Combination of Live and Inactivated Salmonella Vaccines to Protect Against Fowl Typhoid in Laying Hens.

Fowl typhoid (FT) caused by Salmonella Gallinarum (SG) is a poultry disease distributed worldwide that has been eradicated in commercial production of many developed countries but still persists in many developing countries. Vaccination is one of the main strategies to reduce mortality, clinical signs, and vertical or horizontal transmission. The aim of this work was to assess the protection against FT conferred by vaccines based on Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), SG, or a combination. Five experimental groups of birds, vaccinated with different live or inactivated SG and SE vaccines were included in the trial: 1) two doses of a SG-SE bivalent inactivated vaccine; 2) four doses of the live attenuated SE vaccine; 3) three doses of the live attenuated SE vaccine and two doses of the SG-SE bivalent inactivated vaccine; 4) two doses of the live attenuated SG9R vaccine; and 5) unvaccinated birds. At 28 wk of age, all hens were challenged with a virulent strain of SG, and mortality was recorded during the subsequent 15 days. The results showed that the plan that included only the inactivated vaccine did not show significant protection (P = 1), while the plan based on the administration of the attenuated strain of SE significantly reduced mortality in the group of birds (P = 0.0309). However, the highest levels of protection were obtained in the group of hens immunized with the combination of the inactivated vaccine and the live attenuated SE strain (P < 0.0001), which was statistically similar to the homologous protection conferred by the SG 9R strain, a vaccine used in many countries to control FT. These results demonstrate that the combination of existing vaccines together with strict biosecurity measures on farms may help improve the control of the pathogen in countries where FT in an emerging or reemerging disease.

Nota de investigación- Combinación de vacunas vivas e inactivadas contra Salmonella para proteger contra la tifoidea aviar en gallinas de postura. La tifoidea aviar (FT) causada por Salmonella enterica serotipo Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum (SG) es una enfermedad distribuida en todo el mundo que ha sido erradicada de la producción av'icola comercial de muchos pa'ises desarrollados pero que aún persiste en muchos pa'ises en desarrollo. La vacunación es una de las principales estrategias para reducir la mortalidad, los signos cl'inicos y la transmisión vertical u horizontal. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la protección contra la tifoidea aviar conferida por vacunas elaboradas con Salmonella enterica serotipo Enteritidis (SE), SG o una combinación de ellas. Se incluyeron en el ensayo cinco grupos experimentales de aves, vacunadas con diferentes vacunas de SG y SE vivas o inactivadas: 1) dos dosis de una vacuna bivalente inactivada de SG y SE; 2) cuatro dosis de la vacuna SE viva atenuada; 3) tres dosis de vacuna SE viva atenuada y dos dosis de vacuna bivalente inactivada SG y SE; 4) dos dosis de la vacuna SG 9R viva atenuada; y 5) aves no vacunadas. A las 28 semanas de edad, todas las gallinas fueron expuestas a una cepa virulenta de SG y se registró la mortalidad durante los 15 d'ias siguientes. Los resultados mostraron que el plan que inclu'ia solo la vacuna inactivada no mostró protección significativa (P=1), mientras que el plan basado en la administración de la cepa atenuada de S. Enteritidis redujo significativamente la mortalidad en el grupo de aves (P = 0,0309). Sin embargo, los mayores niveles de protección se obtuvieron en el grupo de gallinas inmunizadas con la combinación de la vacuna inactivada y la cepa viva atenuada de SE (P < 0,0001), la cual fue estad'isticamente similar a la protección homóloga conferida por la cepa de SG 9R, que es una vacuna utilizada en muchos pa'ises para controlar la tifoidea aviar. Estos resultados demuestran que la combinación de las vacunas existentes junto con estrictas medidas de bioseguridad en las granjas puede ayudar a mejorar el control del patógeno en pa'ises donde la tifoidea aviar es una enfermedad emergente o reemergente.

Effects of in ovo injection of bacterial peptides and CpG-ODN on Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg infection in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Peptides + CpG-ODN reduced SH in caeca at the first week post-infection.Administered formulations did not reduce SH-faecal excretion.Levels of intestinal IgA were similar between all groups.CpG-ODN improved some parameters associated with chick intestinal health.

