Temporal relationship between human and canine visceral leishmaniasis in an urban area in southeastern Brazil: An application of the ARIMAX model.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected disease of public and animal health importance. With the urbanization of the disease, there is evidence of a temporal correlation between the occurrence of human (HVL) and canine (CVL) visceral leishmaniasis, usually with cases in dogs preceding those in humans. In this context, the objective of this study was to develop a time series model suitable for canine-human transmission of Leishmania infantum. Monthly cases of HVL and CVL from 2006 to 2018 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were evaluated, and monthly health indicators were calculated for HVL and CVL, i.e., incidence coefficient (HVL_IC) and proportion of seropositive dogs (PSD), respectively. The temporal relationship was evaluated using an autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous variable (ARIMAX) model for two different periods (January 2006-August 2013 and September 2013-December 2018). During the 13 years studied, 1115 new cases of HVL and 103,358 dogs seropositive for CVL were recorded. HVL_IC and PSD exhibited decreasing trends throughout the first study period (January 2006-August 2013). According to the ARIMAX model adjusted for this period, there was a temporal relationship between HVL_IC and PSD, with HVL_IC being influenced by HVL_IC for the last two and five months and by PSD for the third previous month. For the second study period (September 2013-December 2018), it was not possible to fit an ARIMAX model. This study highlights the improvements made by VL surveillance since 2006 in Belo Horizonte and contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease by public health policy-makers, doctors and veterinarians involved in the prevention and control of zoonoses.

Giardiasis in children and dogs, and the first report of assemblage E in dogs from northeastern Brazil.

Diagnosis is crucial for controlling giardiasis. We determined the prevalence and genetically characterize isolates of Giardia duodenalis of children and dogs from rural communities in northeastern Brazil. G. duodenalis cysts were concentrated by centrifugal flotation/sedimentation. Molecular characterization was carried out using the loci ssu-rRNA, bg, tpi, and gdh. By parasitological techniques, Giardia spp. infection was detected in 72/192 children (37.5%; 95% CI: 30.6%-44.7%) and 24/139 dogs (17.3%; 95% CI: 11.4%-24.6%). By molecular analysis, infection was detected in 60/141 children (42.5%; 95% CI: 34.3%-51.2%) and 26/92 dogs (28.3%; 95% CI: 19.4%-38.6%). The total prevalence of giardiasis was 54.9% in children (106/193; 95% CI: 47.1%-61.6%) and 32.9% in dogs (47/143; 95% CI: 25.2%-41.2%). Zoonotic assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis were detected in children, and assemblage E of G. duodenalis was detected in one child and two dogs. Parallel use of parasitological and molecular techniques proved to be a more effective strategy for detecting giardiasis in children and dogs from endemic areas.

Factors associated with consumer perception and conduct toward certified beef from Brazil.

The aims of this study were to establish a relationship between consumers' socioeconomic aspects, key meat attributes, and consumer perception and conduct toward traced beef in Brazil. The authors applied a structured form in 52 supermarkets in eight Brazilian cities, through interviews with 2.949 consumers, in 2012. Federal or state inspection stamp was the attribute that most influenced the consumers' purchase decision (14.1%). Most of the interviewees (57.3%) had never heard about bovine traceability. Among those who had heard about bovine traceability, 63.2% would be willing to pay more for beef with certified origin. Consumers with higher education and income had a better knowledge about this type of certification, as well as older consumers, and therefore they would be willing to pay more for certified beef. This research suggests that educational level was the reason that most influenced Brazilian consumers during beef purchase.

Análise físico-quimica e microbiológica de amostras de mel comercializadas no município de Juiz de Fora-MG / Physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of honey samples marketed in the municipality of Juiz de Fora-MG

O mel é um produto obtido das abelhas melíferas contem altas quantidades de monossacarídeos, como a glicose e a frutose, sendo considerado um alimento de alto valor nutricional. Devido seu alto valor comercial, grande parte do mel comercializado não tem sua qualidade preservada. O trabalho teve o objetivo avaliar amostras de mel comercializadas na cidade de Juiz de Fora-MG através de análises físico-química e microbiológica. Das onze amostras analisadas: três apresentaram umidade acima de 20% permitido pela legislação; cinco amostras foram positivas para o Teste de Lugol; cinco foram reprovadas no teste de Lund por apresentarem baixa quantidade de albuminóides e duas amostras apresentaram positividade na análise de Fiehe. Na análise microbiológica não ocorreu crescimento de coliformes totais, termotolerantes, bolores e leveduras. O consumidor deseja um produto seguro e de boa qualidade. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade do controle do comércio e a conscientização dos consumidores.

