Conocimiento ancestral sobre el uso de plantas silvestres medicinales en el tratamiento de enfermedades en alpacas / Ancestral knowledge on the use of wild plants for the treatment of diseases in alpacas

In the high Andean areas, the main economic activity is alpaca raising, which is affected by various infectious and parasitic diseases. Rural populations often resort to wild plants that have diverse properties and help control various diseases. The objective was to document the uses of wild plants in the control of alpaca diseases in the high Andean areas of the Puno and Arequipa regions. Fifty alpaca-breeding families were interviewed in five localities. Thirty-two species belonging to 16 families were reported, with the Asteraceae and Fabaceae families having the highest number of species. The most frequently treated pathologies were diarrhea, pneumonia, fever and enteric parasitosis. For diarrhea treatment, the most used plants were M. mollis, S. nutans and T. filifolia, for pneumonia were G. prostrata and G. viravira, for enteric parasitosis were B. tricuneata and L. daucifolia and for the elimination of ectoparasites (lice) was A. compacta. For all diseases, the treatment dose was higher in adults than in neonates and its application is in the rainy season. In acute disease conditions, rural families choice to drugs. Wild plants are a viable and sustainable alternative for the treatment of various diseases in alpacas.

En las zonas altoandinas la principal actividad económica es la crianza de alpacas, las mismas que son afectadas por diversas enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias. Las poblaciones rurales frecuentemente recurren a las plantas silvestres que tienen diversas propiedades y ayudan al control de diversas enfermedades. El objetivo fue documentar los usos de las plantas silvestres en el control de enfermedades de alpacas en las zonas altoandinas de la región Puno y Arequipa. Se entrevistó a 50 familias criadoras de alpacas en cinco localidades. Se reportaron 32 especies, pertenecientes a 16 familias, siendo la familia Asteraceae y Fabaceae con mayor número de especies. Las patologías que con mayor frecuencia se tratan fueron la diarrea, neumonía, fiebre y parasitosis entérica. Para el tratamiento de diarrea, las plantas más utilizadas fueron M. mollis, S. nutans y T. filifolia, para la nuemonía fueron G. prostrata y G. viravira, para parasitosis entérica fueron B. tricuneata y L. daucifolia y para la eliminación de ectoparásitos (piojos) fue A. compacta. Para todas las enfermedades, las dosis de tratamiento fueron superior en las adultas que en las crías y su aplicación es en la época de lluvias. En condiciones agudas de las enfermedades las familias rurales recurren a los fármacos. Las plantas silvestres, son una alternativa viable y sostenible para el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades en alpacas.

Distribuição espacial e temporal da esporotricose humana e animal na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro de 2013 a 2020 / Spatial and temporal distribution of human and animal sporotrichosis in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro from 2013 to 2020

Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar, no âmbito temporal e espacial, a ocorrência de esporotricose humana e animal na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro no período de 2013 a 2020, além de identificar áreas de priorização no combate à doença.

Feed intake improvement, gut microbiota modulation and pathogens control by using Bacillus species in shrimp aquaculture.

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing economic activities worldwide; shrimp production by aquaculture is around 70% or more of the total consumed. The development of this activity is inducing great benefits in the production of food and jobs; however, shrimp aquaculture is also generating; (1) ecological imbalance by pelagic species overexploitation to produce fish ingredients, (2) bays contamination by inappropriate waste management and (3) pathogens proliferation by antibiotics abuse. In this sense, a significant number of regulations and legal restrictions have been imposed; thus, aquaculture is no longer considered a profitable activity. Therefore, significant and innovative technologies need to be applied to ensure the sustainability and profitability of this activity. In this sense, probiotic bacteria are being used in aquaculture to improve feed intake, modulate gut microbiota and control pathogen proliferation. This work summarizes the results from researchers who worked extensively to show how probiotic bacteria can improve shrimp aquaculture development.

Disease-free zones: bilateral recognition procedure in South America. / Zonas libres de enfermedades: proceso de reconocimiento bilateral en América del Sur.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), zoning is a risk management strategy for achieving the progressive control and eradication of animal diseases, and for providing guarantees for international trade. The implementation and effectiveness of zoning relies on the quality of Veterinary Services. Eradicating a disease and securing trading partners' recognition of this disease-free status demands resources, and promotes economic and fruitful development. It also guarantees the sanitary safety of trade, provided that OIE standards are applied and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) is complied with. The OIE international standards and the SPS Agreement lay down provisions for the effective implementation of zoning and the recognition of disease-free zones. Although animal-disease-free statuses place such zones in a favourable position with regard to exporting their products to the international market, they can create internal restrictions between regions of the same country with differing statuses. As a general rule, each importing country implements its own evaluation procedure, independent of OIE official recognition. While this usually provides for information evaluation and an on-site inspection mission, there is no harmonisation between countries regarding the methodology or the information required for risk assessment. Recognition of a disease-free zone does not imply automatic permission to export any product from that zone. Firstly, it is necessary to request that the market be opened for each product in question, guaranteeing the conditions demanded by the target market (risk analysis and animal health certification). To benefit from external markets, there are ways of speeding up bilateral recognition of disease-free zones, such as bilateral veterinary agreements or free trade agreements that establish clear areas and procedures to be implemented by trading partner countries. The ongoing exchange of information among countries builds trust among their Veterinary Services and authorities, which leads to expedited recognition procedures. The work of the OIE (Pathway for the Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services [PVS Pathway], OIE Observatory) and the WTO Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Committee) (enforcement mechanisms) should be strengthened to assist countries in implementing zoning.

