Revista de Salud Animal

Scientific evidence to improve avian influenza surveillance in Cuba based on the One Health approach

2025-06-26T01:40:08+00:00

The risks of pathogen spillover with sustained transmission are increasing, as evidenced in the current panzootic by the H5N1 subtype, clade 2.3.4.4b of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. In Cuba, there was insufficient knowledge on the interfaces between different species to establish mitigation measures based on scientific evidence, as part of an integrated surveillance system from the One Health perspective. To address this gap, models were developed to predict disease occurrence, as well virus transmission from wild birds to domestic birds or pigs and from them, to caretakers and general population. These models were implemented country-wide, at the resolution of the Consejo Popular, the smallest administrative level. Suitable ecozones for virus infections in poultry were identified, as well areas with increased risk of species spillover. An intersectoral and transdisciplinary participatory constellation analysis was also applied, identifying demands and innovative ideas in epidemiological surveillance. These studies provided relevant knowledge for the early warning of risks and the development and implementation of an integrated surveillance system for avian influenza virus from a One Health perspective, the reduction of associated risks and capacity building for resilience.

Use of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Lam) in the production of Rhode Island Red hen eggs

2025-04-10T04:45:12+00:00

Jackfruit is a good source of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of jackfruit pulp (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) powder in the diet of Rhode Island Red hens on egg quality. Thirty 34-week-old hens were used, distributed in two treatments (control and 6 % jackfruit pulp), which were fed for 6 weeks. Feed consumption, weight gain, laying percentage and egg quality were determined. The results indicate that the inclusion of jackfruit pulp in the diet for laying hens improved laying percentage and there was color modification in the L* and b* values, without causing eggshell fracture problems. Due to the above mentioned, it is concluded that jackfruit pulp is a good alternative for the feeding of laying hens, since it does not negatively affect their productive parameters and improves egg yolk quality.

Cough index in pre-fattening pigs

2025-06-26T00:00:41+00:00

The aim of the present study was to standardize the monitoring of cough index (CI) in a pre-fattening swine raising. Seven batches of crossbred pigs of 40 animals each, weaned at 26 days of age were kept in cubicles on grooved plastic flooring in a closed facility with mechanical ventilation by means of exhaust fans. Feeding was based on flour concentrate and drinking water supplied by means of nipples. Coughing was recorded in replicates for five and ten minutes at different times (morning and afternoon) by two scorers. The audible coughs per batch of pigs at a given time were expressed as the average number of coughs per pig per minute. Once the method was established, two batches of pigs were monitored kinetically by measuring CI indicator for 10 minutes. Differences between measurement times, morning and afternoon, and scorers with respect to CI, as the dependent variable, were not statistically significant for p < 0.05 by Mann Whitney's U test. CI showed lower interquartile range in measurements during 10 minutes regardless of the evaluator, while higher values were obtained in the morning. CI kinetics revealed a range between 0.018 and 0.03 coughs/pig*minute. It was concluded that CI has the potential to identify moments in the rearing process that may require interventions to reverse or control the worsening of respiratory problems, as well as to measure the effect of actions to control them.

Helminths and economic losses due to condemnation of food animals in Cajamarca, Peru