Spatial and temporal relationships between human and canine visceral leishmaniases in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 2006-2013.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem in Brazil, and control of this disease constitutes a major challenge. The purpose of this study was to assess the existing spatial and temporal relationships between cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanL) and human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) recorded in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, from 2006 to 2013. METHODS: Data provided by the Belo Horizonte Health Services regarding the disease control routine were analyzed in order to perform a retrospective observational and ecological study. Information regarding the incidence rate of HVL and canine seroprevalence was examined in relation to control actions performed atthe 148 coverage areas of healthcare centers for the period between 2006 and 2013. A time series analysis was performed using the Gretl 1.9.12 software followed by the assessment of the existing increasing or declining trend and seasonality in the occurrence of CanL and HVL. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were adjusted, intervention analysis was performed, vector autoregressive models were developed, and Granger causality was used for testing temporal relationships between variables. The hot spot analysis tool was used for cluster identification through Getis-OrdGi statistics. The ArcGis for desktop 10.2.1 software was used for spatial analysis. RESULTS: We identified 866 HVL cases in Belo Horizonte between 2006 and 2013. The mean proportion of canine seroprevalence (PCP) was 7.31% and the mean proportion of monitored hosts (PMH) was 6.73%.HVL and PCP showed a decreasing trend, while PMH increased over time (P<0.05). Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and Granger analysis showed a temporal relation between CanL and HVL cases. Maps illustrating the spatial distribution of cases and obituaries of HVL and CanL cases also showed an apparent association between the occurrence of leishmaniasis in humans, and data about canine cases recorded in the previous years. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of HVL were preceded by PMH and PCP cases. Similar results were observed for intraspecific cases (i.e. between PCP and other canine cases and between HVL and other HVL cases), which indicated the existence of favorable environmental conditions for the transmission and spread of L. infantum in Belo Horizonte.

Economic evaluation and efficacy of strategic-selective treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy calves.

In the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (EF-UFLA), state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, on their day of birth, female Holstein calves were randomly selected and placed into two groups containing fifteen animals each: Strategic-Selective Treatment (S-ST) or Conventional Treatment (CT). In the S-ST, calves were treated after coproparasitological examinations according to criteria established previously by the researchers. Calves in the CT were treated according to the opinion of the veterinarian of EF-UFLA. For statistical analysis, the frequency (%) of fecal samples with count of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) ≥300, count of oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG) ≥500 and fecal samples with count of cysts of Giardia spp. ≥1 were conducted. The overall average frequency of fecal samples with EPG ≥300, OoPG ≥500 and Giardia spp. cysts ≥1, respectively, was similar (p >0.05) between S-ST (20.3%; 17.3%; and 31.5%) and CT (26.4%; 23.9%; and 37.3%). The effective operational cost, per animal, in 12 months, was of R$ 784.58 (US$ 241.41) and R$ 83.90 (US$ 25.81) in S-ST and CT, respectively. The S-ST requires adjustments to be used as a technically efficient and economically viable alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasitosis in female Holstein calves.

Economic evaluation and efficacy of strategic-selective treatment of gastrointestinal parasites in dairy calves / Avaliação econômica e eficácia do tratamento estratégico-seletivo de parasitos gastrointestinais em bezerras leiteiras

Abstract In the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (EF-UFLA), state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, on their day of birth, female Holstein calves were randomly selected and placed into two groups containing fifteen animals each: Strategic-Selective Treatment (S-ST) or Conventional Treatment (CT). In the S-ST, calves were treated after coproparasitological examinations according to criteria established previously by the researchers. Calves in the CT were treated according to the opinion of the veterinarian of EF-UFLA. For statistical analysis, the frequency (%) of fecal samples with count of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) ≥300, count of oocysts per gram of feces (OoPG) ≥500 and fecal samples with count of cysts of Giardia spp. ≥1 were conducted. The overall average frequency of fecal samples with EPG ≥300, OoPG ≥500 and Giardia spp. cysts ≥1, respectively, was similar (p >0.05) between S-ST (20.3%; 17.3%; and 31.5%) and CT (26.4%; 23.9%; and 37.3%). The effective operational cost, per animal, in 12 months, was of R$ 784.58 (US$ 241.41) and R$ 83.90 (US$ 25.81) in S-ST and CT, respectively. The S-ST requires adjustments to be used as a technically efficient and economically viable alternative for the control of gastrointestinal parasitosis in female Holstein calves.