D'après l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE), le « zonage ¼ est une stratégie de gestion du risque permettant d'avancer sur la voie du contrôle progressif des maladies animales et de leur éradication tout en fournissant des garanties dans le cadre des échanges internationaux. Sa mise en oeuvre et son efficacité sont tributaires de la qualité des Services vétérinaires. Si l'éradication réussie d'une maladie et la reconnaissance du statut indemne par les partenaires commerciaux mobilisent des ressources, elles constituent également une incitation majeure au développement productif et économique. En outre, elles garantissent la sécurité sanitaire des échanges internationaux, à condition d'appliquer les normes de l'OIE et de respecter les dispositions de l'Accord sur l'application des sanitaires et phytosanitaires (Accord SPS) de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC). L'OIE et l'Accord SPS établissent des dispositions pour la mise en oeuvre effective du « zonage ¼ et la reconnaissance des zones indemnes de maladies. Ce statut sanitaire place les zones qui en bénéficient en position favorable pour exporter leurs produits vers les marchés internationaux, mais il peut aussi entraîner des restrictions au niveau national par rapport aux zones du pays dotées d'un statut différent. Il est d'usage que chaque pays applique ses propres procédures indépendamment de la reconnaissance par l'OIE. Cela passe généralement par une évaluation de l'information fournie et par une mission d'inspection in situ, mais ni la méthodologie ni les informations requises pour mener à bien l'évaluation du risque n'ont fait l'objet d'une harmonisation de la part des pays. La reconnaissance d'une zone indemne ne vaut pas autorisation automatique d'exporter tout produit à partir de cette zone, car il faut encore, pour chaque produit, solliciter l'ouverture du marché et présenter des garanties démontrant que les conditions imposées par le marché de destination sont satisfaites (analyse du risque et certification sanitaire). Des méthodes existent pour bénéficier des marchés extérieurs en accélérant les reconnaissances bilatérales des zones indemnes de maladies ; il s'agit notamment des accords vétérinaires bilatéraux ou des accords de libre-échange, qui définissent clairement les cadres d'application et les procédures à mettre en place par les pays partenaires commerciaux. L'échange permanent d'informations entre les pays partenaires favorise la confiance entre leurs Services et Autorités vétérinaires respectifs, ce qui facilite d'autant ces procédures. Il convient de renforcer les travaux de l'OIE (Processus d'évaluation des performances des Services vétérinaires [Processus PVS], Observatoire des normes de l'OMC) et du Comité SPS de l'OMC (mécanismes d'évaluation de la conformité) afin d'aider les pays à mettre en oeuvre le « zonage ¼.

Según la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE), la «zonificación¼ es una estrategia de gestión del riesgo para avanzar en el control progresivo y la erradicación de enfermedades animales y para dar garantías al comercio internacional. Su implementación y eficacia dependen de la calidad de los Servicios Veterinarios. Erradicar una enfermedad y lograr el reconocimiento de tal situación por parte de socios comerciales implica recursos e incentiva el desarrollo productivo y económico. También garantiza la seguridad sanitaria del comercio siempre que se apliquen las normas de la OIE y se respete el Acuerdo sobre la Aplicación de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias de la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) (Acuerdo MSF). Las normas internacionales de la OIE y el Acuerdo MSF establecen disposiciones para una implementación efectiva de la «zonificación¼ y el reconocimiento de zonas libres de enfermedades. Este estatus sanitario posiciona favorablemente a dichas zonas para exportar sus productos al mercado internacional, pero puede generar restricciones internas respecto a regiones del mismo país con estatus diferentes. Lo habitual es que cada país aplique un proceso propio, independientemente del reconocimiento de la OIE. En general, contemplan una evaluación de la información y una misión de inspección in situ, pero no existe una armonización entre países ni respecto a la metodología ni respecto a la información requerida para la evaluación de riesgos. Este reconocimiento no implica el permiso automático para exportar cualquier producto desde esa zona, sino que se debe solicitar la apertura del mercado para cada producto en cuestión garantizando las condiciones exigidas por el mercado de destino (análisis del riesgo y certificación sanitaria). Para beneficiarse de los mercados externos, existen formas de agilizar los reconocimientos bilaterales de las zonas libres de enfermedades, como los acuerdos bilaterales veterinarios o los Acuerdos de Libre Comercio, mediante los cuales se establecen ámbitos y procedimientos claros a implementar por parte de los países socios comerciales. El intercambio de información permanente entre los países genera confianza entre sus Servicios y Autoridades Veterinarias, lo cual redunda en la agilización de estos procesos. Se debe reforzar el trabajo de la OIE (Proceso de Prestaciones de los Servicios Veterinarios [Proceso PVS], Observatorio de la OIE) y del Comité MSF de la OMC (mecanismos de observancia) para ayudar a los países a implementar la «zonificación¼.

BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Prospects for improving management of animal disease introductions using disease-dynamic models.

Management and policy decisions are continually made to mitigate disease introductions in animal populations despite often limited surveillance data or knowledge of disease transmission processes. Science-based management is broadly recognized as leading to more effective decisions yet application of models to actively guide disease surveillance and mitigate risks remains limited. Disease-dynamic models are an efficient method of providing information for management decisions because of their ability to integrate and evaluate multiple, complex processes simultaneously while accounting for uncertainty common in animal diseases. Here we review disease introduction pathways and transmission processes crucial for informing disease management and models at the interface of domestic animals and wildlife. We describe how disease transmission models can improve disease management and present a conceptual framework for integrating disease models into the decision process using adaptive management principles. We apply our framework to a case study of African swine fever virus in wild and domestic swine to demonstrate how disease-dynamic models can improve mitigation of introduction risk. We also identify opportunities to improve the application of disease models to support decision-making to manage disease at the interface of domestic and wild animals. First, scientists must focus on objective-driven models providing practical predictions that are useful to those managing disease. In order for practical model predictions to be incorporated into disease management a recognition that modeling is a means to improve management and outcomes is important. This will be most successful when done in a cross-disciplinary environment that includes scientists and decision-makers representing wildlife and domestic animal health. Lastly, including economic principles of value-of-information and cost-benefit analysis in disease-dynamic models can facilitate more efficient management decisions and improve communication of model forecasts. Integration of disease-dynamic models into management and decision-making processes is expected to improve surveillance systems, risk mitigations, outbreak preparedness, and outbreak response activities.

Receptors and Signaling Pathways for Recognition of Bacteria in Livestock and Crops: Prospects for Beneficial Microbes in Healthy Growth Strategies.

Modern animal and crop production practices are associated with the regular use of antimicrobials, potentially increasing selection pressure on bacteria to become resistant. Alternative approaches are needed in order to satisfy the demands of the growing human population without the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. Researchers have brought a different perspective to solve this problem and have emphasized the exploitation of animal- and plant-associated microorganisms that are beneficial to their hosts through the modulation of the innate immune system. There is increasing evidence that plants and animals employ microbial perception and defense pathways that closely resemble each other. Formation of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) complexes involving leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated activation of immune response genes, and subsequent production of antimicrobial products and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) to improve defenses against pathogens, add to the list of similarities between both systems. Recent pioneering work has identified that animal and plant cells use similar receptors for sensing beneficial commensal microbes that are important for the maintenance of the host's health. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in the recognition of pathogenic and commensal microbes by the innate immune systems of animal and plants highlighting their differences and similarities. In addition, we discuss the idea of using beneficial microbes to modulate animal and plant immune systems in order to improve the resistance to infections and reduce the use of antimicrobial compounds.

Response of developing countries to biological threats: the case of the Republic of Haiti. / Les pays en développement face aux menaces biologiques : le cas de la République d'Haïti.

In spite of scientific progress, the world is still facing major biological threats. Not only are there epidemics caused by wildlife pathogens under natural conditions, there are also those caused accidently when researchers handle highly hazardous organisms stored in research laboratories, and those caused when countries use these organisms as biological weapons of war or when criminal groups use them for bioterrorism. Developing countries tend to be more vulnerable to such threats than developed countries owing to the poor resilience of their animal health systems, their advanced state of environmental degradation, their socio-economic fragility and their political instability. The occurrence of emerging and re-emerging diseases (avian influenza, Ebola virus disease) has caused deep concern around the world in recent years and has shown how important it is for countries to strengthen the organisation of their Veterinary Services. The Republic of Haiti is one of the developing countries with the most acute biophysical vulnerability. Over the years, it has experienced a large number of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts and epidemics that have further weakened a country with already scarce financial resources. However, Haiti is endeavouring to address biological threats by modernising its Veterinary Services and by implementing the animal health standards and guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for establishing resilient animal health systems.

