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Antimicrobials serve as crucial treatments in both veterinary and human medicine, aiding in the control and prevention of infectious diseases. However, their misuse or overuse has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, posing a significant threat to public health. This review focuses on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in animals and their associated food products, which contribute to the proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant strains. Recent research has highlighted the presence of ESBL-producing E. coli in animals and animal-derived foods, with some studies indicating genetic similarities between these isolates and those found in human infections. This underscores the urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance as a pressing public health issue. More comprehensive studies are required to understand the evolving landscape of ESBLs and to develop strategic public health policies grounded in the One Health approach, aiming to control and mitigate their prevalence effectively.

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The consumption of seafood is crucial for food security, but poor hygiene along the food production chain can result in low microbiological quality, posing significant risks for public health and seafood quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality and antimicrobial sensitivity of E. coli from 69 samples of illegally marketed shrimp and mussels in the Vitória Region, Brazil. These foods exhibited poor microbiological quality due to high counts of mesophilic, psychrotrophic, and enterobacteria microorganisms. While this issue is widespread in this area, shrimp samples displayed higher microbial counts compared to mussels, and fresh mussels had elevated counts of enterobacteria compared to frozen ones. Among the 10 E. coli isolates, none carried the genes blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-2, blaCTX-M-3, blaCTX-M-15, mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and tet, associated with antibiotic resistance. Phenotypical resistance to tetracycline and fosfomycin was not observed in any isolate, while only 20% demonstrated resistance to ciprofloxacin. Regarding ampicillin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, 60% of isolates were resistant, 10% showed intermediate susceptibility, and 30% were sensitive. One isolate was considered simultaneously resistant to ß-lactams and quinolones, and none were conserved as ESBL producers. These findings highlight the inherent risks to local public health that arise from consuming improperly prepared seafood in this area.

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Rabies is a fatal neglected tropical zoonosis, and its significance for domestic herbivores in the rural cycle is probably associated with rainforest deforestation, livestock, and agricultural expansion. This epidemiological survey aimed to study the occurrence of rabies in bovines and equines in the state of Rondônia, located in the Brazilian's Legal Amazon, between the years 2002 and 2021, correlating these findings with the prophylactic strategies adopted by the local sanitary agency for rabies control. During this period, 201 cases were observed in bovines and 23 in equines. A downward trend in rabies incidence was observed for both domestic herbivores. Rabies did not show a higher occurrence in any specific time of the year, and epidemic periods varied during some years for bovines and equines. Using the Generalized estimating equations (GEE) method, a multiple model approach was obtained with the explanatory variables significantly associated with the decrease in rabies incidence in cattle and horses during the study period: the ratio of treated bats and ratio of vaccine doses sold. Furthermore, the ratio of printed educative material was positively associated with rabies incidence. Despite a decreasing trend in rabies occurrences in this Amazon rainforest area, likely due to the actions taken by the animal sanitary agency, rabies remains endemic and requires monitoring, as well as prophylactic strategies to control this disease.

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We evaluated the efficacy of Bioverm®, a commercial product containing Duddingtonia flagrans, on the control of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) gastrointestinal nematodes. We randomly divided 12 buffaloes into two groups of six animals. In the treated group, each animal received a Bioverm®`s single dose of 1g (105 chlamydospores of D. flagrans) to 10 kg of live weight; in the control group, each animal received 1g of corn bran for each 10 kg of live weight as a placebo. Fecal samples were individually collected from 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after treatments. To examine 1) viability of chlamydospores passed through the gastrointestinal tract, 2 g of faeces and 1000 infective larvae (L3) were added to Petri dishes with 2% water-agar, and 2) to examine larval predation by D. flagrans during fecal cultures, 2000 L3 were added. In the Petri dishes, were observed significant reductions (p < 0.01) in the treated group after 48 (56.7%) and 60 h (91.5%). In the fecal cultures, significant reductions (p < 0.01) occurred in the treated group from 36 h (75%), with larval reduction up to 72 h. High larval predation rate occurred 60 h after Bioverm® administration. Bioverm® maintained viability and predation capacity after passage through the buffalo's gastrointestinal tract, showing efficacy on gastrointestinal nematodes.