Resumo Na Fazenda Experimental da Universidade Federal de Lavras (FE-UFLA), Minas Gerais, Brasil, no dia do nascimento, bezerras da raça holandesa foram sorteadas de forma aleatória para compor um dos dois grupos, formados por 15 animais cada: Tratamento Estratégico-Seletivo (TE-S) ou Tratamento Convencional (TC). No TE-S, as bezerras foram tratadas após exames coproparasitológicos de acordo com critérios previamente estabelecidos pelos pesquisadores. No TC, as bezerras foram tratadas conforme orientação do veterinário da FE-UFLA. Em ambos grupos, as bezerras foram monitoradas a cada 14 dias, do nascimento até os 12 meses de idade, por meio de exames coproparasitológicos. Para análise estatística, considerou-se a frequência (%) de amostras fecais com contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG) ≥300, contagem de oocistos por grama de fezes (OoPG) ≥500, e amostras fecais com contagem de cistos de Giardia spp. ≥1. A frequência média global de amostras fecais com contagem de OPG ≥300, OoPG ≥500 e cistos de Giardia spp. ≥1, respectivamente, foi similar (p >0,05) entre TE-S (20,3%; 17,3%; e 31,5%) e TC (26,4%; 23,9%; e 37,3%). O custo operacional efetivo, por animal, em 12 meses, foi R$ 784,58 (US$ 241.40) e R$ 83,90 (US$ 25.81) para TE-S e TC, respectivamente. O TE-S necessita de ajustes para que possa ser indicado como uma alternativa, tecnicamente eficiente e economicamente viável, no controle das parasitoses gastrointestinais em bezerras leiteiras.

Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. among horses in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The present study used the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp., and evaluated the variables associated with these infections among 506 apparently healthy horses, reared in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study was conducted between April 2012 and October 2013. Among the horses, the true prevalence of S. neurona was 26% (95% CI: 22.0-30.4%), T. gondii 19.9% (95% CI: 15.5-24.8%) and Neospora spp. 23.9% (95% CI: 19.9-28.1%); and among the farms, 88.3% (95% CI: 74.4-91.6%), 71.6% (95% CI: 41-92.8%) and 85% (95% CI: 70.7-96.1%), respectively. Regarding mixed infection, 17 horses (3.4%) were seropositive for both S. neurona and T. gondii, 16 (3.2%) for T. gondii and Neospora spp. and 14 (2.8%) for S. neurona and Neospora spp. The associations between seropositivity and variables relating to the structure of the farm, management and health were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis, through the generalized estimating equations (GEE). The results suggest that the south of Minas Gerais is an enzootic area for S. neurona, T. gondii and Neospora spp. among horses, with prevalence of asymptomatic subclinical or chronic infections.

Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. among horses in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil / Soroepidemiologia de Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora spp. em Equinos no Sul do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract The present study used the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to determine the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp., and evaluated the variables associated with these infections among 506 apparently healthy horses, reared in the south of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study was conducted between April 2012 and October 2013. Among the horses, the true prevalence of S. neurona was 26% (95% CI: 22.0-30.4%), T. gondii 19.9% (95% CI: 15.5-24.8%) and Neospora spp. 23.9% (95% CI: 19.9-28.1%); and among the farms, 88.3% (95% CI: 74.4-91.6%), 71.6% (95% CI: 41-92.8%) and 85% (95% CI: 70.7-96.1%), respectively. Regarding mixed infection, 17 horses (3.4%) were seropositive for both S. neurona and T. gondii, 16 (3.2%) for T. gondii and Neospora spp. and 14 (2.8%) for S. neurona and Neospora spp. The associations between seropositivity and variables relating to the structure of the farm, management and health were analyzed using the logistic regression analysis, through the generalized estimating equations (GEE). The results suggest that the south of Minas Gerais is an enzootic area for S. neurona, T. gondii and Neospora spp. among horses, with prevalence of asymptomatic subclinical or chronic infections.