2025-04-10T05:02:28+00:00

Under optimal environmental conditions for animal husbandry, parasites that adversely affect animal productivity also thrive. This study evaluated the presence of parasites and estimated economic losses due to the condemnation of viscera from cattle, sheep, and swine, which were slaughtered in Cajamarca, Peru. Viscera and carcasses from 2,810 cattle, 3,267 sheep, and 3,858 pigs were inspected. In cattle, Fasciola hepatica was found in liver (77.54 %), hydatid cyst in liver (0.18 %) and lung (0.07 %) and Dictyocaulus spp. in lung (0.04 %). In sheep, F. hepatica (50 %), hydatid cyst (0.03 %), Thysanosoma actinioides (0.10 %) and Cysticercus tenuicollis (0.12 %) were found in the liver. In swine, F. hepatica was found in liver (2.64 %), lesions by Ascaris suum (12.36 %) and C. tenuicollis (0.75 %), hydatid cyst in liver (0.16 %) and kidney (2.72 %), Cysticercus cellolosae in carcass-tongue-heart (0.05 %) and Metastrongylus spp. in lung (1.48 %). Total economic losses per species were USD 28,971.90 in cattle (annual economic loss [AEL]: 173,831.38), USD 4,051.30 in sheep (AEL: 24,307.79), and USD 2,013.90 in swine (AEL: 12,083.39). Total losses attributable to F. hepatica amounted to USD 33,184.89 (AEL: 199,109.32), A. suum to USD 1,191.63 (AEL: 7,149.80), C. cellulosae to USD 354.78 (AEL: 2,128.67), hydatid cysts to USD 287.70 (AEL: 1,726.22), T. actinioides to USD 7.43 (AEL: 44.57), Dictyocaulus spp. to USD 5.54 (AEL: 33.22), Metastrongylus spp. to USD 3.71 (AEL: 22.24), and C. tenuicollis to USD 1.42 (AEL: 8.52). The overall economic loss across all three species totaled USD 35,037.09 (AEL: 210,222.56). It was concluded that F. hepatica was highly prevalent and caused the greatest financial losses in cattle and sheep, while A. suum led to significant losses in swine. The presence of hydatid cysts and C. cellulosae represents a public health concern.

Bacterial diversity in goat milk with clinical mastitis in Ecuador

2025-05-17T20:22:35+00:00

Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that significantly affects goat milk production and quality, leading to economic losses for Ecuadorian farmers. This study aimed to research the bacterial diversity associated with clinical mastitis in goats from Ecuador. Milk samples were collected from goats showing macroscopic evidence of clinical mastitis for subsequent DNA extraction. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology for metagenomic analysis. Sequences were quality filtered and clustered into Zero-radius Operational Taxonomic Units (zOTUs). They were then taxonomically grouped to classify the bacterial species present in the milk. The analysis revealed a high diversity of bacterial communities, with 550 zOTUs belonging to 12 phyla. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes emerged as the predominant phyla, harboring diverse families which include: Enterobacteriaceae (Proteobacteria) and Staphylococcaceae (Firmicutes). Notably, a significant portion (86.91%) of the zOTUs identified belonged to families with unknown functionalities related to mastitis. These findings offer an initial and valuable overview of the bacterial diversity associated with clinical mastitis in goats, as well as highlighting the potential presence of uncharacterized mastitis-related bacteria that could be relevant for this disease. Future studies focusing on species level identification and functional characterization are needed to develop strategies for the prevention and control of mastitis in Ecuadorian goat production.

Quality indicators of Queen Conch (Aliger gigas) dough processed by Cuban fishing industries

2025-05-17T20:52:33+00:00

This research aimed to evaluate the quality indicators (in seven batches) of conch dough processed by Cuban fishing industries during the year 2022. For this purpose, hygiene and pathogenic microorganisms were determined according to NC 585: 2017, and the nutritional value. In addition, a quantitative descriptive analysis of the product was carried out. . A correlation was established using the Spearman Coefficient between the levels of mesophilic aerobes in the conch dough and its sensory quality. Of the seven batches analyzed, 58 % were within the permissible range for mesophilic aerobes, as established in the standard. The presence of Salmonella spp. was observed in one of the batch. . All samples were free of E. coli, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. With respect to the sensory analysis, 85.7 % of the batches were rated as excellent and very good. Nutritional values: 75.5 % moisture, 1.5 % ash, 14.9 % protein, 0.5 % fat, 7.6 % carbohydrates, and an energy value of 95 Kcal/g were obtained. Batches 1, 3 and 6 presented excellent quality indicators. There was a negative correlation between the levels of mesophilic aerobes in the conch dough and color, flavor and texture, being the odor attribute the most influential.