Malgré les progrès scientifiques, le monde est aujourd'hui encore confronté à de grandes menaces biologiques. Outre les épidémies causées dans des conditions naturelles par des agents pathogènes issus de la faune sauvage, il faut mentionner également celles qui peuvent résulter d'accidents lors de la manipulation de certains germes très dangereux stockés dans les laboratoires de recherche, d'une part, ou de l'utilisation de ces germes par certains pays comme armes biologiques dans les guerres ou par des groupes criminels dans le bioterrorisme, d'autre part. Face à ces menaces, les pays en développement sont généralement plus vulnérables que les pays développés en raison du manque de résilience de leurs systèmes de santé animale, du niveau avancé de dégradation de leur environnement, de leur fragilité socio-économique et de leur instabilité politique. La survenue de maladies émergentes et ré-émergentes (grippe aviaire, maladie d'Ébola) a suscité au cours des dernières années un grand émoi dans le monde et montré combien il est important pour les pays de renforcer l'organisation de leurs Services vétérinaires. Parmi les pays en développement, la République d'Haïti présente une grande vulnérabilité biophysique. Elle a connu au fil du temps un grand nombre de séismes, cyclones, inondations, épisodes de sécheresse et épidémies qui ont encore plus fragilisé ce pays déjà peu pourvu en ressources financières. Toutefois, Haïti essaie de faire face aux menaces biologiques en modernisant ses Services vétérinaires et en appliquant les normes sanitaires et lignes directrices de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE) pour la mise en place de systèmes résilients de santé animale.

A día de hoy, pese a los avances científicos, el mundo sigue afrontando amenazas biológicas de gran calado. Además de las epidemias causadas en condiciones naturales por agentes patógenos procedentes de la fauna salvaje, conviene mencionar las que puedan derivarse de accidentes acaecidos al manipular ciertos gérmenes muy peligrosos almacenados en laboratorios de investigación, por un lado, o del uso de esos gérmenes como arma de guerra biológica por parte de ciertos países o con fines de bioterrorismo por parte de grupos criminales, por el otro. Ante tales amenazas, los países en desarrollo suelen ser más vulnerables que los desarrollados porque sus sistemas de sanidad animal carecen de resiliencia, su medio ambiente está degradado y son socioeconómicamente frágiles y políticamente inestables. En los últimos años el advenimiento de enfermedades emergentes y reemergentes (influenza aviar, enfermedad por el virus del Ébola) ha generado gran desazón en todo el mundo y demostrado cuán importante es para los países reforzar la organización de sus Servicios Veterinarios. De entre los países en desarrollo, la República de Haití presenta una especial vulnerabilidad biofísica. A lo largo del tiempo ha sufrido un gran número de seísmos, ciclones, inundaciones, sequías y epidemias que han fragilizado aún más el país, que ya de entrada contaba con escasos recursos económicos. Pese a ello, Haití trata de hacer frente a las amenazas biológicas modernizando sus Servicios Veterinarios y aplicando las normas sanitarias y directrices de la Organización Mundial de Sanidad Animal (OIE) con el fin de instituir sistemas de sanidad animal dotados de resiliencia.

Leptospirosis in the Caribbean: a literature review / Leptospirosis en el Caribe: una revisión bibliográfica / Leptospirose no Caribe: uma revisão da literatura científica