Resumo Este estudo determinou, pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), a soroprevalência de Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora spp., e avaliou as variáveis associadas com a infecção, em 506 equinos, aparentemente sadios, criados no Sul de Minas, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado no período de abril de 2012 a outubro de 2013. Entre equinos, a prevalência verdadeira para S. neurona foi de 26% (IC 95%= 22,0-30,4%); para T. gondii de 19,9% (IC 95%= 15,5-24,8%); e para Neospora spp. de 23,9% (IC 95%= 19,9-28,1%); e entre propriedades, 88,3% (IC 95%= 74,4-91,6%), 71,6% (IC 95% = 41-92,8%), e 85% (IC 95%= 70,7-96,1%), respectivamente. Em relação à infecção mista, 17 (3,4%) equinos foram soropositivos para S. neurona e T. gondii, 16 (3,2%) para T. gondii e Neospora spp., e 14 (2,8%) para S. neurona e Neospora spp. A associação entre soropositividade e variáveis relacionadas à estrutura da propriedade, manejo e sanidade, foi analisada, utilizando-se a análise de regressão logística estimada por Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). Os resultados sugerem que o Sul de Minas é área enzoótica para S. neurona, T. gondii e Neospora spp. em equinos, com predomínio de infecções subclínicas ou crônicas, assintomáticas.

Inspection of the actions of veterinarians qualified to act in the National Programme for Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis / Fiscalização das ações de médicos veterinários habilitados para atuar no Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal

The inspection of qualified professionals is an important action of the National Programme for Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT). The data for this study were obtained by compiling reports of 63 inspections in loco of qualified private veterinarians between 2008 and 2011 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Through the findings of this study, it was observed that all inspected professionals are regularly registered in the CRMV-ES, nevertheless it was found pending issues regarding the registration to conduct vaccinations against brucellosis. It was observed that most professionals keep the infrastructure and equipment for conducting tuberculosis and brucellosis tests. The majority adopts the official models of certification, however there is a significant delay in sending reports of actions, and many professionals reported a lack of demand for certification of properties.(AU)

A fiscalização de profissionais habilitados é uma importante ação do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal (PNCEBT). Com este trabalho, buscou-se reunir informações das fiscalizações relativas à habilitação de médicos veterinários privados no estado do Espírito Santo. Os dados deste estudo foram obtidos mediante a compilação dos relatórios de 63 fiscalizações in loco entre 2008 e 2011. Por meio dos achados deste estudo, observou-se que todos os profissionais fiscalizados estão regularmente inscritos no CRMV-ES, todavia foram verificadas pendências quanto ao cadastro para realizar vacinações contra brucelose. Observou-se que a maior parte dos profissionais mantém a infraestrutura e os equipamentos para a realização de exames de brucelose e tuberculose. A maioria adota os modelos oficiais de atestados, contudo há um expressivo atraso no envio dos relatórios de ações, e muitos profissionais relataram falta de demandas para certificação de propriedades.(AU)

Fatores socioeconômicos que influenciam na disposição de consumidores em adquirir carne bovina com certificação de origem em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Socio-economic factors affecting the consumer provision in meat with certification of origin Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objetivou-se verificar a influência dos fatores socioeconômicos na disposição de 407 consumidores em hipermercados do município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, em adquirir carne bovina com certificação de origem e verificar as características inerentes ao produto que auxiliam o consumidor no momento da compra, considerando o seu conhecimento prévio sobre rastreabilidade e certificação de origem. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva de todas as variáveis e, posteriormente, realizada a análise univariada pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fischer. As variáveis foram adicionadas no modelo múltiplo da regressão logística Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) e para todas as variáveis presentes no modelo final (p ≤ 0,05) foi calculado o risco por meio da odds ratio (OR) ajustada a um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Todos os fatores socioeconômicos analisados (sexo, idade, renda e escolaridade) influenciaram na disposição de consumidores em adquirir carne bovina com certificação de origem. Os atributos intrínsecos mais importantes na tomada de decisão no momento da compra da carne foram cor, maciez, odor e a pouca quantidade de gordura; enquanto que os atributos extrínsecos foram preço, selo de qualidade e carimbo do SIF. A maioria dos consumidores conhece o conceito correto de rastreabilidade e acreditam que o maior benefício da carne rastreada é oferecer mais segurança e evitar riscos de doenças transmitidas pelos alimentos; e a desvantagem é ser um produto mais caro do que o convencional.(AU)