Biosseguridade na avicultura de corte: impactos na produção e alternativas para prevenção de doenças / Biosecurity in beef poultry: impacts on production and alternatives for disease prevention / Bioseguridad en avicultura: impactos en la producción y alternativas para la prevención de enfermedades

A avicultura de corte levou ao Brasil a ser o no líder exportador de carne de frango, desde 2011, e o terceiro produtor global desta proteína. Portanto, é importante que todo produtor possua e mantenha um programa de biosseguridade continuado, respeitando rigorosamente cada etapa ou prática de manejo a fim de obter o sucesso econômico de sua produção. Sustentado pela medicina veterinária preventiva, um programa de biosseguridade deve apresentar aspectos direcionados a cada sistema de proteção em particular, para prevenir e controlar a presença e/ou introdução de microrganismos patogênicos nos rebanhos. O objetivo deste trabalho e apresentar uma revisão atualizada de literatura sobre programas de biosseguridade para evitar a proliferação de agentes patogênicos na avicultura de corte como os dois tipos de Salmonella que causam riscos à saúde pública e à dos animais. A pesquisa é qualitativa de cunho exploratório bibliográfico-documental, com pesquisa em sites como o Google Acadêmico, da revista de veterinária da Unipar, SCIELO, portal CAPES e sites governamentais. O resultado da pesquisa apresentou um panorama real sobre emprego de programas de biosseguridade no Brasil, direcionados à avicultura de corte, demonstrando que os produtores estão se conscientizando sobre a importância destes programas, devido à pressão do mercado exportador global. Conclui-se que ainda falta uma maior conscientização por parte de todos os produtores brasileiros, para evitar que o plantel produzido seja contaminado por agentes patogênicos, principalmente a Salmonella, evitando que a saúde pública e animal esteja comprometida. Somente desta maneira, o Brasil conseguirá manter e expandir mais o mercado avícola a nível global.(AU)

Poultry farming has led Brazil to be the leading exporter of chicken meat, since 2011, and the third global producer of this protein. Therefore, it is important that every producer has and maintains a continuous biosecurity program, strictly respecting each stage or management practice in order to obtain the economic success of their production. Supported by preventive veterinary medicine, a biosecurity program must present aspects directed to each protection system in particular, to prevent and control the presence and/or introduction of pathogenic microorganisms in herds. The objective of this work is to present an updated review of the literature on biosecurity programs to prevent the proliferation of pathogenic agents in poultry farming, such as the two types of Salmonella that pose risks to public and animal health. The research is qualitative, bibliographical-documentary exploratory, with research on sites such as Google Scholar, Unipar's veterinary magazine, SCIELO, CAPES portal and government sites. The result of the research presented a real panorama on the use of biosecurity programs in Brazil, directed to poultry production, demonstrating that producers are becoming aware of the importance of these programs, due to the pressure of the global export market. It is concluded that there is still a lack of greater awareness on the part of all Brazilian producers, to prevent the produced herd from being contaminated by pathogenic agents, mainly Salmonella, preventing public and animal health from being compromised. Only in this way will Brazil be able to maintain and further expand the poultry market at a global level.(AU)

La avicultura llevó a Brasil a ser el principal exportador de carne de pollo, desde 2011, y el tercer productor mundial de esta proteína. Por ello, es importante que todo productor cuente y mantenga un programa de bioseguridad continuo, respetando estrictamente cada etapa o práctica de manejo para obtener el éxito económico de su producción. Apoyado en la medicina veterinaria preventiva, un programa de bioseguridad debe presentar aspectos dirigidos a cada sistema de protección en particular, para prevenir y controlar la presencia y/o introducción de microorganismos patógenos en los rebaños. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una revisión actualizada de la literatura sobre programas de bioseguridad para prevenir la proliferación de agentes patógenos en la avicultura, como los dos tipos de Salmonella que presentan riesgos para la salud pública y animal. La investigación es cualitativa, bibliográfico-documental exploratoria, con pesquisa en sitios como Google Scholar, revista veterinaria de la Unipar, SCIELO, portal de la CAPES y sitios gubernamentales. El resultado de la investigación presentó un panorama real sobre el uso de programas de bioseguridad en Brasil, dirigidos a la producción avícola, demostrando que los productores están tomando conciencia de la importancia de estos programas, debido a la presión del mercado mundial de exportación. Se concluye que aún falta una mayor conciencia por parte de todos los productores brasileños, para evitar que el hato producido sea contaminado por agentes patógenos, principalmente Salmonella, evitando que se comprometa la salud pública y animal. Solo así Brasil podrá mantener y expandir aún más el mercado avícola a nivel mundial.(AU)

Cellular immune response after vaccination with Salmonella Gallinarum 9R in laying hens and addition of aflatoxin and absorbent in the feed.

