An outbreak of fatal Pullorum disease (Salmonella Pullorum) in Guinea fowl keets (Numida meleagris) / Surto fatal de pulorose (Salmonella Pullorum) em pintinhos de galinhas-d'Angola (Numida meleagris)

Pullorum disease is described worldwide and is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). S. Pullorum infection is important in commercial poultry, provoking a systemic disease with high mortality rates. Its occurrence requires notification, and when it is diagnosed in commercial breeding flocks, its eradication is demanded. The aim of this study was to report a severe outbreak of Pullorum disease in young Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), resulting in 100% mortality of keets (n=290) within the first two weeks of age. All examined keets had enlarged liver, kidneys and spleen (5/5), and the affected tissues were submitted to histological and bacteriological examination. On histopathology, random paratyphoid nodules characterized by areas of necrosis with fibrin and a moderate infiltrate of macrophages and heterophils were observed in the liver. In kidneys, discrete areas of necrosis associated with moderate multifocal infiltrates of lymphocytes, and plasma cells were observed. In the spleen, a moderate infiltrate of macrophages was noticed. Isolation of colonies suggestive of S. Pullorum from liver and spleen was performed in selective agars and, after biochemical tests, confirmed by specific duplex-PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolated strain revealed resistance to only sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim among the tested antimicrobials. The S. Pullorum isolate recovered in the present study was highly pathogenic to N. meleagris and may represent a risk to other avian species, including industrial poultry.

A pulorose é descrita mundialmente e é causada por Salmonella enterica subespécie enterica sorovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). A infecção por S. Pullorum é importante em aves comerciais, provocando doença sistêmica com altas taxas de mortalidade. Sua ocorrência requer notificação e quando diagnosticada em aves de criação comercial resulta na erradicação do plantel. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um surto grave de pulorose em filhotes de galinhas-d'Angola (Numida meleagris), resultando em 100% de mortalidade das aves (n=290) nas primeiras duas semanas de idade. Os pintinhos recebidos tinham hepato, espleno e nefromegalia (5/5). Os tecidos dos cinco indivíduos recebidos foram submetidos a exame histológico e bacteriológico. Na histopatologia, foram observados nódulos paratifoides aleatórios caracterizados por áreas de necrose com fibrina e infiltrado moderado de macrófagos e heterófilos no fígado. Nos rins, foram observadas áreas discretas de necrose associadas a infiltrados multifocais moderados de linfócitos e plasmócitos. No baço, foi observado infiltrado moderado de macrófagos. O isolamento de colônias sugestivas de S. Pullorum de fígados e baços foi realizado em ágares seletivos e, após testes bioquímicos, confirmado por duplex-PCR específico. A susceptibilidade antimicrobiana da cepa isolada revelou resistência apenas ao sulfametoxazol + trimetoprim entre os antimicrobianos testados. O isolado de S. Pullorum recuperado no presente estudo foi altamente patogênico para N. meleagris e pode representar um risco para outras espécies de aves, incluindo aves industriais.

Three Months of Composting Are Enough to Eliminate the Fowl Typhoid Bacteria

The composting technique has been increasingly highlighted in poultry production units, as an efficient and low-cost solution for the destination of carcasses. The process is based on the accelerated decomposition of organic material under high temperatures, associated with eliminating pathogenic microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and the time necessary for the elimination of Salmonella Gallinarum in carcasses of poultry submitted to the composting process. The composting was carried out following the models used in the field, and microbiological analysis was performed in five different periods: 45, 90, 120, 150 and 180-days after closing the composter. After 90 days of experiment and in the subsequent analysis, the elimination of the bacteria in 100% of the samples was verified, validating the composting process as an effective method for eliminating S. Gallinarum in poultry carcasses, when respecting the period necessary for the elimination of the bacteria and the good quality of the structure adopted for the process.(AU)

Effect of Ammonia Gas in Poultry Litter Contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg

Salmonella Heidelberg is an emerging pathogen in Brazilian poultry production. The traditional methods (quicklime, windrowing and tarpaulin-on-surface) used for disinfecting reused poultry litter between flocks does not guarantee its elimination, thus allowing the transmission of this agent from one flock to another. The new tarpaulinon-surface method with controlled injection of ammonia gas has proven to be effective in its control, however, it is still unknown what dose of ammonia gas is needed to eliminate Salmonella Heidelberg in reused poultry litter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ammonia gas at different concentrations in sterile poultry litter artificially contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. Then, ammonia gas was injected in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%, and 48 hours later, a sample was collected from each repetition in an entirely randomized design, and bacterial isolation was performed. All treatments, including positive and negative controls, were tested in quadruplicate and the parameters temperature, humidity, pH and water activity were evaluated. In the 0.5% and 1% treated samples the pathogen was not isolated, while in the 0.25% concentration one of the four samples tested was positive. The study reveals that ammonia gas is efficient in killing Salmonella Heidelberg in poultry litter at concentrations of 0.5 % or more within a 48-hour period and that the litter treated with ammonia gas increases its pH and water activity.(AU)

Autolyzed Saccharomyces cerevisae reduce microbiological carcass contamination in feedlot steers / Suplementação com Saccharomyces cerevisaeautolisada reduz contaminação microbiológica da carcaça de novilhos terminados em confinamento

The present work aims to verify whether the autolyzed Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduces total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. from the hide, feces and carcass of feedlot-finished steers. Eighteen half-Angus steers were subjected to three treatments daily for 105 days: control (n=6), Lev 4 g (diet with 4 g yeast animal day-1, n=6) or Lev 7 g (diet with 7 g yeast animal day-1, n=6). On Days 29 and 90 after entrance into the feedlot, fecal samples, skin swabs, water and food were collected to identify and count E. coli and total coliforms and identify Salmonella spp. On the day of slaughter, carcasses were collected to identify and quantify E. coli, total coliforms, and mesophiles. There were reductions in E. coli and total coliforms in fecal samples (P=0.0001 and 0.001, respectively) and mesophilic aerobics in carcasses (P= 0.05) in the treated groups, and no Salmonella spp. was observed in any of the samples collected. It was concluded that supplementation reduced fecal excretion of and, consequently, carcass contamination by E. coli, mesophiles and total coliforms in confined animals and that this technique is a beneficial and residue-free sanitary measure to improve the microbiological quality of meat.