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AIMS: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus and coronavirus in dipterans that commonly inhabit the environment of dairy farms. METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected 217 insect specimens from nine dairy farms, which were examined through hemi-nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing in search of VP1 and N genes for rotavirus and bovine coronavirus-BCoV, respectively. With a predominance of Muscidae (152/217 = 70%) 11 families of Diptera were identified. Rotavirus A (RVA) and betacoronavirus (BCoV) were detected in 14.7% (32/217) and 4.6% (10/217) of the dipterans, respectively. Sequencing of the amplicons was possible for 11.5% (25/217) of RVA and 0.5% (1/217) of BCoV, confirming the presence of these pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of dipterans as carriers of RVA and BCoV of great relevance for public and animal health.

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Bovine fasciolosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that causes economic losses to beef production chains due to liver condemnation at abattoirs. Despite the characterization of Bovine fasciolosis in several areas of Brazil, an update on its prevalence in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo is lacking. Thus, fasciolosis prevalence from 2018 to 2021 is presented here according to cattle origin (municipalities of both states). In addition, the associated economic impact on an abbatoir was analyzed through liver condemnation of bovines from both states. The prevalence of fasciolosis in the state of Espírito Santo (10.4%) was significantly higher than Rio de Janeiro (3.6%) (P < 0.01), and resulted in an economic loss of US$12,678.60 for the abattoir. The following municipalities located in the state of Espírito Santo presented prevalences above the mean (10.3%) established in the study: Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá and Ibitirama. Thus, majority of these municipalities are considered high-risk areas. Although, there is an aparrent reduction of fasciolosis prevalence, it continues to be a cause of economic losses in abattoirs especially in the state of Espírito Santo. Accordingly, prophylactic measures must still be adopted in cattle farms.

A fasciolose bovina é uma zoonose parasitária negligenciada que resulta em perdas econômicas para a cadeia produtiva da carne devido à condenação de fígado em abatedouros-frigoríficos. Essa doença é descrita em diversas áreas do Brasil, mas existe uma deficiência de informações atuais sobre a prevalência nos estados do Rio de Janeiro e Espírito Santo. Essa nota descreve a prevalência de fasciolose de 2018 a 2021 de acordo com o município de origem e o impacto econômico devido à condenação de fígados em um abatedouro que recebe animais de ambos os estados. A prevalência no Estado do Espírito Santo (10,4%) foi significativamente maior do que no Rio de Janeiro (3,6%) (P < 0,01) e resultou em uma perda econômica de R$ 64.636,00. Os municípios de Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá e Ibitirama apresentaram prevalência superior à prevalência desse estudo (10,3%), sendo que esses municípios vem sendo reconhecidos como áreas de alto risco. Apesar de uma aparente redução na prevalência da enfermidade, a fasciolose persiste como uma causa de perdas econômicas aos abatedouros, especialmente no Estado do Espírito Santo, e medidas profiláticas ainda precisam ser adotadas nas fazendas.

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ABSTRACT: Bovine fasciolosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that causes economic losses to beef production chains due to liver condemnation at abattoirs. Despite the characterization of Bovine fasciolosis in several areas of Brazil, an update on its prevalence in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo is lacking. Thus, fasciolosis prevalence from 2018 to 2021 is presented here according to cattle origin (municipalities of both states). In addition, the associated economic impact on an abbatoir was analyzed through liver condemnation of bovines from both states. The prevalence of fasciolosis in the state of Espírito Santo (10.4%) was significantly higher than Rio de Janeiro (3.6%) (P < 0.01), and resulted in an economic loss of US$12,678.60 for the abattoir. The following municipalities located in the state of Espírito Santo presented prevalences above the mean (10.3%) established in the study: Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá and Ibitirama. Thus, majority of these municipalities are considered high-risk areas. Although, there is an aparrent reduction of fasciolosis prevalence, it continues to be a cause of economic losses in abattoirs especially in the state of Espírito Santo. Accordingly, prophylactic measures must still be adopted in cattle farms.

RESUMO: A fasciolose bovina é uma zoonose parasitária negligenciada que resulta em perdas econômicas para a cadeia produtiva da carne devido à condenação de fígado em abatedouros-frigoríficos. Essa doença é descrita em diversas áreas do Brasil, mas existe uma deficiência de informações atuais sobre a prevalência nos estados do Rio de Janeiro e Espírito Santo. Essa nota descreve a prevalência de fasciolose de 2018 a 2021 de acordo com o município de origem e o impacto econômico devido à condenação de fígados em um abatedouro que recebe animais de ambos os estados. A prevalência no Estado do Espírito Santo (10,4%) foi significativamente maior do que no Rio de Janeiro (3,6%) (P < 0,01) e resultou em uma perda econômica de R$ 64.636,00. Os municípios de Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá e Ibitirama apresentaram prevalência superior à prevalência desse estudo (10,3%), sendo que esses municípios vem sendo reconhecidos como áreas de alto risco. Apesar de uma aparente redução na prevalência da enfermidade, a fasciolose persiste como uma causa de perdas econômicas aos abatedouros, especialmente no Estado do Espírito Santo, e medidas profiláticas ainda precisam ser adotadas nas fazendas.