Salmonella Gallinarum greatly impacts commercial flocks and vaccination with S. Gallinarum 9R (SG9R) is one of the most effective control strategies in some countries. However, mycotoxins can affect immunization success. Herein, we measured the cellular immune response in SG9R-vaccinated hens, quantified the impact of aflatoxins on the immune response, and determined whether the anti-mycotoxin additive (adsorbent) influences immunity after vaccination. One-day-old chicks of commercial laying hens were raised until 49 days of age and were assigned to six groups. T1 (control group): control diet (no detectable concentration of aflatoxin), no vaccine or adsorbent. T2: vaccine SG-9R at day 28, aflatoxins 2.5 ppm from day 1 to day 49, and adsorbent 2.5 Kg/ton. T3: control diet and vaccine. T4: aflatoxins and vaccine. T5: control diet and aflatoxins. T6: aflatoxins and adsorbent. Body weights were evaluated on days 1, 31, and 41. Cellular immune response was evaluated by flow cytometry at 31, 41, and 49 days of age. T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, monocytes, phagocytic monocytes and heterophils were evaluated. Aflatoxins suppressed peripheral and mucosal helper T lymphocytes, and mucosal cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vaccinated birds (T2 and T4). However, inclusion of the adsorbent in the feed of vaccinated birds neutralized the effects of aflatoxin (T6). The concentration of immune cells may show differences after SG9R vaccination, particularly an increase in the monocyte concentration. The SG9R vaccine reduced the concentration of activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes, making this marker a good parameter to analyze before and three weeks after immunization.

Assessment of maternal immunity against Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg in progeny of broiler breeders vaccinated with different formulations of bacterins.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSProgeny from vaccinated 30-week-old breeders presented less SH in caecal content compared to the control.High titres of maternal anti-Salmonella IgY could be associated with lower SH faecal shedding.

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

Evaluation of transfer of maternal immunity to the offspring of broiler breeders vaccinated with a candidate recombinant vaccine against Salmonella Enteritidis.

Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is a major cause of foodborne diseases in humans being frequently related to the consumption of poultry products. Therefore, guaranteeing early immunity to chicks is an important tool to prevent the colonization and infection by this pathogen. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a candidate recombinant vaccine against SE. Thirty female and five male broiler breeders that were ten weeks-old were divided into 3 groups: unvaccinated (UV), vaccinated with recombinant vaccine candidate (VAC) and vaccinated with commercial bacterin (BAC). Samples of serum and embryonated egg were collected at seven and twelve weeks after the booster dose to quantify the transfer rate of IgY to egg yolks and offspring. Subsequently, forty day-old offspring were divided into two groups (UV and VAC) and challenged on the following day with 107 CFU/chick of SE. Samples of serum, intestine, liver, and cecal content were harvested. Throughout the experiment period, significantly higher levels of IgY were observed in the egg yolk and also in the serum of broiler breeders and offspring of the VAC group in comparison to the UV group. In addition, increased transfer rates of IgY were observed in the VAC group when compared to the BAC group. Furthermore, higher villus-crypt ratios were found out in duodenum, jejunum and ileum at four days post-infection in the offspring from the VAC group. A high challenge dose of SE (107 CFU per chick) was used and despite the stronger humoral immune response provoked by the candidate vaccine, there were no statistical differences in the recovery of viable SE cells from the offspring cecal contents. Therefore, the effect of vaccination to improve intestinal quality may affect the development of the chickens and consequently increase the resistance to lower SE challenge doses.

Efficacy of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts to control Salmonella in poultry.

AIMS: The study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and efficacy of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts against Salmonella by in vitro assays and in vivo trials. METHODS AND RESULTS: The extracts showed inhibitory activity against Salmonella determined by the minimum inhibitory concentration method as well as on the adhesion and invasion of S. Gallinarum (SG) and S. Enteritidis (SE) in Caco-2 cells. Also, transmission electron microscopy revealed that extract-treated Salmonella showed disruption of cell walls and membranes, damage of the cytoplasm and tannin-protein aggregations. In addition, efficacy of the extracts to control SG and SE was evaluated in experimental infection trials in laying hens and broilers respectively. SE excretion was significantly reduced on days 5 (P < 0·01) and 12 (P < 0·025) only in the quebracho group. In the fowl typhoid infection model, hens that received the chestnut extract showed a significantly reduced mortality (P < 0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results evidence that these alternative natural products may be a useful tool to control Salmonella in poultry. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Salmonella is a zoonotic pathogen usually associated with poultry production. This study provides information about the mechanism of antibacterial effects of chestnut and quebracho wood extracts to control Salmonella in poultry.

Research Note: The use of ammonia gas for Salmonella control in poultry litters.

A new poultry litter disinfection methodology against pathogenic Salmonella spp. serovars using gaseous ammonia is proposed in this study. In the laboratory, the poultry litter was disposed into plastic containers and experimentally contaminated with 3 Salmonella spp. serovars separately. Positive and negative control groups were tested. With a system of hoses, 1% gaseous ammonia was injected into the containers in cycles for 48 h. Samples of the poultry litter were collected and submitted to bacteriological analysis. For the second part, we selected a broiler poultry farm with positive litters for Salmonella heidelberg in 2 houses. The littler was treated by gaseous ammonia in a concentration of 2,411 ppm and wrapped with a plastic cover for 48 h during the sanitary break. After the treatment, a new broiler batch was housedand swab samples were collected in the 25-day-old. After the action of the gaseous compound, there was no reisolation of the serovars, and the batches housed on the ammonia-treated litter no longer showed positive results for Salmonella. The total elimination of the pathogenic microorganisms by the new method suggests that the controlled use of ammonia gas in poultry litter may represent a viable disinfection technique.