The present study aimed to verify the influence of socioeconomic factors in the provision of 407 consumers in supermarkets in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in purchasing beef with certification of origin and to verify the inherent characteristics of the product that help the consumer at the time of purchase, considering their prior knowledge about traceability and certification of origin. A descriptive analysis of all variables was performed and a univariate analysis was subsequently conducted by chi-square test. The variables were added in the multiple logistic regression model Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), and for all variables in the final model (p ≤ 0.05) the risk was calculated by the adjusted odds ratio (OR) to a range of 95% confidence. All socioeconomic factors examined (gender, age, income and education) influence the willingness of consumers to purchase beef with certification of origin. The most important intrinsic attributes in decision making when buying meat were the color, softness, odor and little amount of fat, whereas the extrinsic attributes were price, quality seal and stamp of the SIF. Most of the consumers know the correct concept of traceability and believe that the greatest benefit of the traced meat is to be safer and to avoid the risk of foodborne illness; and the disadvantage is to be a more expensive product than the conventional.(AU)

Analysis of poultry transit, notification systems and legislation in the state of Sergipe, 2008-2012 / Análise do trânsito de aves, dos sistemas de notificação e da legislação no estado de Sergipe entre 2008 e 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess the transit of poultry, as well as the inspection on the outbreak of diseases, by addressing the issues concerning the system of the National Program on Poultry Sanity and its legal resolutions. The data on the animal transportation and the occurrence of the diseases were collected from the official services. A legislation-based assessment was also carried out for the period from 2008 to 2012 in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Results showed an intense transit of poultry in just about all towns of the state in the period under study, especially in chicken farms where less number of poultry is bred: from 5,000 to 15,000. Besides, 64% of poultry transportation was found to be intermunicipal. The state of Sergipe has received poultry particularly from the states of Pernambuco (49.87%), Bahia (20.85%), Minas Gerais (5.94%), Paraíba (5.16%), and Goiás (5.05%). The number of transit indicates an increase in transit over the years. In addition, three of six municipalities which saw these diseases (Estância, São Cristóvão and Itaporanga d'Ajuda) are responsible for a great part of the poultry transit. Results also showed that the majority of activities of the State Program on Poultry Sanity would be carried out in the municipalities where a larger poultry marketing flow takes place, thereby seeking to record a greater number of notifications on the diseases and, then, carry out the surveillance activities. Therefore, regarding the poultry transit, it is recommended to do a mapping of the risk regions for poultry diseases, as well as studies about the epidemiological characterization of the municipalities of the state of Sergipe.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o trânsito de aves, sua fiscalização e o surgimento de enfermidades, abordando questões referentes ao sistema do Programa Nacional de Sanidade Avícola e suas determinações legais. Dessa forma, compilaram-se dados do serviço oficial sobre o trânsito dos animais e a ocorrência de doenças, realizando-se também uma avaliação da legislação vigente entre 2008 e 2012, no estado do Sergipe. Observou-se no período averiguado um intenso trânsito de aves em quase toda a totalidade dos municípios, principalmente entre granjas que alojam pequenas quantidades de aves (5.000 a 15.000), e 64% do total do transporte de aves ocorreu entre municípios do Estado. Os estados fornecedores de aves para Sergipe foram sobretudo Pernambuco (49,87%), Bahia (20,85%), Minas Gerais (5,94%), Paraíba (5,16%) e Goiás (5,05%). O número de guias de trânsito emitidas aponta um crescimento do trânsito ao longo dos anos. Verificaram-se que três municípios (Estância, São Cristóvão e Itaporanga d'Ajuda), dos seis acometidos por enfermidades, são aqueles responsáveis por grande parte do trânsito realizado. O estudo mostrou que para os municípios sergipanos, nos quais acontece maior fluxo de comercialização avícola, seriam indicadas mais das ações do Programa Estadual de Sanidade Avícola, com a finalidade de registrar maior número de notificações de enfermidades e, consequentemente, exercer ações de vigilância. Assim, quanto ao trânsito animal, recomendam-se a adoção de um mapeamento das regiões de risco sanitário para as enfermidades de aves e a realização de estudos sobre a caracterização epidemiológica dos municípios de Sergipe.(AU)

Fatores associados à percepção e atitude de consumidores de carne bovina com certificação de origem / Factors associated with perceptions and attitude of consumers of meat with certification of origin