ABSTRACT Objective To describe leptospirosis epidemiology, seroprevalence, and serovars among humans and animals in the Caribbean from 1979 - 2013. Methods A retrospective study of the literature was performed on the general epidemiology, historical records, and geographical locations of leptospirosis outbreaks and cases in the Caribbean from 1979 - 2013. The primary sources of information were identified with PubMed Central, Google Scholar, CAREC, CaribVET, and The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of the West Indies. Search terms used were: "human leptospirosis," "animal leptospirosis," "serovars," "livestock," "seroprevalence," "Caribbean countries," "risk factors," "confirmed cases," "suspected cases," "MAT," and "ELISA." Confirmed and suspected cases of human and animal leptospirosis were identified through laboratory analysis. Results Most cases of leptospirosis occurred during the rainy season (June - December) and had a positive correlation with flood conditions. The disease was more prevalent in males than females due to behavioral and occupational exposure. The highest incidence rates of human leptospirosis were recorded in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica. In animals, leptospirosis has been found in rodents, livestock, and dogs in many Caribbean countries. Inadequate active surveillance and misdiagnosis of human leptospirosis has contributed to under-reporting of the disease. Conclusion This review highlights the epidemiology and distribution of leptospirosis in the Caribbean. Prevalence rates and serovars vary greatly among the countries. Leptospirosis poses a significant health risk for humans and animals in the Caribbean and requires a "One Health" multisectoral approach to reduce incidence rates and protect at-risk individuals. Increased laboratory capacity to identify leptospirosis cases is required, along with awareness campaigns for both the public and animal and human health professionals.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir las características epidemiológicas de la leptospirosis, su seroprevalencia y serovariedades en seres humanos y animales en el Caribe desde 1979 hasta el 2013. Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de la bibliografía en relación con las características epidemiológicas generales, los registros históricos y las ubicaciones geográficas de los brotes y casos de leptospirosis en el Caribe desde 1979 hasta el 2013. Se determinaron las fuentes primarias de información con PubMed central, Google Scholar, CAREC, CaribVET y la Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad de las Indias Occidentales. Los términos de búsqueda que se usaron en inglés fueron los equivalentes de "leptospirosis humana", "leptospirosis animal", "serovariedades", "ganado", "seroprevalencia", "países del Caribe", "factores de riesgo", "casos confirmados", "presuntos casos", "MAT" y "ELISA". Se determinaron los casos confirmados y presuntos de leptospirosis humana y animal mediante el análisis de laboratorio. Resultados La mayor parte de los casos de leptospirosis se dieron durante la temporada de lluvias (junio a diciembre) y tuvieron una correlación positiva con las inundaciones. La enfermedad fue más prevalente en los hombres que en las mujeres debido a la exposición laboral y por los comportamientos. Las tasas de incidencia más altas de leptospirosis humana se registraron en Barbados, Trinidad y Tabago y Jamaica. En el caso de los animales, la leptospirosis se ha detectado en los roedores, el ganado y los perros de muchos países del Caribe. La vigilancia activa insuficiente y el diagnóstico erróneo de la leptospirosis humana han contribuido a que haya una subnotificación de los casos de esta enfermedad. Conclusiones En esta revisión se ponen de relieve las características epidemiológicas y la distribución de la leptospirosis en el Caribe. Las tasas de prevalencia y las serovariedades varían enormemente de un país a otro. La leptospirosis supone un riesgo considerable para la salud de los seres humanos y los animales en el Caribe y requiere un enfoque multisectorial de "Una Salud" para reducir la incidencia y proteger a las personas en riesgo. Se necesita una mayor capacidad en materia de laboratorios para detectar los casos de leptospirosis, junto con campañas de sensibilización tanto del público como de los profesionales de la sanidad animal y la salud humana.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever o perfil epidemiológico, a soroprevalência e as sorovariedades da leptospirose em seres humanos e animais no Caribe de 1979 a 2013. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de revisão da literatura científica realizado sobre a epidemiologia geral, registros históricos e localizações geográficas de casos e surtos de leptospirose no Caribe no período de 1979 a 2013. As fontes primárias de informação foram identificadas através das bases de dados PubMed Central, Google Scholar, CAREC, CaribVET e Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade das Índias Ocidentais. Os seguintes termos de busca foram usados: "human leptospirosis", "animal leptospirosis", "serovars", "livestock", "seroprevalence", "Caribbean countries", "risk factors", "confirmed cases", "suspected cases", "MAT" e "ELISA" (leptospirose humana, leptospirose animal, sorovariedades, gado, soroprevalência, países do Caribe, fatores de risco, casos confirmados, casos suspeitos, MAT e ELISA). Os casos suspeitos e confirmados de leptospirose humana e animal foram identificados por exames laboratoriais. Resultados A maioria dos casos de leptospirose ocorreu no período de chuvas (junho a dezembro), apresentando uma correlação positiva com a ocorrência de enchentes. A doença foi mais prevalente no sexo masculino que no feminino devido à exposição comportamental e ocupacional. As maiores taxas de incidência de leptospirose humana foram registradas em Barbados, Trinidad e Tobago e Jamaica. Entre os animais, foi verificada a ocorrência de leptospirose em roedores, gado e cães em vários países do Caribe. Vigilância ativa insatisfatória e diagnóstico incorreto dos casos de leptospirose humana são fatores que contribuem para a subnotificação da doença. Conclusões Este estudo de revisão destacou a epidemiologia e a distribuição da leptospirose no Caribe. As taxas de prevalência e sorovariedades variam muito entre os países. A leptospirose representa um importante risco à saúde dos seres humanos e animais no Caribe, sendo necessário um enfoque multissetorial baseado no conceito de saúde única (one health) para reduzir a incidência da doença e proteger os indivíduos em risco. Faz-se necessário melhorar a capacidade laboratorial de identificar os casos de leptospirose, juntamente com campanhas de conscientização dirigidas ao público em geral e aos profissionais de saúde humana e animal.

RNAi Technology for Insect Management and Protection of Beneficial Insects from Diseases: Lessons, Challenges and Risk Assessments.

The time has passed for us to wonder whether RNA interference (RNAi) effectively controls pest insects or protects beneficial insects from diseases. The RNAi era in insect science began with studies of gene function and genetics that paved the way for the development of novel and highly specific approaches for the management of pest insects and, more recently, for the treatment and prevention of diseases in beneficial insects. The slight differences in components of RNAi pathways are sufficient to provide a high degree of variation in responsiveness among insects. The current framework to assess the negative effects of genetically modified (GM) plants on human health is adequate for RNAi-based GM plants. Because of the mode of action of RNAi and the lack of genomic data for most exposed non-target organisms, it becomes difficult to determine the environmental risks posed by RNAi-based technologies and the benefits provided for the protection of crops. A better understanding of the mechanisms that determine the variability in the sensitivity of insects would accelerate the worldwide release of commercial RNAi-based approaches.