Este trabalho objetivou verificar se o prebiótico a base de parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae reduz coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp da pele, fezes e da carcaça de bovinos terminados em confinamento. Para tanto, 18 novilhos, ½ sangue Angus foram submetidos a três tratamentos diários durante 105 dias: controle (n=6), Lev 4g (dieta com 4 g de levedura por animal dia-1, n=6) ou Lev 7g ( dieta com 7 g de levedura por animal dia-1, n=6). Nos dias 29 e 90 após a entrada no confinamento, coletou-se amostras de fezes, swab de pele, água e alimento para contagem de Escherichia coli e coliformes totais e isolamento de Salmonella spp. No dia do abate, realizou-se coleta nas carcaças para identificação de Salmonella spp e quantificação de Escherichia coli, coliformes totais, mesófilos. Notou-se redução de Escherichia coli e coliformes totais nas amostras de fezes (P=0,0001 e 0,001 respectivamente) e de Escherichia coli, coliformes totais e aeróbios mesófilos na carcaça (P=0,06; 0,10 e 0,05 respectivamente) nos grupos tratados. Houve ausência de Salmonella spp. em todas as coletas realizadas. Concluiu-se que a suplementação reduziu a excreção fecal e consequentemente, a contaminação da carcaça pela Escherichia coli, mesófilos e coliformes totais dos animais confinados, sendo uma medida sanitária benéfica e livre de resíduos para melhorar a qualidade microbiológica da carne.

High Genetic Similarity Among Salmonella Heidelberg Isolated from Poultry Farms, Wild Animals, Beef, Poultry and Pork Meat, and Humans in Brazil

Salmonellosis is an important gastrointestinal infection in humans and cause of foodborne outbreaks in the world. In this context, molecular characterization is essential to understand how the strains circulate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypic distribution of S. Heidelberg according to the source of isolation. The genetic relatedness of the S. Heidelberg isolates was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The most prevalent pulsotypes of cluster A were BRJF6X01.006 (27/95 = 28,42%) related between 1995 and 2011 in broilers, poultry meat and poultry farms, meat product and human, and BRJF6X01.001 (21/95 = 22,10%) related between 2011 and 2017 in wild animals, broilers, poultry meat, poultry farms, meat product, animal feed, and pork meat. The pulsotype BRJF6X01.001 shows a high distribution in the environmental and productive chain. The degree of similarity between pulsotypes BRJF6X01.006 and BRJF6X01.001 is 88%. To ensure the safety of human and animal health, holistic approaches, including surveillance of Salmonella throughout the environment and in the production chain, together with control measures, are critical. As transmission of Salmonella from food producing animals to wildlife and to the environment is considered potential public health problem, information on the survival and persistence of Salmonella in the environment and in potential reservoirs is of considerable importance.(AU)

Use of organic acids to reduce Salmonella Typhimurium excretion in swine / Uso de ácidos orgânicos para reduzir a excreção de Salmonella Typhimurium em suínos

The use of antimicrobials as growth promoters and disease prevention is being constantly reduced in several animal production systems, including in the swine industry. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using acidifiers to control Salmonella Typhimurium in 65-day-old pigs by detecting the pathogen in organs at euthanasia. For this, 24 piglets were divided into two experimental groups consisting of 12 piglets each. An untreated control group (G1) and a treatment group (G2) received a liquid organic acidifier in the drinking water for 10 days (D-5 to D5). Five days after the start of treatment (D0), all piglets were challenged with 106 CFU of Salmonella Typhimurium and assessed for 12 days (D12). Every three days (D3, D6, D9, and D12), three animals from each experimental group were euthanized and then submitted for necropsy. Samples from the intestines (ileum, cecum, mesenteric lymph nodes, and ileocolic lymph nodes), liver, spleen, and lungs were collected to isolate Salmonella. The results show that, numerically, Salmonella isolation in the organs of G2 was lower than in G1 and that the number of positive cecum samples in G1 (66.7%; 8/12) was statistically different from the number of positive models in G2 (16.7%; 2/12), with a reduction of 28.6% of the total cecum positive samples in the treated group compared to the control. Therefore, it was observed that the liquid organic acidifier product could reduce the colonization of organs by Salmonella Typhimurium. (AU)

Identification and characterization of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria in feral pigeons surrounding a veterinary hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Identificação de bactérias patogênicas e multirresistentes a antimicrobianos em pombos urbanos no entorno de um Hospital Veterinário em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Pigeons are known for their capacity to harbor and spread several zoonotic agents. Studies have suggested that pigeons are also relevant disseminators of multidrug-resistant strains. In this study, pigeons surrounding a veterinary hospital were sampled and tested for the presence of pathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile. E. coli isolates from 19 (40.4%) pigeons tested positive for the E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1)-encoding gene. The intimin-encoding gene (eae) of enteropathogenicE. coli (EPEC) was found in one isolate (2.1%). Salmonella spp. were found in nine (19.1%) pigeons, all from the first capture event (P < 000.1). S. Typhimurium and S. Heidelberg were isolated from six and three pigeons, respectively. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR) of the Salmonella spp. isolates suggested that eight of the nine strains had a high genetic similarity, supporting the hypothesis of an outbreak of salmonellosis in these pigeons. Twenty (42.5%) staphylococcal isolates were recovered from 18 (38.3%) pigeons. Eight different species were detected, with S. xylosus being the most frequent. Two (4.3%) C. difficile strains were isolated. Three isolates, one each of S. Typhimurium, S. aureus, and C. difficile, were classified as multidrug-resistant strains. The present research suggested that pigeons residing in urban areas can act as reservoirs and disseminators of pathogenic bacteria, including nosocomial pathogens, such as diarrheagenicE. coli and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus spp., C. difficile, and Salmonella spp.