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The aim was to detect correlations of IgG antibodies against N. caninum in serum and colostrum samples from ewes, through the IFAT, and to evaluate the presence of this immunoglobulin in the serum of newborn lambs after colostrum ingestion. Blood samples from 162 ewes that did not show any disease in the general physical examination and from their newborn lambs, not more than five days postpartum, along with 162 colostrum samples and 182 blood samples from the neonates, were analyzed. In total, 27.8% (45/162) of the mothers were positive for anti-N. caninum IgG, among which antibodies were detected in the colostrum in 46.7% (21/45). All the ewes with positive colostrum had reactive offspring. The kappa agreement for the correlation between the serological tests on the ewes and the colostrum results was 0.558. This correlation increased as the antibody titers of the mothers increased, and reached 1.000 from the titer of 1:400 from the mothers. Comparison of the antibody detection results between the offspring's serum and colostrum showed a kappa agreement of 1.000. In conclusion, there was a good agreement regarding the detection of anti-N. caninum IgG between the colostrum samples and the lambs' serum; the use of colostrum forms a noninvasive alternative for diagnosing N. caninum in sheep herds.

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Toxoplasmosis is mainly transmitted to human beings through the consumption of contaminated food, and several outbreaks caused by infected meat consumption have been reported in Brazil. We performed a systematic literature review on the prevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals and performed a meta-analysis of its prevalence for different species and regions. Furthermore, we also discussed the infectivity of seropositive animals, risk factors, and preventive strategies. In the meta-analysis, the overall prevalence estimates for poultry, ostrich, goats, swine, equids, sheep, and bovines were 42.4, 40.4, 23.0, 19.9, 19.1, 17.3, and 16.2%, respectively. Regarding the Brazilian regions, the highest prevalence values were detected for bovines and equids in the South (32.3 and 34.4%, respectively) and swine, goats, sheep, and poultry in the Northeast (29.3, 23.0, 22.9, and 69.8%%, respectively). High proportions of Toxoplasma gondii viability in bioassay conducted on seropositive animals were seen for sheep (34/40 = 85%) and swine (12/15 = 80%). Toxoplasma gondii infections are widespread on Brazilian farms, and the summarized data allow the establishment of high-priority areas and/or species for the adoption of preventive strategies to control this parasite at different levels of the food chain.

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This study aimed to identify potentially pathogenic microorganisms (Listeria innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and several virulence genes) in unpasteurized cheese production in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Listeria species were detected in 68 (64.14%) out of 106 samples of bovine feces, swabs from milkers' and cheese handlers' hands, milking buckets, raw milk, whey, water, cheese processing surface,s and utensils. All the samples collected at one farm were contaminated with Listeria spp. L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, or L. monocytogenes were not detected in the samples collected in this study. A set of 391 Staphylococcus spp. isolates were obtained in these samples, from which 60 (15.31%) were identified as S. aureus using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). S. aureus carrying virulence genes (eta, hlg, seg, seh, sei) were detected in milk, in swabs from cheese handler's hands, whey, milk, sieves, buckets, and cheese. The hlg gene (encodes gamma hemolysin) was detected in all the S. aureus isolates. These findings show that poor hygienic practice is associated with a higher risk of pathogenic bacteria in milk or cheese, providing useful information for public health authorities to increase food safety surveillance and prevent the dissemination of pathogens.

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar microrganismos potencialmente patogênicos (Listeria innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus e diversos genes de virulência) na produção de queijos de leite cru na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Listeria foram detectadas em 68 (64,14%) das 106 amostras obtidas de fezes bovinas, suabes das mãos de ordenhadores e queijeiros, baldes, leite cru, soro, água, superfícies e utensílios da produção de queijos. Todas as amostras coletadas em uma fazenda estavam contaminadas com Listeria spp. L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, e L. monocytogenes não foram detectadas nas amostras coletadas nesse estudo. Um conjunto de 391 isolados de Staphylococcus spp. foram obtidos das amostras, e desses 60 (15,31%) foram identificados como S. aureus pela PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). S. aureus contendo genes de virulência (eta, hlg, seg, seh, sei) foram detectados em leite, mãos dos ordenhadores, soro, utensílios e queijos. O gene hlg (gama-hemolisina)foi detectado em todos os isolados de S. aureus.Esses resultados demonstram que práticas inadequadas de higiene estão associadas com um maior risco da presença de bactérias patogênicas no leite e queijos crus, fornecendo informações para as autoridades de saúde pública para incrementarem a vigilância e prevenirem a disseminação de patógenos.