[Responsible pet animal guardianship in the urban area of the municipality of Pelotas in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil]. / Guarda responsável de animais de estimação na área urbana do município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil.

The study sought to estimate the presence of cats and dogs in households in the urban area of the city and assess responsible guardianship and associated factors. A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using the multi-stage sampling process and the census sectors of the demographic census of the year 2010 carried out by IBGE were used as conglomerates. The unit under study was the household. The outcome was responsible guardianship, defined by a score that took into account the following variables: sterilization, anti-rabies vaccination, veterinary medical consultation, control of endoparasites, access of animals to public areas, control of ectoparasites and the collection of feces of animals in public areas. Of the 1,558 households investigated, 58.9% had pets (cat or dog). The study reveals that the score of responsible guardianship increases with the education level of the head of the household and is highest among apartment dwellers. The majority of the households investigated met only half of the criteria. The results of this study point to the need for public policies that instruct the population on responsible guardianship, and that offer immunizations and sterilization services for animals.

The use of quorum sensing to improve vaccine immune response.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection is an important cause of diarrhea in both newborn and post-weaning pigs, it is also responsible for economic losses on farms worldwide. Vaccines that use ETEC virulence factors have been well documented, and several vaccines containing inactivated bacteria with protective antigens, or purified (isolated) antigens are available on the market. Vaccination of pregnant sows is widely seen as an effective strategy for the control of the disease. Yet these vaccines very often do not lead to efficient protection. In this study, we produced an ETEC bacterin with the use of quorum sensing (QS), and observed a significant expression of F4 adhesin, and heat-labile toxin (LT) in the cultures when compared to the controls. Mice, and pigs vaccinated with the QS bacterin demonstrated higher antibody titers against these antigens when compared with commercial and control bacterin. Our results suggest that the system might bring promising improvements in ETEC bacterin efficacy.

Developing country applications of molecular farming: case studies in South Africa and Argentina.

Molecular farming is a technology that is very well suited to being applied in developing countries, given the reasonably high level of expertise in recombinant plant development in many centers. In addition, there is an urgent need for products such as inexpensive vaccines and therapeutics for livestock and for some human diseases - and especially those that do not occur or are rare in developed regions. South Africa and Argentina have been at the fore in this area among developing nations, as researchers have been able to use plants to produce experimental therapeutics such as nanoantibodies against rotavirus and vaccines against a wide variety of diseases, including Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, Foot and mouth disease virus, Bovine viral diarrhoea virus, bovine rotaviruses, Newcastle disease virus, rabbit and human papillomaviruses, Bluetongue virus, and Beak and feather disease virus of psittacines. A combination of fortuitous scientific expertise in both places, coupled with association with veterinary and human disease research centers, has enabled the growth of research groups that have managed to compete successfully with others in Europe and the USA and elsewhere, to advance this field. This review will cover relevant work from both South Africa and Argentina, as well as a discussion about the perspectives in this field for developing nations.

Veterinary education in the area of food safety (including animal health, food pathogens and surveillance of foodborne diseases).

The animal foodstuffs industry has changed in recent decades as a result of factors such as: human population growth and longer life expectancy, increasing urbanisation and migration, emerging zoonotic infectious diseases and foodborne diseases (FBDs), food security problems, technological advances in animal production systems, globalisation of trade and environmental changes. The Millennium Development Goals and the 'One Health' paradigm provide global guidelines on efficiently addressing the issues of consumer product safety, food security and risks associated with zoonoses. Professionals involved in the supply chain must therefore play an active role, based on knowledge and skills that meet current market requirements. Accordingly, it is necessary for the veterinary medicine curriculum, both undergraduate and postgraduate, to incorporate these skills. This article analyses the approach that veterinary education should adopt in relation to food safety, with an emphasis on animal health, food pathogens and FBD surveillance.

Effect evaluation of the feeding, and administration of omeprazole pelletsorally on gastric juice pH in adult horses / Evaluación del efecto de la alimentación y de la administración deomeprazol en pellets vía oral sobre el pH del jugo gástrico en equinosadultos / Avaliação do efeito da alimentação, e administração de omeprazole pelletspor via oral no pH do suco gástrico em cabalhos adultos

The aim of this study was to determine the omeprazol treatment effect on equine gastric fluid pH with food andwithout food administering for the duration of the experiment. To carry this project out, 7 animals were chosenbetween the ages of 3 and 10 (2 males and 5 females) from the Centro de Veterinaria y Zootecnia - CES. In thecontrolled treatment they received 200 ml of physiological saline and were treated using omeprazol pellets whichwere administered in a single dose of 4 mg/kg via a nasogastric insertion, and in two groups with or without foodduring the treatment. Gastric pHs were measured at 0 hour (fasting before treatment) and then at hours 3, 5, 7, 9,11 and 24 after treatment. In animals consuming food, both treatments showed post treatment gastric pH increases,which can be explained by the ad libitumn food management in both treatments, which may increasing post prandialpH. In fasting animals, we observed that in the controlled treatment the pH was maintained at very low levels atall measurement times, while in the omeprazol treatment the pH increased significantly. These results show thattreatment with omeprazol pellets at a dose of 4 mg/kg via nasogastric insertion increased gastric pH in healthyanimals that are not eating food and that this effect was similar to them being administered food.