Pombos urbanos são conhecidos pela sua capacidade de carrear e disseminar diversos agentes zoonóticos. Estudos tem sugerido que pombos são também relevantes na disseminação de estirpes resistentes a múltiplas drogas. No presente estudo, pombos no ambiente de um hospital veterinário foram amostrados em três diferentes períodos e testados para a presença de Escherichia coli patogênica, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus spp. e Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile. Isolados de E. coli de 19 pombos (40.4%) foram positivos para o gene codificador da toxina EAST1. O gene codificador de intimina (eae) do patotipo E. coli enteropatogênica foi encontrada em um isolado (2.1%). Salmonella spp. foi encontrada em nove pombos (19.1%), sendo todos isolados do primeiro período de captura (P < 000.1). S. Typhimurium foi isolado de seis animais e S. Heidelberg de três. A tipagem molecular de isolados de Salmonella spp. por ERIC-PCR demonstrou que oito estirpes possuíam alta similaridade genética entre si, sugerindo a ocorrência de um surto de salmonelose nos animais carreadores. Vinte Staphylococcus (42.5%) foram isolados de 18 animais (38.3%). Oito diferentes espécies foram detectadas, sendo S. xylosus a mais frequente. Duas estirpes de C. difficile não-toxigênica (4.3%) foram isoladas. Uma estirpe de S. Typhimurium, uma de S. aureus e um isolado de C. difficile foram classificados como resistentes a múltiplas drogas antimicrobianas. O presente estudo sugere que pombos capturados no ambiente do hospital veterinário podem atuar como reservatórios e disseminadores de bactérias patogênicas e envolvidas em infecção hospitalar, incluindo E. coli diarreiogênica e Staphylococcus sp., C. difficile e Salmonella spp multirresistente.

Detection of Salmonella spp. in eggs for human consumption from poultry farms in municipalities of Alagoas State, Brazil / Detecção de Salmonella spp. em ovos destinados ao consumo humano de propriedades familiares avícolas em municípios do Estado de Alagoas, Brasiil

Salmonellosis is a disease that worries poultry farmers and can seriously impact the food safety of the population that consumes products of animal origin. The present study sought to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. in eggs intended for consumption from family poultry farms in municipalities of Alagoas State. The study was carried out from eight farms, where the sample from each farm was obtained by making pools of shell and internal contents of six randomly selected eggs. The pools were submitted to microbiological culture and the colonies were characterized and evaluated by means of laboratory tests. To this end, 50% (4/8) of the shell samples and 75% (6/8) of the internal contents of the eggs were positive for Salmonella spp. In addition, Klebsiella pneumoniae 12.5% (1/8) and Proteus spp. 25% (2/8) were found in the shell samples, and Yersinia spp. 12.5% (1/8) in the internal contents of the eggs. Salmonella spp. and other enterobacteria were confirmed to occur in eggs intended for consumption. The way the birds were raised did not seem to have a significant influence on the results obtained, and the presence of passerines on the farms may have contributed to the existence of bacteria there. Being aware of the risk to public health that some of these bacteria can present, it is necessary to take decisions that support the small producer in search of food safety for all.(AU)

A Salmonelose é uma doença que preocupa os criadores de aves e pode impactar seriamente a segurança alimentar da população que consome produtos de origem animal. O presente estudo buscou detectar a presença de Salmonella spp. em ovos destinados ao consumo provindos de aviculturas familiares de municípios do Estado de Alagoas. O estudo foi realizado a partir de oito granjas, onde a amostra de cada uma delas foi obtida pela confecção de pools de casca e de conteúdo interno de seis ovos selecionados aleatoriamente. Os pools foram submetidos a cultivo microbiológico e as colônias caracterizadas e avaliadas por meio de testes laboratoriais. Para tanto, 50% (4/8) das amostras de casca e 75% (6/8) das amostras de conteúdo interno dos ovos foram positivos para Salmonella spp. Além disso, também fora constatada a presença de Klebsiella pneumoniae12.5% (1/8) e Proteus spp. 25% (2/8) nas amostras de casca, e a presença de Yersinia spp. 12.5% (1/8) no conteúdo interno dos ovos. Foi confirmada a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. e outras enterobactérias em ovos destinados ao consumo. O modo de criação das aves não parece ter influenciado significativamente nos resultados obtidos e a presença de passeriformes nas granjas podem ter contribuído com a existência das bactérias no local. Tendo ciência do risco à saúde pública que algumas dessas bactérias podem apresentar, se faz necessária a tomada de decisões que apoiem o pequeno produtor em busca de uma segurança alimentar para todos.(AU)

Salmonella Pullorum em criação de galinhas caipiras no Oeste da Bahia, Brasil / Salmonella Pullorum in a free-range chicken farm in Western Bahia, Brazil