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The practices adopted in dairy farms can positively or negatively affect the perception of consumers. To meet consumer expectations and improve the productivity of dairy farms, a welfare certification system has recently been initiated in Brazil. In this research communication we describe the perceptions of Brazilian consumers and farmers regarding the implementation of welfare certification systems and the most common practices that affect animal welfare on dairy farms. For this purpose, two semi-structured questionnaires were used: one applied to 409 consumers and the other to 158 dairy farmers. The results demonstrate that consumers are concerned with the adoption of welfare practices in animal husbandry at dairy farms, mainly on topics related to movement restriction and cow-calf separation. Thus, the majority of consumers state that they are willing to pay more for welfare-certified dairy products. In addition, most dairy farmers are interested in adopting a welfare certification system, especially if it could add value to the raw milk sold to industries. Veterinarians and animal scientists are important for disseminating animal welfare recommendations, and the consequences of its improper adoption need to be emphasized. Finally, dairy farms need improvements regarding environmental hygiene, thermal conditions, animal husbandry, health, and milking processes. In conclusion, consumers and farmers are interested in welfare systems and their certification, and there is a need for stakeholders to make welfare certification a reality in the Brazilian dairy supply chain.

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Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is an important disease in Brazil due to its detection in abattoirs, resulting in economic losses for cattle farmers, and a public health corcern. Besides its importance, the knowledge about BCC epidemiology and impact remains not fully described in several areas in this country, requiring more studies. Thus, this study focused on establishing BCC prevalence in the regions and municipalities of the state of Espírito Santo from 2017 to 2019, establishing the associated risk factors, and estimating the economic losses for cattle farmers. A set of 2,330 cases of BCC was detected in the 407,529 bovine inspected by Federal Inspection Service (0.57%; C.I. 95% 0.55 - 0.60%) with a higher detection of unviable cysticercus (66.14%). The beef producers lost at least US$153,000.20 due to BCC through this period. The highest risk for BCC infection occurred in Metropolitana (OR = 9.19), Litoral Sul (OR = 7.77), Caparó (OR = 7.44), and Central Sul (OR = 7.19) mesoregions, respectively. The BCC was detected in animals from 67 municipalities and its prevalence increased in areas with high human population density (OR = 1.58;; p = 0.01). In conclusion, BCC is an important disease for beef production chain in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo and a cause of economic losses, mainly in some areas, and urgently requires the adoption of prophylactic strategies to reduce the ocurrence of this parasite.

A cisticercose bovina (CB) é uma doença importante no Brasil devido à sua detecção em abatedouros-frigoríficos que resulta em impactos econômicos aos criadores de bovinos, e um problema de saúde pública. Apesar da sua importância, o conhecimento sobre a sua epidemiologia e impacto persiste não completamente descritos em diversas áreas do país requer mais estudos. Portanto, esse estudo objetivou estabelecer a prevalência nos municípios e regiões do Estado do Espírito Santo de 2017 a 2019; estabelecer os fatores de risco associados; e estimar o impacto econômico aos pecuaristas. Durante o período, 2.330 casos de BC foram dectados entre os 407.529 bovinos inspecionados sob regime de inspeção federal (0,57%; I.C. 95% 0,55 - 0,60%), com maior frequência de cisticercos inviáveis (66,14%). Os pecuaristas perderam pelo menos US$153.000,20 devido à ocorrência de CB durante o período. As áreas de maior risco para a enfermidade nesse estado estão nas mesoregiões Metropolitana (OR = 9,19), Litoral Sul (OR = 7,77), Caparó (OR = 7,44), e Central Sul (OR = 7,19), respectivamente. A doença foi detectada em animais de 67 municípios e a prevalência da enfermidade foi maior em áreas com elevada densidade populacional humana (OR = 1,58; p = 0,01). Assim, conclui-se que a CB é uma importante doença para a cadeia da carne bovina no estado, além de uma importante causa de perdas econômicas, principalmente em algumas áreas, e necessita, urgentemente, da adoação de medidas profiláticas para reduzir a ocorrência desse parasita.

