, South Africa, July 2020

ObjectivesSince 2012, outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs have increased outside of South Africa’s ASF control zone. This study describes the epidemiological investigation and findings of an ASF outbreak in a small-scale pig unit in Gauteng Province and makes recommendations to prevent future outbreaks. MethodsPCR testing and molecular analysis were performed on pig tissue samples. Veterinary services conducted epidemiological investigations, forward and backward tracing, and surveillance. Farm management and biosecurity practices were assessed. Quarantine, culling, carcass disposal, and disinfection were implemented. ResultsASF virus genotype I was detected. A concurrent ASF outbreak in neighbouring Mpumalanga Province was identified as a possible source. Inadequate biosecurity measures probably facilitated viral transmission. Potential mechanisms for the introduction of the ASF virus include swill feeding practices, free roaming of pigs, scavenging, illegal slaughter, and trade of pig products within the community. ConclusionsMolecular typing of the ASF virus linked the outbreak to an ongoing ASF outbreak in Mpumalanga Province. Pig enterprises with poor biosecurity practices may face greater risk of ASF introduction. Small-scale pig keepers should be targeted for ASF awareness and education campaigns. Innovative and cost-effective biosecurity solutions are needed in this resource-poor setting.

Value chain analysis of yellow broiler industry in Guangxi, China to inform H7N9 influenza control strategies

Yellow broilers are the primary source of poultry consumption in China and the predominant trade of live poultry. However, knowledge of the value chain is limited, which is vital evidence for the effective control of H7N9 and other zoonotic avian influenzas. The aim of the study was to map the yellow broiler value chain in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China and investigate its governance structure and practices relevant to the risk of H7N9 transmission.A value chain analysis was conducted in five areas of Guangxi from May to August 2018. To map the value chain, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted and stakeholders, products and premises involved and their interactions were identified. Then, 55 key informant interviews (KIIs) collected qualitative data on stakeholders’ profile, practices and interactions with other stakeholders and rules/norms that exist along the value chain. On-site observations were also carried out at different types of premises along the value chain to complement and validate findings of KIIs and FGDs. Participants were also asked to provide proportional estimates of each component in the value chain where possible. The qualitative data from FGDs, KIIs and on-site observations were analysed to create stakeholder profiles and a diagram of product flows and stakeholders’ interactions. Thematic analysis was used to identify the governance structure of the value chains and practices relevant to the risk of H7N9 transmission.The stakeholders and premises involved in Guangxi yellow broiler production, wholesale and retail were described, as well as their interactions. Contract farming is extensively adopted in Guangxi; consequently yellow broiler grower companies are the dominant stakeholders. The trading platform was identified as a key premise linking farms and live bird markets. The thematic analysis highlighted poor biosecurity practices in different premises along the value chain, which was supported by on-site observations. The operation of trading platforms reported in this study presents a disease risk but is not considered in the current H7N9 control programs. The study suggested that biosecurity management gaps need to be addressed through government-industry partnerships that require engagement with private stakeholders in the planning and implementation of H7N9 control strategies incentivising participation of grower companies, wholesalers and retailers.

Prevalence and intensity of endoparasitic helminth on swamp eel (Monopterus albus) from natural caught and cultivation

Swamp eel (Monopterus albus) is one of the highly prospect freshwater fisheries commodities that are consumed by broad community. Marketed swamp eels are generally derived from natural caught and cultivated eels. Natural caught swamp eel has high risk of infected parasites from a natural feed that contaminates with larvae of the parasite of cultured swamp eel could be infected with a parasite from poor pond biosecurity. Information about the types of parasites that infect swamp eels from natural caught and culture has never been reported before. The aims of these studies were to identify the endoparasite and calculate the prevalence and intensity of endoparasite in swamp eel from natural caught and cultivation. A total of one hundred and twenty swamp eel (37.7±2.5 cm height) collected from natural caught and pond culture in Banyuwangi. Two endoparasites helminth were infected to eels from natural caught and cultivation i.e Eustrongylides ignotus and Pingus sinensis. The higher prevalence and intensity of endoparasites helminth were found in swamp eel from natural caught than cultivation. Further studies were needed to molecular identified of endoparasite in swamp eel with a scanning electron microscope or 16rDNA.