Background: Industrial poultry farming has developed progressively in Brazil, conferring the country a prominent position on the national and international scene. Likewise, alternative poultry farming is an important economic activity for small-scale family farmers. However, shortcomings related to sanitary management lead to increased occurrence of avian diseases, such as those caused by Salmonella spp. Despite salmonellosis has been described in industrial establishments, reports in alternative farms are less common, therefore the objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of salmonellosis in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra, Western Bahia, Brazil. Cases: The poultry farmer reported the occurrence of diarrhoea in his chicken flock since the acquisition of the batch of chicks. Initially, carrying out the medicinal treatment of the birds, there was clinical improvement, however, successive recurrences of clinical signs occurred, such as diarrhoea, apathy, anorexia, and death of some birds. Upon learning about the case, an epidemiological investigation of the flock was carried out, and it was noted that some of the birds were retracted, apathetic, anorexic, and a lot of diarrheic faeces of a yellowish-white appearance were also observed. The entire flock had a history of vaccination against diseases: newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, gumboro disease, and fowlpox. For better evaluation, five birds were necropsied, enabling the observation that the animals had a good body score. However, the necropsy revealed lesions such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and enteritis in the three birds initially analysed (Animals 1, 2, and 3). The other birds (Animals 4 and 5) were submitted to evaluation for Eimeria sp. oocysts by means of scrapings from the intestinal mucosa, and there were no structures compatible with oocysts. Faecal samples were collected from another six birds in the flock for coproparasitological examination, and the presence of oocysts was not detected. Finally, sera from 20 birds in the flock were collected for the Rapid Serum Agglutination Test (SAR) for the detection anti-Salmonella Pullorum antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, post mortem pathological findings of the necropsied birds, epidemiological data and confirmed with SAR testing, whereby 11 birds were seropositive for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. The prevalence of S. Pullorum is poorly described in alternative farming. Based on the farmer's report, it is believed that the chicks were purchased already infected, because birds from the same batch, also purchased by neighbouring producers, showed the same clinical signs. The unsatisfactory sanitation in the flock was another factor that may have favoured the persistence of the bacteria, since, the lack of removal of organic matter is a source of nutrients for microorganisms, and this may have favoured the multiplication and maintenance of the bacteria in the down feathers, feed, and water. The elimination of S. Pullorum through the faeces, in addition to the density of the birds, may have led to transmission to the other healthy birds. However, the knowledge and adoption of prophylactic measures in free-range chicken farms is a crucial factor in minimizing the occurrence of outbreaks and thus avoiding a future public Health Problem.

Inclusion of Organic Acids in the Drinking Water and Feed for the Control of Salmonella Heidelberg in Broilers

Poultry products may be a source of foodborne human salmonellosis. The use of alternatives to antimicrobials that are not harmful to humans may reduce the presence of Salmonella spp. in poultry production. Among the products used, organic acids stand out. In the present study, three different organic acid (OA) blends were evaluated for the control of Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) in commercial broilers. Day-old chicks (n = 114) were randomly assigned to four treatments, with three replicates of 12 birds each. Birds in treatments A and B received SCFA (0.2mL/L) and SCFA + MCFA (0.2mL/L), respectively, in the drinking water, while birds in treatment C received SCFA + MCFA in the feed (2g/Kg of feed). Birds from treatment D did not receive OAs (control group). At 8 days of age, each bird was orally inoculated with SH at 108 CFU/mL, and cloacal swabs and SH enumeration of the cecal content were performed 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-inoculation (hpi). The results show a reduction of both SH shedding and counts in the birds fed OAs at all pi times relative to the control birds. Fecal shedding was significantly lower in the OA-treated groups compared with the control group. As for SH presence in the cecum, significant differences were detected between groups C and D at 24 and 72 hpi, and between groups B and D at 72 hpi. The results of this study indicate that the use of feeding OAs to broilers may contribute to reduce the incidence of SH in the poultry production chain, allowing better flock health management, provided an efficient biosecurity program is employed.(AU)

Parvovirose canina ­ Revisão de literatura / Canine parvovirus ­ Literature review

Embora atualmente existam maneiras de prevenção contra a parvovirose, tal patologia ainda preocupa a comunidade veterinária, pois trata-se de uma zoonose extremamente contagiosa, que, em geral, acomete animais jovens. Seus principais sinais clínicos são hematêmese e fezes diarreicas de conteúdo sanguinolento, podendo levar à confusão diagnóstica com gastroenterites bacterianas e virais, como cinomose e salmonelose. Deste modo, torna-se de suma importância que os médicos veterinários tenham total domínio dos conhecimentos sobre a parvovirose, e que promovam também educação em saúde em meio aos propritários.(AU)

Although there are currently ways to prevent parvovirus infection, this pathology is still of concern to the veterinary community, as it is an extremely contagious zoonosis, which usually affects young animals. Its main clinical signs are hematemesis and bloody diarrheal stools, which can lead to diagnostic confusion with bacterial and viral gastroenteritis such as distemper and salmonellosis. It is therefore of paramount importance that veterinary practitioners should have full knowledge of parvovirus disease and that they should also promote health education among their staff.(AU)

The Efficiency of Bacteriophages Against Salmonella Typhimurium Infection in Native Noi Broilers

Though recently considered a therapeutic treatment for commercial broilers, little is known about the effects of bacteriophages on native, slow-growing birds. This study evaluated their efficacy against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium infected Noi chicken, a native Vietnamese broiler breed. In total, 420 birds were used in a completely randomized design consisting of seven treatments and four replicates of 15 birds. The treatments were NC (negative control), PC (positive control, S. Typhimurium challenged); NC+B1 and NC+B2 (negative control plus B1 or B2 bacteriophage, respectively); PC+B1, PC+B2 (positive control plus B1 or B2 bacteriophage, respectively) and PC+B1B2 (positive control plus both B1 and B2 bacteriophages). After four weeks of infection, the mortality rate in the PC group was 51.1% compared with 11.1% in the PC+B1B2 treatment. Bacteriophage administration had resulted in increased weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio, particularly when both phages were included in the treatment (p<0.001). Moreover, the relative percentage of carcass weight was lowest in the PC treatment (66.9%) (p<0.001), whereas the other treatments registered similar carcass weight values. Regarding the internal organs, liver weight percentage was higher in the non-treated Salmonella group, and enlarged spleens were also noted in infected chickens even when treated with bacteriophages. The correlation between phage administration and blood parameters was unclear. Although the use of two bacteriophages for therapy was determined to be preferable for the majority of the criteria examined, further genetic characterization of the phages will be required before they can be widely used in chicken farms.(AU)