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto del tratamiento con omeprazol sobre el pH del fluido gástrico en equinos, con la administración del alimento y sin ella. Para llevar a cabo este proyecto se eligieron siete animalesentre los 3 y 10 años de edad (2 machos y 5 hembras) del Centro de Veterinaria y Zootecnia – CES. El tratamientocon omeprazol se administró en pellets a una dosis única de 4 mg/kg, por vía nasogástrica, para los grupos cono sin alimento. Para el tratamiento control, se administraron 200 ml de solución salina fisiológica. En todos lostratamientos se midieron los pHs gástricos a la hora 0 (ayunas antes del tratamiento) y luego a las horas 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 y 24, postratamiento. Los animales que consumieron alimento con y sin omeprazol presentaron aumentos de pHgástrico postratamiento, lo que se puede explicar por el sumistro de heno ad libitum en ambos tratamientos. En losanimales en ayuno se observó que en el tratamiento control, el pH se mantuvo en niveles muy bajos en todas las horasde medición, mientras que en el tratamiento con omeprazol, el pH aumentó notablemente. Los resultados muestran que el tratamiento con pellets de omeprazol a una dosis de 4 mg/kg vía nasogástrica aumentó el pH gástrico en animales sanos que no están consumiendo alimento y que este efecto fue similar que cuando se administró el mismo.

A resistência é o mecanismo pelo qual a bactéria pode diminuir a ação dos agentes antimicrobianos de formanatural ou adquirida; dentro das causas mais frequentes está a utilização indiscriminada destes agentes em pacienteshumanos e produções pecuárias. Desde 1990 tem identificado novas cepas resistentes de bactérias que originaramdoenças zoonóticas emergentes. Dentro destas a zoonose, a salmonelose é considerada a doença mais difundida anível mundial, a ampla distribuição na natureza entre animais silvestres, domésticos e o meio ambiente, produz umarápida propagação de seus mais de 2500 sorotipos no homem. Contudo, a grande preocupação pela infecção com esteinteiro patógeno é devido aos cada vez mais elevados fracassos nos tratamentos com antimicrobianos convencionais,ocasionados pela alta resistência bacteriana a estes fármacos. O presente artigo é uma revisão sobre a problemáticaque gerou a resistência de Salmonella no homem e os animais, contem também estratégias de prevenção e controledeste fenômeno, que está distante de terminar e permitem o fortalecimento da saúde pública.

Riesgos ocupacionales en medicos veterinarios dedicados a pequeños animales de la ciudad de Córdoba (2010) / Occupational hazards in veterinary clinics dedicated to small animals of the city of Córdoba (2010)

la Medicina Veterinaria es una profesión asociada a múltiples riesgos para la salud humana, El Médico veterinario no se restringe sólo a la salud animal, su campo es más amplio que el estudio, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades animales; ha pasado a desempeñar un notable papel en los sectores agroindustrial y ganadero. Los riesgos biológicos son aquellos peligros resultantes del trabajo o contacto con organismos vivos de diversos tipos, sus excreciones, secreciones o productos derivados de los mismos. Las zoonosis son importantes en el sector de la salud considerado en su conjunto y constituyen uno de los tres campos más importantes de la veterinaria de salud pública. Objetivo: conocer si existe el riesgo biológico de origen animal al que están expuestos la población profesional que cumple tareas laborales en consultorios, clínicas y laboratorios veterinarios dedicados a animales pequeños. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo. Período: 1 de Enero al 31 de Julio de 2010. Muestra: 115 individuos con criterios de inclusión y completaron las encuestas. Cuatro grupos, a saber: Grupo A: profesionales independientes de veterinarias de la ciudad de Córdoba (n: 75); Grupo B: docentes universitarios de la UCC (n: 11); Grupo C: estudiantes de veterinaria de la UCC (n: 22); Grupo D: empleados no profesionales de veterinarias de la ciudad de Córdoba (n: 7). Total de encuestados: 115. Análisis: descriptivo observacional, de corte transversal, con el fin de revelar el conocimiento y conocimientos sobre el riesgo biológico al que está expuesta la comunidad encuestada. Conclusiones: En relación a las edades de los encuestados se halla en una franja etaria entre los 23,2 y 42,7 años (promedio de 32,9 años). En referencia al sexo del total un 53,9% es masculino y el 46,1% femenino. Los médicos veterinarios encuestados egresaron entre los años 1978 y 2007.