Effect of the administration of Lactobacillus spp. strains on neonatal diarrhoea, immune parameters and pathogen abundance in pre-weaned calves.

Neonatal calf diarrhoea is one of the challenges faced by intensive farming, and probiotics are considered a promising approach to improve calves' health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of potential probiotic lactobacilli on new-born dairy calves' growth, diarrhoea incidence, faecal score, cytokine expression in blood cells, immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels in plasma and faeces, and pathogen abundance in faeces. Two in vivo assays were conducted at the same farm in two annual calving seasons. Treated calves received one daily dose of the selected lactobacilli (Lactobacillus reuteri TP1.3B or Lactobacillus johnsonii TP1.6) for 10 consecutive days. A faecal score was recorded daily, average daily gain (ADG) was calculated, and blood and faeces samples were collected. Pathogen abundance was analysed by absolute qPCR in faeces using primers directed at Salmonella enterica, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and three Escherichia coli virulence genes (eae, clpG and Stx1). The faecal score was positively affected by the administration of both lactobacilli strains, and diarrhoea incidence was significantly lower in treated calves. No differences were found regarding ADG, cytokine expression, IgA levels and pathogen abundance. Our findings showed that oral administration of these strains could improve gastrointestinal health, but results could vary depending on the calving season, which may be related to pathogen seasonality and other environmental effects.

Alphitobiusdiaperinus control and physicochemical study of poultry litters treated with quicklime and shallow fermentation.

Poultry litter reuse in Brazil is a common practice to reduce broiler production costs. Quicklime and shallow fermentation treatments are methods used to reduce microbial contamination and infestation of insects such as Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of reused poultry litter to better characterize the effects of quicklime and shallow fermentation on Salmonella and A. diaperinus control. Ammonia and humidity concentrations significantly increased on the litter treated with shallow fermentation and pH when treated with virgin and hydrated quicklime. For A. diaperinus control, shallow fermentation with 2 and 3 L of water and 3 L plus 600g of quicklime/m2 eliminated 100% of the insects. Results of assessed physicochemical parameters indicated that the treatments with quicklime and shallow fermentation are inefficient to control Salmonella spp. because they do not reach the indexes required for this pathogen elimination, mainly ammonia and pH. Ammonia index produced by microbial fermentation in shallow fermentation treatment eliminates A. diaperinus.

Evaluation of two strategies for reducing the spread of Salmonella in commercial swine herds during the finishing phase and their incremental cost-effectiveness ratios / Avaliação de duas estratégias para redução da infecção por Salmonella em rebanhos comerciais de suínos na fase de terminação e a razão incremental de custo efetividade

To achieve control of Salmonella contamination in pig carcasses, on-farm measures need to be better understood. Complementary strategies require research not only on their effectiveness but also on their financial impact. In this study, we evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of two treatments for reducing Salmonella seroprevalence in commercial swine herds. Pigs treated with a prebiotic or a vaccine were studied and compared with pigs in an untreated control group. Each strategy was applied to three batches of pigs in a commercial integration system; the animals were followed from farrowing to the slaughterhouse, and their serologies upon arrival at finishing farms and before slaughter were evaluated. Additionally, carcass surface contamination was assessed for each strategy. The seroprevalence upon arrival at the finishing farm was lower than 3% in all groups. In the control and vaccine groups, the seroprevalence increased by more than 90 percentage points from the day of arrival at the finishing farm to four days before slaughter. Only the prebiotic treatment yielded a significant effect on preslaughter seroprevalence (a 49 percentage points reduction from that in the control). Carcass contamination was 0% in the prebiotic group, 18.33% in the control group and 29.16% in the vaccine group. Only prebiotics significantly reduced the seroprevalence of Salmonella in the studied herds, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio associated with prebiotic use was 1.92 USD to reduce seroprevalence by 10 percentage points per carcass ton.(AU)