Evaluation of Analytical Sensitivity of Sdf I based PCR and Sandwich ELISA for Salmonella Enteritidis detection and On-Farm prevalence in Punjab, Pakistan

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a dominant serotype among non-typhoidal Salmonella which renders poultry products unsafe for human consumption. Due to frequent reporting of egg associated outbreaks, broiler breeder flocks are understudied although farm environment present supporting conditions for the growth of SE. In this study, two rapid detection techniques for SE were compared in terms of analytical sensitivity and the extent of SE contamination in broiler breeder farm environment was determined. Analytical sensitivity as limit of detection (LOD) was evaluated quantitatively for serotype specific PCR based on amplification of Sdf I gene and a commercially available sandwich ELISA for antigen detection. In triplicate experiments, tenfold serial dilutions of SE were prepared and tested with each technique. Using pure cultures, analytical sensitivity of PCR and ELISA were found to be 18.6 CFU/ml and 2.77×105 CFU/ml respectively. PCR (LOD, log 1.2) was found to be more sensitive and rapid than ELISA (LOD, log 5.4). Environmental swab samples (n = 260) were collected from 22 hen houses representing 8 broiler breeder farms located in and around Lahore and Sheikhupura districts of Punjab province. From each hen house swab samples were collected from litter, nests, feeders, drinkers, fans, pads, ceiling, walls and walkways. Following selective enrichment, pooled swab samples were subjected to PCR. Results showed that 36.3 % (8/22) hen houses were detected positive for SE. These findings suggest improvement in farm biosecurity measures and advocate implementation of integrated Salmonellosis control programs in broiler breeder houses to minimize carcass contamination.(AU)

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp isolated from free-ranging wild boars in the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Prevalência e resistência antimicrobiana de Salmonella spp isoladas em javalis de vida livre no estado de São Paulo

European wild boars (Sus scrofa) are considered exotic invasive species worldwide. Invasions of wild boars are a growing public health concern, as wild boars may represent an important reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria of the genus Salmonella. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and serovars of Salmonella spp. in free-ranging wild boars legally hunted in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and the susceptibility of those Salmonella spp. to antimicrobials. Fecal samples and mesenteric lymph nodes were acquired from 63 wild boars. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in free-ranging wild boars was 9.5 % (6/63; confidence interval: 4.4 % - 19.2 %). Six serovars were isolated: S. enterica subsp. enterica ser. 4,5,12:-:1,2, S. enterica ser. Cerro, S. enterica ser. Madelia, S. enterica ser. Typhimurium, S. enterica ser. I (4,5,12:i:-) and S. enterica ser. Muenster. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. showed that the majority of serovars were fully susceptible to the tested antimicrobials. Only S. enterica ser. Typhimurium and S. enterica ser. Muenster showed a resistance pattern to at least one antimicrobial analyzed. To our knowledge, this study is the first report the prevalence and serovars of Salmonella spp. in free-ranging wild boars in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Results indicate a low prevalence with variability of Salmonella serovars, with some pattern of antimicrobial resistance. This study highlights the potential role of wild boars as carriers of Salmonella and could pose a risk to wild and domestic animals as well as humans.

Os javalis europeus (Sus scrofa) são considerados uma espécie exótica invasora em todo o mundo. As invasões de javalis são uma preocupação crescente de saúde pública, pois os javalis podem representar um importante reservatório de patógenos zoonóticos, incluindo bactérias do gênero Salmonella. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e os sorovares de Salmonella spp. em javalis de vida livre caçados legalmente no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e a suscetibilidade dessa Salmonella spp. aos antimicrobianos. Amostras fecais e linfonodos mesentéricos foram adquiridos de 63 javalis. A prevalência de Salmonella spp. em javalis selvagens foi de 9,5% (6/63; intervalo de confiança: 4,4% - 19,2%). Seis sorovares foram isolados: S. enterica subsp. enterica ser. 4,5,12:-:1,2, S. enterica ser. Cerro, S. enterica ser. Madelia, S. enterica ser. Typhimurium, S. enterica ser. I (4,5,12:i:-) e S. enterica ser. Muenster. As análises de resistência antimicrobiana de Salmonella spp. evidenciaram que a maioria dos sorovares era pansensível aos antimicrobianos testados. Apenas S. enterica ser. Typhimurium e S. enterica ser. Muenster mostraram um padrão de resistência a pelo menos um antimicrobiano analisado. A saber, este estudo é o primeiro relato da prevalência e de sorovares de Salmonella spp. em javalis de vida livre no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os resultados indicaram baixa prevalência com variabilidade de sorovares de Salmonella, com algum padrão de resistência antimicrobiana. Este estudo destaca o papel potencial dos javalis como portadores de Salmonella spp. e pode representar um risco para os animais domésticos e selvagens, bem como para os humanos.