SUMMARY Introduction: Veterinary Medicine is a profession associated with multiple risks to human health, the veterinarian is not restricted to animal health, its scope is broader than the study, diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, has come to play a prominent role in the agribusiness and cows. Biological hazards are those hazards arising from work or contact with living organisms of various types, their excretions, secretions, or derivatives thereof. Zoonoses are important in the health sector as a whole and constitute one of the three major fields of veterinary public health. Objective: To determine if the biological risk of animal origin to which they are exposed population that meets professional work tasks in offices, clinics and laboratories dedicated to small animal veterinarians. Material and methods: A descriptive, transversal and prospective study. Period: January 1 to July 31, 2010. Sample: 115 individuals with inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Four groups, namely Group A separate veterinary professionals in the city of Córdoba (n= 75), Group B: university teachers of the UCC (n= 11), Group C: veterinary students the UCC (n= 22), Group D employees veterinary professionals in the city of Córdoba (n= 7). Total respondents: 115. Analysis: descriptive, observational, cross-section to reveal the knowledge and understanding of the biological risk they are exposed to the community surveyed.

Riesgos ocupacionales en medicos veterinarios dedicados a pequeños animales de la ciudad de Córdoba (2010) / Occupational hazards in veterinary clinics dedicated to small animals of the city of Córdoba (2010)

la Medicina Veterinaria es una profesión asociada a múltiples riesgos para la salud humana, El Médico veterinario no se restringe sólo a la salud animal, su campo es más amplio que el estudio, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades animales; ha pasado a desempeñar un notable papel en los sectores agroindustrial y ganadero. Los riesgos biológicos son aquellos peligros resultantes del trabajo o contacto con organismos vivos de diversos tipos, sus excreciones, secreciones o productos derivados de los mismos. Las zoonosis son importantes en el sector de la salud considerado en su conjunto y constituyen uno de los tres campos más importantes de la veterinaria de salud pública. Objetivo: conocer si existe el riesgo biológico de origen animal al que están expuestos la población profesional que cumple tareas laborales en consultorios, clínicas y laboratorios veterinarios dedicados a animales pequeños. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo. Período: 1 de Enero al 31 de Julio de 2010. Muestra: 115 individuos con criterios de inclusión y completaron las encuestas. Cuatro grupos, a saber: Grupo A: profesionales independientes de veterinarias de la ciudad de Córdoba (n: 75); Grupo B: docentes universitarios de la UCC (n: 11); Grupo C: estudiantes de veterinaria de la UCC (n: 22); Grupo D: empleados no profesionales de veterinarias de la ciudad de Córdoba (n: 7). Total de encuestados: 115. Análisis: descriptivo observacional, de corte transversal, con el fin de revelar el conocimiento y conocimientos sobre el riesgo biológico al que está expuesta la comunidad encuestada. Conclusiones: En relación a las edades de los encuestados se halla en una franja etaria entre los 23,2 y 42,7 años (promedio de 32,9 años). En referencia al sexo del total un 53,9% es masculino y el 46,1% femenino. Los médicos veterinarios encuestados egresaron entre los años 1978 y 2007.(AU)

SUMMARY Introduction: Veterinary Medicine is a profession associated with multiple risks to human health, the veterinarian is not restricted to animal health, its scope is broader than the study, diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases, has come to play a prominent role in the agribusiness and cows. Biological hazards are those hazards arising from work or contact with living organisms of various types, their excretions, secretions, or derivatives thereof. Zoonoses are important in the health sector as a whole and constitute one of the three major fields of veterinary public health. Objective: To determine if the biological risk of animal origin to which they are exposed population that meets professional work tasks in offices, clinics and laboratories dedicated to small animal veterinarians. Material and methods: A descriptive, transversal and prospective study. Period: January 1 to July 31, 2010. Sample: 115 individuals with inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Four groups, namely Group A separate veterinary professionals in the city of Córdoba (n= 75), Group B: university teachers of the UCC (n= 11), Group C: veterinary students the UCC (n= 22), Group D employees veterinary professionals in the city of Córdoba (n= 7). Total respondents: 115. Analysis: descriptive, observational, cross-section to reveal the knowledge and understanding of the biological risk they are exposed to the community surveyed.(AU)

Vaccine production in plant systems--an aid to the control of viral diseases in domestic animals: a review.

Plants have been identified as promising expression systems for the commercial production of vaccines because of the possibility of introducing exogenous genes into them, which permits the development of a new generation of biological products called edible vaccines. The advantages of oral vaccines of this new type are that they induce mucosal, humoral, cellular and protective immunity, they are cheaper, easier to store, distribute and administer, they do not require cold chain management, and some species can be stored for long periods of time without any spoilage and may be administered as purified proteins. Owing to these benefits, plant-produced vaccines represent a valuable option for animal health. The aim of this paper is to present a review of plant-produced vaccines against viruses affecting domestic animals. Some aspects of the feasibility of their use and the immune response elicited by such vaccines are also discussed, as the balance between tolerance and immunogenicity is a major concern for the use of plant-based vaccines.