Para alcançar controle da contaminação por Salmonella em carcaças suínas, intervenções na produção primária precisam ser melhor compreendidas. Estratégias complementares requerem não só pesquisas acerca da sua efetividade, mas também dos custos implicados no uso de tais tecnologias. Para tanto, foi avaliada a razão de custo-efetividade incremental de dois tratamentos para reduzir a soroprevalência de Salmonella em rebanhos suínos comerciais. O uso de um prebiótico e de uma vacina foram comparados com um controle sem tratamento. Cada estratégia foi aplicada em três lotes de suínos em um sistema comercial de integração. Os animais foram acompanhados da maternidade até o abate e suas sorologias no dia do alojamento na terminação e quatro dias antes do abate foram avaliadas. Também, em cada estratégia, amostras de suabe de carcaça foram coletadas para avaliação da contaminação superficial. A soroprevalência no dia do alojamento na terminação foi menor do que 3% em todos os grupos, sendo que nos grupos controle e vacina a soroprevalência aumentou mais de 90 pontos percentuais quatro dias antes do abate. Apenas o uso do prebiótico levou a um efeito significativo na redução da soroprevalência pré-abate (49 pontos percentuais), quando comparado com o controle. A contaminação das carcaças no grupo prebiótico foi 0%, 18,33% no controle e 29,16 no grupo vacinado. Assim, apenas o prebiótico foi capaz de reduzir a soroprevalência nos rebanhos estudados com razão incremental de custo-efetividade de 1,92 USD para redução de 10 pontos percentuais na soroprevalência por tonelada de carcaça.(AU)

Evaluation of two strategies for reducing the spread of Salmonella in commercial swine herds during the finishing phase and their incremental cost-effectiveness ratios / Avaliação de duas estratégias para redução da infecção por Salmonella em rebanhos comerciais de suínos na fase de terminação e a razão incremental de custo efetividade

To achieve control of Salmonella contamination in pig carcasses, on-farm measures need to be better understood. Complementary strategies require research not only on their effectiveness but also on their financial impact. In this study, we evaluated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of two treatments for reducing Salmonella seroprevalence in commercial swine herds. Pigs treated with a prebiotic or a vaccine were studied and compared with pigs in an untreated control group. Each strategy was applied to three batches of pigs in a commercial integration system; the animals were followed from farrowing to the slaughterhouse, and their serologies upon arrival at finishing farms and before slaughter were evaluated. Additionally, carcass surface contamination was assessed for each strategy. The seroprevalence upon arrival at the finishing farm was lower than 3% in all groups. In the control and vaccine groups, the seroprevalence increased by more than 90 percentage points from the day of arrival at the finishing farm to four days before slaughter. Only the prebiotic treatment yielded a significant effect on preslaughter seroprevalence (a 49 percentage points reduction from that in the control). Carcass contamination was 0% in the prebiotic group, 18.33% in the control group and 29.16% in the vaccine group. Only prebiotics significantly reduced the seroprevalence of Salmonella in the studied herds, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio associated with prebiotic use was 1.92 USD to reduce seroprevalence by 10 percentage points per carcass ton.

Para alcançar controle da contaminação por Salmonella em carcaças suínas, intervenções na produção primária precisam ser melhor compreendidas. Estratégias complementares requerem não só pesquisas acerca da sua efetividade, mas também dos custos implicados no uso de tais tecnologias. Para tanto, foi avaliada a razão de custo-efetividade incremental de dois tratamentos para reduzir a soroprevalência de Salmonella em rebanhos suínos comerciais. O uso de um prebiótico e de uma vacina foram comparados com um controle sem tratamento. Cada estratégia foi aplicada em três lotes de suínos em um sistema comercial de integração. Os animais foram acompanhados da maternidade até o abate e suas sorologias no dia do alojamento na terminação e quatro dias antes do abate foram avaliadas. Também, em cada estratégia, amostras de suabe de carcaça foram coletadas para avaliação da contaminação superficial. A soroprevalência no dia do alojamento na terminação foi menor do que 3% em todos os grupos, sendo que nos grupos controle e vacina a soroprevalência aumentou mais de 90 pontos percentuais quatro dias antes do abate. Apenas o uso do prebiótico levou a um efeito significativo na redução da soroprevalência pré-abate (49 pontos percentuais), quando comparado com o controle. A contaminação das carcaças no grupo prebiótico foi 0%, 18,33% no controle e 29,16 no grupo vacinado. Assim, apenas o prebiótico foi capaz de reduzir a soroprevalência nos rebanhos estudados com razão incremental de custo-efetividade de 1,92 USD para redução de 10 pontos percentuais na soroprevalência por tonelada de carcaça.

Fermented whey dairy beverage offers protection against Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice.