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar quais fatores socioeconômicos estão relacionados com a decisão de compra de carne comcertificação de origem, além de levantar o perfil de percepção e atitude dos consumidores de carne bovina em São Luís/MA.Foi realizada a descrição das variáveis e construído um modelo múltiplo Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) de regressãologística visando a identificar possíveis associações entre as características socioeconômicas dos consumidores e os principaisatributos da carne que influenciam a decisão para sua compra levantada por meio das entrevistas entre 400 entrevistados no mêsde março de 2012. O selo de qualidade na aquisição da carne foi o atributo que mais influenciou (32,5%) a decisão de comprados consumidores. A maioria dos entrevistados (68,7%) nunca ouviu falar sobre rastreabilidade bovina. Dentre os que já ouviramfalar, a maior parte (71,2%) está disposta a pagar mais pela carne com certificação de origem, apesar de considerar que hádesvantagens associadas à rastreabilidade, principalmente em relação ao aumento no preço da carne. Consumidores com maiorgrau de escolaridade apresentam 2,62 mais chances de já terem ouvido falar em carne rastreada e 1,90 mais chances de considerarque o principal benefício da carne rastreada é oferecer mais segurança alimentar; enquanto os com maior renda apresentam3,23 mais chances de aceitar pagar mais pela certificação da carne. Ou seja, pessoas com maior escolaridade apresentarammelhor conhecimento sobre esse tipo de certificação, enquanto aqueles com maior renda mostraram maior aceitação em pagarmais caro pela carne bovina rastreada.

The aim of this study was to verify which socioeconomic factors are related to the decision to purchase meat with certification oforigin, as well as raising the profile of perception and attitude of consumers of meat in São Luís/MA. The description of the variableswere performed and constructed a multiple model Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) of logistic regression model using thestatistical package SPSS 18.0, to identify possible associations between socio-demographic characteristics of the consumers andthe main attributes of the meat that influence the decision for its purchase raised through interviews among 400 respondents inMarch 2012. The seal of quality for acquisition of the meat was the attribute that most influences (32,5%) the purchasing decisionsof consumers. Most respondents (68,7%) never heard about bovine traceability. Amongst these who had heard about traceability,most (71,2%) would be willing to pay more for meat with certification of origin, although considering that there are disadvantagesassociated with traceability, especially in relation to the increase in the price of meat. Consumers with greater levels of schoolingpresent 2,62 more chances of having already heard of traced meat and 1,90 more chances of considering that the main benefitof traced meat is to offer more food security, while the ones with bigger income present 3,23 more chances of accepting to paymore for the certification of the meat. This means that people with greater schooling present better knowledge about this type ofcertification, while those with bigger income show bigger acceptance to spend more money on traced meat.

Principal component analysis on the perceptions of milk producers about Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus control in Minas Gerais / Análise de componente Principal da percepção dos produtores de leite sobre o controle do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus em Minas Gerais

Milk producers in Lavras, Passos and Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, were interviewed with the aim of evaluating their perceptions and attitudes regarding control over Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Multivariate correlation between the variables was done by means of principal component analysis. The producers' perceptions and attitudes regarding R. (B.) microplus were similar: most of them did not have any basic knowledge of tick biology or control, and they applied acaricide products through backpack spraying, without any defined technical criteria. Some of the results obtained were: I. a negative correlation between schooling level and the frequency of spraying cattle with acaricides; II. a positive correlation between milk production, quality of equipment for acaricide application and technological level of the farm; III. farm properties with greater production and technification tended to keep the intervals between acaricide applications constant over the course of the year. After applying principal component analysis, a positive correlation was observed between schooling level, technological level of the farm and perceptions regarding R. (B.) microplus, but without any correlation with attitudes towards controlling this tick. It was concluded that higher technological level and schooling level improved the producers' perceptions relating to the biology of the tick R. (B.) microplus, but did not achieve effectiveness with regard to using controls more rationally.

Produtores de leite de Lavras, Passos e Divinópolis, MG, foram entrevistados com objetivo de avaliar sua percepção e atitude no controle do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. A análise da correlação multivariada entre as variáveis foi feita através de componentes principais (ACP). A percepção e atitude sobre o R. (B.) microplus foram semelhantes entre os produtores, sendo que a maioria deles não tem o conhecimento básico sobre a biologia e o controle desse carrapato, aplicando os produtos carrapaticidas por meio de bomba costal, e sem critérios técnicos definidos. Alguns resultados obtidos foram: I. correlação negativa entre escolaridade e frequência de aplicação de carrapaticidas bovinos; II. correlação positiva entre produção de leite, qualidade do equipamento para aplicação carrapaticida e nível tecnológico da fazenda; III. propriedades com maior produção e tecnificação tenderam a manter o intervalo de aplicação carrapaticida constante ao longo do ano. Após aplicação da ACP foi observada correlação positiva entre escolaridade, nível tecnológico da fazenda e percepção sobre o R. (B.) microplus, porém, sem correlação com a atitude no controle deste carrapato. Concluiu-se que o nível tecnológico e a escolaridade melhoram a percepção dos produtores sobre a biologia do carrapato R. (B.) microplus, mas não alcança efetivos na utilização do controle de forma mais racional.