Bacillus coagulans as an alternative to antibiotics in the performance and control of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers / Bacillus coagulans como alternativa aos antibióticos sobre o desempenho e controle da Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters in broiler feed has been beneficial for improving performance and preventing diseases. However, the indiscriminate use of these products in the feed can result in the development of resistant bacteria, the accumulation of residues in the products, and an imbalance in the microflora of birds. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate alternatives, such as beneficial microorganisms that improve microbial growth without affecting animal health and product quality. This research aimed to evaluate the supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus coagulans on the performance, carcass characteristics, and health of broilers from seven to 42 days. In total, 720 broilers were used, distributed in a randomized block design with six treatments and eight replicates. The evaluated treatments were as follows: Control ration (RC); PROB1 (Probiotic 400 g/t); PROB2 (Probiotic 400 g/t until 21 days and 200 g/t from 22 to 42 days); RC + antibiotic; RC + Salmonella inoculation; PROB1 + Salmonella inoculation. The treatments did neither influence feed intake, carcass yield, and cuts nor the incidence of injuries to the chest, hock, and footpad. Weight gain and feed conversion were better in birds that received antibiotic or probiotic diets. There was an incidence of Salmonella in the challenges excreta at42 days only in the treatment with challenge without adding probiotics. We conclude that the probiotic Bacillus coagulans can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in the diet of broilers as it facilitates similar performance and is efficient in the control of Salmonella Enteritidis.

A utilização de promotores de crescimento antimicrobianos na alimentação de frangos de corte tem sido benéfica para melhoria do desempenho e para prevenção de doenças. Porém, o uso indiscriminado destes produtos nas rações pode resultar em desenvolvimento de bactérias resistentes, acúmulo de resíduos nos produtos e desequilíbrio da microflora das aves. Portanto, torna-se necessário avaliar alternativas como microrganismos benéficos que melhorem o crescimento microbiano, sem afetar a saúde do animal e a qualidade dos seus produtos. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a suplementação do probiótico Bacillus coagulans sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça e saúde de frangos de corte de 7 a 42 dias. Utilizou-se 720 frangos de corte distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e oito repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: Controle; PROB1 (Probiótico 400 g/t); PROB2 (Probiótico 400 g/ton até os 21 dias e 200 g/t dos 22 aos 42 dias); Controle + antibiótico; Controle + inoculação de Salmonella; PROB1 + inoculação de Salmonella. Os tratamentos não influenciaram o consumo de ração, rendimento de carcaça e cortes e a incidência de lesões no peito, jarrete e coxim plantar. O ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram melhores nas aves que receberam rações com antibiótico ou probiótico. Houve incidência de Salmonella nas excretas aos 42 dias somente no tratamento com desafio sem adição de probiótico. Conclui-se que o probiótico Bacillus coagulans pode ser usado como alternativa ao antibiótico na ração de frangos de corte, pois proporciona desempenho semelhante e é eficiente no controle da Salmonella Enteritidis

Análise microbiológica e físico-química do gelo utilizado na conservação de pescado em supermercados de Rio Branco - AC / Microbiological and physicochemical analysis of ice used in fish conservation in supermarkets in Rio Branco - AC

O gelo é fundamental para a conservação adequada do pescado, pois retarda o crescimento microbiano, preservando a qualidade físico-química, microbiológicas e características organolépticas. No entanto, o gelo pode ser fonte de risco para a saúde dos consumidores quando produzido sob más condições sanitárias. Pontos críticos devem ser controlados durante a etapa de produção e armazenagem do gelo, como, uso de água potável e condições higiênicas-sanitárias. A presença de altas populações de microrganismos heterotróficos e coliformes e a má qualidade físico-química do gelo utilizado para conservação de pescado pode representar um risco potencial ao consumidor, podendo ser veiculador de doenças como Salmonelose, infecção por Escherichia coli e intoxicação por Staphylococcus aureus, além de reduzir a vida útil de prateleira do produto. Neste contexto, a realização deste estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e físico-química do gelo utilizado na conservação de pescados comercializados em Rio Branco - AC. Foram analisadas 15 amostras de gelo coletadas em três diferentes supermercados. Foi preconizado a coleta de gelo fabricado com maquinário próprio e que fossem utilizados na comercialização do pescado fresco, que seriam expostos e resfriados em bancas de gelo no local. Foram colhidas 300g de gelo manualmente com uso de luvas e acondicionadas em frascos de vidros esterilizados, em caixa isotérmica. A qualidade microbiológica destas amostras foi analisada pela contagem de microrganismos heterotróficos mesófilos e psicrotróficos. Além disso, foi realizada a determinação do número mais provável de coliformes totais á 30°C, termotolerantes e a quantificação do pH e cloro residual livre das amostras. Com relação a determinação de microrganismos mesófilos, foram registrados valores entre 1,0x10¹ e 9,15x103 UFC/mL com amostras fora do padrão estabelecido pela Portaria MG/MS n°888/2021. A quantidade de psicrotróficos variou entre 1,0x10¹ e 89,8x10³ UFC/mL. Foi registrada a presença de coliformes totais á 30°C em 6 amostra e de termotolerantes em 4 amostras. Portanto, foi registrado variação nos padrões de qualidade dos gelos fabricados nos supermercados para conservação do pescado, constituindo risco potencial para a saúde dos consumidores.

The ice is essential for the proper conservation of fish, as it delays microbial growth, preserving the physical-chemical, microbiological and organoleptic characteristics. However, ice can be a source of health risk for consumers when produced under poor sanitary conditions. Critical points must be controlled during the ice production and storage stage, such as the of potable water and hygienic-sanitary conditions. The presence of high populations of heterotrophic and coliform microorganisms and the poor physicochemical quality of the ice used for fish conservation can represent a potential risk to the consumer, which can be a carrier of diseases such as Salmonellosis, Escherichia coli infection and Staphylococcus aureus poisoning, in addition to reducing the shelf life of the product. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the microbiological and physical-chemical quality of the ice used in the conservation of fish marketed in Rio Branco - AC. 15 ice samples collected in three different supermarkets were analyzed. It was recommended the collection of ice manufactured with its own machinery and that it be used in the commercialization of fresh fish, which would be exposed and cooled in ice stalls on site 300g ice manually with the use of gloves and packed in sterilized glass bottles, in an isothermal box. The microbiological quality of these samples was analyzed by counting mesophilic and psychrotrophic heterotrophic microorganisms. In addition, the determination of the most probable number of total coliforms at 30°C, thermotolerant and the quantification of pH and free residual chlorine of the samples were performed. Regarding the determination of mesophilic microorganisms, values between 1,00x10¹ and 9,15x10³ UFC/mL were recorded with samples (60%) out of the standard established by Ordinance MG/MS No. 888/2021. The amount of psychrotrophs varied between 1,00x10¹ and 8,98x103 CFU/mL. The presence of total coliforms at 30°C was recorded in 6 samples and of thermotolerants in 4 samples. Therefore, there was a variation in the quality standards of ices manufactured in supermarkets for fish conservation, constituting a potential risk to the health of consumers.