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Resumo O consume de queijos de leite cru contaminados com patógenos pode colocar a saúde pública em risco. Por isso, o objetivo foi identificar microrganismos potencialmente patogênicos (Listeria innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus e diversos genes de virulência) na produção de queijos de leite cru na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Listeria foram detectadas em 68 (64,14%) das 106 amostras obtidas de fezes bovinas, suabes das mãos de ordenhadores e queijeiros, baldes, leite cru, soro, água, superfícies e utensílios da produção de queijos. Todas as amostras coletadas em uma fazenda estavavam contaminadas com Listeria spp., apesar de nenhuma ser identificadas como L. innocua, L. seeligeri, L. ivanovii, ou L. monocytogenes. Um conjunto de 391 isolados de Staphylococcus spp. foram obtidos das amostras, e desses 60 (15,31%) foram identificados como S. aureus pela PCR.  S. aureus contendo genes de virulência foram detectados em leite, mãos dos ordenhadores, soro, utensílios e queijos. Esses resultados demonstram que práticas inadequadas de higiene estão associadas com um maior risco da presença de bactérias patogênicas no leite e queijos crus, fornecendo informações para as autoridades de saúde pública para incrementarem a vigilância e prevenirem a prevenção da disseminação de patógenos.

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The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution and risk factors for infection by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Goiás, located in the central-western region of Brazil. Through the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was analyzed in 1000 blood serum samples obtained from sheep in all macro and micro regions of the state of Goiás. Data related to sex, age of the animals, size of the farm, type of farm, water source, veterinary assistance, replacement of the herd, presence of domestic cats, presence of wild cats and presence of other wild animals were obtained at the sampling time. The differences between the seroprevalences obtained in relation to the variables analyzed were estimated using Pearson's chi-square test (χ2). The odds ratio (OR) values for each risk factor evaluated were statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Positivity for IgG anti-T. gondii was observed (titer ≥64) in 34.3% (343/1000) of the samples, which ranged from 26.9% (31/115) to 44.2% (53/120) and from 21.8 (12/55) to 55.2% (16 / 29), respectively in the analyzed mesoregions and microregions. In all investigated regions of the State of Goiás, serum-reactive animals were detected with the age of the animals, the source of water, the form of replacement of the herd and the presence of domestic cats and wild animals risk factors statistically associated with the occurrence of T. gondii in animals.

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Taenia saginata is the causative agent of bovine cysticercosis (BCC) and human taeniasis, two diseases that have economical and public health importance, respectively. This research focused on determining BCC prevalence in the state of São Paulo state, Brazil, in the period of 2017-2019, as well as associating risk factors related to disease occurrence and estimate the economic impact to beef producers. Data from 6,277,758 bovine carcasses originating from 571 municipalities and 15 different mesoregions in the state of São Paulo was gathered and analyzed. Cysticerci were detected in a total of 88,700 carcasses at meat inspection, resulting in an apparent prevalence of 1.41 % (C.I. 95 % 1.40-1.42 %). BCC was widespread in this state and its spatial distribution varied in municipalities and mesoregions. The variable number of milking cows in the municipality was significantly associated (OR = 1.48, p = 0.00) with BCC cases, conversely, the presence of peasant's settlements in the municipality was a protective factor (OR = 0.49, p = 0.02). Financial losses for cattle farmers were estimated at US$ 5,829,103.99. The results of this research show that there is still room for implementation of bovine cysticercosis control measures in endemic areas, aiming to reduce financial losses to farmers as well as reduction of human taeniasis cases in the population.

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The aim of the present study was to evaluate the spatial distribution of the prevalence of T. gondii in cows using the indirect immunofluorescence assay and determine associated risk factors. Serum samples were collected from 2970 cows on 263 rural farms in 223 municipalities. A questionnaire was administered to herd owners to collect data for the evaluation of risk factors associated with this disease. Mean seroprevalence of T. gondii in cows was 8.48% (95% CI: 7.48 to 9.49). The microregions with the greatest likelihood (p ≤ 0.05) of having infected animals were Anápolis, Ceres, São Miguel do Araguaia, the Federal District, Anicuns, and Vão do Paraná. The purchase of females or males for reproductive/breeding purposes was significantly associated (p ≤ 0.05) with the prevalence of T. gondii in these regions. A positive correlation (0.7618; p = 0.047) was found between the prevalence of T. gondii and total area in hectares of forests in these regions, suggesting that wild cats may be disseminating T. gondii at these sites. The present results highlight the importance of considering the meat from these animals to be an important infection route for humans who eat raw or undercooked food.