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs in rural areas in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and risk factors associated with seropositivity in 240 dogs from rural areas of the Lavras, Belo Horizonte and Nanuque regions, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) with a cutoff of 50 was used to assess the frequency of seropositive dogs. The risk factor analysis was performed using the Chi-square test (χ2) and multiple logistic regression. The frequency of seropositivity for N. caninum was 15% of the dogs (36/240). Presence of dogs without defined breed (p = 0.018; OR = 5.9) and presence of cattle on the farm (p = 0.053, OR = 4.3) were associated with N. caninum seropositivity. Dogs in the Nanuque region had higher seropositivity for N. caninum (29.9%) than did those in the Lavras (6.2%) and Belo Horizonte (2.2%) regions (p < 0.05). The presence of seropositive dogs in rural areas of Minas Gerais demonstrates the potential risk of horizontal transmission of N. caninum to cattle, especially from dogs without defined breed, which were four times more likely to be seropositive than purebred dogs were.

Occurrences of Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy calves in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes in 356 calves on 20 dairy farms located in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ten species of Eimeria spp. were identified, of which E. bovis (37.6%) and E. zuernii (17.9%) were the most frequent. From fecal cultures, four genera of gastrointestinal nematodes were recovered, of which Cooperia spp. (74.6%) and Haemonchus (19.4%) were the most frequent. Variables relating to higher levels of technology used on dairy farms showed a significant association (p < 0.05) with higher OPG and EPG counts, and are discussed in this study.

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodiesin dogs in rural areas in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em cães de áreas rurais em Minas Gerais, Brasil

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and risk factors associated with seropositivity in 240 dogs from rural areas of the Lavras, Belo Horizonte and Nanuque regions, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) with a cutoff of 50 was used to assess the frequency of seropositive dogs. The risk factor analysis was performed using the Chi-square test (χ2) and multiple logistic regression. The frequency of seropositivity for N. caninum was 15% of the dogs (36/240). Presence of dogs without defined breed (p = 0.018; OR = 5.9) and presence of cattle on the farm (p = 0.053, OR = 4.3) were associated with N. caninum seropositivity. Dogs in the Nanuque region had higher seropositivity for N. caninum (29.9%) than did those in the Lavras (6.2%) and Belo Horizonte (2.2%) regions (p < 0.05). The presence of seropositive dogs in rural areas of Minas Gerais demonstrates the potential risk of horizontal transmission of N. caninum to cattle, especially from dogs without defined breed, which were four times more likely to be seropositive than purebred dogs were.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum e fatores de risco associados à soropositividade, em 240 cães de áreas rurais, nas regiões de Lavras, Belo Horizonte e Nanuque, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foi utilizada a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), com um ponto de corte igual a 50, para avaliar a frequência de cães soropositivos. A análise dos fatores de risco foi realizada pelo teste de Qui-quadrado (χ2) e regressão logística múltipla. A frequência de cães soropositivos para N. caninum foi de 15% (36/240). A presença de cães sem raça definida (SRD) (p = 0,018; OR = 5,9) e bovinos na propriedade (p = 0,053; OR = 4,3) foi associada à soropositividade pelo N. caninum. A frequência de cães soropositivos foi mais elevada na região de Nanuque (29,9%), quando comparados aos das regiões de Lavras (6,2%) e Belo Horizonte (2,2%) (p < 0,05). A presença de cães soropositivos, em áreas rurais de Minas Gerais, demonstra o risco potencial da transmissão horizontal de N. caninum para os bovinos, especialmente os cães SRD, que apresentaram quatro vezes mais a chance de serem soropositivos em relação aos cães com raça definida.