Inibição in vitro de Salmonella spp. Isolada de bezerros do sertão alagoano com extratos etanólicos de plantas da mata atlântica / In vitro inhibition of Salmonella spp. Isolated from calves of the sertão of Alagoas with ethanolic extracts of plants from the mata atlantica / Inhibición in vitro de Salmonella spp. Aislado de terneros del sertão de Alagoas con extractos etanólicos de plantas del mata atlântica

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a inibição in vitro de Salmonella spp. a diferentes tipos de extratos de plantas com indicações medicinais em diferentes diluições de etanol. Para isso, foram obtidas 12 partes de plantas, entre folhas e caules, que fazem parte da terapêutica popular de toxinfecções gastrintestinais da mesorregião de Alagoas, Brasil, e que estão presentes na Mata Atlântica. Essas plantas foram submetidas à procedimentos de secagem, trituração, maceração e prensagem, permitindo diferentes concentrações de extrato. As amostras de Salmonella spp. testadas são oriundas de bezerros de propriedades rurais da região que apresentavam quadros de diarreia e que foram devidamente detectadas por testes bioquímicos e moleculares. Para verificar a sensibilidade, foi realizado o teste de Disco Difusão em Placas com três estirpes de Salmonella spp., sendo substituídos os discos com antibióticos por discos de extratos etanólicos nas concentrações de 10, 100, 500 e 1000mg/L. Como resultado, a folha de Varronia multispicata, popularmente conhecida como Cavarucaá, apresentou resultado positivo na inibição dos três isolados de Salmonella spp. nas concentrações de 500 e 1000mg/L. Os demais extratos não revelaram resultados de sensibilidade in vitro com a bactéria, em nenhuma das concentrações. Mais estudos com Varronia multispicata precisam ser desenvolvidos, com diferentes métodos de obtenção dos fitoconstituintes e com outras estirpes de Salmonella spp. da região.(AU)

The objective of the study was to verify the in vitro inhibition of Salmonella spp. to different types of plant extracts with medicinal indications in different ethanol dilutions. For this, 12 plant parts were obtained, among leaves and stems, which are part of the popular therapeutics of gastrointestinal toxinfections in the mesoregion of Alagoas, Brazil, and that are present in the Mata Atlântica. These plants were submitted to drying, trituration, maceration and pressing procedures, allowing different extract concentrations. The Salmonella spp. samples tested came from calves from rural properties in the region that presented with diarrhea and were duly detected by biochemical and molecular tests. To verify sensitivity, the Disc Diffusion Plates test was performed with three strains of Salmonella spp., and the discs with antibiotics were replaced by discs of ethanolic extracts at concentrations of 10, 100, 500 and 1000mg/L. As a result, the leaf of Varronia multispicata, popularly known as Cavarucaá, showed positive results in inhibiting the three isolates of Salmonella spp. at concentrations of 500 and 1000mg/L. The other extracts did not show in vitro sensitivity results with the bacteria in any of the concentrations. Further studies with Varronia multispicata need to be developed, with different methods of obtaining phytoconstituents and with other strains of Salmonella spp. from the region.(AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue verificar la inhibición in vitro de Salmonella spp. a diferentes tipos de extractos de plantas con indicaciones medicinales en diferentes diluciones de etanol. Para ello, se obtuvieron 12 partes de plantas, incluyendo hojas y tallos, que forman parte de la terapéutica popular para las toxinfecciones gastrointestinales en la mesoregión de Alagoas, Brasil, y que están presentes en el Mata Atlântica. Estas plantas fueron sometidas a procedimientos de secado, trituración, maceración y prensado, permitiendo diferentes concentraciones de extracto. Las muestras de Salmonella spp. analizadas procedían de terneros de explotaciones de la región que presentaban diarrea y fueron detectadas mediante pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares. Para verificar la sensibilidad, se realizó la prueba de difusión en disco con tres cepas de Salmonella spp. y se sustituyeron los discos con antibióticos por discos de extractos etanólicos a concentraciones de 10, 100, 500 y 1000mg/L. Como resultado, la hoja de Varronia multispicata, conocida popularmente como Cavarucaá, mostró resultados positivos en la inhibición de los tres aislados de Salmonella spp. a concentraciones de 500 y 1000mg/L. Los otros extractos no revelaron resultados de sensibilidad in vitro con la bacteria, en ninguna de las concentraciones. Es necesario desarrollar más estudios con Varronia multispicata, con diferentes métodos de obtención de fitoconstituyentes y con otras cepas de Salmonella spp. de la región.(AU)

Salmonellosis in a young Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) / Salmonelose em um filhote de peixe-boi-da-amazônia (Trichechus inunguis)