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ABSTRACT The consumption of meat and meat products can pose consumers into risk due to the presence of biological hazards that can cause foodborne diseases. Thus, this study aimed to compare the microbiological quality of illegal and inspected salami sold in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For this purpose, 80 salami samples (40 illegal and 40 inspected) were purchased and their microbiological quality was assessed according to the protocol established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. All samples were considered as acceptable for consumption according to the Brazilian law. However, the samples of illegal salami were significantly higher contaminated with bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus (p = 0.002) and had a higher trend to be contaminated with total coliforms (p = 0.08) and thermotolerant ones (p = 0.07) compared to inspected salami. Salmonella spp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus were not detected. In conclusion, although all samples were considered as safe for consumption, illegal salami had a worse microbiological quality when compared to inspected ones.

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The consumption of meat and meat products can pose consumers into risk due to the presence of biological hazards that can cause foodborne diseases. Thus, this study aimed to compare the microbiological quality of illegal and inspected salami sold in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. For this purpose, 80 salami samples (40 illegal and 40 inspected) were purchased and their microbiological quality was assessed according to the protocol established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. All samples were considered as acceptable for consumption according to the Brazilian law. However, the samples of illegal salami were significantly higher contaminated with bacteria belonging to the genus Staphylococcus (p = 0.002) and had a higher trend to be contaminated with total coliforms (p = 0.08) and thermotolerant ones (p = 0.07) compared to inspected salami. Salmonella spp. and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus were not detected. In conclusion, although all samples were considered as safe for consumption, illegal salami had a worse microbiological quality when compared to inspected ones.

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRS) have been identified in several foods, including dairy products. Studies are needed about their occurrence and genetic diversity in the dairy production chain in order to gain a better understanding of their epidemiology and control. This study therefore focuses on isolating and characterizing MRS strains detected in milk used in the production of Brazilian artisanal unpasteurized cheeses. To this end, samples were collected from bovine feces, the hands of milkmen, milking buckets, sieves, unpasteurized milk, whey, water, artisanal unpasteurized cheeses, cheese processing surfaces, cheese handlers, cheese trays, cheese molds, and skimmers at five dairy farms located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Colonies suggestive of Staphylococcus spp. were subjected to multiplex PCR to confirm the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and to detect the mecA gene. Sixteen isolates containing mecA gene were detected in samples from unpasteurized cheese and from cheese handlers. None of these isolates were positive to enterotoxin genes. These 16 isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests, which revealed they were resistant to oxacillin, penicillin, and cefepime. Using gene sequencing, the MRS isolates were identified as S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, and S. epidermidis. Furthermore, isolates from cheese handlers' hands and artisanal unpasteurized cheese presented high genetic similarity by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) analysis, which indicates cross contamination during cheese production. Thus, we found that people directly involved in milking and cheese processing activities at small dairy farms are a potential source of contamination of MRS strains in unpasteurized milk and cheese, representing a risk to public health.

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Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is the most frequently detected zoonosis in Brazilian slaughterhouses and is considered a problem for public health and beef production chain, requiring epidemiological studies focusing on evaluating its prevalence, spatial distribution, and economic losses in order to improve and adopt specific strategies for BCC control. Thus, this study focused to establish BCC prevalence and spatial distribution in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and estimate the economic losses for cattle farmers suppliers of one exporter slaughterhouse. A set of 70,591 bovine carcasses were postmortem inspected from 2019 to 2020, which came from 134 municipalities located in eight distinct regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The prevalence found was 3.44% (C.I. 95% 3.30-3.57%), and animals infected with unviable cysticerci were more frequently detected (70.56%) than those carrying viable ones (29.44%). The most frequent destination of carcasses and viscera was non-export (65.48%), followed by freezing/salting (25.41%), heat treatment (8.74%), and rendering (0.37%), resulting in a total economic burden of at least US$ 167,868.53 for cattle farmers. Some regions had higher risk for BCC occurrence, such as Porto Alegre, Caxias do Sul, Santa Maria, Ijuí, and Passo Fundo (OR > 1, p < 0.05), respectively. These results highlight the need of adopting prophylactic measures, mainly in specific areas, in order to control BCC and reduce the economic losses for beef production chain.

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