Occurrences of Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy calves in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil / Ocorrência de Eimeria spp. e nematódeos gastrintestinais em bezerros no sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil

The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal nematodes in 356 calves on 20 dairy farms located in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ten species of Eimeria spp. were identified, of which E. bovis (37.6%) and E. zuernii (17.9%) were the most frequent. From fecal cultures, four genera of gastrointestinal nematodes were recovered, of which Cooperia spp. (74.6%) and Haemonchus (19.4%) were the most frequent. Variables relating to higher levels of technology used on dairy farms showed a significant association (p < 0.05) with higher OPG and EPG counts, and are discussed in this study.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência e os fatores associados à infecção por Eimeria spp. e nematódeos gastrintestinais, em 356 bezerras provenientes de 20 rebanhos leiteiros, localizados no sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram identificadas dez espécies de Eimeria spp., sendo E. bovis (37,6%) e E. zuernii (17,9%) as mais frequentes. Nas coproculturas, foram recuperados quatro gêneros de nematódeos gastrintestinais, sendo os mais frequentes Cooperia spp. (74,6%) e Haemonchus spp. (19,4%).Variáveis relacionadas a um maior nível de tecnificação das propriedades leiteiras apresentaram associação significativa (p < 0,05), com maiores contagens de OoPG e OPG, e são discutidas neste estudo.

Quantification of vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in dairy cows in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Quantificação da transmissão vertical de Neospora caninum em vacas leiteiras de Minas Gerais, Brasil

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the rate of vertical transmission and to investigate horizontal transmission of Neospora caninum and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in seropositive dairy cows on two farms in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The frequency of cows seropositive for N.caninum according to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was 39.4% (93/236) for Farm A and 31.4% (32/102) for the Farm B (p > 0.05). The mean vertical transmission rates for N. caninum were 29% and 9% for the herds of Farms A and B, respectively. No negative effects (p > 0.05) from infection by N.caninum were observed regarding milk production and occurrences of reproductive abnormalities in herds A and B.

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi estimar a taxa de transmissão vertical e investigar a transmissão horizontal de Neospora caninum, e a ocorrência de alterações reprodutivas em vacas leiteiras soropositivas em duas fazendas no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A frequência de vacas soropositivas a N. caninum pelo teste de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) foi de 39,4% (93/236) e 31,4% (32/102) para as fazendas A e B, respectivamente. A taxa média de transmissão vertical de N. caninum, respectivamente, foi de 29% e 9% para os rebanhos A e B. Não foi observado nenhum efeito negativo (p > 0,05) da infecção por N. caninum sobre a produção de leite e a ocorrência de alterações reprodutivas nos rebanhos A e B.

Perceptions about the biology of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus among milk producers in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais / Percepção dos produtores de leite de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, sobre a biologia do Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

One hundred semi-systematized interviews were applied with the aim of surveying the perceptions of milk producers in the municipality of Divinópolis, Minas Gerais regarding the biology of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Content analysis was conducted on each of the variables surveyed and their descriptions, highlighting the higher frequencies in order to construct profiles of perceptions about each of the matters surveyed. In addition, each of the producers was categorized regarding their readiness to proceed with efficient control, from the assessment of their responses. Among the variables surveyed were the tick lifespan, duration of parasitic life, time of greatest incidence, survival in pastures and egg-laying volume. These questions are considered important for defining the knowledge needed for rational combat. It was concluded that the information needed for adopting effective practices to combat ticks was insufficient among the milk farm properties in Divinópolis. Moreover, the producers interviewed had a good perception of what they observed in their daily routine, but did not have complementary information about the tick life cycle.

Foram aplicadas 100 entrevistas semissistematizadas com o objetivo de levantar a percepção dos produtores de leite do município de Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, sobre a biologia do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Foi feita "análise de conteúdo" de cada uma das variáveis levantadas e sua descrição com destaque das maiores frequências para a construção de perfis de percepção sobre cada um dos aspectos levantados. Além disso, cada um dos produtores foram categorizados quanto a estar ou não apto a proceder um controle eficiente pela avaliação de suas respostas. Algumas das variáveis levantadas foram tempo de vida do carrapato, tempo de vida parasitária, época de maior incidência, sobrevivência nas pastagens e volume de postura, questões consideradas importantes para se definir o conhecimento necessário a um combate racional. Concluiu-se que as informações necessárias à adoção de práticas efetivas de combate aos carrapatos são insuficientes nas propriedades de leite de Divinópolis e, ainda, que os produtores entrevistados têm boa percepção no que se observa no dia a dia e não têm informações complementares sobre o ciclo de vida dos carrapatos.