The objective of this study was to describe a case of salmonellosis in an Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). The animal was rescued from a tributary of the Capim River, in the municipality of Goianésia do Pará, Pará, Brazil, kept in a pool, and died approximately five months after being rescued. The main changes observed at necropsy were that the cecum and colon had serosal hyperemia, wall edema, thickened mucosa with ulcerated areas and covered by a thin layer of fibrin, and a yellowish liquid content. Histologically, there was moderate multifocal fibrinonecrotic typhlocolitis associated with intense bacterial colonization. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (rough) was isolated in cecum and colon fragments. This is the first report of salmonellosis in an Amazonian manatee.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever um caso de salmonelose em um peixe-boi-da-amazônia (Trichechus inunguis). O animal foi resgatado em um afluente do rio Capim, no município de Goianésia do Pará, Pará, Brasil, sendo mantido em uma piscina e morrendo aproximadamente cinco meses após o resgate. As principais alterações observadas na necropsia foram ceco e colón com hiperemia da serosa; edema da parede; mucosa espessada, com áreas ulceradas e revestida por uma fina camada de fibrina; e conteúdo líquido amarelado. Histologicamente havia tiflocolite fibrinonecrótica, multifocal, moderada, associada a intensa colonização bacteriana. Em fragmentos de ceco e cólon foi isolada Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (rugosa). Este é o primeiro relato de salmonelose em peixe-boi-da-amazônia.(AU)

Epidemiological and pathological aspects of salmonellosis in cattle in southern Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de salmonelose em bovinos no Sul do Brasil

Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that affects several domestic animal species, and is commonly diagnosed in cattle, horses, and pigs. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and pathological findings of eleven cases of enteric salmonellosis and two cases of salmonellosis with pulmonary involvement in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Clinical signs included fever, yellow diarrhea, sometimes with blood streaks, and dyspnea, with a clinical course ranging from 1 to 30 days. Eight cases occurred as outbreaks, whereas five cases occurred individually. Risk factors included inadequate handling practices, such as overcrowded facilities and comorbidities, including anaplasmosis. The main gross finding of the enteric presentation was fibrinonecrotic enterocolitis, occasionally associated with button ulcers, mesenteric lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly, cholecystitis and hepatomegaly. In addition, one steer with a chronic clinical progression presented severe segmental thickening of the ileum, associated with intestinal rupture and peritonitis. In the respiratory system, the main findings were reddened, non-collapsed lungs, with multifocal areas of atelectasis. The main microscopic findings were observed in the small and large intestines, and these were characterized by severe necrosis and mucosal ulceration, associated with marked inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils and fibrin deposition intermixed by rod-shaped bacterial aggregates, and fibrosis, as well as interstitial pneumonia. Seven cases yielded positive bacterial cultures for Salmonella spp. and three serovars, namely Typhimurium, Dublin, and Panama were identified. All cases exhibited immunolabeling for Salmonella spp. using immunohistochemistry.(AU)

Salmonelose é uma doença bacteriana que afeta inúmeras espécies animais, especialmente os bovinos, os equinos e os suínos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos e patológicos de onze casos de salmonelose entérica e dois de salmonelose pulmonar em bovinos no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os sinais clínicos incluíram febre, diarreia amarelada, por vezes com estrias de sangue, anorexia, perda de peso e dispneia, com curso clínico que variou de um a 30 dias. Em oito casos, a doença ocorreu em forma de surtos e cinco foram individuais. Identificou-se fatores de risco relacionados ao manejo inadequado com os bovinos, como alta lotação, além de comorbidades associadas, como anaplasmose. Os principais achados macroscópicos da forma entérica consistiram em enterocolite fibrinonecrótica, por vezes associada a formação de úlceras botonosas, linfonodos mesentéricos e baço aumentados, colecistite e hepatomegalia. Ainda, um bovino com quadro clínico crônico apresentou acentuado espessamento segmentar da parede do íleo associado a ruptura intestinal e peritonite. Na forma respiratória, os principais achados incluíram pulmões não colabados, avermelhados, com áreas multifocais de atelectasia. Os principais achados microscópicos foram observados no intestino delgado e grosso e foram caracterizados por acentuada necrose e ulceração da mucosa, associada a acentuado infiltrado inflamatório de neutrófilos e deposição de fibrina entremeada por agregados bacterianos cocobacilares e fibrose, além de pneumonia intersticial. Sete casos foram positivos para Salmonella sp. no cultivo bacteriano, com identificação dos sorovares Typhimurium, Dublin e Panama. Ao exame imuno-histoquímico para Salmonella sp. todos os casos apresentaram marcação positiva nos órgãos avaliados.(AU)

Association between non-typhoidal Salmonella isolated from commercial poultry sheds and associated factors in Paraná, Brazil: Cross-sectional retrospective study

ABSTRACT The epidemiology of salmonellosis in poultry is complex, which makes it difficult to identify the origin and spread of this disease in poultry farms. The aims of this study were to characterize the spatial distribution of Salmonella enterica in epidemiological units in Paraná, Brazil; and to investigate correlations between this microorganism and associated factors. Among the epidemiological units, 78 of 243 (32.10%) were positive. Spatially, the northwestern and western regions had higher concentrations of positive cases than the other regions. In bivariate analyses, the presence of other animal species in the epidemiological unit (prevalence ratio, PR = 0.64; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.430.95; p = 0.022) and proximity to establishments at risk (PR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.320.81; p = 0.001) did not influence positivity, but the average population per poultry shed (between 30,501 and 32,500; PR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.723.83; p = 0.001) was associated with Salmonella positivity. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that the average population per poultry shed, presence of surrounding risk-posing establishments and presence of surrounding poultry sheds produced a significant multiple model for S. enterica. The results indicated that the presence of S. enterica may be related to higher density broiler in poultry sheds, presence of surrounding poultry sheds, proximity between positive and negative epidemiological units and altitude of the municipality. The information obtained showed that some factors were related to positivity for this microorganism and emphasizes the importance of serotyping to obtain other epidemiological data.