Fermented whey dairy beverages are dairy products obtained by fermentation from a mixture of milk and whey. These beverages have important health benefits, which could be improved with the addition of probiotic cultures. This study assessed the protective effect of the cosupplementation of a probiotic culture (Lactobacillus casei 01) with a fermented whey dairy beverage against infection by Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium in a murine model. Two fermented whey dairy beverages were prepared: conventional (FWB; starter culture) and probiotic (PFWB; starter and probiotic cultures). In the first set of experiments, Balb/C female mice were treated with FWB or PFWB, challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium, and analyzed for clinical signs, weight loss, and mortality for 20 d postinfection. In the second set of experiments, mice were treated with FWB or PFWB, challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium, and killed on d 10 postinfection. The liver, colon, and ileum were used for myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, and histological analysis and translocation to the liver. The contents from the small intestine were used for secretory IgA determination. The FWB treatment showed a better effect on animal survival (70%), translocation of the pathogen to the liver (2 out of 10), histopathology (fewer lesions), and inflammation than PFWB, which presented 50% animal survival, translocation in 5 out of 10 animals, and higher lesions. The control group presented 40% animal survival, translocation in 6 out of 10 animals, and severe lesions. Therefore, FWB was deemed to have a greater protective effect against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in the murine model compared with PFWB.

Salmonella Enteritidis infection, corticosterone levels, performance and egg quality in laying hens submitted to different methods of molting.

In commercial layer poultry farming, molt induction is an important tool used by egg producers to prolong the production cycle of laying hens. Conventional molt induction programs involve total feed withdrawal, which raises questions about animal welfare and increased infection susceptibility. The high incidence of paratyphoid salmonellosis infections in commercial poultry farming is still an important health challenge because in addition to affecting the birds, such infections also cause public health problems. In this context, experiments were performed with laying hens at 79 wk of age to compare the conventional forced molting method (fasting) with an alternative method (free wheat bran supply) and determine their effect on the persistence of vaccine antibodies against Newcastle disease, the control and reduction of experimentally inoculated Salmonella Enteritidis, and the performance and egg quality of hens. A reduction (P < 0.05) of Salmonella Enteritidis in the crop and lower production of corticosterone were observed in the birds that received wheat bran compared with those subjected to total fasting. Moreover, a better performance (P < 0.05) with regard to egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion/kg and dozen eggs was observed in the hens that received the alternative treatment compared to the conventional forced molting method. Thus, the use of wheat bran for forced molting was found to be feasible and met the welfare needs of the hens.

Phage cocktail SalmoFREE® reduces Salmonella on a commercial broiler farm.

According to the World Health Organization, Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic foodborne pathogens. Poultry products are thought to be the main source of Salmonella, which means that it is necessary to control Salmonella at the pre-harvest stage. Bacteriophages, acting as host-specific parasites of bacterial cells, represent one of the alternatives to antibiotics that can contribute to food safety and security. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of the bacteriophage cocktail SalmoFREE® to control Salmonella on a commercial broiler farm. We assessed the relationship between the use of SalmoFREE® and productivity parameters (feed conversion, weight gain, homogeneity). Two field trials (trial 1 n = 34,986; trial 2 n = 34,680) were carried out under commercial rearing conditions on a Colombian broiler farm with a record of Salmonella presence. Each trial comprised 2 control chicken houses and 2 experimental ones. SalmoFREE® and a control suspension were delivered in the drinking water at 3 time points in the production cycle, and the presence of Salmonella was assessed in cloacal swabs the day before and after the treatments. Results revealed that SalmoFREE® controls the incidence of Salmonella and does not affect the animals nor the production parameters, demonstrating its efficacy and innocuity at the production scale. We detected phage-specific genes in samples of total DNA extracted from ceca after the treatment with SalmoFREE®, and tested for the appearance of cocktail-resistant Salmonella, which showed to be an uncommon event. These results contribute relevant information to the adoption of phage therapy as an alternative to growth-promoter antibiotics on poultry farms.

Evaluation of different live Salmonella enteritidis vaccine schedules administered during layer hen rearing to reduce excretion, organ colonization, and egg contamination.

Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Enteritidis is a widespread zoonosis and poultry products are an important source of infection. This study was carried out to evaluate the protection of different vaccination schedules in layers using a live commercial attenuated Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine based on strain Sm24/Rif12/Ssq (AviPro® Salmonella Vac E, ELANCO) during rearing and egg production. Three hundred and fifty Salmonella-free chickens were distributed into 7 vaccinated groups and 1 unvaccinated group. Different vaccination schedules were performed combining either 1, 2, or 3 oral gavage doses. Chickens from Group A, B, and C were vaccinated once, either at the first day, at 7 or 16 wk old, respectively. Chickens from Group D were vaccinated twice-at the first day and 7 wk old. Chickens from Group E were vaccinated twice-at the first day and 16 wk old. Chickens from Group F were vaccinated twice-at 7 and 16 wk old. Chickens from Group G were vaccinated 3 times, following the manufacturer's recommendation: at the first day, 7 and 16 wk old. Chickens from Group H remained unvaccinated. Five challenge trials numbered 1 to 5 were carried out at 8, 12, 16, 29, and 55 wk old, respectively. After challenge, chickens were sampled by cloacal swabbing and, after euthanasia, livers, ovaries, spleens, and cecal contents were cultured to isolate S. Enteritidis. Additionally, eggs were collected after challenge and cultured to isolate S. Enteritidis on egg shells (Trials 4 and 5). Protection against experimental infection with a virulent nalidixic acid resistant S. Enteritidis strain K285/94, was evaluated by measuring reduction of excretion, colonization, invasion into organs, eggshell contamination, and egg production. The live S. Enteritidis vaccine protected the hens by reducing S. Enteritidis excretion, isolation from organs, and egg contamination. Higher protection throughout laying period was afforded after administration of three vaccine doses during rearing period.

Effect of an Enterococcus faecium probiotic on specific IgA following live Salmonella Enteritidis vaccination of layer chickens.

Probiotics and immunization are being widely adopted by the poultry industry with the goal of controlling Salmonella enterica. However, the interaction between these two management protocols has been sparsely studied. The present study aimed to understand the role of an Enterococcus faecium probiotic in the production of salmonella-specific IgA in layers immunized with a live vaccine. Four groups were used: "Control" (no vaccine or probiotic); "Probiotic" (which received an E. faecium product); "Vaccine" (immunized with two doses of a live attenuated S. Enteritidis vaccine); and "Vaccine + probiotic". Faecal salmonella-specific IgA was analysed 7 and 20 days post-vaccination (dpv) boost. At 7 dpv, the "Vaccine" and "Vaccine + probiotic" groups had similar IgA levels. However, at 20 dpv, IgA levels were two times higher in the "Vaccine + probiotic" group compared to the "Vaccine" group. To understand the role of the intestinal microbiota in this finding, bacterial diversity in faeces was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The improvement in IgA production in probiotic-treated birds was accompanied by marked changes in the faecal microbiome. Some of the main differences between the "Vaccine" and "Vaccine + probiotic" groups included reduction of Escherichia-Shigella and increases in Blautia, Anaerotruncus and Lactobacillus in the latter group. Although no direct causal link can be established from this study design, it is possible that the E. faecium probiotic induces improved antibody production following vaccination via modulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Defined and undefined commercial probiotics cultures in the prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers / Probióticos comerciais de culturas definidas e indefinidas na prevenção de Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics from different formations, defined and undefined cultures, applied in the control of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers, identifying the compositions and states for which the probiotics are more effective. For that, 390 broilers were inoculated orally with 1.00 ml of Salmonella Enteritidis at a concentration of 1.2x109 CFU (Colony Forming Units). The experimental design used was randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 6 replications, totaling 30 boxes with 13 birds/box (13 birds/m2). The treatments were provided via drinking water 1 hour after inoculation, keeping a daily treatment of 12 hours with probiotics, for 3 consecutive days (birds at 1, 2 and 3 days of age). In general, the five treatments conducted were: T1 - Control without probiotic, T2 - Probiotic A (defined culture - lyophilized form, strain 7), T3 - Probiotic B (defined culture - lyophilized form, strain 11), T4 - Probiotic C (undefined culture liquid form), T5 - Probiotic D (undefined culture - liquid form). After treatments, performance was evaluated through average body weight, feed conversion and mortality counting. Microbiological analysis and Salmonella isolation were performed using MPN (Most Probable Number) and selective enrichment technique methods, respectively. Samples of ileum and liver pool, cecal tonsils, cecum, heart and spleen pool were collected at 5 and 31 days of age. No differences were observed on growth performance and isolation of Salmonella Enteritidis (p≥0.05). All probiotics applied were effective on reducing Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in the ileum, cecal tonsils, and cecum at 5 days of life. Probiotics T2 and T5 has shown effectiveness in reducing colonization at 31 days, being considered the most efficient on... (AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia dos probióticos de diferentes constituições: de culturas definidas e de culturas indefinidas no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte, identificando qual a constituição e qual ou quais probióticos testados é mais eficaz. Foram inoculados 390 frangos de corte com 1ml de Salmonella Enteritidis, via oral, na concentração de 1,2 x 109 UFC (Unidades Formadoras de Colônia). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com 5 tratamentos e 6 repetições cada, totalizando 30 boxes com 13 aves/boxe (13 aves/m2). Os tratamentos foram fornecidos via água de bebida 1 hora após a inoculação, com 12 horas de tratamento com probióticos por dia, durante 3 dias consecutivos (1º, 2º e 3º dia de idade das aves). Os cinco tratamentos foram: T1 - Controle sem probiótico, T2 - Probiótico A (cultura definida - forma liofilizada, 7 cepas), T3 - Probiótico B (cultura definida - forma liofilizada, 11 cepas), T4 - Probiótico C (cultura indefinida - forma líquida), T5 - Probiótico D (cultura indefinida - forma liofilizada). O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado usando o peso médio, a conversão alimentar e a mortalidade. Análises microbiológicas foram realizadas utilizando o método NMP (NMP/g)e isolamento de Salmonella através técnica de enriquecimento seletivo. Amostras de pool de íleo, tonsilas cecais e cecos e pool de fígado, coração e baço foram coletadas aos 5 dias e aos 31 dias de idade. Para desempenho zootécnico e isolamento de Salmonella Enteritidis não foram observadas diferenças (p≥0,05). Todos os probióticos utilizados foram eficazes na redução da colonização de Salmonella Enteritidis no íleo, tonsilas cecais e cecos aos 5 dias de idade e somente os probióticos do T2 (cultura definida) e T5 (cultura indefinida) reduziram a colonização aos 31...(AU)

Defined and undefined commercial probiotics cultures in the prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers / Probióticos comerciais de culturas definidas e indefinidas na prevenção de Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics from different formations, defined and undefined cultures, applied in the control of Salmonella Enteritidis in broilers, identifying the compositions and states for which the probiotics are more effective. For that, 390 broilers were inoculated orally with 1.00 ml of Salmonella Enteritidis at a concentration of 1.2x109 CFU (Colony Forming Units). The experimental design used was randomized blocks with 5 treatments and 6 replications, totaling 30 boxes with 13 birds/box (13 birds/m2). The treatments were provided via drinking water 1 hour after inoculation, keeping a daily treatment of 12 hours with probiotics, for 3 consecutive days (birds at 1, 2 and 3 days of age). In general, the five treatments conducted were: T1 - Control without probiotic, T2 - Probiotic A (defined culture - lyophilized form, strain 7), T3 - Probiotic B (defined culture - lyophilized form, strain 11), T4 - Probiotic C (undefined culture liquid form), T5 - Probiotic D (undefined culture - liquid form). After treatments, performance was evaluated through average body weight, feed conversion and mortality counting. Microbiological analysis and Salmonella isolation were performed using MPN (Most Probable Number) and selective enrichment technique methods, respectively. Samples of ileum and liver pool, cecal tonsils, cecum, heart and spleen pool were collected at 5 and 31 days of age. No differences were observed on growth performance and isolation of Salmonella Enteritidis (p≥0.05). All probiotics applied were effective on reducing Salmonella Enteritidis colonization in the ileum, cecal tonsils, and cecum at 5 days of life. Probiotics T2 and T5 has shown effectiveness in reducing colonization at 31 days, being considered the most efficient on Salmonella Enteritidis control, for the intestines segments evaluated. It was not possible to affirm which probiotics formation, defined or undefined, is more efficient for Salmonella Enteritidis control.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia dos probióticos de diferentes constituições: de culturas definidas e de culturas indefinidas no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis em frangos de corte, identificando qual a constituição e qual ou quais probióticos testados é mais eficaz. Foram inoculados 390 frangos de corte com 1ml de Salmonella Enteritidis, via oral, na concentração de 1,2 x 109 UFC (Unidades Formadoras de Colônia). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados com 5 tratamentos e 6 repetições cada, totalizando 30 boxes com 13 aves/boxe (13 aves/m2). Os tratamentos foram fornecidos via água de bebida 1 hora após a inoculação, com 12 horas de tratamento com probióticos por dia, durante 3 dias consecutivos (1º, 2º e 3º dia de idade das aves). Os cinco tratamentos foram: T1 - Controle sem probiótico, T2 - Probiótico A (cultura definida - forma liofilizada, 7 cepas), T3 - Probiótico B (cultura definida - forma liofilizada, 11 cepas), T4 - Probiótico C (cultura indefinida - forma líquida), T5 - Probiótico D (cultura indefinida - forma liofilizada). O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado usando o peso médio, a conversão alimentar e a mortalidade. Análises microbiológicas foram realizadas utilizando o método NMP (NMP/g)e isolamento de Salmonella através técnica de enriquecimento seletivo. Amostras de pool de íleo, tonsilas cecais e cecos e pool de fígado, coração e baço foram coletadas aos 5 dias e aos 31 dias de idade. Para desempenho zootécnico e isolamento de Salmonella Enteritidis não foram observadas diferenças (p≥0,05). Todos os probióticos utilizados foram eficazes na redução da colonização de Salmonella Enteritidis no íleo, tonsilas cecais e cecos aos 5 dias de idade e somente os probióticos do T2 (cultura definida) e T5 (cultura indefinida) reduziram a colonização aos 31 dias sendo considerados os mais eficazes no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis nestes segmentos intestinais avaliados. Não se pode afirmar quais das constituições de probióticos, culturas definidas ou indefinidas, são mais eficazes no controle de Salmonella Enteritidis.(AU)